Your Rwandan odyssey commences as you arrive at Kigali International Airport. A courteous representative will extend a warm welcome, ensuring a smooth transition through immigration and customs, before escorting you to the prestigious Kigali Serena Hotel for your initial overnight stay.
After a revitalizing breakfast, immerse yourself in a captivating panoramic tour of Kigali, including a poignant visit to the Rwanda Genocide Museum, a site of profound historical significance. Following a delightful lunch, embark on a scenic drive to Ruhengeri, the gateway to gorilla trekking adventures in Volcanoes National Park. This charming town, nestled approximately 25km from the Ugandan border, boasts breathtaking vistas of the surrounding volcanoes and is renowned for the genuine hospitality of its inhabitants. Reflecting its past as a Belgian colony, French is commonly spoken, alongside a notable presence of English speakers. Upon arrival at your chosen lodge in the late evening, settle in for a relaxing dinner and a tranquil overnight stay at Gorilla Mountain View Lodge.
The day starts with an early breakfast at your lodge. You’ll then be transferred to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters for the gorilla trekking experience. The park staff will conduct a registration process to determine which gorilla group you will visit. They will also discuss your fitness level and inform you of the trekking times and conditions for the various groups, based on their location in the park. A maximum of eight trekkers are permitted to visit each gorilla group, with a total of 80 gorilla permits available each day. After the groups are assigned, each group’s lead guide will brief the trekkers on the trekking procedures and the “do’s and don’ts” when in the presence of gorillas. Following the briefing, trekkers will return to their vehicles for the drive to the trek’s starting point. Porters can be hired to assist with carrying backpacks and gear (at a cost of US$10 per person per day), and this service is recommended. Trekking can take two to six or more hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. The guides will make frequent stops to allow trekkers to rest and take photos. You’ll have lunch at the lodge. If time and weather allow, you can take an optional afternoon visit to the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo or participate in local community activities (at an additional cost). Later, you’ll return to your lodge for the night.
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge. After lunch, you’ll take a scenic drive from the Virunga volcanoes through the banana plantations to Kigali. The drive showcases Rwanda’s lush green hills. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight
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