4 days Gorillas in Rwanda

Morning: Your guide from Savannah
Explore Africa will be waiting to greet you
at Kigali International Airport (KGL). After
a warm welcome, we embark on a scenic
2.5-hour drive north. The journey itself is a
highlight, winding through Rwanda’s
famous "Land of a Thousand Hills," with
terraced farms, bustling local markets, and
stunning vistas unfolding at every turn.
· Afternoon: Arrive at your comfortable
lodge on the edge of Volcanoes National
Park and check in. After lunch, immerse
yourself in local culture with a visit to the
Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. This is not just a
performance; it's a transformative
community project where former
poachers are now proud conservationists
sharing their traditions through music,
dance, storytelling, and demonstrations of
ancient skills like blacksmithing and
medicine. It’s a joyful and humbling start
to your adventure.
· Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at your
lodge, with the cool, fresh mountain air
and the silhouettes of the Virunga
volcanoes setting the stage for the days
ahead.
· Accommodation: Five Volcanoes
Boutique Hotel or similar. Enjoy
comfortable, clean rooms with modern
amenities, often featuring fireplaces, and
stunning views of the surrounding
volcanoes.
· Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Morning: An early, excited start! After a
hearty breakfast, we take a short drive to
the Volcanoes National Park headquarters
for the essential 7:00 AM briefing. Over a
warm drink, park rangers will assign you to
a gorilla family based on fitness level and
explain the rules of trekking. The
anticipation is palpable. The trek itself is
an adventure—hiking through lush, misty
bamboo forests and dense vegetation,
following your guide and trackers. The
duration can vary from 1 to 4 hours.
· Mid-Day: The moment you find them is
pure magic. You will spend one
unforgettable hour observing a habituated
gorilla family. Watch in awe as massive
silverbacks groom, playful juveniles
tumble, and curious infants peek from
behind their mothers. It is a privileged,
quiet, and profoundly moving experience.
(Remember your waterproof camera!).
· Afternoon: Return to the lodge, often
muddy and always exhilarated. You’ll
receive a commemorative certificate. The
rest of the day is yours to relax, savor a
well-earned lunch, share stories, and
simply process the incredible encounter.
· Accommodation: Five Volcanoes
Boutique Hotel or similar.
· Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Today offers a choice of
fantastic activities (to be booked in
advance):
· Option A (Highly Recommended):
Golden Monkey Tracking. Embark on a
lighter, faster-paced trek to track the
endangered and incredibly playful golden
monkeys in the bamboo forest. Their
acrobatics and vibrant coats make for a
spectacular photographic opportunity.
· Option B: Dian Fossey Hike. For a dose
of history, trek to the final resting place of
the legendary primatologist at the former
Karisoke Research Center. This is a more
challenging hike but offers incredible
views and a powerful connection to
conservation history.
· Option C: Relax & Explore. Enjoy a
leisurely morning at the lodge, or take a
guided nature walk around the beautiful
twin lakes, Burera and Ruhondo.
· Afternoon: Free time to unwind. You can
choose to simply relax at the lodge, visit a
local community project, or explore the
vibrant town of Musanze.
· Accommodation: Five Volcanoes
Boutique Hotel or similar.
· Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: After a final breakfast with a
view of the volcanoes, we begin our
journey back to Kigali.
· Mid-Day: Depending on your flight
schedule, we can arrange a Kigali City
Tour. This includes a visit to the poignant
Kigali Genocide Memorial—a essential
and moving tribute to Rwanda’s past and
its powerful journey of reconciliation—as
well as a stop at a local market or craft
village for souvenirs.
· Afternoon: You will be transferred
directly to Kigali International Airport
(KGL) in good time for your onward flight,
filled with memories that will last a
lifetime.
· Meals: Breakfast