Gorillas in PNV, Rwanda Volcanoes

A four day safari that starts and finishes in Kigali. Seeing some of the last remaining 700 mountain gorillas in the world is a fantastic experience and this safari takes you to PNV in Rwanda. It offers an opportunity to track gorillas twice. PNV in Rwanda has five habituated gorilla families and tracking most groups in the afro-montane forest usually takes only a few hours. You can also climb a volcano, visit the remains of Dian Fossey's grave or visit the endangered golden monkey.

Includes transport and a driver/guide for the itinerary agreed, accommodation on a shared basis and meals stated (in Kampala, Entebbe and Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board) and, where appropriate, boat trips, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit. Virunga Lodge - the tariffs are on an all-inclusive basis and, in addition to accommodation and meals, include unlimited consumption of all alcoholic and soft drinks; laundry services; and any activities clients wish to do around the lodge. A complimentary massage is also offered.

Options:Gorilla Facts

Day 1
Met on arrival at airport and transfer to Kigali. Briefing on your safari. After lunch, depart for PNV at 2pm. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda's landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 2
Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at the time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 3
Either go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ros Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes, or trek to Dian Fossey's grave, or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera. O/N: Volcanoes Virunga Lodge (FB).

Day 4
Leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops and the genocide memorial. Transfer to the airport (HB).

Virunga Lodge

The magnificent Virunga Lodge, set on a stunning hillside, has eight bandas with a panoramic view of the Virunga volcanoes and the lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. The terraced gardens on this high ridge are now well established, with a magical sunken paradise garden as their focal point. Aside from gorilla tracking, clients can climb a volcano, track the golden monkey, visit Dian Fossey's grave or go for gentle strolls around the picturesque villages near the lakes. Three hours' drive from Kigali or a long day's drive from Kampala.

Bwindi Lodge

At this stunning eco-lodge with eight bandas, clients can spend the day on the terrace, which juts out into the forest, mesmerized by its exotic sounds watching primates and birds in the canopy. The walk to the river through regenerated bush that has carefully been nurtured as a buffer zone is magical. It is a favourite haunt for the gorillas and they often sleep at the lodge!

We can help you to see some of the worlds last remaining mountain gorillas, so please contact us via the form here or call on +61 (02) 4984 9747