In the Footsteps of Dian Fossey
Overview
To give an insight into the types of luxury travel experiences we create, please view the sample itinerary below. It can either be treated as a standalone program, incorporated into a longer itinerary, or modified to match your particular interests and budget. Alternatively, you may wish for us to start with a blank canvas, to handcraft a personalised itinerary based on what you want and nothing more. Prices will fluctuate based on the time of year, length of stay, accommodation choices, number of participants and inclusions.
We pride ourselves in our ability to plan and execute every trip to perfection.
Contact us to request the itinerary in PDF format.
Itinerary
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Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your Travulous guide and transfer to your accommodation in Kigali.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation's facilities or head out and explore Kigali, either on your own or on a guided city tour.
Some sites to consider visiting are the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Centre, 1000 Hills Distillery, Nyamirambo Women’s Center, Caplaki Craft Village, and Umusambi Village, to name a few.
In the evening, there are many charming restaurants in Kigali to choose from for dinner, many featuring panoramic views over the city.
Meals: All meals at own arrangement.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing on a scenic drive through the Rwandan terraced hillsides towards Musanze, the base for gorilla tracking at Volcanoes National Park.
Check in to your accommodation in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your accommodation or take an optional tour of the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
In the evening, enjoy an after-dinner talk with a renowned conservation organisation to learn more about their work to protect the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a short briefing before meeting the rangers who will guide you to your assigned gorilla family.
Gorilla tracking does not present a serious physical challenge to a reasonably fit adult (regardless of age), although the altitude and terrain can be demanding.
Tracking can take anywhere from two to six (or more) hours, with the guides frequently stopping to allow people to rest.
After the trek, return to your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After breakfast, we hike to Dian Fossey's original Karisoke Research Camp in Volcanoes National Park, located between two volcanoes, Mt. Karisimbi and Mt. Bisoke. Dian's original camp set-up consisted of a tent, converted over time to small cabins.
Today the cabins lie in ruins, but as you explore the area, you imagine what it must have been like for Dian when she arrived in Rwanda to set up her research camp to study and protect the endangered mountain gorillas back in 1967.
Before departing, you will have the opportunity to pay your respects at Dian's grave and that of her favourite gorilla friend, Digit.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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In the morning, you can enjoy an optional second gorilla trek or visit the golden monkeys before returning to your accommodation for lunch and heading back to Kigali for your homebound flight.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Alternatively, consider extending this trip by adding one of our Extension Ideas (see below) to this program.
General Info
Highlights
GORILLA TRACKING
Trek to visit the majestic mountain gorillas living on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains
DIAN FOSSEY
Visit Dian Fossey’s grave, including Digit's, and the ruins of her Karisoke Research Center
GORILLA CONSERVATON
Enjoy an after-dinner talk by a renowned mountain gorilla conservation organisation
EXPLORE KIGALI
Explore the sites of the capital city of Kigali, with restaurants, bars, and galleries abound
Accommodation Options
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Map
Extension Ideas
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Visit world famous safari highlights including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Gorillas
BEHIND THE SCENES
Gain unique insights into Wildlife Conservation, Educational Experiences and History & Traditions
BEACH DESTINATIONS
Round-off your safari in East Africa with a great choice of world-class Indian Ocean beach destinations
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
Visit a wildlife sanctuary and learn about the increadibe work they do to safeguard Africa’s wildlife
Climate
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary by location and altitude, with little variation throughout the year. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are June to mid-September and the wettest from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.
The dry season sees cloud cover and light rainfall. Roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate during this period.
Visas
All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for travellers from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie at all ports of entry.
For travellers of other nationalities, the Rwandan government has introduced an online e-visa application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers needing visas before arrival should carry a printed copy to present to immigration officials.
Language & Currency
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili. Nearly all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili are widely spoken and understood.
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Very few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels in Kigali.
Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
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“Little did I know then that by setting up two small tents in the wilderness of the Virungas I had launched the beginnings of what was to become an internationally renowned research station eventually to be utilized by students and scientists”