This 7-night Safari to Virunga Lodge, Rwanda and Mount Gahinga Lodge, Uganda, offers guests the opportunity to experience ancient Batwa culture, hike a volcano, see the rare golden monkeys, and track the majestic mountain gorillas in the Virunga volcanoes in both Rwanda and Uganda.
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrive in Rwanda at Kigali International Airport where you will be welcomed by your expert safari guide who will provide knowledge and assistance throughout your safari. Explore Kigali with an afternoon city tour. Overnight in Kigali at The Retreat.
Day 2 - Kigali to Uganda Border
Drive through Rwanda’s magnificent landscape (known as the land of the thousand hills) to Mount Gahinga Lodge on the edge of Mgahinga National Park just over the Ugandan border. In the afternoon visit the Gahinga Batwa Village and experience the culture and history of one of Africa’s oldest tribes. Visit their new village and community centre and participate in the Batwa Heritage Tour to gain insight into their traditional life as hunter gatherers in the forest.
Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails on the terrace with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes or warm yourself inside by the cosy fire. Driving time approximately 5 hours. Please book international flights arriving into Kigali no later than 10:00am. Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge (lunch, dinner).
Day 3 -Gorilla Trekking
After an early breakfast, set off gorilla tracking. Trekking through the steep, densely forested hills and then finally coming across the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged moment. After a climb of between one and three hours the moment you find the gorillas camouflaged in the vegetation is an inspiring and privileged one. You will spend one hour in the company of the majestic and gentle gorillas before returning to the lodge in time for a late lunch. Gorilla trekking requires stamina and can sometimes take a full day, especially if it is wet and muddy.
Overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 4 - Virunga Mountains - Golden Monkeys
After breakfast, trek into the foothills of the Virunga mountains to see the endangered golden monkeys. Characterized by its bright golden body, cheeks and tail, with contrasting black limbs, crown and tail end, these playful primates are a pleasure to watch. In the afternoon enjoy relaxing at the lodge and visit the Batwa Heritage Trail and Vocational Centre. Return to the Mount Gahinga Lodge for lunch, then drive across the border into Rwanda. The magnificent Virunga Lodge is perched on the top of a hill with panoramic views of the chain of volcanoes and Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo. In the evening enjoy a presentation on gorilla conservation from researchers from the Dian Fossey Fund in the Virunga Lodge Map Room. Driving time approximately 2.5 hours. Overnight at Virunga Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Day 5 - Gorilla Tracking in Parc National Volcans.
Wake up early and have breakfast before setting off for gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans. Hike through the enchanting bamboo forest on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes. After a climb of between one and three hours, you will spend one hour in the company of the majestic and gentle mountain gorillas before returning to the lodge in time for a late lunch. Some gorilla families can be more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially if it is wet and muddy.
After you trek return to the lodge for a late lunch, relax with a massage in the Ikirunga Volcanic Spa and Sauna, enjoy an exhilarating performance from the colourful Intore Dance troupe that showcases the unique Rwandese culture, and end the day with a sundowner on the Western Terrance with as the sun sets behind the Virunga volcanoes.
Overnight at Virunga Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Day 6 - Plan your Day
Choose from one of these wildlife, community or conservation projects:
• Go for a second gorilla trek (additional permits required).
• Trek the endangered and rare golden monkey.
• Trek to the grave of pioneer primatologist Dian Fossey and visit the gorilla cemetery, the final resting place of some of her favorite gorillas.
• Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, near Kinigi.
• Take a guided birding and community walk to Lake Bulera, to experience village life.
Overnight at Virunga Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Day 7 - Depart
Leave Virunga Lodge and drive to Kigali, and time permitting, enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a moving testimony to this country’s past that it has courageously overcome (guests to pay/donate entrance fees directly).
Driving time approximately 3 hours. Transfer to the airport in time for your return flight.
(Breakfast and lunch at Virunga Lodge)
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