Overview
Nothing makes life more interesting on this Earth than spending the best part of your life with the apes. It is believed that apes are like humans, only the level of intelligence differs. You will be amazed by the way they mimic human being in almost everything, despite their wildlife. They recognize humans and welcome them warmly. Gate out of the imaginary world and let Peak Cruise Safaris take you to the reality. If you have never had a hiking experience with the gorillas, then you are missing a lot. This safari gives you the rare and unique experience of hiking with gorillas.
Highlights
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Visit King’s Palace Museum
- Track the Nyungwe colobus monkey
- Track gorillas at Volcanoes National Park
- Visits to Murambi Genocide Memorial Centre and Ethnographic Museum
- Includes park fees, gorilla permit, and chimpanzee permit
- Breakfasts and lunches
- 6 nights’ lodging
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL)
You will meet with a driver/guide at the Kigali International Airport (KGL) – meet and greet, comment on the safari, then driving. Overnight at the Hotel Muhabura (here for your wish, you can choose to sleep in Kigali depending on the arrival time at the airport).
Day 2: Kigali – Nyungwe Forest
An early morning breakfast is followed by a drive to Nyungwe Forest. On the way, visit King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, Ethnographic Museum in Butare, and the Murambi Genocide Memorial Center in Murambi.
Nyanza was the headquarters of the ancient Kingdom of Rwanda before the arrival of the Europeans. The compound has the modern palace constructed by King Mutara in 1934. It is tastefully decorated with the traditional mats and utensils. The Ethnographic Museum is reputed to be the best ethnographical museum in East Africa. It is the home of the national ballet-Intore dancers.
Have lunch in Butare and proceed to Murambi Genocide Memorial Center. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 3: Hiking, trekking, colobus trails of Nyungwe Forest
After breakfast, enter Nyungwe Forest to track the Nyungwe colobus monkey. A walk in the forest is a whole learning experience conducted by knowledgeable guides well-versed in botany, ornithology, and inter species relationship in this forest. Thereafter, return to your guesthouse for lunch. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Nyungwe Forest – Kibuye
After breakfast, enter Nyungwe Forest at 06:00 to track the chimpanzee. Thereafter, return to the guesthouse for lunch followed by a drive to Kibuye. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5: Kibuye – Gisenyi – Ruhengeri – Kinigi
Distance 213 kilometers per six hours of driving time. After breakfast, drive to Gisenyi and finally to Kinigi. The drive of Kibuye-Gisenyi is via the most beautiful providing spectacular views of the tea growing country of Gisovu and Kayove. Brief stops are provided for photography. A four-hour drive takes to Gisenyi for lunch and a brief city tour. Drive for two hours to Ruhengeri and finally Kinigi, the base of gorilla tracking. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Gorillas in the mist
Breakfast is allowed early morning followed by a drive to Kinigi park headquarters for the group, guide allocation, and briefing. This is followed by a drive to the trail heads, where hiking and trekking up the hills to the bamboo zone begin. Hiking, trekking, and tracking gorillas may take two to four hours. Sight and stay with the gorillas for one hour. Descend to your hotel for lunch. There will be afternoon leisure or a tour of the area and a visit to Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Bisoke hiking Ruhengeri – Kigali
After breakfast, trek the mountains for another memorable experience with the volcano. Return to the base hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to the airport for your home flight. Driving time is two hours.
What’s included
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- A professional driver or guide
- Round-trip airport transfer
- Park fees
- Gorilla permits (1500 USD per person, one per person)
- Chimp permits (one per person)
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All taxes or VAT
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
What’s not included
- International flights (from or to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (no tip expected)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- The government-imposed increase of taxes and / or park fees
- Some meals (as specified in the day-by-day)
- Drinks
Important to Note
The deposit is fully refunded if the booking is canceled up to 45 days before arrival.
Balance should be paid 60 days before arrival.
Why Book with us?
- Safari Departs any date
- Unbeatable prices
- Authentic safari experience
- Tailor-made safari packages
- Accommodation and meals inclusive
- Professional guides
- Life changing travel experiences
