Once in a lifetime experience

ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE

 Gorilla Trekking-Rwanda (3 nights / 4 days)

DAY 1:  ARRIVE KIGALI AND TRAVEL TO MUSANZE TOWN

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by Virunga Programs driver | guide and your day starts with a complementary tour of the city.  Named in 1907 by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first colonial resident governor of Rwanda; Kigali city is surrounded by lush hills of green and is referred to as the land of a thousand hills. Get to visit interesting spots which may include; the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial site & Kigali museum. Depart for a 2 hours’ drive to Musanze area the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains – The Virungas. Arrive at Red rocks Intercultural Exchange center for lunch then join the local brew makers to understand the chemistry about the process of brewing a local beer from bananas fruits. If you find the activity interesting enough you can join the women in squeezing the juice out of the bananas and drink a glass of juice (Optional). Understand how long juice takes to turn into alcohol after adding in sorghum floor. Enjoy the big glass of our local brew. Among other activities they also do basket weaving and with your visit this local community will be proud of this activity and families supported financially. Later drive to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Driving distance:  2 hours
Activities: City Tour + Cultural Activities
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast 

DAY 2: GORILLA TRACKING IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

After an early breakfast, you will proceed to the National Park headquarters – Kinigi to meet your guides for the day. After completing our park formalities, we are embark on a once in a life time experience of tracking mountain gorillas. Once you spot them you are allowed to spend an hour watching your closest long lost cousin. This is perhaps one of the most breath-taking wildlife experiences on earth!!! You get so close to these awesome giant primates. You stare at each other blankly not knowing who to break the long silence first. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga is a magical experience. These massive primates are extremely rare, with less than 900 living today. You will get within meters of the family, and be privileged to spend an hour amongst them. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer at a relatively high altitude. We encourage for your own enjoyment to make sure that you are perfectly fit and healthy. (We’ve had people as old as 70years old do gorilla tracking so this should not be a problem; all you need is to ask your driver guide to request a shorter group for you if you cannot trek far)It is important to bring good hiking boots, long trousers, gloves for protection against stinging nettles, some snacks & sweets (for you, not the gorillas) as well as sufficient water as the rain forest gets hot and humid during the day. You will spend one hour with the gorillas, but it is an hour you will never forget. Return to your hotel for lunch and later dinner and overnight.

Driving distance:  45 minutes or Less
Activities: 1 Gorilla Trek
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner & breakfast 

DAY 3: GOLDEN MONKEY TREK AND TRAVEL TO KIGALI

Today after an early breakfast, you will be driven to the National Park headquarters – Kinigi to meet your guides again for your  Golden Monkey trekking  experience. With only a small number lasting in the World, the Golden Monkey can be found in the foothills of  the Volcanic Mountain of Chain(Volcanoes National Park-Rwanda, Virunga National Park-DRC and  in Mgahinga National Park- Uganda). They characterized by its bright golden body, cheeks and tail,with constrasting black limbs,crown and tail end,these playful primates are a pleasure to watch.

Driving distance:  2 hrs
Activities: 1 Golden Monkey Trek
Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: Half board – Lunch & Breakfast

DAY 4:   CITY TOUR AND SHOPPING + DEPART

After breakfast you will depart for a 2 hours’ drive to Kigali. Engage in last minute shopping in one of the friendliest African capitals, before returning to the airport for your onward international flight back home.

End of service

Driving distance: 15 Minutes
Activities: Airport transfer
Overnight:  0
Meal Plan: Breakfast