RU 04: 5 Nights/6 Days Tracking Rwanda Gorillas

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer

Upon arrival at Kigali International airport , you will be met and driven to Nyungwe forest National Park. This beautiful and ancient tropical evergreen forest of Nyungwe is arguably the country’s most exciting hotspot for birders and grammatologists.

The main features and attractions in Nyungwe forest include the following. Largest mountain rain forest remaining in Africa, Mt. Bigugu, Kamiranzovu marsh, 260 species of trees and shrubs, over 100 species of orchids and giant lobelias, more than 275 species of birds recorded Including the Ruwenzori turaco, Ross’s turaco, Grey –cheeked hornbill, Red-throated alethe, Red-breasted sparrow hawk, White-headed wood-hoopoe, Kungwe apalis, Ruwenzori batis, Blue-headed and Regal sunbirds. On the way you can tour the following- National Museum of Butare, Genocide Memorial of Murambi. Arrive at Nyungwe in time for dinner. Overnight at ORTPN/ Gisakura Guest House.

Day 2: Nyungwe Forest Trekking & Colobus Tracking in Rwanda

After breakfast, enter Nyungwe Forest National Park to track the Nyungwe Colobus Monkey. Forest trekking is a whole learning experience. Forest walks here are excellent, lasting from one to six or seven hours. The most celebrated of Nyungwe’s primates is the Rwenzori Colobus a race of the more wide spread Angola colobus which is restricted to the Albertine Rift.

The Rwenzori Colobus is highly arboreal and acrobatic leaf-eater, easily distinguished from any other primate found in Nyungwe by its contrasting black over all colour and snow-white whiskers, shoulders and tail tip. Other primates such as the L’hoest’s monkey and the grey-cheeked mangabeys are often sighted as well. The birds are spectacular, though as in most tropical forests, you’ll have to look hard for them. The treks are conducted by qualified ranger guides with deep knowledge of forest plants, birdlife and primates. Thereafter, return to your lodge for lunch. Dinner and overnight ORTPN Guest House

Day 3: Chimpanzee trail Nyungwe in Rwanda

Before breakfast, enter the forest (06:00am) to track the chimpanzee. You will be able to hear them before you see them; from somewhere deep in the forest, an excited hooting, just one voice at first, then several, rising in volume before stopping abruptly or fading away. Tracking the Chimpanzees takes half day followed by lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, drive to Kibuye arriving in time for dinner and overnight- Kibuye Guest House.

Day 4: Kibuye – Gisenyi

The landscape around Kibuye is rather unusual and unexpected because numerous hills planted with pines and eucalyptus offer a pristine, almost Alpine and certainly not tropical atmosphere. In the morning visit Napoleon’s Hat Island where thousands of bats darken the sky. This Island is shaped like an old French military hat, offering hiking and hill climbing possibilities. At the foot of the peak, thousands of bats have found their home, darkening the sky when people approach too close. In the afternoon drive to Gisenyi arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Palm Beach Hotel.

Day 5: Gorilla safaris in Rwanda

After an early breakfast, hike up to the bamboo forest to spend a magical hour in the company of the gorillas and return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, tour Ruhengeri- take excursions to Lakes Burela and Ruhondo. Dinner and overnight Gorilla Nest.

Day 6: Depart for Kigali

After breakfast, drive to Kigali and have a city tour. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your home flight.