4 DAYS RWANDA GORILLAS, GOLDEN MONKEYS AND DIAN FOSSEY
The 4 days Rwanda Gorillas, Golden monkeys and Dian Fossey Safari is an outstanding experience for every visitor to trek the endangered mountain gorillas, the stunning golden monkeys and hike to the Gravesite of Dian Fossey, an American Primatologist who gave her all in conserving the giant Apes within Volcanoes National Park. The safari starts from Kigali City, leads to north-western Rwanda and ends in the same City.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Volcanoes National Park, in the Northern Province of Rwanda
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport (the gateway into Rwanda), your safari guide will be waiting to welcome and brief you on the safari you are about to undertake. Be driven through the smooth tarmac roads while relishing the views of the rolling hills that make Rwanda the “land of a thousand hills”. Depending on your time of arrival, have Lunch in Kigali before embarking on the journey or on arrival at Volcanoes National Park. Check-in at the Lodges for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Gorilla trekking and tour of the tranquil Twin Lakes
This will probably be the most unforgettable day of this short safari because you will get a chance to meet face to face with one of Earth’s most treasured and sought-after wildlife species. Have breakfast and assemble at Kinigi Park Headquarters for briefing on the dos and don’ts of trekking gorillas. Be allocated to one of the 10 habituated gorilla families, then head into the forest to search for the giant apes and the process lasts 1-4 hours, depending on the movement of the mountain gorillas. Spend one hour in their presence, taking photos and studying them go about with their daily activities then return for Lodge at the Lodge.
In the afternoon be driven or move to the shores of the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera, where you will start the boat ride that will explore the unique bird species that call the Lake and surrounding areas home. Return to the same Lodge in Volcanoes National Park for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Dian Fossey gravesite Hike and visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
After breakfast, be driven by the safari guide to the Park Headquarters for a briefing on the Dian Fossey gravesite Hike. It’s also at the Park Headquarters that you will be provided with a walking stick then connect to the trailhead from where you will start the 10 minutes’ walk to the Park boundary. Hike through the thick forest while encountering different primates such as black and white colobus monkeys as well as elephants, giant forest hogs and bushbucks and bird species for one and a half hour to 2 hours depending on pace of movement. On arriving at the Karisoke Research Camp (between Karisimbi and Bisoke Volcanoes), you will also see the house where she lived and was assassinated, final resting place close to her favorite gorilla (digit) that was also killed by poachers. Descend to the base then to the Lodge for Lunch.
In the afternoon after a delicious hot meal be driven to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village where you will discover Rwanda’s culture through traditional dances, visit to traditional healer as it was in the past, participate in preparation and tasting of local dishes and many others. Later get back on the safari vehicle for a transfer to the Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Golden monkey tracking and return to Kigali City
Have a hot cup of tea/coffee then move to the Park Headquarters to catch-up with the golden monkey community in the Bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey tracking is done in the same process as gorilla treks although takes a shorter time (1-2 hours). You will have one hour in the presence of the golden monkeys and return for a hot meal at the Lodge. Pack your bags for a drive to Kigali City.
End of your 4 days Rwanda Gorillas, Golden monkeys and Dian Fossey Safari

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