Overview
Experience one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife adventures with this Rwanda Gorilla Encounter Expedition. Journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Rwanda, explore vibrant Kigali, and trek deep into the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park to meet the rare Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. Stay in luxury lodges surrounded by the stunning Virunga Mountains while enjoying unforgettable safari moments, scenic landscapes, and rich Rwandan culture.
Highlights
- Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Explore Kigali City & Genocide Memorial
- Luxury Stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Guided Rainforest Adventure
- Rare Mountain Gorilla Encounter
- Rwanda Cultural & Historical Experience
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Kigali Serena Hotel for overnight. – Lunch & dinner on own account.
Kigali Serena Hotel (BB)
After breakfast, OPTIONAL Join your driver/guide on a City Tour of Kigali, includes the Memorial Centre and Crafts centers. The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for a hundred years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. Since then, the city has seen major economic development resulting in what it is today; a vibrant African city of 1 million with wide boulevards, an international airport, world-class hotels and restaurants, crafts & curio shops as well as a lively, cosmopolitan population. Visit the Kandt Museum, tour old Kigali and the Craft centers, visit the genocide memorial site where you learn about Rwanda’s history pre-colonial to 1994 genocide as well as other genocides in the world. Tour more and see the new developments; the recovery has been incredible, a true testament to humankind’s resilience.
Followed by lunch on own account, you will proceed to drive to Ruhengeri at the foothills of the Virungas. You will arrive at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge in the afternoon in time for dinner and overnight.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (FB)
After an early breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park HQs to be allocated a gorilla tracking group. 0700 hrs: Briefing by your trackers then drive to the trail head for the start of an amazing adventure.
Our exhilarating trek, in the footsteps of the rare and critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, the largest living primate on earth, starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virungas with stirring views in all directions. Upon entering the national park, her paths littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive buffalo and elephant, trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with colorful bird calls, butterflies, etc. Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent Virunga peaks, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, are glimpsed, beckoning an ascent.
Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, our experienced trackers, they spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring us up close with the family.
Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting; raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!
This afternoon will be spent at leisure enjoying the view of the Virunga Mountains.
-Dinner served at the lodge.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (FB)
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali and be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
(B) - End of Our Services
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Airport Transfers in Kigali
- 1 Night Stay in Kigali
- 2 Nights Luxury Lodge Accommodation
- Daily Breakfast
- Full Board Stay at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Gorilla Trekking Experience
- Professional Driver Guide
- Volcanoes National Park Visit
- Leisure Time with Virunga Mountain Views
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Rwanda Visa Fees
- Gorilla Permit Charges (if applicable separately)
- Lunch & Dinner in Kigali
- Optional Kigali City Tour
- Personal Expenses
- Tips & Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Any Services Not Mentioned
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
