3 Days Mountain Gorillas & Dian Fossey hike.
3 Days Mountain Gorillas & Dian Fossey hike is a short but fun-filled and adventurous Rwandan Safari. This 3 day Rwanda Safari will give you an opportunity to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in Volcanoes National Park, and also learn more about the conservation works and contributions made by the famous American primatologist and conservationist, Dian Fossey. This 3 days safari starts and ends in Kigali city in Rwanda.
Highlights for 3 Days Mountain Gorillas & Fossey Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 3: Hike to Dian Fossey Gravesite & Transfer back to Kigali.
Detailed 3 Days Mountain Gorillas & Fossey Rwanda Safari.
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Transfer to Volcanoes: You will be welcomed at Kigali International Airport by your guide/driver from Explore Rwanda Tours. After get well acquainted with your guide, you will embark on a short tour of Kigali city where you will get to visit historical and cultural sites such as; Camp Kigali, Kigali Genocide Memorial Center and Caplaki craft village among others. Have lunch in Kigali city and later proceed with your transfer to Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. The national park is situated in Ruhengeri district and covers 160 km² of rainforest. This national park is the only destination for gorilla safaris in Rwanda. It will take you about 2½ hours to get to the park from Kigali.
Iby’iwacu Community tour : Upon your arrival in the park, you will pay a visit to the Iby’iwacu community village that lives near the park. You will get to watch dance and drumming performances from the local dance group, and also learn more about the unique and interesting Rwandan Culture.
Retire to your lodge for dinner and accommodation at; Kinigi Guesthouse/ La Palme Hotel/ Bisate Lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Trekking: Have your breakfast early in the morning and proceed to the park’s headquarters in Kinigi; where you will be briefed and place in groups of 8 members each. Your gorilla trekking safari will commence at 8am, therefore it is important to always keep time. Usually, tracking gorilla groups can take between 2-8 hours with an hour of direct contact with the gorillas once they have been located. Hiking through the forest might prove to be a bit cumbersome and thus calls for one to be physical and mentally fit for the vigorous activity. Also remember to come with a good pair of hiking boots and a raincoat, in case it rains while you are in the forest.
Head back to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Hike to Dian Fossey Gravesite & Transfer back to Kigali.
Hike to Dian Fossey Gravesite: Have your breakfast early morning from your lodge and then head out to Volcanoes National Park where you will embark on a hiking expedition to Dian Fossey’s Gravesite, an American primatologist and conservationist, whose scientific studies on Mountain Gorilla Groups in Volcanoes National Park has given us a better understanding of these primate species. You will have the opportunity to learn more about her life and scientific study up until her death. She was murdered on 26th December 1985 in her camp in Volcanoes National Park and was laid near her favorite gorilla ‘Digit,’ along with 20 other mountain gorillas. Aside from her grave site, you will also pay a visit to the Karisoke Research Centre which she used as a base for carrying out most of her scientific studies with the help of her staff. After your visit to Dian Fossey’s gravesite, head back to your lodge for lunch.
Transfer back to Kigali: After having lunch, your guide will drive you back to Kigali city where you will be dropped off at a hotel of your choice or a Kigali Airport in time to check in and catch your flight back home. End of Tour.
