10-Day Gorilla Luxury Safari Private Tour Rwanda and Parc des Volcans

Welcome to the "land of a thousand hills". Rwanda is an excellent place to get to experience East Africa. Come meet with the friendly locals, track the mountain gorillas and take in wonderful lakeside views, all from the comfort of your luxurious lodgings. This luxury tour has been designed to bring you in close contact with all of the highlights as well as the tumultuous history of this fascinating country. Only the best lodging has been chosen combining excellent comfort and service.

Day 1 - Arrival in Rwanda
Your driver/guide shall meet you at Kigali Airport to pick you up from your flight, and drive you to the hotel.

Depending on your time of arrival you may be able to visit some of Kigali’s craft markets. Where you can browse amongst the pottery, carvings, batik, weaving, sculpture, musical instruments, leather and fabrics on offer. Prepare to use your haggling skills! All activities and purchases today are at your own cost.

You will stay at the Hotel Des Mille Colines, made famous by the film 'Hotel Rwanda' located in the central district of the city with wonderful views, swimming pool, and high standards of service.

Accommodation: Hotel Des Mille Colines
Meal Plan: No meals inclusive today

Day 2 - Nyamata Church and the Genocide Memorial
After breakfast, you drive south of Kigali, through beautiful countryside seldom visited by tourists. In the small town Nyamata you will visit a genocide memorial church.

In 1994, when the genocide began, many ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus took refuge in churches, believing militias would not enter these sacred spaces. However, as priests, nuns, and church officials systematically fled Rwanda after the genocide began, large-scale massacres occurred in Catholic churches throughout the country. In some cases, priests and other officials were complicit in the killings.

The Bugesera district was one of the area’s most devastated by the genocide. From a population of 62,000, only 2,000 survived. Over 5 days 10.000 people were killed in and around the grounds of Nyamata Catholic Church.

After this visit, you will head back to Kigali to stop at the the Genocide Memorial and Education Centre, which opened in 2004. It’s a dignified tribute to the victims, including a poignant Children’s Memorial, and a detailed description of the darkest hour in Rwanda's recent history.

Accommodation: Hotel Des Mille Colines
Meal Plan: Breakfast is inclusive

Day 3 - To Nyungwe Forest
Today, you will set off towards the famous Nyungwe Forest. This is one of the largest forests in East and Central Africa, abundant with flora and fauna including 13 primate species from colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys and, of course, our cousins the chimpanzees.

Nyungwe Forest is also a famous location for birders. With about 310 recorded bird species, 26 of which are endemic, this is one of the most important - and still little known - bird-watching destinations in Africa.

Your lodge is situated in the middle of a beautifully verdant tea plantation just on the edge of the forest. Swim in the heated infinity pool before experiencing an evening of fine dining.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, late lunch, and dinner

Day 4 - Chimpanzee Tracking
This morning you have a very early start. After breakfast you shall proceed to the chimpanzee tracking trail in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sections. The total population between the two groups is a healthy 80 individuals. You will not soon forget this exciting up-close encounter with human's closest relative.

After the chimp tracking you can relax at the lodge or choose an optional activity that you can discuss with your guide.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive

Day 5 - Forest Canopy and Waterfall Hike
Today you shall go for East Africa’s only canopy walk. This walk takes place above a deep gorge cutting across the massive forest. Lasting about 1½ hours, the walk takes you through some beautiful foliage and animal habitats. Along the way you'll have the chance to spot blue monkeys and unique birds that dwell in the upper levels of the forest canopy.

In the afternoon, a waterfall hike is in your program. This trail begins from Gisakura Guesthouse next to the ORTPN offices (a 15 minute drive from the hotel) and takes between 3 and 6 hours round trip, depending upon how frequently you stop to sightsee and whether you choose to drive or walk from the guesthouse.
The first part of the trail is basically following the road to the vehicle park before delving into the forest. You will have to cross various streams before making a steep descent to the base of the small, refreshing waterfall. Monkeys are frequently seen along the way and the steep slopes provide excellent views into the canopy.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive

Day 6 - To Kibuye on Lake Kivu
After a relaxed breakfast you shall drive to Kibuye on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu. Time allowing, you can visit the Ndaba Falls or take a walk around Kibuye town. In the afternoon you can try to rent a boat and visit a few islands. All activities today are at your own cost.

