Seeing mountain gorillas in the wild is one of life’s most awesome experiences, made popular by the publicity generated by the work of researcher Dian Fossey. On this trip you’ll have two opportunities to track and observe them in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, a mysteriously beautiful area of dense tropical forests and spectacular volcanic mountains that shelter the world’s largest population of endangered mountain gorillas. Several family groups of them have become habituated to the presence of observers and can be approached closely in their natural habitat.
To fully complement your gorilla tracking sessions, we’ve included additional game viewing in Nyungwe and Akagera National Parks. The tropical montane forests of Nyungwe harbor a number of additional primates (chimps, Angola colobus, and several varieties of other monkeys) and endemic birds that exceed other sites in East Africa (and the flora is an added bonus!), and Akagera is a haven for bird-watchers, with more than 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork and a stunning array of other avian monarchs.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Track mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park—one of the world’s most thrilling wildlife experiences!
- Extra primate viewing opportunities in Nyungwe National Park (chimps, colobus, other monkeys)
- Explore Akagera National Park, a paradise for bird-watchers (more than 500 species!)
DAY 1 ~ Arrive in Kigali
Arrive at the Kigali airport. A Mountain Travel Sobek representative will meet you and transfer you to the Novotel Umubano for a briefing and introduction to your safari driver-guide. Time permitting, you may wish to visit the Kigali Memorial Centre, a site that is a moving tribute to all those who lost their lives in the genocide a decade ago. Dinner and overnight at the Novotel Umubano.
Dinner... Novotel Umubano, Kigali
DAY 2 ~ Akagera National Park
After an early breakfast, we drive 3_ hours to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. Akagera is a unique piece of wild Africa. The western part of the park features rolling hills with areas of swamp, grassland, and savannah woodlands covering the valleys. The very eastern part is where papyrus swamps crowd around beautiful lakes along the Kagera River. Impala and topi are the most numerous of the antelope and you may see oribi and the magnificent roan antelope as well. Buffalo are very numerous, as are herds of elephants. The birdlife at Akagera is always stunning in its diversity: more than 500 species of birds have been recorded, including the rare shoebill stork and the endangered papyrus gonolek. We'll spend most of the day in the park, with a picnic lunch, then retire to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Akagera Game Lodge
DAY 3 ~ Akagera - Nyungwe
After an early breakfast we will re-enter the park for a morning game viewing drive. We'll then proceed to Kigali, where we'll have lunch, then continue to Nyungwe National Park in southeast Rwanda. (6 hours driving.) Overnight at ORTPN (Rwandan Office for Tourism and National Parks) Guest House, a rustic accommodation on the edge of Nyungwe Forest.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner... ORTPN Guest House
DAY 4 ~ Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe is noted for its primates: some 13 species inhabit the park, including chimpanzees, Angola colobus, mangabeys, the handsome L'Hoest's monkey, and various other primates. Today you'll depart after breakfast for a hike on trails in the montane forests of Nyungwe. In addition to primates, there are 250 species of forest dwelling birds, including the great blue touraco. For those interested in botany, the flora in Nyungwe comes as an added bonus (there are more than 100 orchid species alone!).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...ORTPN Guest House
DAY 5 ~ Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, we will drive 4 to 4½ hours to Kinigi, enjoying magnificent views of rural Rwanda along the way. We'll quickly understand why the country has been nicknamed "the land of a thousand hills." These hills are intensively cultivated by rural folk who live on tiny farmsteads, so they form a terraced patchwork of banana plantations, sorghum fields, and vegetable gardens. Rwanda is densely populated so we see many people walking along the roads and working their fields while en route to the nation's capital, Kigali. We will have lunch in Kigali before proceeding to Gorilla Nest Lodge, near the park headquarters at Kinigi.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Gorilla Nest Lodge
DAY 6 ~ Gorilla tracking
After breakfast, transfer to park headquarters. Here you'll have a briefing by the park staff and rangers and be divided up into small gorilla tracking groups based on interest and apparent fitness.
Four family groups of gorillas are open to the public, and each lives in a very different part of the park. The Sabinyo Group lives on the hills below the jagged peaks of Sabinyo Volcano. These hills are mostly covered with forests of giant bamboo. Group 13 and the Amahoro Group live on the forested slopes between Visoke Volcano and Sabinyo. Visoke is a lovely volcano that reaches up to 12,175 feet on its rim, and its interior is filled with a crater lake. Fortunately, the gorillas tend to range in the moss-draped hagenia forests of its lower slopes. Group Susa lives on the middle-level slopes of the largest volcano, the giant Karisimbi (14,787'). Although the Susa Group tends to inhabit the hagenia-hypericum forest (at altitudes of 9,000-10,000 feet), they do range widely and sometimes venture higher up on the mountain, into the zone of bizarre and wonderful Afro-alpine vegetation. Susa is therefore considered the most strenuous group to track.
