There are few experiences in the world more memorable and magical than an encounter with a mountain gorilla. Rwanda is one of the few countries that happen to be home to the few remaining mountain gorillas in the world.
There are just over 1000 mountain gorillas worldwide today and all are found in small areas of east Africa straddling the border of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Gorillas make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Trek to see them and you’ll be introduced by your expert trackers and guides to one of the fully-habituated families of mountain gorillas and you can stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.
Experience Africa’s mountain gorillas on this 13-day adventure through Rwanda. You will also go on a safari to spot the Big 5 in Akagera National Park, trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park and look for colobus monkeys. Dive into the culture of Rwanda with a visit to Red Rocks Rwanda, visit the Genocide Museum on a Kigali City Tour, visit the King’s Palace and more.
Tour Dates: Departs 5 October 2024
BOOKING
To find out more information about this tour or to book, contact personal travel manager Kate via phone on 0461 411 444 or email kate.webster (@) travelmanagers.com.au
** Note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change
Overview
On this 13-day itinerary, you will visit Rwanda, home to some of the last remaining mountain gorillas and a place where you will be warmly welcomed by smiling locals.
Rwanda has bravely risen from a tragic past and stands proudly as a representation of Africa’s irrepressible beauty.
Be awe-struck by the profound power of the endangered mountain gorilla, explore Akagera National Park, home to the African Big Five and one of the most scenic national parks in Africa, and enjoy Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes that spans Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and dive into Rwandan history and culture with hands-on cultural and community experiences.
Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking
- Chimpanzee Trekking & Colobus Monkeys
- Nyungwe National Park
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Lake Kivu
- Spot the Big 5 in Akagera National Park
- Lake Ihema Cruise
- Cultural experiences at Red Rocks Rwanda
Itinerary
You will be picked up by our guide/driver when you arrive at the Kigali International Airport who will transfer you to your hotel where you’ll spend the night. As flights will arrive at different times of the day, you will spend the day at leisure around the hotel or walk to the nearby Kigali town centre to explore. This evening there will be a welcome dinner at the hotel where you meet your host and the other tour members.
Hotel: Four Points By Sheraton Hotel
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
After an early breakfast, start a historical exploration of Kigali with the Full Day Kigali City Tour. This tour visits landmarks from colonial, post-independence, genocide and post-genocide times (Stade regionale, Kigali Genocide memorial site, Kandt Museum, Belgian camp). Continue on to Bugesera in the afternoon to visit the Nyamata/Ntarama Memorial sites, these were churches where actual mass killings occurred, and they were transformed into Memorial sites. Enjoy the Kigali nightlife at your leisure.
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
After an early breakfast depart for Kirehe; visit Imaging and practice ancient artisan in the region, watch the waterfalls in Rusumo Border between Tanzania and Rwanda). Head to Akagera National Park in the Afternoon. Drive to your hotel for lunch then the night game drive in Akagera national park that starts around 17:30 Hrs. to 20:30Hrs. You will have a unique opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures which are more active at night than during the day. Get to have a clear view of a variety of wildlife and listen to the different bird species like the night jars among others in this park to make your safari experience a lifetime. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Akagera Game Lodge
Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, leave the lodge by 07:00 hrs to engage in a full-day game drive to spot the Big 5. Akagera National Park is characterised by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah. The varied terrain shelters wildlife including zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards and hundreds of bird species, such as the rare shoebill stork. In the southern part of the park is the vast Lake Ihema is home to hippos and crocodiles. Later drive back to your hotel at around 16:00 hrs for the evening at leisure then later dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, your day starts with a morning boat trip on Lake Ihema to see crocodiles, pods of hippos and over 50 species of water birds. Have lunch at the lodge, thereafter game drive through the park on the last game safari before heading back to Kigali arriving for dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast you will depart for Ruhengeri, the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains – The Virungas. Arrive at the Red Rocks Intercultural Exchange centre to join the local brew makers to understand the chemistry about the process of brewing a local beer from banana fruits. If you find the activity interesting enough you can join the women in squeezing the juice out of the bananas and drink a glass of juice (Optional). Understand how long juice takes to turn into alcohol after adding in sorghum flour. Enjoy the big glass of our local brew. Among other activities they also do basket weaving and with your visit this local community will be proud of this activity and families supported financially. Drive to Musanze town for lunch then later visit the Karisoke Research centre now known as the Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Diane Fossey gorilla fund. Dr. Fossey established the Karisoke Research Centre in 1967 and began her ground breaking research on gorilla behaviour. Over five decades later, Karisoke is the world’s longest-running gorilla research site and conducts cutting-edge, award-winning science on gorillas and their habitat. Later return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This day is set out for Golden Monkey tracking in the Volcanoes National Park. Entering dense stands of bamboo interspersed with open glades; you will make your way deep into golden monkey territory. Guides lead visitors to the habitat of groups of ‘habituated’ golden monkeys – monkeys that have become accustomed to human presence. Though viewing is kept to a maximum of one hour, travellers can get an up-close look at the golden monkey in its natural habitat. Adult monkeys frolic in plain view, feeding on bamboo leaves and leaping from perch to perch. Females carry their young, completely comfortable among onlookers. Return to the lodge for lunch then later early evening participates in a bee keeping activity, where locals will demonstrate how bee hives are set to attract bees and showcase the traditional way of how honey was processed and harvested.
