Trek the gorillas and hike to Dian Fossy's grave! It is at the Karisoke Research Centre on the slopes of the Bisoke Volcano where she carried out her studies on the mountain gorillas for 18 years. She was murdered on the 27th of December 1985 at the Karisoke Research Centre and buried near Digit, her favourite gorilla. The excursion will provide excellent background information and this is a wonderful site to see!
Min. 2 participants. For gorillas the min. age is 15 years.
You can choose from 2 hotel categories. see the hotels proposed in the Day by Day program, itinerary)
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, a visit of the Dian Fossey grave and the former Karisoke Centre. 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 lens 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!

Day 1 : Arrival and transfer to Volcanoes NP

Meet and greet at the Airport by your Magic Safaris Driver- guide. Depending on your arrival time, your Driver-Guide may proposed you a visit of Kigali city which includes the Genocide Memorial at Gisozi.

Transfer to Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes. Diner is included in the package. Hotel accommodation at your choice.
(L-D)

Flights: There are daily flights to Kigali out of Nairobi with Kenya Airways and Rwandair Express.

Day 2 : Gorilla Tracking

After breakfast, you will depart for the headquarters of the Park, where your guide will accomplish the necessary formalities for you. You will meet your ranger guide(s) for a briefing about the greatest animal experience ever. Magic Safaris will drive you to the slopes of one of the Virunga volcanoes for your trekking.

After the trekking, if time allows, lunch at Ruhengeri and in the afternoon an excursion to explore the beautiful lakes in the region (Lake Bulera & Ruhondo). Overnight at Kinigi. Your guide will make the necessary arrangements for the next Day. (B-L-D)

Accommodation : Kinigi Guest House, Mountain Gorilla Nest, Virunga Lodge
Activities : Gorilla Trekking
Parks & places : Volcanoes National Park

Day 3 : Visit of the Diane Fossey grave (Bisoke)

After breakfast, you will report to the headquarters for your excursion to slopes of the Bisoke and pay a visit to the former Karisoke centre where the grave of Dian Fossey is located. Fantastic views, lush forested slopes and an exceptional environment. After the trek we will drive you back to Kigali. Overnight at your hotel. (B-L-D)

Karisoke became one of the most successful primate study sites in the world in the 1970s. For the past three decades the mountain gorillas of Karisoke Research Center have been the subject of many studies focusing on their behavior and ecology. Karisoke still functions as an important base for international research; biologists come and go, some studying the gorillas, and some focusing on other aspects of the environment and its wildlife. Karisoke is still funded by the "Digit" fund, although it has been re-named as "The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund".

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

Day 4 : 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 Kigali city trip including the visit of the Genocide Memorial centre at Gizozi. Transfer to the Airport for your departure. (B-L)