Rwanda Safaris | Discover the Virunga Gorillas 3 Days Grade 2 Gorilla Safaris

Trek the Virunga gorillas! The Volcanoes National Park at Kinigi is one of the best places to observe and to photograph the mountain gorilla. The Gorilla Express makes it easy to combine your gorilla experience with another safari in East Africa.

For Gorillas the minimum age is 15 years.
You can choose from 2 hotel categories. see the hotels proposed in the Day by Day program
Only the Park Authorities will assign you a gorilla group. Communicate your wishes to our driver-guide he will make some arrangements for you! The Sussa group leaves at the Karisimbi volcano and is more challenging with much longer hiking times!
Flash photography is not permitted when tracking the gorillas.
What is included?

Tour Includes: Airport transfers, accommodation, all meals, plenty of mineral water, the services of a driver-guide, all park and entry fees, all activities as per programme: visit of Kigali including the Genocide Memorial Centre at Gisozi, 1 gorilla trekking.
Excludes: Airline ticket, beverages, tips, visas and personal expenses.

What to bring with you?

Money for your personal expenses (average of $ 50 p.p.), outfit with adapted colours for wildlife observation, good walking shoes, raingear, a few long-sleeve shirts, slippers, sweater for cool evenings, sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sun cream, video/photo camera, a 200 mm or longer is very useful, reserve batteries, films and a torch.

WARNING: Gorilla permits are in high demand and need to be booked and paid in advance! Book your gorilla safari accordingly and avoid disappointment!

Duration : 3 Days
Travel styles : Private Safaris, Lodge Safaris, Road Safaris
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others, Volcanoes National Park

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival and transfer to Volcanoes NP

Meet and greet at the Kigali International Airport by your Magic safari driver-guide. Depending on your arrival time, your driver-guide may propose you a visit of Kigali city which includes the Genocide Memorial centre at Gisozi. Transfer to Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes. Hotel accommodation at your choice. (L-D)

Flights: There are daily flights to Kigali out of Nairobi with Kenya Airways and Rwandair Express. This makes it easy to combine your short gorilla safari with another East-African safari.

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House, Mountain Gorilla Nest, Virunga Lodge
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others

Day 2 : Gorilla Trekking & transfer to Kigali.

After breakfast, you will depart for the headquarters of the Park where your driver-guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will meet your ranger guide(s) for a briefing about the greatest animal experience ever!

After assigning your gorilla group Magic Safaris will drive you to the slopes of one of the Virunga volcanoes for your trekking. Your driver-guide will wait for you.

After the trekking, lunch at Ruhengeri and transfer to Kigali. On your way to Kigali, several stops will be made to admire the scenery. Rwanda is the country of the thousand hills! Overnight at your hotel. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Hotel Chez Lando, Intercontinental , Milles Collines
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park

Day 3 : Kigali visit and Departure

Pick up at your hotel, depending on your departure time and if you missed the opportunity the first Day, you will have your Kigali city trip including the Genocide Memorial centre at Gisozi. Transfer to the Airport for your departure. (B-L)

Genocide Memorials: In Rwanda you will find all over the country Memorials to remember the genocide of 1994. The most important Genocide Memorials are those of Kigali (Gisozi) where the history of the genocide is explained. A visit to the genocide memorial is for most visitors an emotional event.

Parks & places : Genocide Memorial Centre - Gisozi & others

Eco-tourism is nature-based tourism that meets conservation objectives and favours sustainable development. Gorilla tourism depends largely on the conservation of this magnificent animals. Some rules have been developed to protect the gorillas and the park rangers will brief you before the trekking. Please respect them.

Note that due to the altitude the mornings, evenings and nights are quite cold. During the trekking you can expect both sun and rainfall (raining season) and we recommend long trousers and long sleeve shirts to avoid nettle stings. Waterproof raingear is essential for your trekking!