Rwanda Gorillas

Itinerary

• Rwanda

  Rwanda is a small landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of east-central Africa, bordered by Uganda, Burundi, Congo and Tanzania. A verdant country of fertile and hilly terrain, the small republic bears the title "Land of a Thousand Hills". It features a number of national parks, most famously Parc des Volcans with its population of mountain gorillas, and Lake Kivu with its resorts and watersports. The capitol, Kigali, is serviced by international airlines. Home to approximately 10.1 million people, Rwanda supports the densest population in continental Africa. The country has received most international attention due to the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, and there are genocide memorials that are a powerful reminder of this tragic history.

• Kigali

  Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda. It is situated in the centre of the nation, and has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since it became capital at independence in 1962. Beginning on April 6, 1994, Kigali was the scene of the Rwandan Genocide — the slaughter of approximately one million Tutsi and moderate Hutu by Hutu militias (interahamwe), and some members of the Rwandan army. The genocide memorials are a moving testament to this tragic history.

• Parc National des Volcans

  Ranging in altitude from 2400km to 4,507 the Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) is dominated by the setting of volcanoes after which it is named. Best known to the outside world as the place where for almost 20yrs the American primatologist Dian Fossey under took her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behaviour. Day hikes to see the gorilla families can be strenuous on tracks climbing through the forest, and time is very limited once contact is made with the gorilla families. It is a rare and memorable experience to visit with these giant cousins of man.

• • Parc National des Volcans
  • Genocide Museum
  • Gorilla Nest Lodge

  Day 1: Nairobi - Kigali - Parc National des Volcans

  You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

  Take your flight from Nairobi to Kigali today. The flight duration is approximately 1hr 30mins.

  Transfer to/from Volcanoes National Park with private vehicle and driver.

  Your guide will take you on a tour of the new and vibrant capital city of Kigali. The new prosperity features a number of thriving markets and features the mountain terrain famous in Rwanda. A sober contrast to its recent history. For survivors and others whose families were murdered in Rwanda´s genocide 1994, the Memorial sites and centres are places of dignified remembrance for loved ones lost. It is also a place of reflection and learning for the wider community, both in Rwanda and internationally.

  In the event of serious illness, all travellers are covered by Flying Doctors Insurance. This covers the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance does not cover the cost of medical treatment.

  Accommodation: Gorilla Nest Lodge

  The Gorillas Nest Lodge is situated in Ruhengeri, at the base of the Virunga Mountains and near Kinigi Park Headquarters. The lodge is ideally positioned for those who want to watch animals in their habitat, specifically the endangered Rwanda Mountain Gorillas that still roam these areas. With 20 double rooms and 2 suites, the Gorillas Nest welcomes guests from the world round to take part in the fascinating gorilla tracking activities. Share in the cuisine of Rwanda, which is served with the hospitality for which we all return to African countries. Take walks, learn more about the gorillas, and absorb the gorgeous surrounding landscape.

• • Mountain Gorilla

  Day 2: Parc National des Volcans

  The Park des Volcanoes is located in the Virunga Mountains, a magnificent chain of dormant volcanoes in the North of the country, and home to the world´s last surviving mountain Gorilla populations, currently a mere 700 individuals. A full day trek with your guide through the park is a reasonably strenuous activity which can last the morning or all day as you seek out the gorilla families. Viewing time is limited to one hour, and only 8 maximum are allowed per group. Visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. Kids under age 15, or people sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, are not allowed to visit the gorillas.

  PERMITS MUST BE PAID IN FULL AT TIME OF CONFIRMATION AND ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

  Accommodation: Gorilla Nest Lodge
• • Golden Monkeys

  Day 3: Parc National des Volcans

  Trekking through the national park to view the rare species of Golden Monkeys. Only open for visitors since June 2003, enjoy a rare treat watching these unique primates play and perform in the forest. (Optional extra day gorilla trekking - $500pp additional cost for day permit)

  Accommodation: Gorilla Nest Lodge
• • Kigali

  Day 4: Kigali

  Transfer to/from Volcanoes National Park with private vehicle and driver.

  Take your flight from Kigali to Nairobi today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hr and 30mins.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Kigali international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Wildlife Encounters

  The leopard is an agile and graceful predator. Although smaller than the other members of Panthera, the leopard is still able to take large prey given a massive skull that well utilizes powerful jaw muscles. One of many spotted cats, a leopard may be mistaken for a cheetah or a jaguar. The leopard has rosette rather than cheetah's simple spots, but they lack internal spots, unlike the jaguar. The leopard is larger and less lanky than the cheetah but smaller than the jaguar. The leopard's black, irregular rosettes serve as camouflage. They are circular in East Africa but tend to be square in southern Africa.

• Culinary Delights

  Just because you are on safari doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your palate. Enjoy a fusion of exotic and classic dishes such as traditional African and Cape Malay delicacies, fresh seafood served on the beach, Pan-African cuisine and authentic Indian curries.

• Pampered Indulgence

  After a hectic day of game drives, gourmet picnics, and leopard sightings, pull up a canvass chair around the fire, put your feet up on the old tree-stump stool in front of you, and indulge in the great old African tradition of the 'sundowner'. A sundowner consists of having a cocktail of your choice usually perched on a raised area (e.g., an escarpment, hill, rocky outcropping of rocks) as you marvel at the amazing African sunset.

• • Gorilla Nest Lodge

  Gorilla Nest Lodge

  The Gorillas Nest Lodge is situated in Ruhengeri, at the base of the Virunga Mountains and near Kinigi Park Headquarters. The lodge is ideally positioned for those who want to watch animals in their habitat, specifically the endangered Rwanda Mountain Gorillas that still roam these areas. With 20 double rooms and 2 suites, the Gorillas Nest welcomes guests from the world round to take part in the fascinating gorilla tracking activities. Share in the cuisine of Rwanda, which is served with the hospitality for which we all return to African countries. Take walks, learn more about the gorillas, and absorb the gorgeous surrounding landscape.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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