The Discover Rwanda Safari

Trip code: MS513

A 9 day/8 night journey throughout the 'Switzerland of Africa', discovering the beauty and wildlife of Rwanda

This safari enables guests to discover the beauty of Rwanda. The safari begins in the east of Rwanda in the Akagera National Park which, with its beautiful undulating plains, woodlands and sprawling lakes and wetlands, is a haven for bird watching enthusiasts.

Onwards to Nyungwe National park, the largest afro-montane forest in Central Africa, guests will have the opportunity of viewing up to 13 primate species, including groups of coloubus monkeys, chimpanzees, L'Hoest's monkey, the red-tailed monkey, vervet monkey and grey-cheeked mangabey.

One of the main highlights of the safari is tracking the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Volcanoes. Guests are given the opportunity to view some of the remaining 700 mountain gorillas twice, with alternative activities including climbing the in the Virungas, visiting the remains of Dian Fossey's Karisoke Centre or tracking the endangered golden monkey.

Package Includes

• 2 nights Akagera Lodge & game drives in Akagera National Park
• 3 nights in Volcanoes National Park staying at Virunga Lodge or the Gorilla Nest Hotel
• 3 nights at the ORTPN Rest-House in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• 1 Gorilla Tracking Permit for Volcanoes National Park
• All transfers between airports, National Parks and accommodation

Please Note: Additional Gorilla permits  for Volcanoes National Park are charged separately and need to be purchased at time of booking as the number of permits issued each day is limited.

Highlights

• Beautiful undulating plains, woodlands & sprawling lakes and wetlands of Akagera National Park. 
• Fantastic bird watching at Akagera, with a good selection of savannah birds and raptors, & a rich population of waterbirds
• Nyungwe, the largest afro-montane forest in Central Africa boasts 13 species of primate & groups of up to 400 colobus monkeys
• Time-permitting, opportunity to visit the National Museum in Butare, considered one of the finest cultural museums in Africa.
• Tracking the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park which is home to 4 habituated gorilla families.
• Opportunity to climb the Visoke volcano or visit Dian Fossey's Karisoke Centre.

Cost

Due to the current economic climate with daily fluctuating rates, please contact us for a tailor made quote for 2010 -2011.  Our long term close relationship with our core suppliers, has enabled us to negotiate special rates on many of our trips and we can therefore pass these savings on to you.

Includes:Transport and driver/guide, accommodation on a shared basis and meals as stated. One gorilla tracking permit, subject to availability of permits, which are limited. (Any additional permits must be purchased at time of booking due to availability).

Excludes: Airfares to and from Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes, all personal expenses such as gratuities, laundry and drinks. For single rooms, supplements will need to be paid. 

Tips and Notes:

• On the trail guests often feel tired on the way up and must drink plenty of water; exhaustion will vanish once the gorillas have been spotted!
• Gorilla's are difficult to photograph due to their sunken eyes, gloomy habitat and jet black skins; unless an experienced phtographer, a few quick shots should suffice - then enjoy the moments for what they are.
• Any infectious illnesses could kill off an entire family of gorilla's therefore guests are requested not to approach gorilla's if they have colds, flu which could be passed on
• No tourist has ever been maimed by a habituated gorilla but there is always a danger. Only very experienced guides are used and should be listened to at all times.
• The safari starts and finishes in Kigali, Rwanda.
• ALL FARES AND TAXES ARE SUBJECT TO INCREASE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE AND AT THE DISCRETION OF THE AIRLINES AND GOVERNMENT. ALL FARES ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY IN THE CORRECT BOOKING CLASSES AT THE TIME OF MAKING THE RESERVATION

Featured Properties

• Akagera Lodge
• Virunga Lodge
• Gorilla Nest Hotel
• ORTPN Rest-House

Best Access

• From Europe - the easiest way is to fly with SN Brussels and Kenya Airways (via Nairobi). Clients can also fly to Kigali via Entebbe with British Airways and Rwandair.
• From the USA - there are flights to Kigali via London or Brussels. Alternatively clients can fly with from New York or Atlanta to Jo'burg with South African Airways, and then take a connecting flight.
• Clients can also fly into a number of regional hubs including Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Kilimanjaro or Johannesburg, connecting to Kigali airport using regional airlines.