7 Day Rwanda Gorillas Trekking Safari

7 Days

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Minimum Age

15
Maximum Age

85

Overview

This incredible 7-day adventure in Rwanda offers the opportunity for once in a lifetime wildlife encounters. You will enjoy a game safari in Kagera National Park, You’ll track chimpanzees and spot monkeys, baboons and other wildlife in Nyungwe National Park. Trekking deep into the forests of Parc National des Volcans, to track the endangered mountain gorillas with expert local rangers. You’ll also have an opportunity to explore Kigali and its colourful markets, cross Nyungwe’s Canopy Walkway and kayak on Lake Kivu.

Highlights

Safari In akagera National Park
Genocide Memorial and Kigali City Tour
Kibuye, Napoleon Islande
Canopy walk and Chimpazees Trek in Nyugwe Forest
Hot Springs and Lake Kivu in Gisenyi
culture Dance at Ibyancu Center
Mountain Gorillas Trekking

Itinerary

Day
1
Drive To Akagera National Park

After Break Fast At 10 Am our driver will pick you at your hotel in Kigali and transfer you to Akagera. The journey to Akagera National Park will reward you with planned en-route stopovers along the route. Feel free to ask your driver-guide questions about the wonderful scenery and even request photographic stopovers along the way. As you arrive at the park, you will check in to your booked safari accommodation at the lodge. You will then proceed for a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema with a chance to see the aquatic mammals such as hippos and crocodiles in the lake or on the shores. Accommodation
- MidRange Accommodation: Transit Lodge
Day
2
Akagera Game Drive, Back To Kigali

Your second and last day of the tour will start very early in the morning. After a filling breakfast, you leave for a full-day safari game drive in the park. We can expect to see the Big Five mammals (lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo and leopard) as well as antelope, kob, and baboon, among others. Akagera National Park is a varied habitat for wildlife species in Rwanda and a birder’s haven with more than 500 bird species in the park. Later, you will transfer back to Kigali. Accommodation
- MidRange Accommodation: 2ooo Kigali Hotel
Day
3
Drive to Musanze, Ibyiwacu Cultural Cente

After Breakfast at 9:00Am, Drive to Musanze, After lunch. go Learn Rwanda Traditional dance at Ibyiwacu culture center in Kinigi. The “Intore”, once the elite of the traditional Rwanda army, were not only trained as military but also in high jump and dance. They were known for their remarkable technique allowing them to jump over 2m40. The Intore became worldwide famous as dancers in 1958 when the World Expo was held in Brussels. Today Intore dancers are part of the rich Rwanda folklore. The warriors dance is a jewel of the choreographic heritage of Rwanda. Dressed with a mane made of sisal fiber, Tied up on ankles, little bells jingle on each step, giving the warriors dance a thrilling rhythm. Throughout the Intore ballet, physical confrontation turns into artistic rivalry and then at “the end” comes out into a vigorous hug of the warriors. This is the most artistic gesture of friendship mutual aid and protection, after go back at your hotel, dinner and overnight Accommodation
- MidRange Accommodation: Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel
Day
4
Mountain Gorillas Trekking, Drive to Gisenyi

Our safari guide will pick you at 6.00am in the morning after taking your breakfast and drive to the National Park station for registration and briefing about Gorilla trekking adventure. Later you will drive to the trekking start point at base of the Virunga Mountains accompanied by armed game rangers. You will move into the jungle in search of the amazing mountain gorillas. The trek might take between 2 and 6 hours depending on your trekking ability and the gorilla family you will visit. Our safari guide will wait for you at the base of the virunga volcanic mountain ranges until you finish trekking. back And Drive to Gisenyi. Accommodation
- MidRange Accommodation: Lake Kivu Gorillas Hotel
Day
5
Hot Springs, Transfer to Kibuye Boat, Napoleon Island

After Break fast, at 9.00AM visit the hot springs, then take a Boat and proceed to Napoleon Island in Kibuye, The Island is one of the tallest in the Lake Kivu. The elevation from the water’s edge to the summit is just over 100 meters giving you a spectacular view of the surrounding lake, islands and shoreline. The real name is Nyamunini island, but as you approach Napoleon Island from the distance you immediately see from where it gets its name. The profile of the island closely resembles the historical hats which were popular in European army uniforms at the end of the 18^th century and Napoleon is commonly seen depicted in this kind of hat. Hence the name Napoleon Island. Some interesting bird species are often found on Napoleon Island and the taller trees give refuge to palm nut vultures and fish eagles which can often be seen. Other bird species such as hammerkop and kingfishers are common. The most well-known mammals on Napoleon Island are fruit bats. There is a colony of as many as 40,000 straw colored fruit bats living on Napoleon Island. transfer at your Hotel, dinner and overnight. Accommodation
- MidRange Accommodation: Moriah Hill Resort
Day
6
Drive to Nyungwe Forest, Canopy Walk, visit of tea platations.

