GORILLA TREKKING Kigali - Volcanoes National Park 5 Days / 4 Nights Reference: YAL 08 Date of Issue: 10 December 2018 04 August 2019 - 08 August 2019
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P a g e | 1 YASC – GORILLA TREKKING Kigali - Volcanoes National Park 5 Days / 4 Nights Reference: YAL 08 Date of Issue: 10 December 2018 04 August 2019 - 08 August 2019 P a g e | 2 Click here to view your Digital Itinerary https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Landing/F125DD77-16C0-46FC-8E2B-83C204091956 Introduction Known as the land of thousand hills, Rwanda offers breath-taking scenery, is one of the most biodiverse regions in Africa, a haven of rainforest and one of three countries in Africa to have gorilla trekking. Explore the town of Kinigi, gorilla trek in the Volcano National Park, visit local towns and learn about the Diane Fossey foundation efforts to conserve the diversity of the rainforest and its primates residence. Accommodation Destination Basis Duration Kigali Marriott Hotel Kigali B&B 1 Night Amakoro Songa Kinigi Lodge Volcanoes National Park B&B 2 Nights Kigali Marriott Hotel Kigali B&B 1 Night Price $5 630 per person sharing $920 single supplement - Incl statutory gorilla permit of $1 500 pp - Incl Johannesburg – Kigali one-way flight* * Kigali – Johannesburg return flight can be added for $220 pp economy (subject to change until paid for) * Cape Town – Johannesburg one-way flight can be added for $145 pp economy (subject to change) P a g e | 3 Included Kigali Overnight stay in Kigali Airport transfers Meals as per itinerary Kinigi 2 nights’ accommodation in Kinigi Gorilla trekking Visiting surroundings and local towns Transfer to and from the airport Specialist concierge tour manager throughout Meals as per itinerary Excluded Cape Town – Johannesburg flight (include in your international flight, or ask Spirit of Africa to add) Kigali – Johannesburg return flight (include in your international flight, or ask Spirit of Africa to add) Personal expenses Visa arrangements and costs Travel and medical insurance Any extras and/or beverages at the hotels or restaurants Anything not mentioned under "inclusions" Safari guide tipping Day 1: Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali (Sun, 4 August) Kigali Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across undulating lush hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 metres above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is definitely worth a visit. Day Itinerary Check-out of Cape Town and transfer to Cape Town International Airport for flight to OR Tambo International Airport (exclusive of package price). Connecting flight to Kigali departs from OR Tambo this afternoon (inclusive of package price). Dinner will be served on the flight. Late arrival in Kigali, Rwanda and transfer to the hotel, check-in and head to bed! Overnight: Kigali Marriott Hotel Experience the highest standard of comfort and convenience at Kigali Marriott Hotel. This premier luxury business hotel in Kigali is conveniently located along KN3 Avenue in downtown Kigali, close to the financial district, embassies, government ministries and Kigali City Hall. Timeless elegance surrounds you on arrival to a modern and spacious lobby and grand stairs. Experience spacious guest rooms decorated in warm pastel colors and fitted with the latest in technology. Visit Cucina Restaurant for tasty, innovative Italian fare and Lobby Bar for cocktails and city vistas. P a g e | 4 Complete your stay with a day of pampering at Saray Spa, the largest spa in the city, with its 5-star treatments and outdoor pool. Whether here for business or leisure, their Kigali luxury hotel offers all the amenities you'll need for an unforgettable retreat in Kigali, Rwanda. Day 2: Amakoro Songa Kinigi Lodge, Volcanoes National Park (Mon, 5 August) Volcanoes National Park Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience a face to face encounter with these intriguing creatures. The park is set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Highly regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorilla’s are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, visiting the tomb of the world- famous Dian Fossey and the Karisoke Research Centre, and enjoying a beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke. Day Itinerary Meet your local guide, early check-out and transfer to Kinigi. On route, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum, a place that pays homage to the 1994 genocide victims of the Tutsi nation. The centre is the final resting place of more than 250 000 victims includes exhibits, grave & a garden with a guided experience. The memorial place is a place for remembrance and learning. Transfer to Kinigi and expore the surroundings after checking in. Overnight: