RWANDA 4 DAYS GORILLA TRACKING SAFARI IN A NUTSHELL Not only is Rwanda often described as the Land of a Thousand Hills but also as the self-styled Switzerland of Africa, with enchanted views of Lake Kivu and the higher elevations dominated by the Virunga Volcanoes, whose peaks are forever shrouded in mist and mystery, with the tangled jumble of tropical rain forest on its lower slopes home to the world famous Mountain Gorillas. Rwanda is the high altitude rendering of Jules Verne s lost paradise as described in Journey to the Centre of the Earth, with the opportunity to visit the Mountain Gorilla s natural environment, or a trekking adventure to Mount Visoke in the Parc National des Volcans, alive with the cacophonous calls of varicoloured birds and the chattering of rare Golden Monkeys. And for those further interested in the scientific work of Dian Fossey, a trek to her former Karisoke base in the saddle area between Mt. Visoke and Mt. Karisimbi adds a historic dimension to the adventure. Any allusion to Rwanda in the context of geopolitical history and we are instantly reminded of the Genocide that devastated this tiny country in 1994. A visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre and the renowned Hotel Des Mille Collines is therefore an obligation for all those interested in historic narrative. The dark days of the Genocide have however lead to a miraculous transformation, one that is today defined by tribal unity, political stability, economic development and a promising future. SHORT SUMMARY Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Arrival in Kigali to Parc National des Volcans. Transfer from airport and scenic drive to Parc National des Volcans. Parc National des Volcans. Optional Activities - Gorilla Tracking. Parc National des Volcans. Optional Activities - Golden Monkey Tracking or Dian Fossey or Volcano Trekking. Parc National des Volcans to Kigali. Scenic drive back to Kigali. Visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre, airport transfer and departure from Kigali. DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 - Arrival in Kigali to Parc National des Volcans On day 1 of your safari, our experienced driver/ guide will collect you at the airport and after a short stop over in Kigali, you are already off on your safari, driving through scenic and panoramic landscapes to the Parc National des Volcans. Accommodation Options: Bronze Le Bambou Gorilla Village (FB) Silver Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB) Gold Virunga Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board
Day 2 - Lake Kivu to Parc National des Volcans Once you arrive at the Parc National des Volcans you have the following options to consider: Option 1 - Gorilla Tracking: Here, you have the sensational opportunity to venture on an exhilarating track to the Mountain Gorilla s natural habitat of shady bamboo thickets and relish sensational views of lush green rainforests, alive with the cacophonous calls of varicoloured birds. Nothing however can prepare one for the impact of encountering a mountain gorilla close up, twice the size of an average man, yet remarkably gentle and tolerant of human visitors. Accommodation Options: Bronze Le Bambou Gorilla Village (FB) Silver Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB) Gold Virunga Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 3 - Parc National des Volcans The park is known as a haven for the rare and endangered mountain gorillas and is home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo peaks) which are covered in rainforest and bamboo. The park was also the base for world renowned zoologist Dian Fossey. Option 1 - Volcano Trekking: Alternatively, you can venture on an exhilarating climb on either one of the Virunga Volcanoes that are situated on the Rwandan side of the border. Option 2 - Dian Fossey Trekking: And for those further interested in the scientific work of Dian Fossey, a trek to her former Karisoke base in the saddle area between
Mount Visoke and Mount Karisimbi adds a historic dimension to the adventure. Option 3 - Golden Monkey Tracking: Alternatively, you can venture into the forests of the Parc National des Volcans to track the rare and endangered Golden Monkeys. Accommodation Options: Bronze Le Bambou Gorilla Village (FB) Silver Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (FB) Gold Virunga Lodge (FB) BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board Day 4 - Parc National des Volcans to Kigali Drive back through the scenic and lush hills of Rwanda to Kigali. Any assessment of Rwanda in the context of geopolitical history and we are instantly reminded of the Genocide that devastated this tiny country in 1994. A visit to the Genocide Memorial Centre and the renowned Hotel Des Mille Collines is therefore an obligation for all those interested in historic narrative. Time to say goodbye as you transfer to the airport.
