Black Gorilla Surrounded by Dried Fallen Leaves

    10 Days Rwanda Culture and Gorilla Tracking Safari

    • Rwanda
    • 10 days

    Overview

    This safari begins with a visit to Omwami’s palace in Nyanza, followed by the hot springs of Rugarama near Nyungwe Forest in southwestern Rwanda. Nyungwe, the largest afro-montane forest in Central Africa, spans over 10,000 sq. km and is rich in birds, butterflies, over 300 bird species including Albertine endemic species, and habituated families of chimpanzees, monkeys, and other primates.

    Next, we head to Gisenyi to visit Ross Carr’s orphanage, explore the town, and enjoy the lake breeze from Lake Kivu. We then proceed north to Ruhengeri at the base of Parc Des Volcans, our base for tracking mountain gorillas and visiting local communities including the Batwa pygmies. Finally, in Kigali, optional city tours such as museum visits or craft shop excursions are available.

    Best time to visit: July - August

    Duration

    10 days

    Map Overview

    • Kigali
    • Butare
    • Nyungwa Forest
    • Kibuye
    • Gisenyi
    • Kinigi
    • Kigali

    Places to Visit

    ButareButare
    GisenyiGisenyi
    KibuyeKibuye
    KinigiKinigi

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Pick up at the airport upon arrival and transfer to hotel. [Approximate driving time: 30 minutes]

    Accommodation: HOTEL LE GARNI
    Meals: Dinner

    After breakfast, you will depart for Butare the second largest city of Rwanda and is regarded as the intellectual city of Rwanda. It hosts the National Museum, several academic (University) and research institutions. On your way to Butare, you will visit Nyanza (currently Nyabisindu) the former Mwami’s palace (King’s palace) and the seat of the feudal monarchy. The palace has been reconstructed to its 19th century state and shows a traditional dome that can be compared with the Kabaka’s palace of Buganda. You will visit the National Museum which is one the well set-up if not the finest ethnographic museum of East Africa. It’s a good source of information on the cultural history of Rwanda and the region.

    Accommodation: Butare Resort
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    Visit the Botanical Gardens and locally revered hot springs in Rugarama. Lunch at Butare and later proceed to Nyungwe Forest NP. Your driver-guide will stop at the Uwinka offices to see the semi-habituated groups of chimps and coloubus monkeys. This will help you to prepare your activities of the next day.

    Accommodation: Gisakura Guest House
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    Early morning visit to Nyungwe Forest. In Nyungwe Forest NP: guided nature walk or primate treks. Of a particular interest are the large social groups of Angolan Colobus (Colobus angolensis), which may be over 300 in population. These are the largest troops of this species known in the world! Nyungwe forest accounts 25% of the African Primates!

    Accommodation: Gisakura Guest House
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    Drive via Kibuye on the stunningly beautiful Lake Kivu through beautiful countryside, crossing valleys full of agricultural produce. Kibuye which is one of the three resort towns on Lake Kivu is the most beautiful. We will arrive in time for lunch. After Nyungwe, a relaxing time at the shores of Lake Kivu awaits. Take a boat out on the lake to see the various islands and swim in the refreshing bilharzia-free waters of the Lake or stroll about in the nearby villages rambling across a number of hills.

    Accommodation: Molia Hill Resort Kibuye
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    After breakfast, we will either drive to or take a speed-boat trip to Gisenyi (on payment of a $200pp boat supplement + visa fees $110). The trip is not only an encounter with local people; fishermen, fishing villages but also with the residents of Idjwi Island (Congo) who are rowing long distances in their dugout canoes to visit the Rwanda markets.

    You will be picked up in Gisenyi for lunch and if time allows, we make arrangements to cross the border of Goma (Optional). Goma was devastated by the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano. The visit shows the fantastic capabilities of the local population to overcome this natural catastrophe!

    Idjwi is an island in Lake Kivu, belonging to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At 40 km in length and with an area of 285 km², it is believed to be the largest inland island in Africa, and the eighth largest in the world. Idjwi is roughly equidistant between the DRC and Rwanda, with 10 to 15 kilometers separating its western shore from the DRC mainland and a similar distance between its eastern shore and the coastline of Rwanda. The island’s southern tip, however, lies only 1 kilometer from a promontory of the Rwandan coast.