Amakoro Songa Kinigi Lodge The Amakoro Songa Kinigi Lodge is a natural extension of Songa Africa – The Tourism Company. The exclusive luxury nature lodge is located in Kinigi in the Northern Province of Rwanda and it will be the most sustainable luxury nature resort in the East African region, constructed with the latest energy efficient technology and operated in the most sustainable manner with a focus on the conservation of nature and surrounding communities. P a g e | 5 The Amakoro Songa Kinigi Lodge provides luxury accommodation for ecotourists particularly those visiting the Volcanoes National Park in Northern Rwanda for Gorilla trekking, birding, and mountain climbing and it seeks to become the leading regional provider of luxury hospitality services and the eco lodge of choice for environmentally conscious travelers while contributing to the social-economic transformation of the local and neighboring community. Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum The Centre in Kigali was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. It is situated in the Gasabo district about 3 km from the Kigali City Center. The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the best known and most visited memorial site in Rwanda because of its easy accessibility. Tourists arriving at the Kigali International Airport will find the site an easy drive from the airport or from one of the many hotels located in and around Kigali. Included Dinner provided Guided transfers throughout the day Guided tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum. Excluded Lunch for own account Day 3: Amakoro Songa Kinigi Lodge, Volcanoes National Park (Tue, 6 August) Day Itinerary Spend the entire day gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park, unforgettable safari experience. Note: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes today. P a g e | 6 Gorilla Trekking Wake early for a hearty breakfast to give you the energy needed for gorilla trekking. Before 8:00am, report to the ranger station for registration and a talk by one of the rangers. The guides will then take you through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth, to track the gorillas. (Please note this trek can take from 30 minutes to 5-6 hours). A reasonable degree of fitness is required, as well as a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Sit in the forest among the gorillas, listening to them ‘talk’ to one another, and marvel at the sheer size of the dominant male, the Silverback. It is an extraordinary feeling sitting in the dense rainforest knowing you are with a few of the last remaining mountain gorillas. It's amazing to think there are only about 650 of these beautiful creatures left. Included All meals provided. Day 4: Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali (Wed, 7 August) Day Itinerary Check-out and explore the city of Musanze, situated in northwest Rwanda - hub of the country's gorilla trekking industry. Later in the morning visit the Karisoke research centre known as The Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund International. The Fossey Fund is invested in improving quality of life for communities located near gorilla habitat and supports local infrastructure and providing conservation education programs to students. Continue transfer to back to Kigali. Overnight: Kigali Marriott Hotel Musanze The bustling city of Musanze also referred to as Ruhengeri, is situated in northwest Rwanda. Musanze is the hub of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking tourism offering many cafes, bars, restaurants and a range of accommodation options. It serves as the gateway to the spectacular Volcanoes National Park and its amazing mountain gorilla experiences. Surrounded by lush landscape, the town is encircled by a number of attractions including the towering Mount Karisimbi, one of five impressive volcanoes in the park; the bat- filled Musanze Caves; and the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo set against a spectacular verdant backdrop of rolling hills. It is known as one of the best places in East Africa to track mountain gorillas and visitors flock here to view these majestic mountain apes. Volcanoes National Park Dian Fossey Tomb Tour Volcano National Park Dian Fossey Tomb Tour is located in Rwanda, Africa. The historic location was the home and research facility of primatologist Dian Fossey. Visitors can trek through the forest to reach the location, taking in the spectacular views. The trekking tour is about 1.5 hours long and visitors will see wildlife such as birds, forest hogs, forest elephants and a variety of primates. P a g e | 7 Included Transfer to Kigali Dinner at Heaven in Kigali Heaven Restaurant is known for our International cuisine with local Rwandan & African flavours.