Gorillas through the Mist
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Fast Facts
Travelling to:
Volcanoes National Park and Kigali
duration:
4 Days - 3 Nights
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This short itinerary is a perfect accompaniment to a more traditional safari . It is perfect for people just wanting to fulfill a dream of seeing wild gorillas in stunning mountainous surrounds.
With all of your transfers, accommodation and some time for sightseeing - this is a perfect add on with alternative countries perhaps in Kenya or Tanzania or another of the East African countries.
Outline Itinerary
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Day 1 - Volcanoes National Park
Staying at: One&Only Gorilla's Nest
Met on arrival into Kigali Airport. Transfer by road around 3 hours to the Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Conservation Area. check into your hotel and time permitting you have the option to visit the local markets, villages and friendly communities. Alternatively you can opt to visit the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo -both compelling and beautiful.
Day 2 - Volcanoes National Park
Staying at: One&Only Gorilla's Nest
Morning transfer to the Volcanoes National Park offices. Briefing by the park's guides on how to behave in the forest and in the presence of mountain gorillas. You then transfer over mildly bumpy roads to the trail head to start the trek. From the trail head, there is a 10-20 minute walk through fields (cultivated land) to edge of forest. Here you enter the park for a gorilla trek which will take you until around midday depending on where you find them. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. It is important to take plenty of water. Good cameras and plenty of fast speed film or memory cards are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes’ notice, hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film.
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Day 3 - Kigali
Staying at: Kigali Serena Hotel
Today you might decide to have a second Gorilla trek (Permits are required and pre-booking essential) or the chance perhaps to trek in search of the Golden Monkeys (recommended). Why not relax and take in the staggering beauty of of of the most bio-diverse areas in the world.
Later this afternoon you will be transferred back to the capital - Kigali and overnight.
Day 4 - End of Itinerary
Time permitting - you will enjoy a brief city tour which will include the Visitors Centre at the evocative Kigali Genocide Memorial - set up to commemorate the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The remains of over 250,000 people are interred there.
Continue on to the airport in time to check in for your onward flights - either to a neighbouring country or to one of the stunning tropical beaches along the Indian Ocean.