Rwanda Primate Odessey & Lake Kivu

Kigali ⇾ volcanoes National Park ⇾ Lake Kivu

5 Days

Certificate of Excellence

Arrival into Kigali International Airport. Meet & Greet Services, followed by transfer to your Kigali hotel.

Morning, orientation tour of Kigali City, including a visit of the Genocide Memorial Museum.
Lunch at the Hotel Mille Collines – featured in the film “Hotel Rwanda”, regarding the 1994 Rwanda Genocide Against the Tutsis.
Afternoon, drive to the Volcanoes Mountains – home to the Mountain Gorillas & Golden Monkeys, for overnight. 94km, 2.5hrs

Morning, undertake the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime thrilling adventure – Mountain Gorillas Trek, in the volcanoes forest.
After your one-hour audience with your gorilla family, drive back to your lodge – for freshening up and lunch.
After lunch, relax at the lodge – as you re-live the fresh memories of your close encounter with the gorillas.
Late afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorillas Guardians) – for some insights into the transformed lifestyle of these families of former gorilla poachers.

Another morning in the volcanoes forest, for the Golden Monkeys Trek – trekking the only other member of the primate species, residing in the volcanoes forest.
Freshening up and lunch at the lodge, followed by check-out – ready for your drive to the shores of north Lake Kivu.
But, before exiting the Volcanoes Mountains base town of Musanze, a brief stop-over visit of the DIAN FOSSEY MUSEUM.
Shortly after, bid farewell to the volcanoes mountains region and drive west – to the shores of north Lake Kivu – Gisenyi region. 65km, 1.5hrs.

Early morning, optional activity, such as Boat Ride; Swimming in the lake; Water sports, such as Kayaking/Paddle Biking/Windsurf/Mountain Biking; Orientation drive along the lakeshore.
Mid-morning, depart north Lake Kivu and take the Kivu Belt Road, which gives you scenic photo opportunities, as you drive to central Lake Kivu.
Upon arrival, drive through the Kibuye Town and proceed to the lake-shore Cormoran Lodge for lunch, and a photo opportunity. 110km, 1.5hrs.
Then, bid farewell to the Lake Kivu shores and drive back to Kigali, arriving in the late afternoon – with onward transfer to the Kigali International Airport for your evening outbound flight.

Altitude and Climate

High Altitude: Volcanoes Mountains is situated at an elevation of over 2,400 meters above sea level.
Cool Temperatures: Expect chilly mornings and evenings, especially in the higher regions. Warm clothing is essential.

Gorilla Trekking Requirements

Age Limit: Participants must be at least 15 years old to participate in gorilla trekking.
Permits: A gorilla trekking permit costs US$1,500 per person. Permits are non-refundable once purchased.

Packing Essentials

Weather Protection: Waterproof clothing, including a jacket with a hood and waterproof trousers, is crucial due to the unpredictable weather.
Protection for Essentials: Use waterproof zip-lock bags to safeguard cameras, film, passports, money, and other valuables.
Warmth and Protection: Wear warm, waterproof gloves to keep your hands warm and dry and protect them from stinging nettles.
Sturdy Footwear: Hiking boots with good mud grip are essential, especially in wet conditions.
Gaiters: Protect your trouser legs and boots from mud and wetness with gaiters.
Comfort Items: A small hand/face towel can be handy for wiping sweat during the trek.

Remember: Proper preparation is key to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable gorilla trekking experience in the Volcanoes Mountains

Kigali airport arrival/departure transfers + assistance; (VIP Meet & Assist Facilitation in the airport, available on request)
1-Night Accommodation in Kigali, on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Kigali City Tour + lunch on Day 02(Inclusive of applicable Genocide Museum Hall Audio Guide fee)
3-Night Accommodation at the volcanoes, on a Full-board basis.
Gorilla Trek Permits – US$1,500.00 Per Person Per Trek.
Gorillas & Golden Monkeys Trek Permits – US$100.00 Per Person Per Trek.
Private Transport in 4×4 Safari Land-cruiser + Services of English-Speaking Driver-Guide.
Emergency Air Evacuation Cover (excludes hospitalization and medical bills).
Bottled Drinking Water during the safari (in the vehicle) and while trekking.
All taxes on the services quoted above.

Meals and beverages, other than specified.
Any other sight-seeing activities or accommodation, other than indicated on the program.
International/Regional airfares & Passport/Visa fees;• Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
Gratuities – Driver-guide/Park Guide/Porters/Hotel Staff, and other conveyance attendants.
Laundry and other items of a personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls, e.t.c.
Personal and Baggage Insurance.
Costs for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above, or requested for.