Although park rangers try to keep tabs on the whereabouts of the gorillas, they are free-ranging wild creatures and can be difficult to locate. Sometimes finding the gorillas can be easy, as they may have remained close to the area where they had been feeding the previous day. Sometimes they require constant tracking, which can be arduous. Some of the difficulties to be encountered can be steep, muddy slopes, stinging nettles, safari ants and rain. The reward is an extraordinary opportunity to observe the gorillas at close range. The gorillas are NOT tame, but they have been scientifically habituated to accept the presence of quiet and unthreatening observers. (You may also encounter groups of unhabituated gorillas during your treks, but they will run from you.) Once found, you are allowed one hour only to observe the group.
Return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest. In the afternoon, if time permits, we will visit the little known, but compellingly beautiful, twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Gorilla Nest Lodge
DAY 7 ~ Gorilla tracking, return to Kigali
In the morning we re-enter Volcanoes National Park for a second gorilla trekking session, visiting a different family. Afterward, drive to Ruhengeri for lunch at the Muhabura Hotel before returning to Kigali. (2 hours driving.)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...Novotel Umubano, Kigali
DAY 8 ~ Departure
Transport to the airport for departure on homeward-bound flights or to other destinations in Africa.
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Stay a Little Longer
You may wish to combine this trip with one of our regular group departure adventures in Africa, our other "Private Adventures" trips in East or Southern Africa, or other independent travel on your own.
Arrival & Departure Information
You will be met at the airport in Kigali on Day 1 and transferred to the Novotel Umubano. The trip ends with a transfer to the airport in Kigali on Day 8.
Air Travel
Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. For air reservations, we recommend you contact the airlines directly, either by phone or the Internet. In addition, many travelers elect to use their "frequent flyer" miles when traveling with us. But please check with our staff before purchasing or obtaining your tickets, so we may verify your arrival and departure schedule.
About Gorilla Tracking
Gorilla tracking takes place in areas that are steep, muddy, and covered with thick vegetation. Stinging nettles and biting safari ants can be nuisances. Bring raingear, wear long pants and gaiters, layer your clothes to adjust for varying conditions (and wear muted colors—bright or white clothing should not be worn), carry a water bottle, and take a pair of light gloves to protect your hands from nettles and thorns.
You should note that tracking sessions vary from easy half-hour strolls through the forest to more arduous treks, and sightings are not guaranteed. You should be in good physical condition, and mentally prepared for a day of strenuous exercise. If you are not optimally conditioned, we recommend that you start a training program at least three months before departure, gradually increasing the intensity and duration. If your health is questionable or your physical stamina is limited, please discuss other trip options with us.
Children 15 years of age or older are allowed to visit gorillas.
Anyone who shows signs of a cold or other infectious disease will not be allowed to visit the gorillas. In such cases, the permit holder will be rescheduled or refunded for the cost of the permit by the national park authorities. Mountain Travel Sobek cannot be held responsible for any extra costs incurred by delays or for refunds caused by such circumstances.
Your Guide
You will be accompanied throughout the trip by an English-speaking driver-guide. Besides ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch, he will provide a unique perspective on the local life and culture as only a native can. His close familiarity with the local geography, history, culture and traditions are the key to a superb, informative experience—one you just can't get on your own. In his friendly company, you will truly learn, enjoy, and share his passion for the country he calls home. You'll be in good hands with him every step of the way. Guide assignments will be confirmed in the Final Bulletin sent to you three weeks prior to departure. (Please note—Your guide will not accompany you on the gorilla tracking sessions.)
What's Included
- services of experienced, English-speaking local driver-guide throughout the trip
- accommodations
- meals as noted (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- ground transportation as noted
- additional guides as needed on the hikes in Nyungwe Forest and while gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
- airport transfers
- basic medical and evacuation insurance
What's Not
International airfare to Kigali and return; gorilla permits (see separate cost above); optional tips to your guides; insurance other than basic medical and evacuation insurance noted above (we strongly recommend you purchase the supplementary trip insurance offered by Mountain Travel Sobek, which includes trip cancellation insurance); excess baggage charges; airport taxes (if any); visas; cost of medical immunizations; and items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, other drinks in lodges, laundry, phone calls, etc.).
Payment & Cancellation Policy
(This differs from regular Mountain Travel Sobek trips.)