The lodge is perched on stilts above the shores of Lake Kivu. It is a beautiful set of wood-built structures with a private beach and a good restaurant. All rooms have a balcony overlooking the lake.

Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast is inclusive

Day 7 - To Gisenyi
Today you continue along the scenic Lake Kivu coast, winding through valleys and small villages to the northern town of Gisenyi just next to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the afternoon you can visit the local market and see the day-to-day life of the people. Try your local lunch at Auberge de Gisenyi or Bistro Restaurant. Boat tours on Lake Kivu are also possible.

The hotel overlooks its own private beach and has a panoramic restaurant, indoor and beachside bars, a luxury swimming pool, and complete gym and health centre.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast is inclusive

Day 8 - To the Parc des Volcans
Today you shall drive northeast to the town of Musanze close to the Virunga Volcano range. This beautiful area represents the gateway to the gorilla tracking.

The Gorilla View Lodge is situated on the edge of the dense forest of Parc des Volcans. From your large room you can look out over tropical rainforest as well as the mighty Mount Sabinyo. In the evening you can enjoy a camp fire and some entertainment from a local dance group.

Journey time: 1½ hours
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive

Day 9 - Gorilla Tracking
Today is probably the highlight of your trip! You'll have an early start for this special day. From the lodge, you drive into the park about 30 minutes to the Office Rwandais du Tourisme et Des Parc Nationaux (ORTPN).

The head ranger of the ORTPN will divide you into groups based on interest and fitness. The gorillas you will track belong to one of the seven habituated family groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day.

Matoke Tours purchases the permits in advance but is unable to reserve a specific gorilla group as it is for the head-ranger to decide this in the morning!

From the ORTPN office your driver/guide will take you as close as possible to the starting point of your tracking. The track will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gorillas’ current location. En-route, your guide will point out signs of previous Gorilla activity, including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots.

The time taken to track the gorillas can take as little as half an hour to as much as 8 hours! Once the gorillas have been located, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a truly humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic and privileged opportunity to get up close and personal with Rwanda’s own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’.

Journey time: 30 minutes by car, tracking time varies
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner inclusive

Day 10 - Back to Kigali
After a relaxed breakfast, you travel back to Kigali in time to catch your flight back home. Sadly, this is where you say goodbye to Rwanda. But you may also decide to extend your trip to another country in the region. Matoke Tours offers extensions to Uganda, Tanzania or the islands of Zanzibar. Contact us for all possibilities.

Note: This programme is only possible when your flight departs from Kigali at 3 p.m. or later. If you need another night in Kigali, we will be happy to make a booking for you.

This is the end of what we hope has been a fabulous trip!

Accommodation: NOT INCLUDED!
Meal plan: Breakfast is inclusive

Please book this tour now via our 24/7 hot line 
 +256 777 506 150 , +256 704 63 50 44   OR via 
our email info@gorillatourbooking.com. or gorillatourbooking@gmail.com
 We are warmly waiting for you inquiry!

Read More

13 Days Discover Rwanda , Butare/Nyungwe Forest National Park

DAY 1: Kigali
Arrive at Kigali Airport where you will be met by representative of International Tours and Travel You will be given a briefing about your trip after your driver will take you to the hotel for check in, if time allows you will do Kigali city tour highlighting kisozi Genocide memorial, Caparaki art craft gallery, Belgium memorial, Kigali historical Museum among others your guide will take you to your hotel for either lunch or dinner and overnight at your hotel (BB)

DAY 2: Butare/Nyungwe Forest National Park
after breakfast drive to the Nyungwe Forest National Park with a Visit to Nyanza Kings palace and Butare national Museums, Lunch at hotel Ibis in Butare town after lunch back to National museum to Watch a performance of Rwanda Traditional Dancers, by the Intore Troupe proceed to Nyungwe National park and cheek in at Gisakura guest house Dinner & overnight your hotel BB

DAY 3: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Early Morning have breakfast then with your drive/guide drive to the reception to pick up your guide then go for Chimpanzee trekking in the Forest after you will go back to your hotel for Lunch Gisakura guest house in the Afternoon go for tea factory see test and buy one of the finest tea in Africa. Dinner and over night at your hotel BB