MAP OF SAFARI ROUTE LAKE EDWARD UGANDA DR CONGO PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS LAKE VICTORIA LAKE KIVU KIGALI RWANDA TANZANIA BURUNDI SAFARI PRICE AND SERVICES The price here presented is for mid range accommodation provided for the duration of the safari described in this document. The price options for budget and luxury accommodation are available on request: Price per person sharing in a double/ twin room: 2 people travelling from US $ 1.122,00 3 people travelling from US $ 935,00 4 people travelling from US $ 841,00 5 people travelling from US $ 784,00 6 people travelling from US $ 747,00 7 people travelling from US $ 720,00 Single supplement: from US $ 177,00 Features Included in Safari Price All airport transfers, ground transportation and fuel as per the itinerary Transport in a 4x4 minibus with safari roof (other options on request) Charter or scheduled local flights where applicable and listed in the itinerary All park and conservation fees including for the vehicle, driver/ tour guide and clients English speaking Rwandan driver/ tour guide (other languages on request) Accommodation and meal plan as specified Activities as per itinerary Features Excluded in Safari Price All international flights, all flights not specifically listed in the itinerary A 4x4 wheel drive vehicle such as a Land Cruiser Cost of visas Travel, medical and personal insurances Gratuities and personal requirements Gorilla permits Rwanda (US $ 750,00 pp) All other Optional Activities listed in the itinerary (prices on request)
Our passion for Africa and efforts to furnish you with the very best Creative Destination Management are defined by the objective to provide exceptional quality, intensive and unforgettable experiences as well as pleasurable moments, that in every detail and attention to superior services are a dream come true and a feast for the senses. Our passion, commitment and dedication to provide you with memorable adventures is as limitless as the magical vistas of the African continent... Your Across Africa Creative Destination Management Team Additional Notes This is a proposal only and subject to availability. If components of this itinerary are not available at the time of booking, we shall endeavour to offer suitable alternatives. Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking permits are not included. Please note that Gorilla permits of US $ 600,00 per permit in Uganda and/ or US $ 750,00 per permit in Rwanda and US $ 150,00 for Chimpanzee permits in Kibale, Uganda need to be paid together with the deposit. The price for these permits is nonrefundable, however in case of cancellation, we shall endeavour to resell excess tickets through the available official channels. The appointed driver/ tour guide will accompany clients throughout the safari, assist them with check-in at accommodation and share his knowledge of flora and fauna. A language specific tour guide is available against a surcharge. A 4 x 4 wheel drive vehicle such as a Land Cruiser is available against a surcharge. Where applicable for charter or scheduled local flights, the following baggage restrictions apply: 15 kgs on all flights in small, soft-sided bags. Abbreviations for the meal plan are as follows: BB=Bed & Breakfast DBB=Dinner, Bed & Breakfast FB=Full Board. Terms and Conditions of our Services Payments Deposit: 25% of the total safari price within 7 days of confirmation. Balance: full balance due 45 days (6 weeks) prior to arrival. Reservations: made within 45 days or less prior to arrival: Immediate full prepayment due. Cancellations Cancellations received within 30 days before safari date 20% 29 to 23 days before safari date 25% 22 to 15 days before safari date 40% 14 to 08 days before safari date 55% 07 to 03 days before safari date 65% 02 days before safari date 95% No Show 100 % Changes Without Prior Notice Tariffs quoted are valid for 2015 wherever possible. Not all service providers release or guarantee their rates well in advance and therefore the itinerary price may be subject to changes without prior notice. Factors that can not be anticipated and may influence this cost calculation include, but are not limited to, supplier increases (including gorilla permits and park/conservation fees), government tax increases, fuel price increases, unforeseeable itinerary amendments due to circumstances beyond our control, availability restrictions, etc. Across Africa - Creative Destination Management www.across-africa.co.za www.gorillareisen.de manager@across-africa.de