    Accommodation:Serena Kivu Sun
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    Visit Ross Carr’s Imbabazi Orphanage. Imbabazi Orphanage was founded by Mrs Rosamond Halsey Carr in late 1994 at Mugongo to care for the genocide orphans. Rosamond Halsey was a young American fashion illustrator when she married an adventurous hunter-explorer, Kenneth Carr. Together they journeyed to then “Congo Belge” (now Congo DRC) in 1949 but where they later came to a pungent divorce. Kenneth left but Rosamond stayed in Congo until 1955. From there on she moved to northwest Rwanda where she stayed for the next 50 years. She witnessed all Rwanda’s historical events, including the vinegary genocide of 1994. She is the author of “Land of a Thousand Hills: My life In Rwanda.”

    Accommodation: Hotel La Palme
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    After breakfast, we proceed at the ORTPN headquarters where your driver-guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will meet your ranger guide(s) for a briefing then drive to the slopes of one of the Virunga volcanoes to start Gorilla trekking.

    After the trekking, we will have lunch at your hotel or at Ruhengeri and in the afternoon, if time allows, an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region: Lake Bulera & Ruhondo. An excellent view of the Virunga chain of Volcanoes can be seen from there depending on weather conditions.

    Accommodation: Hotel La Palme
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    Excursion to the top of the Bisoke volcano (3.711 m) with its beautiful crater lake! There is also an option to have an excursion to the grave of Dian Fossey and the former Karisoke Research Center. Another is a visit to the Golden Monkeys: the little-known Golden Monkey (cercopithecus mitis kandti) listed as “endangered”. We can also visit local communities and surrounding communities.

    Transfer to Kigali for overnight at your hotel. [Approximate driving time: 3 hours]

    Accommodation: Hotel Le Garni
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    Tour of the city (optional) including a visit to the markets, the handicraft shops, and the Genocide Memorial Center at Gisozi. Time permitting, we can also visit the Nyabugogo market, and the Franco-Rwanda cultural center. In the evening, we arrange for your transfer to the airport.

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    Inclusions

    • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
    • All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
    • A professional driver/guide
    • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
    • All Taxes/VAT
    • Roundtrip airport transfer
    • rinking water on all days

    Exclusions

    • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
    • International flights (from/to home)
    • Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
    • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
    • Alcoholic drinks
    • Services not mentioned in the program
    • Items of a personal nature

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s Included and Excluded in Every Tour?

    The inclusions and exclusions vary by tour. Each tour has its specific set of inclusions and exclusions. Please refer to the individual tour page to see what is specifically included in that tour.

    What Are Your Cancellation Terms?

    Our cancellation terms are standard within the industry. For more information on our cancellation policy, please visit the designated page.

    What Vaccines and Health Requirements Are Needed?

    The requirements vary depending on the country and nationality. For the most accurate information, please visit the page specific to your destination and consult the corresponding embassy page for the latest information.

    Can I Choose Other Accommodation Than What’s Specified?

    Yes, if you have a special preference, let us know, and we will offer alternatives from our vast network of company-owned and partner accommodations. Booking with us allows you to enjoy discounted rates as we have special agreements with our partners.

    Will My Mobile/Cellular Phone Work During the Tour?

    Yes, though signal strength may vary in different areas.

    What Activities Can My Kids Do While on a Safari?

    A safari offers an enriching experience for children, allowing them to observe animals in their natural habitat. Some camps and lodges offer amenities for children, such as playrooms and pools, though these are not universally available. We suggest bringing activities that your children enjoy.

    What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

    We accept various payment methods, including card payments. For more information on acceptable payment methods, please visit our payment information page.

    What If I Have Special Needs or Requirements?

    We strive to cater to all requirements, such as providing wheelchair-friendly accommodation or rooms on the first floor if stairs are a challenge. Please communicate with us in advance about your needs.

    What Are the Road Conditions Like?

    Most safari parks have bumpy but manageable roads, with some roads being paved. Generally, guests do not view this as a problem.

    Is Electricity Available 24 Hours in the Lodges and Camps?

    Most standard camps and lodges are equipped with generators, so electricity is generally available 24 hours. However, some interruptions may occur but are typically not a significant concern for guests.

    What About My Special Diet and Food Preferences?

    We cater to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, among others. Please inform us in advance about your dietary preferences.

    Is Tipping Required?

    Tipping is not required but is recommended. The amount varies by country, but you should tip according to what you feel is appropriate.

    Take Off on a Memorable Safari Experience and Explore the Wild Right Away!

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