Embark on a 4-day journey through the heart of Rwanda, a land of deep cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty, ending off with gorilla trekking. Begin your adventure in Kigali, a city that showcases Rwanda’s resilience and vibrant spirit, with a visit to the poignant Kigali Genocide Museum, an experience that provides a deeper understanding of the country’s history and the strength of its people. Then, travel to the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park, a sanctuary for the critically endangered mountain gorillas. Here, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trek through the dense forest and come face-to-face with these majestic creatures awaits, offering a profound connection to the natural world that is both humbling and exhilarating.
Continue your adventure with a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Museum, deepening your appreciation for conservation efforts and the delicate balance of this ecosystem. The journey culminates with an encounter with the playful and rare golden monkeys, a vivid contrast to the serene and powerful presence of the gorillas. Each moment of this trip is filled with emotion and awe, leaving you with a deep sense of wonder and a lasting impact on your understanding of our shared responsibility to protect these magnificent animals and their habitats.
Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is a city of progress and peace, known for its clean streets, green initiatives, and warm hospitality. Nestled among scenic hills, it offers a blend of traditional culture and modern development. Visitors are drawn to its bustling markets, artisan crafts, and impressive museums.
The city’s poignant history is captured at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an essential stop that offers insight into Rwanda’s journey towards reconciliation and renewal. Kigali’s culinary scene is also notable, featuring a mix of local and international flavors that cater to all tastes. This dynamic capital is a gateway to Rwanda’s natural wonders and a testament to its resilient spirit.
Enjoy a VIP meet and greet on arrival by one of our local friendly representatives including assistance through immigration procedures. Enjoy a private transfer to the hotel for overnight in the heart of Kigali. This is the bustling capital city of Rwanda. Kigali Serena is the perfect hotel for a start to this bucket list Gorilla trekking highlights trip. In the afternoon enjoy the facilities that this wonderful hotel has to offer including relaxing in the tropical garden. In the evening enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel’s in-house restaurant called Milima Restaurant.
Kigali Serena Hotel, located in the heart of Rwanda’s vibrant capital, is a beacon of luxury and comfort. This upscale hotel is ideally situated for exploring Kigali’s rich cultural scene, including markets, museums, and historic sites. With its elegant design and lush gardens, the hotel offers an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city life.
Kigali Serena is committed to sustainability, with initiatives like energy-efficient lighting, water-saving systems, and support for local community projects. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a serene spa, and the renowned Milima Restaurant, known for its exquisite blend of local and international cuisine.
Tip: Make sure to spend an evening at the hotel’s tropical garden or by the recently renovated swimming pool for a relaxing end to your day. It’s the perfect way to unwind after exploring the dynamic streets of Kigali.
Volcanoes National Park, nestled in Rwanda’s northern province, is a haven for the rare and majestic mountain gorillas. This lush park, part of the Virunga Mountains, offers dramatic volcanic landscapes and dense rainforests. It’s a place where visitors can have life-changing encounters with gorillas in their natural habitat.
The park is also home to golden monkeys, a variety of bird species, and rich biodiversity. Trekking through this terrain provides a unique opportunity to witness conservation efforts in action and connect deeply with nature. It’s an experience that combines adventure with the profound beauty of the Rwandan wilderness.
After breakfast, our local Safari365 guide will collect you at 09h00 for a visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum. This museum is an educational tour and is located outside of Kigali city centre.
After this interesting excursion, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park. You will arrive around 13h00 in time to enjoy a hearty lunch at the hotel, which is located in the northern province of Rwanda. The hotel is Bishops House and meals are also inclusive of unlimited soft drinks, local beers and house wines. In the afternoon enjoy the facilities at this boutique hotel or relax in the spacious rooms which have four-poster beds.
Kigali Genocide Museum
Bishops House, located in the serene outskirts of Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, offers an elegant and tranquil retreat near the home of the mountain gorillas. This boutique hotel, set against the lush backdrop of the Virunga Mountains, blends traditional Rwandan architecture with luxurious modern amenities. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, each with four-poster beds and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The hotel is dedicated to sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly practices such as energy conservation, waste management, and support for local community initiatives. With its intimate setting and personalized service, Bishops House ensures a memorable experience for all its guests.
Tip: Take advantage of the hotel’s location to arrange early morning treks into the park. After a day of adventure, relax in the hotel’s gardens or enjoy a meal of locally sourced ingredients, perfectly capturing the flavors and spirit of Rwanda.
The Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face to face encounters with these intriguing creatures. On day 3 after an early breakfast, the dedicated guide will transfer you to the park headquarters for gorilla trekking briefing. Then a sure highlight will start at 08h00 with a mountain Gorilla trekking. Return around midday from the jungle. Afternoon transfer back to Bishops House for lunch and to freshen up. At 15h00 partake in an afternoon activity to visit Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Museum. Evening will be a sumptuous dinner in the tranquility of the land of a thousand hills – Rwanda to end off a remarkable Gorilla trekking day.
Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity of discovering the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by a guide and two scouts who are well trained in emergency situations. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some taking the better part of the day
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is an expansive, 12-acre property that rests adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The campus showcases the best in sustainable architecture, local resourcing, and environmentally responsible practices and will offer state-of-the-art laboratories, a scientific conservation library, and meeting space for large groups. The goal of the campus is to inspire everyone who visits, to cherish gorillas and encourage a lifetime of conservation.
Gorilla trekking, Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Fund Museum – the campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Begin the day with a breakfast and then transfer to the park headquarters for the Golden monkey trekking briefing. Start this exciting experience at 08h00. Golden Monkey Trekking offers visitors a unique experience of catching a glimpse of the endangered Golden Monkey. These striking primates with their bright orange fur contrasting the green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains is a photographers dream. The Golden Monkey can be found in very few places outside of Volcanoes National Park, and their vibrant colours, energetic demeanour, and sizeable troupes of up to 30 individuals are indeed a sight to behold.
Depart the exciting activity around midday and then return to Kigali. We recommend booking an outbound flight around 18h30 onwards. Your Safari365 travel expert will be able to facilitate the flight and provide you with the best advice on times.
Golden Monkey trek
Gorilla trekking permit, Ellen DeGeneres museum, Kigali Genocide Museum, Golden Monkey trekking
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