Safaris.com - GORILLAS OF VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

GORILLAS OF VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Private or Small Group
Luxury Lodge

4 Days

from US $ 2,740

PARC DE NATIONAL VOLCANS

KIGALI

GORILLA TREK

TREK INTO THE PARC NATIONAL DE VOLCANS TO OBSERVE SOME OF THE LAST REMAINING MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN THE WORLD. THE PARK HAS FIVE HABITUATED GORILLA FAMILIES. TRACKING MOST GROUPS INTO THE AFRO-MONTANE FOREST USUALLY TAKES ONLY A FEW HOURS. ALONG WITH THE FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE OF OBSERVING THESE AMAZING CREATURES, YOU CAN CLIMB A VOLCANO, VISIT THE REMAINS OF DIAN FOSSEY’S GRAVE OR SEARCH FOR THE ENDANGERED GOLDEN MONKEY.

DAY 1 - KIGALI / PARC DE NATIONAL VOLCANS

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Kigali where you will be given a briefing. After lunch you will depart by road to Parc de National Volcanoes. The 3 hour journey north travels through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes. Sometimes as many as five volcanic peaks are visible. On arrival, check in to the Virunga Lodge, a spectacular eco-lodge, set on a stunning hillside with breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. Accommodations are in eight bamdas that terrace the hillside.

Aside from gorilla tracking, clients can climb the Visoke or Karisimbi volcanoes, track the golden monkey, visit the remains of the Karisoke Centre which Dian Fossey set up, or go for gentle strolls around the picturesque villages near the lakes.
Overnight - Virunga Lodge (L,D & activities)

DAY 2 - PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS

Be prepared for an exciting adventure this morning as you go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Overnight - Virunga Lodge (all meals & activities)

DAY 3 - PARC NATIONAL DES VOLCANS
You have several options today. You can go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans, or visit the golden monkeys. Other options are a drive to Gisenyi to visit Ross Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. Overnight - Virunga Lodge (all meals & activities)

DAY 4 - PNV / KIGALI / END OF SAFARI

After breakfast, leave for Kigali. Time permitting, you will have a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre and the genocide memorial. You will then be taken to the airport for your departing flight. (B)

** Please note: One gorilla permit is included in the cost. An additional permit may be requested - subject to availability at the time of booking for $500.

Scheduled Departures:
- $2,740 per person
- $290 single room supplement

Private Departures:
- $3,295 per person
- $290 single room supplement if traveling with others

2008: 5/26 Jan, 2/23 Feb, 1/22 Mar, 5/26 Apr, 3/24 May, 7/28 Jun, 5/26 Jul, 9/23 Aug, 6/27 Sep, 4/25 Oct, 1/22 Nov, 6/27 Dec

PRIVATE DEPARTURES: Anytime, based on availability of permits and accommodations

2009:

Transport from Kigali to PNV and a driver/guide for the above itinerary
Services of Park rangers and trackers on Treks
Accommodation on a shared basis
All meals as per itinerary
Activities as per itinerary
Park fees and one gorilla permit ** (Additional Gorilla permit is subject to availability at time of booking for $500)

International and Intercontinental flights
Visa’s and visa fees
Airport Departure Taxes
All items of a personal nature
Laundry Services (can be done for a small fee)