One&Only Rwanda Safari

Day notes

You’ll head out early this morning at 04:30,  driving for 1 hour to the Cyamudongo Forest, tracking the chimpanzees . In the afternoon, you have a canopy walk in the forest canopy scheduled. Other than this, you can opt to enjoy any of the optional activities available, which include:

Spear Throwing (duration: 1 hour) - An iconic part of Africa’s history, the spear is a symbol of strength, but it’s also a lot of fun! On a hill top above our tea plantation, enjoy a refreshing cool drink as you learn how to make your own spear take flight and take in the fabulous fresh air views.  We recommend: Comfortable workout clothing, covered footwear and sun protection. Cold drinks will be provided.

Tea tour (4 persons) The Secret of African tea (duration: 45 minutes) - What makes the perfect cup of tea? Some will say it’s all in the brew, but our tea expert will show you it starts right at the beginning, revealing the process of growing and processing African tea leaves with a fascinating visual presentation. No demonstration would be complete without a taste, so you will have the chance to sample some beautiful black tea grown in the local area of Gisakura.

Exploring by Bicycle (duration: 1 hour) - Saddle up and explore the beautiful surrounds of our property, with the breeze in your hair, at a pace that suits you. There are a few hills around and some dirt track riding, but let your friendly guide know and we can tailor the journey to your comfort levels. We recommend: Comfortable workout clothing, covered footwear and sun protection. A safety helmet will be provided.

Your overnight arrangements will be at Nyungwe House on a full board basis.

Day notes

Today you have another full day of activities at Nyungwe House. This can include a nature walk in search of the Colobus Monkeys, or a further experience tracking the chimpanzees. The nature walk is US$ 60 per person whilst the additional chimpanzee tracking is US$ 90 per person.

As well as these, you can also do spear throwing, tea tour or exploring by bicycle if you didn’t get time to fit them in the previous day. Your overnight arrangements will be at Nyungwe House on a full board basis.

Day notes

You depart early from the One&Only Gorilla's Nest, driven to the Parc National des Volcans headquarters to receive a briefing and commence your gorilla trek!

The gorilla trek itself follows the below schedule:

• An early morning start to your very exciting day spent gorilla trekking. The ranger station is approximately a drive of one hour from the lodge.
• Before 8 am report to the ranger station for registration and a safety talk by one of the rangers; the guides will then take you through the bush pushing your way through the undergrowth, parting thick creepers, to track the gorillas.
• The trek can take from half an hour to 7 hours – a reasonable degree of fitness is required as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes.
• Once you are close to the group, the guides will ask you to leave behind your bags as no food items should be carried close to the gorillas.
• Just take your cameras with you as you are about to meet the gentle giants!
• Sit in the forest amongst the gorillas, listening as they grumble to each other and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the silverback.
• It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas – sadly enough there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left.
• You are allowed exactly one hour with the gorillas before returning to the base station.
• Please note: Your guide will explain that it is forbidden to approach the gorillas closer than 5 meters, to feed them or to use flash photography.
• Likewise, for your and their safety! You will be accompanied by armed guards which guarantee your safety in an area where wild buffaloes are sighted.
• While walking, please feel free to ask guides to slow down if they are going too fast and if you need a rest. There is the additional option to hire porters on site.
• The Rwanda Wildlife Authority does not allow a trekking when you are sick as gorillas are very susceptible to human diseases. Should you feel sick the day of the trek, we urgently advise you to abide this rule. To receive a 50% refund of the permit cost, you MUST get a doctor’s report that day (please ask your guide to arrange this for you).
• We must also stress that, while you have a very good chance of seeing gorillas, success is NOT guaranteed. They are wild creatures with no fixed routine and finding them requires the skills and experience of your tracker sand guides, as well as luck.
• The trackers and guides have helped to habituate the gorilla groups and know them intimately. They will take you to the area where they left the gorillas the day before.
• Before leaving they may be able to suggest how long the hike might be.

After the trek, you return to Gorilla's Nest for lunch and the afternoon at your leisure and your overnight arrangements.