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4 Days Rwanda-Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking

DESTINATIONS

Volcanoes National Park

The trip starts Volcanoes National Park located in Northern Province in Musanze. The park is a home to various Wildlife species like Forest Elephants, buffalos, black fronted duikers, bushbucks, bush pigs, spotted hyenas, black and white colobus, white colobus, baboons, red-tailed monkeys etc. It has 178 birds like Rwenzori turaco and Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, strange weaver and Archer’s robin-chat, White-collared Olive back etc.

Lake Bunyonyi

Explore Lake Bunyonyi which is the second deepest lake in Africa and the name means a place of small birds and this is because of the many birds on this lake. It is a perfect place for relaxation and exploration and has 29 islands to explore. Akagera National Park one of the oldest parks on the African continent and the largest national park in Rwanda. The park was gazetted as a national park in 1934 and sits on an area of 1,122 sq. kms. The park harbors 13500 mammals including the Big Five animals (Lions, Leopards, Rhinos, Elephants, and Buffaloes). Other mammals include giraffe, zebras, hyenas, bushbucks, Oribis, water-buck etc. It has 500 birds like African fish eagle, shoebill, papyrus Gonolek, African Wattled Plover, Giant Kingfisher etc.

Itinerary

The 4 Days Rwanda-Uganda Golden Monkey and Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park is one of the top adventures to do in Rwanda. The activity involves a relatively easy trek through the bamboo jungles in the lower zones of the Virunga Volcanoes to find and spend an hour with the striking golden monkeys. Afterwards, head to misty Bwindi which is home to more than half the population of the remaining 720 mountain gorillas. Bwindi offers a unique birding opportunity, cultural experiences and elusive primates.
You will be met by our driver guide at the Kigali Airport and proceed with the guided tour to the fast-growing neighborhoods of Kigali that are changing the face of the city. There is an opportunity to visit the Presidential Museum which is the residence of two of the former Presidents of Rwanda. Here you will have an opportunity to learn a bit about the political history of Rwanda. We will drive through the older commercial and residential areas with a major stop at Kigali Genocide Memorial Site commemorating the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Stop for lunch then drive to Musanze. If time allows, you will visit two twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo. Their deep blue waters ringed by steep hills and tall waterfalls with the outlines of the nearby Virunga Volcanoes provide a spectacular backdrop. Your overnight will be at the booked hotel. Accommodation Options: Luxury: Mount Gorilla view lodge, Mid-Range: Lebabou lodge, Budget: Kiningi Guest house Meals Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Wake up for an early breakfast and transfer to the park head offices in Kinigi by 7:00 am. Join other golden monkeys trekkers and meet the ranger guide for a few minutes to talk about the activity and the park. At 8:00 am, you’ll transfer to the trailhead just outside the park. Enjoy great views of the mountain scenery as you start your trek into the park to find the golden monkeys. The golden monkeys live near the edge of the park in the bamboo forests where the ground is relatively flat and easy to trek. Find the monkeys and follow them as they feed, noticing how they skillfully pick the young bamboo leaves from the tip of the bamboo tree. They may also move out of the park into the potato fields. How they love the potatoes! After an amazing one hour with the golden monkeys, you will return to the trailhead and drive back to the lodge for lunch. Thereafter, head to the border where after clearing we will proceed to Bwindi. Accommodation Options: Luxury: Sanctuary Gorilla forest camp, Mid-Range: Silverback Lodge, Budget: Gorilla Mist Camp Meals Plans: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After early morning breakfast, walk to the park headquarters for a briefing on the dos and don’ts during gorilla tracking. Thereafter, you will proceed to the gorilla trail. Gorilla tracking normally lasts between 2 to 8 hours or even a day to encounter the gorillas. However, you’ll be allowed to stay in the presence of these awesome apes for at least an hour. It is advisable that you carry packed lunch, which will be provided, as one cannot determine how long it may take to encounter the mountain gorillas. Later, transfer to Lake Bunyonyi. The drive is through a beautiful part of the country often referred to as ‘the Switzerland of Africa’ because of its unique cool weather despite being near the Equator. This lake is said to be one of the most beautiful places in western Uganda. It is the second deepest lake in Africa [900 meters deep] and also one of the few places in the country where it is considered safe to swim as it is bilharzia free. Dinner and overnight will be at your lodge. Accommodation Options: Luxury: Bird nest Resort, Mid-Range: Arcadia Lodge, Budget: Bunyonyi Safari Resort Meals Plans: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast, you will take a boat ride on this lake to tour different islands. Then we will head to another border, this time the Katuna border to cross to Rwanda. Upon reaching, we will do a Kigali city tour starting off with the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre visit. We will check different city landmarks and craft markets. Thereafter, be transferred to Kigali Airport to catch your departure flight back home.

Includes

  • Gorilla permits
  • Park entry fees
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Bottled water
  • Transportation
  • English-speaking guide
  • Airport transfers

Excludes

  • International flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
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