I. Payment
At time of reservation: $800 or 25% of Land Cost, whichever is greater
120 days prior to departure: 25% of Land Cost
90 days prior to departure: Balance of Land Cost
II. Cancellation
If written notice of cancellation is received:
Cancellation Fee will be:
From time of reservation until
90 days prior to departure $800 or 25% of Land Cost, whichever is greater
89 to 60 days prior to departure 50% of Land Cost
59 days or fewer prior to departure 100% of Land Cost
Note on Itinerary
This itinerary has been carefully designed for optimal value. You may wish to combine this tour with another or add extensions at the beginning or end of your trip. However, if you wish to customize this tour, other terms and conditions apply (ask us about information on customized adventures). Travel Agent commissions or any type of other discounts do not apply to custom tours.
Although we will do our best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change. Please read the Limitation of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form. You can find all this information on our website.
Limitation of Liability
“Mountain Travel Sobek” is defined to include its owners, agents, directors, officers, employees, representatives and affiliates (collectively “Mountain Travel”). Except for the Alaska Discovery Inn, some small craft and some vans in Alaska, Mountain Travel does not own or operate any entity that provides goods or services for your trip including, for example, ownership or control over hotels or other lodging facilities, airline, vessel, bus, van or other transportation companies, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Mountain Travel is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, or of any other third party. Without limitation, Mountain Travel Sobek is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay or inconvenience in connection with the provision of any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God, force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, structural or other defective conditions in hotels or other lodging facilities, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely, dangers associated with animals, marine life or vegetation of any sort, dangers incident to recreational activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, sailing, canoeing, rafting, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, etc., sanitation problems, food poisoning, lack of, access to or quality of medical care, difficulty in evacuation in case of a medical or other emergency, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Mountain Travel. In addition, participants release Mountain Travel from its own negligence and assume all risk thereof. On advancement of deposit to Mountain Travel, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above recited terms and conditions. These are partial conditions. Your participation is contingent on your signature on the full list of terms specified in the four-page Participant Information Form, which you can find on our website (or call us at 1-888-687-6235 and request a copy).
Arbitration
Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to these Terms and Conditions, to any literature concerning this trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration in San Francisco, California, according to the then existing rules of the American Arbitration Association. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive California law without regard to the California Arbitration Act.
Conditions of Participation
Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. Specific information on payment and cancellation policies is also contained within this document, as well as in our current catalog and on our website. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you have any questions.
Why Mountain Travel Sobek is Your First Choice for Adventure
Mountain Travel Sobek is the pioneer in active adventure travel. No other adventure travel company can lay claim to that title. We were the first to take Americans trekking in Nepal, raft the wild rivers of Africa, and open up many previously inaccessible corners of the world to curious travelers. We set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Since we are the leading adventure company, we have a lot to live up to, so we make sure we provide safe, quality trips and the best customer service to our passengers.
References
Don't take our word for how great our trips are. We'll be happy to provide you with references of satisfied past travelers. Just give us a call at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235).
Questions?
Feel free to call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) if you still have any questions or concerns. We're here to help you.
Note on Itinerary
Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed, it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. Please read the Limitations of Liability and Booking Conditions in the four-page Participant Information Form.
This itinerary has been carefully designed for optimal value. You may wish to combine this tour with another or add extensions at the beginning or end of your trip. However, if you wish to customize this tour, other terms and conditions apply (ask us about information on customized adventures). Travel Agent commissions or any type of other discounts do not apply to this tour.
Conditions of Participation
Your participation on a Mountain Travel Sobek trip is subject to the conditions stated in the four-page Participant Information Form, which includes the Agreement and Release from Liability and the Booking Conditions. We urge you to read this information carefully, and to call us if you have any questions.
Note on Services
We often use local suppliers who provide services that may include transportation, equipment, logistic support, and other services (hotels, restaurants, etc.). We do not own or operate these independent suppliers. We work with service providers who share our commitment to safety and quality, and work closely with them to develop itineraries unique to Mountain Travel Sobek.
Ready to go? Signing up is easy!
Just call us at 1-888-MTSOBEK (687-6235) or make a reservation request online. Immediately after we receive your deposit, we will request your preferred dates. Upon confirmation (usually within four business days), we will send you a packet with all the information you need to get ready for your trip, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, and other details.
Approximately 30 days before your departure, we'll send you detailed, step-by-step instructions, with emergency contact numbers, a detailed map, and other important information. Upon arrival at your destination, you will be met by your in-country host who will help orient you and describe what to expect in the week to come.