Welcome to Africa! Upon arrival at the international airport in Kigali you will be met by a Rothschild Safaris representative and transferred to the Des Mille Collines Hotel for one night.
Bed and Breakfast
After breakfast today, you will be met by your guide and transferred for your half day city tour, including the genocide memorial museum. The memorial was built in 2004 on the burial site of 250,000 genocide victims. The site includes an exhibit documenting the genocide, a children’s memorial and an exhibit on the history of genocide around the world.
In the afternoon, you will begin the two hour road transfer to Kinigi at the base of Sabinyo Mountain and Volcanoes National Park. The road is paved and offers stunning views of the hills and valleys of the green and lush countryside. You will arrive to Mountain Gorilla View Lodge where you will enjoy your next two nights.
Full Board
After breakfast, take a short drive to Park Headquarters for your first day of gorilla trekking. You will meet the excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. You will then hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before and track from that point.
The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world.
Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and fast speed film are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes’ notice; hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film.
Full Board
Today will be your second gorilla trekking day. After trekking, you depart for the two hour drive back to Kigali.
Road transfer to Kigali
Bed and Breakfast
Your Rwanda safari comes to an end as you are transferred to Kigali Airport for your onward arrangements.