RWANDA GORILLA SAFARI
Explore Summary
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Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport
Welcome to the Land of A thousand Hills. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by one of our experienced safari guides who will transfer you to your Hotel for the rest of the day and overnight. At check in, you will be briefed about your safari and what to expect, the safari dos and don’ts. Overnight at your Hotel. Bed and Breakfast Budget Option - Haven Boutique Midrange – Hotel Des Mille Collin Upmarket – Kigali Serena Hotel Luxury – The Retreat Kigali
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Day 2: Kigali City tour and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
After breakfast, pick up from your hotel for a half day Kigali city tour. The tour is inclusive of a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site and Museum to learn more about the 1994 genocide era, local markets and so on. Later have Lunch and then depart for Volcanoes National Park. the journey will offer you with beautiful mountainous and green countryside from which the name of “The Land of a thousand hills” was depicted. Dinner and overnight at your Lodge. Budget Option – Davince Lodge Midrange – Ingagi Park View Lodge Upmarket – Five Volcanoes Lodge Luxury – Volcanoes Virunga Lodge Luxury – Singita Kwitonda Lodge Luxury – One & Only Gorilla Nest Lodge
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Day 3: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Community Walk
Today morning after breakfast, you will be transferred from your lodge to the park headquarters for the days’ briefing about Gorilla trekking activity. It’s advisable to park your lunch, drinking water and hire porters as the time taken in the jungle is unpredictable. After the briefing from the Park rangers, you will be allocated your Gorilla family and then head into the forest to search for the gentle jungle giants. Tracking the Gorillas may take a few hrs. to a full day to hike up and down the mountain as this always depend on where they were last seen the previous night. Physical Fitness is highly recommended but also those who are not fit enough, they have the chance to hire Human helicopters (Sedan chair). Upon seeing the gorillas, you will be allowed to stay with them for one hour maximum (Take videos and Photographs). Then later return back to your Lodge for lunch. Afternoon a enjoy a community walk to Red rock a local initiative that improves community livelihood through Environmental Conservation, Arts & Culture, Education, and Community Health & Security. Overnight at your Lodge. Budget Option – Davince Lodge Midrange – Ingagi Park View Lodge Upmarket – Five Volcanoes Lodge Luxury – Volcanoes Virunga Lodge Luxury – Singita Kwitonda Lodge Luxury – One&Only Gorilla Nest Lodge
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Day 4: Golden Monkey tracking and Departure
After morning breakfast, you will head back to the park offices for your briefing about the morning activity. This time it will be Golden Monkey tracking. These endangered monkey species are found within the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Unlike the Gorillas, Golden monkey trekking will not take long and are easily located. Return to the lodge for early lunch and afternoon transfer to Kigali and then Airport for your departure flight to your next destination or back Home. Breakfast and Lunch.
Accommodations
Extras and Tips
SAFARI TIPS
While planning an East African Safari can seem like a daunting task, it doesn't have to be! Take the stress out of the experience with this helpful summary of the key things you need to think about before you jet off. Once you have all of them covered, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to your safari adventure.
Note: While this is a general guide to vaccinations required for your East African safari, you should always visit your doctor before your departure to obtain the best advice. A pre-trip health check and discussion of what vaccines are necessary for you, as well as how to deal with any unique health concerns, is imperative for a safe and enjoyable safari.
Clothing
On an East African safari, you should go for comfort and convenience when it comes to your clothing. Some of the things you should remember, include:
- Bring lightweight layers in both long and short lengths, plus socks, sleepwear, and swim wear.
- Always take a sweater or fleece jacket, as it can get quite chilly at night and during early mornings.
- Unless you're planning to trek, bulky hiking boots are rarely necessary. However, a comfortable pair of lightweight trainers are a must.
- Don't forget a hat, as you'll want to protect your face and scalp from the equatorial sun.
- It's not recommended to wear bright colors on safari, so consider buying some khaki, dark green, or darker colored clothes before your trip.
Passports & Visas
A full passport with at least six-month validity from the date of departure is generally required for travel. It is recommended that travelers contact the relevant Consulate/Embassy prior to travel for current visa requirements.
Applying for a rwandan Visa
NEW VISA REQUIREMENT: From 01 January 2021 all visitors requiring a visa to enter Kenya will need to apply for an e-visa online, in advance before leaving their country or boarding the aircraft. No Visas will be issued on arrival in Kenya.
Click this link for more information about how to apply: http://evisa.go.ke/evisa.html
$50 USD application fee
Applying for an East African Visa
One of the greatest things to happen to East African tourism over the past few years is the introduction of the East African visa. This visa allows you access to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and it's not only a time saver, but it also works out considerably cheaper than purchasing individual visas.
To apply for the East African Visa, you'll need the following: A passport with at least six months validity, one standard sized passport photograph, and a completed application form.
Tip: It's important that you apply for the East African visa with the country from which you will begin your travels. The visa will be valid for 90 days from the date marked in your passport.
Cancellation Policy
In the event of written cancellation, the following forfeiture of the programme cost will be assessed based on the number of days prior to programme departure that the cancellation was received:
- 90-60 days prior 20% of the programme cost
- 59-30 days prior 50% of the programme cost
- 29 days or less 100% of the programme cost
