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Trek through the Volcanoes National Park in search of the rare Silverback Mountain Gorilla and encounter the elusive Golden Monkey.
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Ker & Downey® Africa > Trips > Silverback Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
This four-day Silverback Gorilla Trekking LuxVenture® takes you to the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali, transports you into the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park to tick off one of the ultimate bucket list experiences: gorilla trekking and showcases the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera. After landing in the vibrant capital of Kigali, you’ll see the best of it on a city tour, as well as making a visit to the haunting genocide museum. It’s then time to kickstart your adventure by travelling into the heart of Rwanda’s rainforest, where you’ll see the Virunga Mountains from afar. Your trek will take you to a gorilla family and along the way you’ll see abundant birdlife and the rare golden monkey only found in one other destination in Africa.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by your Ker & Downey® Africa representative and transferred to the Kigali Serena Hotel. Set in the heart of the city, the 5-star Kigali Serena is an exclusive private retreat with a range of leisure activities to start your journey on a high note. A tropically-landscaped pool and garden awaits, Mayan-inspired hot stone massages and two restaurants showcasing the authentic delicacies of Rwanda alongside enticing specialties from around the world. Both restaurants, Sokoni and Milima, are known throughout the city for their innovative menus with bold flavours and locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and get a good nights rest before your real adventure starts.
Set in the heart of the city, the 5-star Kigali Serena is an exclusive private retreat with a range of leisure activities. Both restaurants, Sokoni and Milima, are known throughout the city for their innovative menus with bold flavors and locally-sourced ingredients.
After breakfast in the hotel, you’ll meet your tour guide for a city tour of Kigali and a visit to the genocide museum. You’ll then depart after lunch on a scenic drive through the beautiful terraced hillsides of northwest Rwanda. The drive will take you to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park and Rwanda’s famous gorilla tracking. This small city of 70,000 people is known for its friendliness and has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. You’ll check into Virunga Lodge, which will be your home base for exploring the park in search of its famous gorillas. The magnificent Virunga Lodge is perched high on a ridge with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Each of their 10 luxurious bandas has a fireplace and a private terrace from which our guests can watch the sunrise over the dramatic landscape.
In 2017, Virunga Lodge appeared on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the best Africa Resorts in their 30th annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Top off the day with sunset drinks and dinner at the lodge before your gorilla tracking expedition tomorrow.
It’s an early start to meet the gorillas. After breakfast, your gorilla tracking expedition starts at 6:20am with a transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQ, where the first gorilla trek sets off at 7:00am. After a briefing, you’ll drive to the trailhead for the start of your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla tracking adventure. Porters may be hired to carry your backpack and gear during the trek for 10 USD per person, which is recommended. The trek starts in the foothills of the Virungas before entering the mysterious tunnels of the rainforest, alive with bird calls and chattering golden monkeys. As you glimpse looming peaks through the foliage, the experienced trackers take you up close to one of the gorilla families. You’ll stay with the gorillas for a magical hour as they go about their daily life; feeding, playing, resting, and raising their young.
Coming face-to-face with a giant silverback is one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth. Return to the lodge after an exciting day in the forest and spend your afternoon at leisure. Alternatively you can also partake in a variety of activities offered by the lodge such as visiting the local communities, attending a traditional dance performance or more hiking in the park. Retreat to the lodge for dinner.
Today marks the final day of your Silverback Gorilla Trekking LuxVenture®. After a breakfast at Virunga Lodge soaking up their views one last time, you’ll take a scenic drive to Kigali. The two and a half hour trip will take you through Rwanda’s dazzling green hills, giving you one last taste of this beautiful country before you arrive at the airport for your departure flight.
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Head office:
7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
Head office: 7 Bree Street, 6th Floor, Touchstone House, Cape Town, South Africa
+27 (0)21 201 2484
[email protected]
United Kingdom: Sportsman Farm, St Michaels, Tenterden, Kent
Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
