Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Meeting some of our closest relatives in their home
The rainforest slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes are a lofty and lush paradise, buzzing with the sounds of jungle life and the soft mists prevail as they did when Dian Fossey wrote her legendary book “Gorillas in the Mist”. And the creature that drew Dr. Dian Fossey is the same one which beckons to us: the rare and regal mountain gorilla.
This post-safe extension to Rwanda is based from Luxury lodgings and get you up-close –and personal with these gentle giants twice.
Gorilla trekking is one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences on earth, on a daily fewer than 100 visitors per day are permitted to visit with the gorillas. As a result, trekking spots fill up quickly, as does space in Rwanda’s luxury lodges. So, we recommend booking your safari in advance, especially if you wish to travel in June – September which is high travel season.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali and Volcanoes National Park – Park National des Volcans, Rwanda
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will meet our representative and have a short tour in Rwanda’s charming capital before heading northwest to the Virunga Volcanoes, a stately chain of jungle volcanoes that top out at Mount Karisimbi’s 14,787 feet, higher than any Rocky or Sierra Nevada. On arrival, you will settle into our exquisite accommodation, the base for our wanderings in these almost supernaturally verdant precincts.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: First Gorilla Trekking
Led by our guide and his crew, we begin making our way through the misty forest of a trailing vines, trilling bird calls, giant lobelia, and mossy hagenia trees – a Jurassic, emerald world, walking toward an encounter with one of the park’s ten habituated (meaning they aren’t frightened by us) families of mountain gorillas; no more than eight people are allowed to visit any given family for more than an hour each day. Seeing a 500 pound male saunter by only a few meters away is something you will want to tell your grandchildren’s children about.
After one hour, you will trek back to the park headquarters, meet your guide and return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Second Gorilla Trekking
Today we will visit a different gorilla family, noting the subtle cultural difference between clans, getting more insight into why the great animal rights activist Pat Derby said, “They are brave and loyal. They help each other. They play and have humor and they harm nothing. They are what we should be.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Depart Kigali
After breakfast, we will make the drive back to Kigali for your onward flights.
Note: Travelers who would like to visit more of Rwanda’s primates should ask us about easy-to –arrange side trips that put us in contract with chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
End of your Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Adventure.