Day 1 - Gorilla Country
On arrival at Kigali Airport you will be met and driven the short distance to Gisozi Genocide Memorial. Visit the moving and emotional memorial of the one million people killed in the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. After lunch drive to Gorilla Mountain View Lodge in Parc National Des Volcans, a journey of approximately three hours. This friendly and simple lodge is located approximately 10 minutes from the park offices, at the base of Sabyinyo Volcano, with exceptional views. The 25 individual spacious stone and thatched cottages are comfortable with en-suite shower, sitting area and a fire place. The lodge is set in well maintained gardens, the main area houses a bar and restaurant serving buffet style home cooked food and local entertainment is offered in the evenings. Overnight at Gorilla Mountain View Lodge. (LD)
Accommodation: 1 night Gorilla Mountain View Lodge.
The lodge is located on the foothills of the Mount Karisimbi, one of the volcanic mountains that make up the Virunga Massif. The lodge is about 10 minutes’ drive to the main entrance of the Volcanoes National Park where gorilla trekking starts. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is an ecolodge with 30 spacious chalets. To ensure the least disruption of the surrounding environment, the ecolodge was constructed with locally available material.
Day 2 - Gorilla Trek & Kigali
Depart after an early breakfast to Park Headquarters for the gorilla trekking formalities and briefing. The group (maximum 8 people), travel to the forest edge and commence trekking through the thick forest to see these magnificent creatures. The walking is quite steep but not overly strenuous. After spending an hour with the gorillas return to Gorilla Mountain View Lodge. After lunch return to Kigali where you will overnight. (BL)
Accommodation: 1 night at the Hotel des Mille Collines.
Inspired by Rwanda’s unforgettable geographical terrain, the hotel derives its name from its motherland known as the “land of a thousand hills.” Inaugurated in 1973 as the premier grand hotel of the country and becoming a shelter to, a light of hope in the darkness for a terrified crowd of up to 2,000 people who were saved by the hotel opening its doors in 1994 during the Genocide against the Tutsi; Hôtel des Mille Collines is surely the most famous hotel in Rwanda.
Located in the central business district, the hotel allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views over the hills of Kigali while indulging in culinary delights from casual to fine dining, international cuisine to local signature dishes.
Day 3 - End of Gorilla Tour
This morning after breakfast transfer to Kigali Airport for your onward flight. (B)