DAY: 4 Natural walks in Nyungwe National Park
after breakfast Natural walk in Nyungwe forest with a visit to Kamiranzovu Water Falls, back to your hotel lunch and in the after you can have evening walks/ self guided tour around the area return to your hotel dinner and over night stay at your hotel

DAY 5: Colobus Monkey Tracking
Early breakfast will be followed be tracking Colobus Monkey in the forest here you might have a chance to meet, hear or see other habitants of the forest including small and big mammals, birds, reptiles, butterflies and among others back to your hotel for lunch or Dinner & overnight at you’re at Gisakura guest house BB

DAY 6: Lake Kivu - Kibuye
Early morning breakfast will be followed by a Drive to Kibuye holiday resort town, passing through breath-taking mountains, deep valleys, and the typical Rwandan countryside of“1000 Hills topography Check in at Hotel Bethanie for lunch with Free afternoon for resting on the shores of lake kivu Dinner & overnight your hotel BB

DAY 7: Lake Kive - Kibuye / Amohoro Island
Breakfast will be served at the nearby scenic Amahoro Island, in Lake Kivu Motor Boat excursion trip on Lake Kivu, visiting several small islands, including the Napoleon Island, best known for its inhabitants of thousands of Giant Bats (vleermuizen) Lunch at Amahoro Island, this is an option (on private arrangement) Return to mainland for a walking tour of Kibuye town, taking in the genocide Church Memorial site, and local market Dinner & overnight your hotel

DAY 8: Kibuye – GISENYI
After breakfast drive to Gisenyi town, passing through a “green carpet of large Tea Plantations Check in at Lake Ubumwe hotel or lake Kivu Serena hotel for lunch Free afternoon for relaxation on the clean beaches of Lake Kivu, or just swim in the Swimming Pool or in the lake, Take an excursion of Gisenyi town, with visits to the local market, the Kiaka Artisans Workshops, and take a glimpse of DR- Congo, at the Rwandan / DR-Congo border post Lunch at Lake Kivu Serena hotel Dinner & overnight at your hotel BB

DAY 9: Lake Kivu -Ruhengeri Volcanoes National Park -Golden Monkey
After an early breakfast, go for the Golden Monkeys trekking experiences in the Volcanoes National Park after check in at Kinigi guest house for lunch and in the Afternoon take an excursion trip to the pretty twin lakes of Burera & Ruhondo
after back to your hotel Dinner & overnight at your hotel BB

DAY 10: Volcanoes National Park Mountain Gorilla Tracking
This is, probably, the climax of the Rwanda tour, when you will track the rare mountain gorillas, thus imparting truly life time memories of these "Gentle Giants” tracking gorillas can take 1-8 hours but staying with gorillas is 1hour back to you hotel for Lunch then, in the after noon visit Ibyiwacu community village interact and be entertained by local people back to your hotel for dinner and over night stay BB

DAY 11: Second Gorilla Tracking (Option)
After breakfast report to the park headquarters for guide and group allocation for your second encounter with the gorillas after tracking return to your hotel for lunch dinner and overnight stay at your hotel BB

DAY 12: Hiking Mt Bisoke
After morning breakfast you will prepare your self and meet your guide at park headquarters then go for Bisoke hiking which takes 2 hours up and one and half hours down however, it can be less or above depending on the fitness of the climber. Back to your hotel for lunch after drive back to Kigali check in at hotel Kigali Serena hotel chezelando BB

DAY 13: DEPARTURE
Depending on the flight schedule, you will do a brief shopping in the curio markets and souvenir shops where you will shop different Rwandan produce for remembrance. Transfer to Kigali Airport for the home - bound flight.
End of the tour.

The safari package includes
Transportation by 4 WD safari van, Fuel expenses
Accommodation while on safari as per the itinerary
The costs also cover the services of English speaking driver/guide
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) while on safari,
Park entrance fees
One Gorilla permit trekking Parc Volcanoes, 1 Golden monkey trek, hike fees to Visoke/Bisoke
Ranger fees
Kigali City Tour

Excludes: Local and international flights,  Personal Travel insurance, Visa Fees to Uganda, drinks, cigarettes, tips, souvenirs and any other items of personal nature.

Please book this tour now via our 24/7 hot line 
 +256 776 566 077 , +256 704 63 50 44   OR via 
our email info@gorillatourbooking.com. or gorillatourbooking@gmail.com
 We are warmly waiting for you inquiry!

Read More