Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Day 1: Kigali
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, guests are welcomed by a Seamless Safaris representative who will assist with transfers to the hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner will be by own arrangement.
Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel – Breakfast.
Day 2: Ruhengeri
Enjoy breakfast then depart for a city tour including the Genocide Memorial Museum, followed by lunch at a local restaurant in Kigali. Thereafter, depart on a scenic drive to the Volcanoes National Park.
The journey north passes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda’s landscape and gradually climbs to the base of the Virunga Mountains, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. Arrive at the lodge in the late afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge – Dinner and breakfast.
Day 3: Ruhengeri
At 6:20am, guests are transferred to the Volcanoes National Park HQ for the first day of trekking. There will be a briefing at 7am by the trackers, and guests are then driven to the trail head for the start of an amazing gorilla tracking adventure.
Porters may be hired for the trek to carry all backpacks and gear. The cost is US$10 per person/per day. It is advised to utilize this service.
The trek starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virungas, offering stirring views in all directions. When guests enter the national park, trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the colourful bird calls, chattering golden monkeys, littered with fresh spoor of the mountain’s elusive buffalo and elephant.
Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, beckon an ascent. Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia trees and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, the experienced trackers, who have spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring visitors up close with one of the gorilla families. Upon sighting the gorillas, visitors will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting, and raising their young. Coming face-to-face with a giant silverback is truly one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!
After the trek, guests re-join the driver-guide for a transfer back for lunch. In the afternoon, guests can enjoy activities available at the lodge.
Overnight at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge – Lunch, dinner, and breakfast.
Day 4: Departure
Today guests choose between another gorilla trekking experience (subject to gorilla permits being available, additional cost), trekking to see the endangered golden monkeys in the Virunga National Park (extra cost). Or simply spend the morning relaxing and enjoying the lodge facilities. After lunch at the lodge, guests will depart from the foothills of the Virunga mountains,
On arrival in Kigali, guests are transferred to Kigali International Airport to connect to onward flights.
