8 Days The Great Virunga Safari

Today you will have a brief city tour of Kigali through the historical landmarks with a visit to: Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, which offered a place in which the bereaved could bury their families & friends, now over 250,000 victims are buried at the site. This site also includes three permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the genocide of April 1994. There is also a children's memorial, and an exhibition on the history of genocidal violence around the world.

After here proceed to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is home to half the world’s mountain gorillas, over 346 bird species, 202 butterfly species, 400 plant species, 63 tree species, 120 mammal species & 27 frog species. It is the only gorilla conservation area in Africa with the highest population of Gorillas.

On arrival, check into your lodge for lunch and recuperate from the journey.

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters in time for the 08:00am briefing. Gorilla tracking commences 30 minutes after registration and briefing by the ranger guides.

Gorilla tracking is a very captivating and unforgettable experience which more than repays the effort needed to reach Bwindi. It can last a few hours to a whole day depending on where the gorillas were left previously. After tracking, return to the lodge.

In the afternoon, go out for the Batwa Pygmy Experience.

Another early breakfast today and then go explore the rare Golden Monkeys.

Proceed to the Park headquarters by 7:30 am for briefing & the actual trek will commence at 8:00 am. Hiking through the forests to reach the golden monkeys is less tedious as golden monkeys live in the lower bamboo areas. Spend an hour with the golden primates for a superb photography & a clear observation of unique their behavior.

Come along with waterproof hiking boots, wear long sleeved shirt, long trousers, and carry a backpack for your lunch and documents and do not forget to carry an insect repellent.

Thereafter, cross the Border to Ruhengeri/ Musanze and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Today after a leisurely breakfast, you will visit the Gorilla Guardian’s village popularly known by its former name Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. All proceeds from your visit go to the local communities to buy seeds for farmers & scholastic materials for children.

Highlights

• Intore dancers showcasing drumming & Dancing


• Short community walk


• Church visit


• Consultation with a traditional healer


• Shooting a bow & arrow with local Batwa Pygmies


• Making Banana beer


• Grinding millet & Sorghum

On completion, depart for Gisenyi, Rwanda’s largest port on Lake Kivu arriving in time for check in & later lunch at your hotel. Take a swim at Lake Kivu one of the African Great Lakes. It lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo & Rwanda. Spend the afternoon exploring Gisenyi or take an optional boat ride to a neighboring island.

OVERNIGH T: Hillview Hotel Kivu/ Kivu Serena Hotel – Or Similar (Full Board) Meal Plan: Full board

After an early breakfast proceed to the border and clear with customs for entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo

Today is real adventure where you spend a day hiking the live volcano Nyiragongo. At 3468 meters, Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most beautiful and active volcanoes, towers above the thick jungles of Virunga National Park. A five-hour hike to the rim of the 1.2 km wide crater reveals the fiery lava lake deep inside. Sitting on the edge of the crater at night, the red boiling lava and smoking caldera will mesmerize any visitor. The trek includes a walk through lush forest and lava fields with a steep incline near the top, and includes an overnight stay in the Nyiragongo Crater Cabanas on the volcano rim. The stunning views both day and night make this an unforgettable experience. Later stay for overnight in tents at the rim of the giant crater high above the active lava lake.

Packing list - Sleeping Bag, Food (lunch, dinner, breakfast),Water (3 liters p.p. minimum), Any other drinks required, Change of dry clothes, Rain gear, Good walking shoes, Warm Clothes (sweater, jacket) it’s very cold up there. Sun cream, warm Hat, Torch, Camera.

Overnight : Bandas

Meal Plan : Full Board.

After breakfast descend by 0700hrs arriving at the trail head before lunch Continue down to be transferred to the Grande Barriére (Congo border) to clear with customs.

Spend the rest of the day in Gisenyi at leisure.

Today you will have a leisurely breakfast and thereafter transfer to Kigali for your flight back home.

If there is more time left before your flight, go souvenir shopping in the KAPLAKI craft market or visit Inema Art Gallery.

End of Safari