09h00: You will be picked up from your hotel/residence (booked directly) or from the airport by our driver guide then visit the Genocide Memorial center.
The Genocide Memorial is a must-see. Rwanda’s painful past has haunted the country for years, yet their impressive recovery story has turned them into an inspiration. The Genocide Memorial acts as a humbling reminder to those present and honors those who have been lost. Audio visual equipment will be provided in Dutch, English, and other languages.
You will then be driven to the Volcanoes National Park area, arrive and check in followed by lunch.
06h30: Early breakfast precedes the day, before heading to the park for the gorilla trek you will have briefing at 07h00 at the park headquarters. You will then transfer to the starting point of your guided walk, ready to begin this amazing adventure at 08h00.
Vehicles will depart to the various trailheads for a 15-minute to one-hour drive – depending on the gorilla family each group has been allocated. At the start of the trailhead, you will be allocated a porter to assist with carrying bags and navigating challenging terrain, (this is recommended). Cash is required to pay the porters (the minimum amount is USD 10). The time that it takes to reach the gorilla family varies and can be anything from 30 minutes to 3-4 hours, and treks reach an altitude from 2,500-4,000m.
The gorilla-trekking terrain varies from farmlands to thick bushes closer to the park boundary, and visitors may be allocated to a gorilla family who is on the move – which could make their trek longer. This may at times require navigating a path through dense vegetation, which can be slippery. There are also stinging nettles, which is why we recommend packing gloves and gators to be used during Gorilla trekking. Return and have lunch. Afternoon optional visit at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus ($20 pp for a self-guided tour)
Dinner and overnight stay at the resort. One & Only Gorillas Nest Resort. Room category: Forest King Tree House (Double/Twin) – inclusive of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (house wines and beers) with meals and two activities per person per day (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice
Following breakfast at your lodge, you will check out and settle any extras and drive back to Kigali and be dropped off at the airport
Inclusions
- Transfers
- Accommodation at hotel/lodge & meals mentioned in the program
- Exclusive use of a safari land cruiser 4×4 and pop-up roof and complementary WIFI
- Services of a professional, experienced Echoes from Africa English-speaking driver guide
- Snacks and beverages in the vehicle during the tour
- 1 Gorilla permits per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 1,500 per person)
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Services by Akagera Aviation helicopters
Excludes
- International flights and Helicopter transfers
- Entry visa fees – US$50
- Optional visit at Ellen DeGeneres Campus – $20 pp for a self-guided tour
- Any extra activities not mentioned in the package.
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.