STANDARD 4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey Hike

This exciting 4-day Rwanda Gorillas adventure combines a trek to see endangered gorillas and a hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey, a fallen primatologist. The 4-day Rwanda gorilla safari takes place in Volcanoes National Park, the prime safari destination in the land of a thousand hills. It kicks off with one night in the Capital, where you will visit some of the unmissable historical and cultural sites like the Kigali genocide Museum. From here, your private safari guide will take you to the Northern Province for more experiences, including gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The 4 Days Rwanda safari starts and ends in Kigali tailored and guided by Superfine Safaris Limited

Highlights

• Look for the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
• Hike to the Dian Fossey Gravesite to learn about mountain gorilla conservation.
• Visit the Gorilla Guardian Village for a taste of typical Rwandan traditional life and customs from the locals.
• Pay respects at the Kigali Genocide Museum, which honors the hundreds of thousands who lost their lives during the painful 1994 genocide.
• Check out Kigali’s colorful art and craft centers and authentic restaurants on your arrival day.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Free time.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.

Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and visit to Gorilla Guardians’ Village.

Day 4: Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike, Transfer to Kigali, and Depart Rwanda.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Free time

Welcome to Rwanda’s Capital- Kigali. If you have a window seat on your flight, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling hills, Mount Kigali, and other areas before touching down on the runway. One of the many aspects that makes Kigali City exceptional is the fact that it is the “cleanest in Africa”.

Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, you will be picked up by your field guide and transferred to your Hotel in the City. Kigali is one of the most beautiful Cities with a population of over 1,745,555 residents, and was founded in 1907 as an administrative outpost.

The remainder of your day is free time to explore any way you would like. You can choose to relax after the flight or visit some of the City’s Genocide Museums and Art galleries. Cap off your first day on the 4-day Rwanda Gorillas and Dian Fossey safari by savoring a delicious meal at an authentic Rwandan restaurant.

Overnight at: The Retreat by Heaven (upmarket), Kigali Serena Hotel (midrange), or Hotel Chez Lando (budget).

Meal options: On the visitor’s account.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour, Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Today is another thrilling day in Rwanda as you undertake a short City Tour and transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Check out some of the Genocide Centers, Art and Craft galleries, and Nyamirambo Women’s Center before leaving for Northwestern Rwanda.

By mid-morning, have coffee from one of the Cafes and start your 3-hour journey to Volcanoes National Park. Lunch will be en route (in Musanze Town) and head to the Lodge, arriving late afternoon.

Overnight at: The Bishop’s House (upmarket), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange), or Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).

Meal options: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and visit to Gorilla Guardians’ Village

This morning, you will pay a special visit to one of the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park to learn about the exciting behavior of these Giant Apes. After the briefing, you will drive to the trailhead and start walking through the community gardens, grassland, and Bamboo while searching for the endangered mountain gorillas.

While on this trekking adventure, you will come across other occupants of the forest, such as primates and birds, before finally meeting the allocated gorilla family. Later, spend one hour in their presence (watching and taking photos) as they go about their day-to-day life of resting, playing, feeding, and raising their babies.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village to learn about typical Rwandan culture through preparing meals with a local family, watching dances and songs, visiting a traditional healer, and hearing legends. Following the day’s activities, return to your Lodge for the evening.

Overnight at: The Bishop’s House (upmarket), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange), or Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).

Meal options: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike, Transfer to Kigali, and Depart Rwanda

Today, return to Volcanoes National Park for the invigorating Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike to honor an American primatologist who dedicated almost two decades of her life to protecting the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Start the hike with a briefing at Kinigi Park Headquarters, head to the trailhead, and start hiking through the forest until the cabin where she was murdered in 1985. You will also see the gravesite where her favorite Gorilla- Digit was laid to rest and learn interesting facts about the gorillas and Dian Fossey.

The Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike lasts about 2 hours and requires moderate fitness to go through the forest, and while at it, keep an eye out for different wildlife and bird species. Return to the lodge for an early lunch and drive to Kigali. At the designated hour, you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight home. Come back again!

Our 4-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Dian Fossey Package Includes;

• Gorilla permit/s.
• Dian Fossey hiking fees.
• Park entry fees.
• Hotel and Airport transfers, as long as they aren’t outside the safari days.
• Ranger fees.
• Bottled water.
• Services of a professional English-speaking guide.
• Relevant Government taxes.
• Ground transportation with a 4X4 Safari jeep.
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Kigali and Volcanoes National Park as indicated.

Our 4-Day Rwanda Gorillas and Dian Fossey Package excludes;

• Rwandan visa (can be arranged on request).
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Airfares (can be arranged on request).
• Laundry fees.
• Telephone expenses.
• Tipping (Rangers, guides, porters, and Lodge/Hotel staff).
• Porter fees.
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Cigarettes.
• Other personal expenses.