Rwanda

January 4 – January 8, 2025

Search for the gorillas that traverse the Virunga Mountains for the heart-pounding thrill of observing these giants in their natural habitat. The intimate experience of coming close to these gentle giants as they interact, play and nestle into the forest foliage can be life-changing and unforgettable.

Itinerary

Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Saturday, January 4, 2025

Day +2: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda
Sunday, January 5, 2025
After arriving meet your host for the transfer to the Kigali Serena Hotel for a restful evening.
Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel

Day +3: Kigali | Kinigi
Monday, January 6, 2025
Morning sightseeing today includes a tour of the Genocide Museum. Enjoy lunch in Kigali before the drive to the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge where you can rest and prepare for tomorrow morning's trek.
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (B,L,D)

Day +4: Kinigi | Volcanoes National Park | Morning Gorilla Trek | Kigali
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
After an early breakfast we begin the gorilla trek. Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most exciting natural history opportunities in all of Africa. To be so close to these amazing animals can truly be a life-changing event. Experienced national park guides will lead you through the thick forest in search of one of the habituated gorilla families that traverse the Virunga Mountains. Upon finding the group, we will have one hour with them to observe and capture remarkable photographs.

Following this memorable adventure, return to Kigali for the evening.
Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel (B,L,D)

Day +5: Kigali | Flight to Arusha | Main Program Begins
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
After breakfast take the group flight to Arusha to join fellow travelers to begin the main program. (B)

NOTE: Trekking will involve walking and climbing hills in tropical forests on uneven and sometimes rocky, steep and/or slippery ground at a moderate, unhurried pace. Park regulations state that the maximum time that can be spent with the gorillas is one hour. The time spent searching for the gorillas does not count as part of the hour.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Pre-tour space is limted. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level: 5

Very Active

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a very active pace and may include lengthy periods of travel. Expect extended periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces including cobblestone and paths and/or trails that may be gravel, sand, dirt or other unpaved surface. Activities may be in remote or rugged areas that require physical effort, possibly at high altitudes with steep ascents/descents and have distinct variations in altitude and/or temperature. Leisure time may be limited due to robust itineraries. Physical activities may include hiking, kayaking, rafting or bicycling. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Guests are expected to be in very good physical condition and able to walk up and down hills in tropical forests on uneven and sometimes rocky, steep and/or slippery terrain. The forest can be humid and paths may have heavy vegetation. A degree of physical fitness is necessary as you may need to pull yourself up steep slopes by grasping onto branches or bushes, or even get a boost.

• Porters can be hired at Volcanoes National Park to assist you with trekking and to carry your equipment.

• Trekking can take anywhere from 1-5 hours, depending on how long it takes to find the gorillas. It's advisable to bring an energy bar and bottled water.

Accommodations

Kigali Serena Hotel

January 5, January 7

While in Kigali, relax in style in the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel on one of the city's most charming boulevards. The hotel's pan-African style, wide sundeck overlooking a large outdoor pool and lovely tropical gardens will be a peaceful retreat while you enjoy your time in Rwanda's capital city.

Room Amenities: King or twin beds, air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, safe, minibar, coffee and tea maker, and en suite bathroom with sundries (shampoo, conditioner, and soap) and hair dryer.

Kigali Serena Hotel rear exterior courtyard with outdoor pool pictured at sunset

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

January 6

On the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge’s location is an ideal base from which to trek the Virunga Mountains and its habituated groups of Mountain Gorillas. Its friendly staff and collection of individual cottages will make you feel at home. The surrounding views will remind you of adventures in store for you. Each cottage has a fireplace (wood and charcoal or space heaters provided on request).

Room Amenities: King or twin beds, sitting area, coffee and tea maker, bathrobes and slippers, safe, and en suite bathroom with shower, sundries, and hair dryer.

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge standard guest room

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge exterior patio and garden

(Accommodations subject to change.)

Pre-Tour Rate**

Double: $4,395
Single: $5,595

Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare from Rwanda to Tanzania on day +5 is included. Airfare otherwise not included. NOTE: In lieu of a pre-tour deposit, the gorilla trek permit fee is required to guarantee availability. The gorilla trek permit is purchased at the time of reservation at a cost of $750 per person. The gorilla trek permit fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

What's Included

2 nights hotel accommodations in Kigali
1 night at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
Excursion transportation, all park fees and one gorilla trek permit
Temporary membership in the Flying Doctors Service
Airport transfer for guests arriving on the suggested flight
Internal airfare from Kigali to Arusha for the main program