4 days Rwanda Gorilla Expedition
This 4 days Rwanda Gorilla Expedition encompasses trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and visiting the burial of Dian Fossey within the park. Volcanoes National Park hosts 12 habituated gorilla populations that are seen by trekkers daily. These encompass Agashya, Karisimbi, Kwitonda, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Susa, Umubano, among others. Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who resided in the Virunga Mountains from the 1960s until her murder by poachers in 1985. During this period, Fossey conducted her studies on gorillas while also protecting them from poachers. Her mausoleum is located at the Karisoke Research Center, which she founded within Volcanoes National Park.
Trip Overview of 4 days Rwanda Gorilla Expedition
- Day 1: Introduction at Kigali Airport. Proceed to Kinigi within Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 2: Gorilla Observation at Volcanoes National Park
- Day 3: Trek to Dian Fossey’s Burial Site.
- Day 4: Depart Kinigi for Kigali.A Kigali City Tour is available prior to your flight.
4 days Rwanda Gorilla Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Upon arrival, you will be transported to Kinigi for an overnight stay. The trek traverses the picturesque, undulating hills of Rwanda. Evening meal and overnight accommodation at Gorillas Nest Lodge or Kinigi Guest House
Day 2: Gorilla Tracking
Four-Day Rwanda Gorilla Expedition Partake in an early morning breakfast and proceed to the park headquarters with a packed lunch and water. Participate in a briefing conducted by the senior park warden regarding the appropriate and inappropriate behaviors in the presence of gorillas.
Gorilla trekking across the steep and treacherous slopes of Virunga is arduous and lasts between 2 to 8 hours, contingent upon the gorillas’ movements. A minimum of one hour is designated for guests in the presence of the gorilla group. Should you have leisure time upon returning to the lodge, the Iby’iwachu cultural visit merits consideration. Evening meal and overnight accommodation at Gorillas Nest Lodge or Kinigi Guest House
Day 3: Trek to the Grave of Dian Fossey
On day 3 of 4 days Rwanda Gorilla Expedition Breakfast in the early morning is succeeded by a trip to the burial of Dian Fossey, located at the former Karisoke Research Center. Dian dedicated around 20 years to the study of Mountain Gorillas in this location. The journey to the location is remarkable, as one traverses dense bamboo forests and afro-montane ecosystems, accompanied by intersecting trails of forest buffalo and elephants. Anticipate encountering various fauna during your ascent and descent to the cemetery, situated amid the stunning volcanic summits of Karisimbi and Bisoke. Accommodations at Kinigi Guest House or Gorillas Nest Lodge for the night.
Day 4: Departure
On the last day of 4 days Rwanda Gorilla Expedition, Subsequent to breakfast, proceed to Kigali. Subject to your departure flight, you may partake in a city tour that includes visits to Genocide Memorial sites such as Gisozi, Nyamata, and Ntarama, followed by lunch in Kigali, concluding with a transfer to the airport.
Lean more about 4 days Rwanda Gorilla Expedition
This excursion is conducted solely within Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda. The experience encompasses monitoring the endangered mountain gorillas and visiting the mausoleum of Dian Fossey, both situated within the park. The drive from Kigali to the park takes 2.5 hours along a well-maintained road. Volcanoes National Park is the most accessible gorilla tracking venue due to its proximity to the airport and an efficient transport network, particularly in comparison to similar locations in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla trekking constitutes the premier tourist activity in the park, with excursions organized for visitors to encounter some of the park’s 12 habituated gorilla families.
The hike to Dian Fossey’s mausoleum is a favored activity within the park. Visitors come to the location to honor the American primatologist who advocated for the remarkable efforts in gorilla conservation in the Virunga Mountains. Fossey founded the Karisoke study Centre as the base for her gorilla study at Volcanoes National Park, where her burial is situated. Visitors with additional time may also engage in various activities within the park, such as golden monkey tracking, volcanic hiking, birdwatching, and cultural excursions.