Overview
“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas”
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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 Akagera National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected wetlands and home to the Big Five
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Explore Nyungwe’s canopy walkway and discover a quarter of all of Africa’s primates, 13 species
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Visit Imbabazi, the former orphanage founded by Rosamond Carr in 1994 at the age of 82
Specialist Tour Leader
Ian Redmond
Ian is a tropical field biologist and conservationist, known for his work with great apes and elephants. For more than 35 years he has supported mountain gorillas, through research, filming and conservation work.
Ian first travelled to Africa in 1976 where he joined Dian Fossey, studying and protecting the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Zaire (now DR Congo). In 1978, he introduced David Attenborough to the gorillas for the BBCs ‘Life on Earth’ series, and has advised in the making of more than 100 documentaries.
Ian has been a conservation advisor for organisations including the Born Free Foundation, the Gorilla Organization, the Orangutan Foundation, and International Fund for Animal Welfare. He established and chairs the Ape Alliance, the African Ele-Fund and the UK Rhino Group. Ian was Chief Consultant and Envoy for the UNEP/UNESCO Great Apes Survival Partnership and continues advising on matters pertaining to apes and environmental issues.
Itinerary
DAY 1:
Kigali
Meet your Travulous guide in Kigali, at either the airport or your hotel.
After a briefing by your guide, depart for Akagera National Park. Dominated by swamps and lakes that follow the course of the Akagera River, the national park is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and home to the Big Five. In 2010, African Parks assumed management of Akagera National Park, shifting the park's trajectory from one of oblivion to prosperity and hope.
After check in and lunch, we visit the African Parks headquarters for a special behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about conservation at Akagera, followed by a sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner included, breakfast at own arrangement.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (or similar)
Kigali pre-tour accommodation options: Enquire for details
DAY 2:
Akagera National Park
After an early start, join an optional once in a lifetime adventure, flying across Akagera National Park in a hot air balloon. After landing, enjoy a bush breakfast in the Akagera wilderness. For those opting to sleep a little longer, enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
After breakfast, we depart on a full day game drive in search of elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, hippo, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, and Rwanda’s largest concentration of waterbirds. Due to Akagera practically eliminating poaching, the park has transformed itself into a haven for wildlife. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, followed by black rhinos in 2017 and 2019. Wildlife numbers have grown from less than 5,000 in 2010 to over 13,000.
Return to your accommodation for dinner, after which you join an optional night game drive.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (or similar)
DAY 3:
Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast we depart on a scenic drive through Rwanda's beautiful terraced hillsides to Musanze, the base for gorilla tracking. Situated in the northwest corner of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif. After checking in at your accommodation, spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities, or take an optional tour of the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
In the evening it’s time to join Travulous’ exclusive dinner event to learn more about conservation in Rwanda, from past to present. Listen to after-dinner talks by Ian Redmond, who lived and worked with Dian Fossey at the original Karisoke Research Center, in addition to a presentation by a mountain gorilla conservation organisation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Loge (or similar)
DAY 4:
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.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (or similar)
DAY 5:
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 Ian Redmond, 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 Digit’s, her favourite gorilla.
After lunch at your lodge, join the Kwita Izina gorilla naming festivities celebrating the newly born gorillas. Enjoy traditional music and dances. Kwita Izina occurs annually in September.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (or similar)
DAY 6:
Lake Kivu
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.
After lunch, we depart on a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, offering breathtaking landscapes all the way to the lake. The road gently curves back and forth as it weaves through hills terraced with bananas, and covered in pines and eucalyptus.
Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.
Upon arrival at your accommodation, check in and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure enjoying the facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena (or similar)
DAY 7:
Lake Kivu
After breakfast, we depart for Imbabazi, the location of Rosamond Carr’s cultural center, and former flower plantation. Enjoy a welcome lunch, with a presentation by one of Imbabazi’s staff.
Rosamond was one of Dian Fossey's closest friends and is portrayed by the actress Julie Harris in the movie 'Gorillas in the Mist'. Rosamond lived in pre and post independence Rwanda for more than 5 decades.
In the afternoon we return to Lake Kivu for an afternoon of optional activities, including canoeing or kayaking. Alternatively, spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities or exploring Lake Kivu.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena (or similar)
DAY 8:
Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, we depart for Nyungwe National Park, the first site in Rwanda to be featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Known to be one of the oldest and best preserved rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe National Park consists of dense Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. The park feeds two of the world’s largest rivers, the Congo and the Nile.
The park is home to approximately 300 bird species, 75 mammal species, 13 primate species including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys, and the canopy walkway, a high suspension bridge with stunning views over the surrounding forests.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Nyungwe House (or similar)
DAY 9:
Nyungwe National Park
Today we embark on a hike in search of chimpanzees. There are a great selection of optional hiking opportunities, with 15 further trails available. Keep a lookout for mammals including the cerval cat, mongoose, congo clawless otter and the elusive leopard.
During the hike you may also spot migratory birdlife including the ross’ turaco, grey-cheeked hornbill, red-breasted sparrow hawk and regal sunbird. With around 300 recorded species, of which a tenth are endemic to the Albertine Rift region, Nyungwe National Park undoubtedly ranks as a birder’s paradise. Butterflies are also a common sight, with at least 120 species.
After lunch at your accommodation, spend the afternoon at leisure enjoying the facilities. Alternatively, enjoy a selection of behind-the-scenes community experiences.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Nyungwe House (or similar)
DAY 10:
Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, we embark on a 2 hour guided walk along the 16 meter high and 70 meter long canopy walkway. Suspended above a ravine in the lush montane rainforest, the canopy walkway provides an exhilarating perspective of the ancient treetops and wildlife.
Alternatively, visit Nyungwe’s black and white colobus monkeys, who can be found in very large family groups, making the park one of the best places to spot these playful monkeys in the wild.
After an early quick lunch, it’s time to head back to Kigali and freshen up before 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 11:
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:
Ian Redmond as tour leader:
28 August - 07 September
03 - 13 December
Enquire for itinerary extension tours, and pre and post tour accommodation and transfer options in Kigali
TOUR PRICE 2024:
$17,525 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 Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Park | Daily vehicle transfers, as specified, on a shared basis | English speaking driver-guide(s) | Exclusive access to Specialist Tour Leader-Conservationist | Activities, as specified: Game drives in Akagera National Park; Behind the scenes tour with African Parks; Sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema; Hike to original Karisoke Research Camp and Dian Fossey grave; Dinner and presentation with a leading gorilla conservation organisation; Tour of Imbabazi Center for Hope; Nyungwe’s Chimpanzee tracking and Canopy walkway; 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 | Optional activities at Akagera National Park: Sunrise balloon safari $450pp; Night game drive $40pp | Activity permits at Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla permit $1500pp; Golden Monkeys $100pp; Visit to Ellen Degeneres Campus | Waterfall hike in Nyungwe National Park $50pp | Entrance to Umusambi village $17pp | Porterage | Any other 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.