Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Exploration
5 DAYS KIGALI, AKAGERA & VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Arrival at the Kigali International Airport meet the guide for a brief introduction about Rwanda and the trip and transfer to the Hotel.
Day 2: KIGALI CITY EXPLORATION & BUGESERA RECONCILIATION VILLAGE
Breakfast at the hotel then start the historical-minded exploration of Kigali city with visits to landmarks from colonial, post-independence, genocide and post-genocide times i.e; Kigali Genocide memorial site where over 259,000 genocide victims were put to rest in mass graves, Belgian camp where they killed the 10 Belgian UN soldiers who were protecting the moderate prime minister before the start of genocide.
Lunch at Khana Khazana and transfer to Bugesera to visit the reconciliation village where the survivors of genocide live together in harmony with the perpetrators that killed their own families, Nyamata and Ntarama genocide memorial churches where thousands of innocent people were butchered in the house of God.
DAY 3: TRANSFER TO AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK – GAME DRIVE & TRANSFER BACK TO KIGALI
Morning drive to Akagera National Park, check-in at the reception later start a full day game drive in search for the big 5 that include lions, Rhinos, Leopards, Elephants and buffaloes plus the 12 species of antelopes including the biggest antelopes such as the eland cape and roan antelopes, some of the 525-bird species including 4 rare birds of Akagera, reptiles, amphibians, plants, magnificent landscapes, historical sites; a place with the highest concentration of birds per square kilometer than any other national park of Africa and hundreds of hippos etc. Transfer back to Kigali.
Day 4: GORILLA TREKKING & VISIT THE TWIN LAKES – BURERA AND RUHONDO
Early morning breakfast then transfer to the Park headquarters, arrival to the park reception, briefings and grouping, completing park formalities then embark on a once in a lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas.
Once you spot them you are allowed to spend an hour watching your closest long lost cousin. This is perhaps one of the most breathtaking wildlife experiences on earth!!! You get so close to these awesome giant primates. You stare at each other blankly not knowing who to break the long silence first. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga is a magical experience.
Be back at the base in time for lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Afternoon visit the twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, learn different traditional fishing techniques with local fishermen. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: TRANSFER BACK TO KIGALI
Breakfast at the hotel then transfer back to Kigali and to the Airport for your outbound flight.