This Gorilla trekking and Dian Fossey safari takes place at Kinigi, Volcanoes National Park in the northern province of Musanze, also known as Ruhengeri. It was here that the renowned late Dian Fossey dedicated her entire life to the protection of the mountain Gorillas and on this trip, you will learn more about her works and get the opportunity to come up-close with these giant, yet very gentle primates.
You can also chip in Golden monkey trekking instead of the Dian Fossey trek if you wish.
Day 1: City tour & Transfer to Ruhengeri – Volcanoes National Park
On arrival, you will be met by our company representative and transfer to Kigali city where you will embark on a city tour visiting Kimironko market and the Gisozi genocide memorial site.
Have lunch and transfer to Musanze – the nearest town to Volcanoes National Park found in the northern province of Rwanda arriving in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes National Park
You will have breakfast early in the morning and proceed to the park headquarters with your packed lunch and bottled drinking water. You will be registered and allocated the gorilla group to visit and receive briefing by the park ranger guide. After briefing, you will begin your gorilla trekking dream in the company of a knowledgeable ranger guide; this takes 2 to 8 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas.
However, the guides will try to find them from where they were last seen the previous day! You will spend 1 hour with these gentle giants and later return to your lodge to refresh and relax. In the evening, you can do an optional community tour around Ruhengeri for a Rwanda cultural experience. Dinner and overnight stay at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge as above.
Day 3: Dian Fossey Trekking / Golden Monkey Trekking
Breakfast will be served early and drive back to the park headquarters as on day 2 above. Receive briefing and either go for Dian Fossey trekking to Karisoke or Golden monkey trekking. The Dian Fossey trek is more challenging and lasts 6 to 7 hours whereas Golden monkey trekking will take you 3 to 4 hours.
Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the evening at leisure. OR, if doing Golden monkey trekking, you return early enough and transfer to Gisenyi to catch glimpse of Lake Kivu and enjoy the evening by the lake. Return to Musanze for dinner and overnight stay at Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge as above.
Day 4: Transfer to Kigali& Departure
Enjoy breakfast at leisure and transfer back to Kigali and proceed to the airport for your onward flight with memories of this Gorilla trekking and Dian Fossey / Golden monkey trek in Rwanda.
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