Take Your Break fast and at 9Am Leave your Hotel and drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, After Lunch Go for canopy Walk. The Canopy walk involves some slight hiking because you access the suspended bridge from the 2.1 Km long Igishigishi trail, a hiking trail in Nyungwe National Park; it’s after that trail that you join the 160 meters suspended bridge that’s over the forest. This hiking should not stop you from taking the walk, it’s very easy to hike even for first-time hikers; it just has a few steep points because of the mountainous terrains but it’s totally doable. For your walk, you need to wear hiking shoes or boots, a rain jacket, a snack if you must especially for children, a bottle of water and of course your camera to capture the memorable moments. back at 12.00 PM. take take Dinner and overnight. Accommodation
- Mid-range Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Day
7

Chimpanzees Trekking, Drive to Kigali

Early Morning at 5 AM, leave your lodge with packed lunch, and make your way to the park's offices for a briefing on the primates and the forest. You will then enter the tropical rain forest in search of the shy chimpanzees hiding in the tree branches. While on this walk, you may also see mangabeys, colobus, vervet, and red-tailed monkeys. You will return to the Lodge for lunch and then Drive to Kigali. Accommodation Not Included at The end of the tour

The Cost Includes

Park fees,
Gorilla permits,
All activities,
All accommodation,
A professional driver/guide,
Ground transportation,
All Taxes/VAT,
Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section),
Drinking Water

The Cost Excludes

International flights,
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour,
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.),
Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day),
Drinks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What About entry Visa?

Going on an exotic tour in Africa? Three East African countries – Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya – in 2014 introduced the joint visa system – The East African Tourist Visa (“EATV”), which gives the right to visit any of these countries (or all three at once).

You can apply for an EATV online shortly before your trip. We tell you how to do it and what rules you need to follow. East Africa Tourist visa requirements The East Africa Tourist visa can only be issued for tourist purposes. It does not allow you to study or to be employed. To obtain the EATV, you need to fill out a simple electronic form and pay the visa fee. The approved East Africa Tourist Visa will be mailed to you within several business days. The EATV must be issued by the first country of entry. In all three cases, the application process is slightly different: Rwanda. If your journey begins in Rwanda, you can apply for a visa through the Rwanda Online Visa Application System. In addition, Rwanda is the only country on the list that issues East Africa Tourist Visa on arrival. The cost of fees in all cases remains the same. Kenya. If your trip starts in Kenya, you can get the East African Tourist Visa online at this link. Uganda. If the first country of entry is Uganda, use this link to apply. Documents required for East Africa Tourist visa application The document package differs slightly depending on the country issuing the visa. Here is a complete list for all cases: Documents required for Uganda visa: Passport valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of entry; Yellow fever vaccination card certificate; Travel itinerary (e.g., hotel booking or invitation letter); Return ticket or ticket to the third country; Digital Uganda visa photo. Documents required for Rwanda visa: Passport valid for at least six months from the planned date of entry; Digital Rwanda visa photo (the list of requirements is below); Return ticket or ticket to the third country; Some applicants may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds for travel. Documents required for Kenya visa: Passport valid for at least six months from the planned date of entry; Return ticket or ticket to the third country; Hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host; Digital visa photo. Note that if any of your passport data changes after the visa is issued, it will become invalid. If you lose or change your passport, you will need to obtain a new visa. East Africa Tourist visa photo requirements The specified requirements are applicable for Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda online visa photos: Photo must be in color; Photo must be in good quality; scans are not suitable; East Africa Tourist visa photo size must be 500×500 pixels; The photo must be taken on a solid white off-white background; The applicant must look directly into the camera with a neutral facial expression; Tinted glasses are not allowed unless worn for medical reasons (in this case, you may need to provide a medical certificate).

What is the best Time to do this Tour?