Hotel: Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gorilla Trekking day! After an early breakfast, you will proceed to Volcanoes National Park headquarters – Kinigi to meet your guides for the day. After completing the park formalities, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas. This is perhaps one of the most breathtaking wildlife experiences on earth! You get so close to these awesome giant primates. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga is a magical experience. These massive primates are extremely rare, with less than 1100 living today. You will get within meters of the family, and be privileged to spend an hour amongst them. The trekking may be fairly strenuous; up to six hours or longer at a relatively high altitude. It is important to bring good hiking boots, long trousers, gloves for protection against stinging nettles, some snacks & sweets (for you, not the gorillas) as well as sufficient water as the rainforest gets hot and humid during the day. Gators and jackets are available for hire at your own expense. Return to your hotel to relax for the afternoon and take in the experience you just had.
Hotel: Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive to the port town of Kibuye via Mukamira and Gitarama and enroute visit Ndaba Falls, before your arrival at Kibuye visit. Spend the afternoon exploring the town at your leisure before enjoying the sun set over Lake Kivu.
Hotel: Cormoran Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, depart for Nyungwe National Park. Located in the South West corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is an untouched natural rainforest that is filled with exciting biodiversity. Covering over 1000 square kilometres, Nyungwe is surely one of the world's most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. Arrive at the lodge in time for lunch then enjoy a tea plantation visit in the afternoon. Later return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take an early morning breakfast then with your packed lunch drive to this park for the starting point of your chimpanzee trek. Two species of chimpanzee occur in Africa. There is the Bonobo and the Common Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes (often shortened to Chimpanzee, and sometimes referred to as the Robust Chimpanzee). The largest remaining populations occur in central Africa (Gabon, DR Congo and Cameroon). About only 400 individuals, the population in Rwanda is an endangered one. However; it should be mentioned that it is not guaranteed to see chimps as they are unpredictable and can move long distances in one day. Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of montane forest in East and Central Africa and it is an incredibly rich area of biodiversity. Later go for the canopy walk which sets 50 metres above the ground with a 150-metre walkway and is the first of its kind in East Africa and third on the continent after South Africa and Ghana. It allows visitors to see the forest from above the trees and be at eye level with birds and monkeys that inhabit the upper stories of the forest. Return to your hotel/lodge for dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast depart for a Kigali with a stop at the King’s Palace. Located on a hill 2 km southwest of town, this fascinating museum carries ancient history and is a replica of royal residences. You will have a guided tour that helps explain some of the architectural idiosyncrasies inside the royal compound, including why the royal beer brewer’s hut had an entrance without a lip, and other curiosities such as why the woman who looked after the king’s milk was never able to marry. Behind the royal compound are the Inyambo (sacred cows) with their super-sized horns and despite their fearsome appearance they seem to like nothing better than having lullabies sung to them. Crowning the hill itself is the royal residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa built by Belgium in 1931. This colonial-style home served as the royal palace until he died. Return to the town for lunch then visit the National museum of Butare which was donated in 1989 by the Belgium government with some ethnic collection, the design and concept all realized in cooperation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa of Tervuren; Belgium. Ethnographic objects are grouped together according to the theme giving premium information on daily life. Traditional ceramics and basketry are still manufactured and belong to the finest handicrafts of the region. The National Museum remained surprisingly untouched during the civil war in 1994. Continue to Kigali arriving for dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast and depending on your flight departure timings, engage in last-minute shopping in one of the friendliest African capitals, before returning to the airport for your onward international flight back home. This is the end of your remarkable Rwanda experience. Transfers to the airport for outward flight is included or you may wish to extend your time in Rwanda at your own expense.
Meals: Breakfast
Includes
- 12 nights’ accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- All activities as per itinerary
- All transportation through the itinerary in a safari truck
- Gorilla Trekking Permit (USD$1500)
- Chimpanzee Trekking Permit
- All National Park fees
Excludes
- Airfares to Rwanda (Kigali) are additional and can be arranged to suit your travel plans.
- Any costs incurred at the hotels outside of those included in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
Accommodation
Your accommodation has been carefully selected for this tour based on locality, design and local atmosphere. The properties range from 4-5 stars.
Transport from and to the airport is in a comfortable safari 4WD. While engaging in game viewing and activities, guests will be able to enjoy the roof open for maximum viewing. Water stations will be available in the vehicle to re-fill your reusable water bottle (supplied).
Gallery
Map
While every care has been taken to ensure the prices and availability of this tour is locked in, we do sometimes experience fluctuations and changes from our suppliers and ground operators. While every effort will be made to ensure this has no impact on the overall cost of your trip, if this can not be done, you will be notified immediately with options.
