This classic Rwanda safari explores the 'land of a thousand hills', where a third of the world's mountain gorillas live in peace in the rainforests of the Parc National des Volcans. Go gorilla tracking with an expert and enjoy a memorable hour in their company. Visit local villages, see the grave of researcher Dian Fossey and climb one of the volcanoes from which the Park takes its name.
CLASSIC RWANDA SAFARI
HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoying sundowners at the Virunga Safari Lodge as the sun sets over the volcanoes.
- Watching young gorillas play.
- Visiting local Rwandan villages.
- Climbing the Muhavura volcano.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Rwanda
Arrive in the 'land of a thousand hills'. The National Parc des Volcans lies within the Virunga Mountain range in the country's north-west and is home to approximately a third of the world's mountain gorillas as well as other primates. Your home for the next three nights is in a spectacular setting overlooking the Virunga volcanoes as well as the lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera. Despite its remoteness, Virunga Lodge is beautifully styled and each banda has a private bathroom with hot water and flush loos. You also have a private terrace with stunning views over the landscape that lends the country its moniker. This evening, enjoy sundowners with the stunning volcanoes as a backdrop.
Overnight: Virunga Lodge
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Day 2 Parc National des Volcans
Today begin your Rwanda safari with a day's gorilla tracking in the Parc National des Volcans. The tracking can be physically demanding and you will be expected to walk for between three and seven hours through thick undergrowth, depending upon the gorillas' movements. The reward is a memorable hour observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat - a rare privilege.
Overnight: Virunga Lodge
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Day 3 Parc National des Volcans
Choose between gorilla tracking once again or choose from a number of alternative activities. Dian Fossey remains one of the best known researchers on endangered mountain gorillas. She was killed in 1985 and guests may visit her grave which sits alongside that of Digit, one of the gorillas she observed over many years. Alternatively, go tracking to see golden monkeys or climb one of the many mountains of the region, such as the Muhavura volcano. Hike to the waterfalls, or visit a local village community to see rural Rwanda first-hand. You may like to see a local community project in action: The Imbabazi Orphanage was established in 1994 by Rosamond Carr, whose love affair with Rwanda extended some 50 years. Mrs Carr lived through colonialism and independence and counted Dian Fossey amongst her close friends. Following the genocide in 1994, Mrs Carr set up Imbabazi Orphanage, which has since cared for over 400 children. This evening, enjoy a final evening over sundowners at your lodge.
Overnight: Virunga Lodge
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Day 4 Depart
Depart your lodge and transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
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Depart
BOOKING NOTES
- Price is per person, based on two people sharing a room
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transfers throughout.
- All sightseeing, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary.
- Internal flights where detailed in the itinerary.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
