Overview
“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”
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Scheduled Itinerary
Tour Dates
Tour Price
Fitness: Demanding
Tour Leader
Highlights
Highlights
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Join 2 gorilla treks, and hear stories from your Tour Leader who worked with Dian at Karisoke
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Visit Dian's gravesite, including Digit's, her favourite mountain gorilla
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Hike to Dian's original Karisoke Research Camp, located between Mt. Karisimbi and Mt. Bisoke
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Join our exclusive ‘Meet AWF & Dian Fossey’s Former Colleagues’ event
Specialist Tour Leader
Craig Sholley
Craig's passion for African wildlife and conservation began in 1973 as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zaire (now DR Congo). As an L.S.B. Leakey grant researcher in the late 1970s, Craig studied mountain gorillas with Dian Fossey and, in 1987, became Director of Rwanda's Mountain Gorilla Project, of which African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) was a sponsor.
He has worked and travelled extensively, providing conservation expertise, leading tours and photographing throughout Africa. Craig has acted as Scientific Advisor for the award-winning IMAX film, "Mountain Gorilla," and with National Geographic, he surveyed the conservation status of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire in the aftermath of the civil war in Rwanda.
Craig’s direct involvement with AWF began as a Senior Associate and member of its Board of Trustees. Operating as a full-time employee of AWF since 2001, he now serves as Senior Vice President. He has also served on the Board of the Ecotourism Society.
Itinerary
DAY 1:
Kigali
Meet your Travulous guide in Kigali, at either the airport or your hotel. After a briefing by your guide, depart on a scenic drive through Rwanda's beautiful terraced hillsides to Musanze, the base for gorilla tracking.
After checking in at your accommodation and lunch, spend the remainder of the afternoon enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
In the evening, join Travulous’ exclusive open-air dinner event, ‘Meet AWF & Dian Fossey’s Former Colleagues’, to learn more about conservation in Rwanda, from past to present. Listen to after-dinner talks by Craig Sholley, who lived and worked with Dian Fossey at the original Karisoke Research Center, in addition to a presentation by a renowned mountain gorilla conservation organisation.
Meals: Lunch and dinner included, breakfast at own arrangement.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Loge (or similar)
Kigali pre-tour accommodation options: Enquire for details
DAY 2:
Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, we transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by park staff, before meeting the rangers who will guide you to your assigned gorilla family. With 12 fully habituated gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, only 96 gorilla permits are issued to tourists per day. Advance booking is essential.
Gorilla tracking does not present a serious physical challenge to a reasonably fit adult, regardless of age, although the altitude and terrain can sometimes be demanding. Gorilla tracking can take from 2 to 6 hours, with the guides stopping frequently for people to rest.
After the trek, return to your accommodation for lunch and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure, or take an optional tour of the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (or similar)
DAY 3:
Volcanoes National Park
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 by listening to the stories of your Tour Leader Craig Sholley, you will gain a good understanding for what it must have been like for Dian all those years ago, when setting up camp to study and protect the endangered mountain gorillas. You will also see Dian's grave, and that of her favourite gorilla Digit.
After the trek, return to your accommodation for lunch and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (or similar)
DAY 4:
Volcanoes National Park
Today you have the opportunity to enjoy a second gorilla trek.
Alternatively, go in search of the golden monkeys who are endemic to the high-altitude forests of Volcanoes National Park. These playful and inquisitive monkeys are fun to watch as they leap through the bamboo or wrestle and run across the forest floor. A maximum of 32 golden monkey permits are issued per day.
In the afternoon we depart for Kigali with a pack lunch enroute. Upon arrival at your accommodation, it’s time to freshen up before joining a farewell dinner with local historian, scholar and genocide survivor, Rose-Marie Mukarutabana, to learn more about the pre-colonial history, culture and customs of Rwanda, dating back to the 14th century.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Mille Collines (or similar)
DAY 5:
Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before departing for Kigali International Airport and your onward travel arrangements.
Time permitting, consider visiting optional Kigali highlights including Caplaki Craft Village for some last-minute souvenir shopping, Umusambi Village which is a beautiful nature reserve home to over 50 endangered Grey Crowned Cranes, or Kigali Genocide Memorial which is a moving testimony to this country’s past.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Kigali post-tour accommodation options: Enquire for details
Extension tours: Enquire for details
Dates & Prices
TOUR DATES 2024:
Craig Sholley as tour leader:
06 - 10 August
29 October - 02 November
Enquire for itinerary extension tours, and pre and post tour accommodation and transfer options in Kigali
TOUR PRICE 2024:
$9,980 per person sharing*
Enquire for Single Room Supplement
*For Tour Operator and Agent pricing, please sign into our Agent Portal to access this information
TOUR DATES & PRICE 2025:
Enquire for details
PRICING NOTE:
East Africa offers a wide range of places to stay, from high-end deluxe accommodations, to less expensive quality properties. Please contact us if you would like to explore changing the accommodation options, to suit your budget.
INCLUDES:
Accommodation based on double occupancy | Meals as per itinerary | House beverages in national park properties | Daily vehicle transfers, as specified, on a shared basis | English speaking driver-guide(s) | Exclusive access to Specialist Tour Leader-Conservationist | Activities, as specified: Dinner and presentation hosted by the African Wildlife Foundation; Hike to original Karisoke Research Camp and Dian Fossey grave; Dinner with a local historian, and genocide survivor | Entrance / admission fees, as specified | Departure transfers based on 2 people sharing | Emergency evacuation cover
EXCLUDES:
All flights: international, domestic or regional, unless otherwise specified | Airport or departure taxes | Personal travel and health insurance | Any visas or travel permits required | Single room supplements | Late check out at properties | All drinks, unless otherwise specified | Premium and import brands | Meals not mentioned in the itinerary | Private vehicle transfers | Tips, donations and gratuities | Expenditure of a personal nature | Audio Tour of Kigali Genocide Memorial $15pp | Activity permits at Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla permit $1500pp; Golden Monkeys $100pp; Visit to Ellen Degeneres Campus | Entrance to Umusambi village $17pp | Porterage | Optional excursions and activities | Pre- and post-tour hotel bookings (enquire for details) | Itinerary extension tours (enquire for details) | Arrival transfers | Any Covid testing requirements required
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General Information
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.
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.
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.
For any questions on Rwanda, contact our travel team, who will happily assist you with any information you may require.