Please note that we are working in remote destinations and sometimes changes to the itinerary are unavoidable. While we endeavour to ensure we stick to the set itinerary, changes may occur prior to travel and while on location.
Also note that wildlife is never guaranteed nor predictable. We are travelling during times of high probability of wildlife experiences, however this is never 100% guaranteed.
FLIGHTS
Flights are NOT included with this package. Please discuss with us the timing requirements for arrival and departure from Johannesburg if you are organising your own flights. If you wish us to book flights, we are able to arrange this also.
PRICING
All prices are quoted in Australian Dollars. Typically, prices are based on two passengers travelling together. Solo traveller supplements may be applicable. Special offer pricing has already been applied to the website pricing displayed, unless it is stated otherwise.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
Passports must have a validity of at least 6 months or longer than your intended stay overseas. Visas to some countries are required for Australian Passport holders. Visas can be purchased on arrival in most countries, but please note, for entry into certain countries a visa must be applied for online prior to travel. Some visa fees are payable in US Dollars cash only. Some countries have a requirement making it necessary to have a certain number of blank pages in your passport. Please check with us regarding visa requirements.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN
Travelling with children under 18 years of age through certain countries may require further documentation in addition to their valid passport. As requirements can change, please check with us.
HEALTH & FITNESS
Please consult your GP or Travel Doctor for up-to-date medical advice. A minimum level of fitness is required to be able to participate on a Where Wild Things Roam Travel tour. In addition, some tours may require you to disclose your body weight. Please check with us to ensure that you can meet the relevant requirements.
LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS
Luggage restrictions may apply to your tour where safari vehicles or light aircrafts are utilised. Please check your trip dossier for detail on this and what is suggested to pack.
BOOKING
A non-refundable deposit of 25% per person is required within seven days of booking confirmation along with a signed Booking Form. Some tours and arrangements may impose a higher non-refundable deposit – please check at time of booking. Payment of deposit and a signed Booking Form represents acceptance of Where Wild Things Roam Travel Terms & Conditions by the client. Final balance of payment must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure.
LATE BOOKINGS
Bookings made within 30 days of travel from Australia will require full payment immediately.
AMENDMENT FEE
An amendment fee of AU$50 will be levied to cover communication and administration costs for any changes to bookings. This is in addition to any airline and operator fees.
ADDITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS
We can organise additional arrangements such as hotels and car hire not forming part of a package. Just ask us at the time of booking.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations must be received in writing and will take effect from the date received by Where Wild Things Roam Travel. The following cancellation charges will apply to the tour costs.
- More than 60 days before departure: Deposit only
- 60-49 days before departure: 40%
- 48-31 days before departure: 60%
- 30-0 days before departure: 100%
These charges can vary subject to the trading terms of our suppliers as some do impose higher cancellation fees on certain tours. The non-issuing of an invoice or non-payment of deposit will not exempt clients from these cancellation and administration fees. We regret we can make no exception to the charges and strongly recommend that comprehensive travel insurance is taken out at time of booking to cover cancellation fees.
INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that a comprehensive travel insurance policy be taken out at time of paying the deposit. Where Wild Things Roam Travel will NOT accept responsibility for loss of deposit/full payment, loss or damage to baggage and personal items, personal illness or injury, medical expenses, cancellation or curtailment of your trip.
TRAVEL SAFETY
For the latest government advice on travel safety and security, please visit and register your holiday on www.smartraveller.gov.au
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING PRICES
Much care has gone into the composition of itineraries and prices, however circumstances beyond our control such as currency devaluation, fuel or air fare surcharges, imposition of new or amended Government charges (i.e VAT) may necessitate an increase in cost. Where Wild Things Roam Travel cannot be held responsible for these changes. Should this occur at any time until departure date, you will be notified as soon as possible, and regardless of deposit or total payment having been made, any increase is to be paid by the client. If such increase is unacceptable, the client may cancel the booking, though, in so doing, is still liable to pay any cancellation charges imposed by our suppliers. While every effort has been made to ensure prices are accurate, please use the brochure as a guideline only, as rates are subject to change.
OUR RESPONSIBILITY
Where Wild Things Roam Travel uses local ground operators in the country of travel. The standards of accommodation and other services are based on various factors, which are generally accepted as indicated as a certain class. However, we do not represent or guarantee that standard, class or fitness for purpose of the accommodation or service. Where Wild Things Roam Travel does not accept any liability of whatever nature for the acts, omissions or default, whether negligent or otherwise, of those airlines, local operators, shipping companies, hoteliers or other persons providing services in connection with your tour pursuant to a contract between them and yourselves and over whom we have no direct and exclusive control. We do not accept liability for any injury, damage, loss, delay, change of itinerary when required, additional expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by events which are beyond our control, or which are not preventable by reasonable diligence on our part including, but not limited to war, civil disturbances, fire, floods, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government or of any other authorities, accidents to, or failure of, machinery or equipment, or industrial action (whether or not involving our employees and even though such actions may be settled by acceding to demands of a labour group).