The best time to do this Tour is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February. Although The Region features several seasons which should be considered when planning a safari here, the weather is fairly temperate and favors travel all year round due to its compact size, proximity to the equator and high altitude.

What do I need to pack before leaving home?

The packing list below is just a mere guideline as you may have your own preferences:

– 1-2 long sleeved shirts – 3 short sleeved t-shirts – 2 –3 pairs of light weight slacks/trousers – that can dry quickly (if wearing on treks) – 1 pair of shorts – 1 sweater or sweatshirt – A waterproof and windproof jacket – 1 skirt ( for women) – Gloves – gardening or similar (for gorilla trekking) – Strong waterproof walking boots – pants should be tucked into socks and boots while trekking (heavy soled rain boots also work well) – Pair of sports sandals like Tevas – Hat-wide brim or with a visor for sun protection – Sleepwear – Underwear – Lightweight wool socks – Swimsuit (and a plastic bag) Miscellaneous Sunscreen, Sunglasses with neck strap, Insect repellent with DEET ,Small day pack, Flashlight, Binoculars, Extra batteries, Camera and extra lenses, Film particularly fast film for the gorillas, Personal toiletries, Prescription medicines and possibly prescription itself, Kleenex tissues, Small notebook First Aid Kit First Aid Kit including rehydration sachets, anti-diarrhea medicine, aspirin, cold medication, antiseptic cream, band-aids, motion sickness pills, lip balm, eye drops and personal medication. A light rain jacket Headband or hair ties (in case you have long hair)

What to wear during a gorilla trekking?

Like any other medium-hard trek around the world, keep it light and simple. Wear only what is essential for the trip and carry anything you might need for an emergency.

Waterproof hiking boots are a must, and being fully covered is key to surviving in these tropical conditions. Yes, it seems obvious to wear a t-shirt and shorts with the hot temperature. Unfortunately, everything in the forest will scratch you, and the less your skin is exposed, the more comfortable you will feel. Additionally, wearing two pairs of long thick socks can save you from time to time. Fire ants roam everywhere in the jungle, and once you step in the wrong place, they will crawl into your foot and enter your shoes.

What are the age or health restrictions for a given activity?

Any one suffering from communicable diseases such as influenza, diarrhea, or cough is not allowed to enter any national park. In case you happen to be suffering from such diseases you need to report it to the park authorities as this may help you to obtain a refund.

What are the gorilla trekking rules to observe?

A 7 meters distance should be kept away from mountain gorillas at all times.
If you are ill, you won’t be allowed to track mountain gorillas
Gorilla trekking is strictly for persons above 15 years.
A maximum of 8 visitors are always allowed to trek 1 habituated gorilla family.
Upon finding a gorilla family, you will have 1 hour of magical encounters.
Don’t smoke, drink or eat in the presence of gorillas.
No flashlight camera should be used when taking pictures of gorillas.
Leave the gorilla habitat as clean as you found it.

Which notes are Accepted at Forex Bureau?

U.S. And EURO currency is the easiest to exchange and you will receive the best rates on $100 & $50 bills compared to smaller notes. US notes should not be older than 2006. Travelers check-ques or another type of check not accepted at all. Bills should not be written on it with a pen, torn or damaged. Make sure you Travel with New notes

Where Can I Exchange Money?

There are numerous FOREX facilities in towns. You will receive a much better rate than compared to a bank. Most Airport also has a FOREX on the premises.

Are There ATM's Availlable?

Yes, in large towns and popular tourist areas such as Kigali, Nairobi, Stone Town, Kampala, Bujumbura etc. There are sufficient ATM`s. Before travel you need to contact your bank to authorize your credit card to work in East Africa. Most banks put fraud warning for transaction especially in East African. Also, be caution when using ATM`s and not exceed withdraw limit per day, it make be difficult for time you need cash next time.

What quality and type of food do I expect?

A wide range of local food is offered in different destinations ranging from local, western and Oriental cuisines. Vegetarian diets are also available. Drinking water for guests is strictly bottled clean and safe water; tap water is not safe for drinking.

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Drive To Akagera National Park

Akagera Game Drive, Back To Kigali

Drive to Musanze, Ibyiwacu Cultural Cente

Mountain Gorillas Trekking, Drive to Gisenyi

Hot Springs, Transfer to Kibuye Boat, Napoleon Island

Drive to Nyungwe Forest, Canopy Walk, visit of tea platations.

Chimpanzees Trekking, Drive to Kigali