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5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda

Overview of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda

The 5 Days Gorilla Safari Rwanda begins and ends at Kigali International Airport. It features the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park as the prime activity supplemented by a range of other activities including the golden monkey tracking where you encounter the also endangered species that thrive only in the Virunga massif, the hike to the Dian Fossey site to pay tribute to the world’s famed mountain gorilla conservationist and eventually beach relaxation at Lake Kivu – the largest water body in Rwanda. The Musaze Caves tour and the twin lakes walk are incorporated to spice up the experience.

Safari Hightlights

Safari Highlight of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda

Day 1 of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda: Arrive in Rwanda (Kigali International Airport) & transfer to Ruhengeri – Volcanoes National Park
Day 2 of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda: Do gorilla trekking and Musaze Caves walk
Day 3 of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda: Do golden monkey tracking and do twin lakes walk
Day 4 of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda: Hike Dian Fossey site and transfer to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi)
Day 5 of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda: Transfer back to Kigali & flight departure

RELATED ARTICLES TO GORILLA TRACKING IN BWINDI

Day by Day

Detailed Itinerary of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda

Day 1 of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda: Arrive in Rwanda (Kigali International Airport) & transfer to Ruhengeri – Volcanoes National Park

Arrive in Rwanda at her main entry point Kigali International Airport where you are welcomed by the company representative who will brief you about the country and the safari in particular before embarking on the transfer to Ruhengeri where the Rwanda gorilla safari haven of Volcanoes National Park is located 116km about 2 – 3 hours’ drive arriving in the evening for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Hotel La Palme, Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel, Camping

Day 2 of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda: Do gorilla trekking and Musaze Caves walk

gorilla-tracking-rwanda

After breakfast, connect to the park headquarters at Kinigi to undertake a mountain gorilla trekking experience. You arrive at the headquarters and if it’s earlier than 8am, you attend to the traditional performances of the Banyarwanda demonstrating their magical intore dance. The hot Rwandan coffee is available at the site where you can take a cup and gain warmth amidst the mountain coldness. At 8am, the gorilla families are allocated and you attend to briefing in your respective gorilla groups after which you connect to the respective trail head to start the trekking. The search for the gorillas is a lifetime adventure where man begins the quest to reunite with his long lost cousin since their ancestors parted ways millions of year ago. The magical bird songs, the sounds of the forest, the sights of lush plants and amazing scenery combine to make the track to the gorillas a memorable one. The moment with the gorillas are far beyond the ordinary and it neutralizes long treks through challenging landscapes that you might have encountered. Encounter the gorillas as they forage and thrive comfortably in natural habitats. You are free to take as many photos as possible and interact with gorillas directly while maintaining the 7m distance. Retreat from the encounter and return to the lodge for short relaxation. In the afternoon, you embark on the Musaze Caves exploration where you explore the ancient Caves of Musaze 2km long dating back to 65million years ago when the lava basalt was flowing out from Volcanoes of Bisoke and Sabyinyo. The Caves with 31 entrances were used as hiding grounds in times of war in the pre-colonial Africa. Retreat from the activity and return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Hotel La Palme, Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel, Camping

Day 3 of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda: Do golden monkey tracking and do twin lakes walk

After briefing, embark on the golden monkey tracking. The encounter starts at 7am at the Kinigi Park headquarters where you head to the forest in unlimited numbers in search of these endangered Species. You take about 4 hours on the golden monkey tracking experience inclusive of one hour encounter with them where you see them roll themselves on the Bamboo stems and present themselves with no much shyness as it has been reduced through habituation and enjoy the sights of their silver patch. Retreat from the activity and return to the lodge for relaxation. In the evening, you undertake a walk to the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera where you have an encounter with the local fishermen and also enjoy the views of the lake. Retire for overnight.

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Mount Gorilla View Lodge, Midrange / Standard: Hotel La Palme, Budget / Basic: Muhabura Hotel, Camping

Day 4 of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda: Hike Dian Fossey site and transfer to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi)

dian-fossey-tomb-tour After breakfast, embark on the hike to the Dian Fossey site at Karisoke Research Station. Karisoke is located on a raised ground thus it involves an active hike through the forested slopes. You enjoy the views of Karisimbi and Bisoke Mountains. The site features the tomb of Dian Fossey and that of her favorite silverback Digit. There are also a lot of gorilla collections at the site. Retreat from the activity and connect to Gisenyi 110km about 2 hours’ drive arriving in the early afternoon. The Gisenyi beaches offer a remarkable evening experience like swimming, beach sports and boat cruise among others. Retire for relaxation, dinner and overnight

Accommodation: Upmarket / Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel,Midrange / Standard: Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu,Budget / Basic: Paladise Malahide,Resort Camping

Day 5 of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda: Transfer back to Kigali

After a relaxed breakfast, embark on the drive to Kigali city and depart with an afternoon flight back home.

End of the 5 Days Gorilla Self Drive Safari in Rwanda

Getting There

Transport Means to Your Safari Destinations

4X4 Safari Landcruisers For Hire In Ugand & Rwanda

One of the best known 4×4 WD that you can use for your safari in Uganda’s Parks and Rural countryside.Our car hire is based on limited mileage and applies to travel within Uganda.( Terms and conditions apply. Read More

4X4 Safari Vans For Hire In Uganda Rwanda

Looking for 4X4 Safari Vans for hire in Uganda, Prime Uganda Safaris is available to your service. We have customized safari vans that have 4 wheel drive and have demonstrated the capacity to access distant Uganda Safari destinations and across borders such as Rwanda. Read More

4X4 Minivan|Coaster|Mini Buses For Hire in Uganda Rwanda

We have minivans for hire to groups of eight up to twelve. Make sure to find the class to suit your large group.In this Category, we have 4X 4 Safari Mini bus with capacity ranging from 6 seater to 14 seater and they’ve got a pop up roof for game viewing purposes. These have got diesel powered engines and come with a driver guide but excluding fuel.( Terms and conditions apply). Read More

Accommodations/ Safari Lodges/ Safari Hotels to Your Safari Destinations

More lodging options in Bwindi National Park

Gorilla Mist Camp-bwindi

Gorilla Mist Camp is located in Ruhija sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park just outside the park boundary. The Gorilla Mist Camp presents perfect midrange / standard accommodation in Ruhija Bwindi

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More lodging options in Queen Elizabeth National Park

enganzi game lodge- queen elizabeth np

Enganzi Game Lodge is positioned on the Kichwamba escarpment presenting midrange / Standard accommodation to the Uganda safari undertakers visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park.

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Midrange Hotels in Queen Elizabeth National Park

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More lodging options in Bunyonyi National Park

bunyoni eco resort - uganda

Lake Bunyonyi Eco Resort is a midrange / standard accommodation establishment that is located on Kyahugye Island in the middle of Lake Bunyonyi surrounded by a count of wildlife including the Debrazza monkeys, the water bucks, Impala antelope and Burchell’s Zebra.

Safari Lodges in Bunyonyi

Inclusions

General Safari Inclusions

Gorilla Permit (for gorilla trekking safaris)
Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
Full Board Accommodation on Safari
Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
Fuel
Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
Bottled water while on safari
Border crossing fees (for cross border safaris)

General Safari Exclusions

General tips for the driver guide, site guides and service staff at the lodges
Laundry Services
Other Beverages / drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
International Flights (Arranged on request)
Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
Visas
Optional Activity fees
Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
Accommodation in Kampala or Kigali unless it is part of the Itinerary (Arranged on request)