8 DAYS: GORILLAS AND PRIMATES

8 DAYS: GORILLAS AND PRIMATES

From

$3000 USD

pp

Safari summary


About this tour

Tour type Custom, tailor-made, private
Main focus Primate trekking
Activity level Moderate activity
Best months January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Countries
Parks

Itinerary

Day 1

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL – KIGALI  km 20, 1/2hrs tar murram  Meet on arrival at the airport. Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight 

Day 2

DAY 2 – KIGALI – HUYE – NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK km 250, 5hrs Tar After an early breakfast, we follow the road as it climbs and descends some of the thousand hills, with spectacular views all along the way. Arrive at Huye. Visit the National Museum. It is a must for anybody who is interested in African history. Time permitting, tour the remarkable arboretum and continue toward the Nyungwe forest.         

Day 3

DAY 3 - NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK – CHIMPANZEES AND COLOBUS MONKEYS km 120, 2hrs, tar murram  Covering 970 km2, the Highlands provide unique habitat for thirteen species of primate,  including chimpanzees, l'Hoest's and owl-faced monkey. As you walk under the canopy of majestic trees, a large group of semi wild colobus monkeys can be seen feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch to branch. This high altitude jungle floor boasts some of the most beautiful orchids in the world.

Day 4

DAY 4 - LAKE KIVU  km 120, 5hrs, tar murram  En route to Karongi, enjoy the fantastic views over Lake Kivu and its ragged shore. Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the calm and pristine waters of Africa’s highest lake from the terrace of your hotel.            

Day 5

DAY 5 – LAKE AND HILLS km 120, 5hrs, tar murram  After a refreshing early morning swim and a hearty breakfast, we continue toward north, along the lakeshore. There is plenty of opportunity for shopping and meeting villagers at the colourful market places. Stop at a huge tea plantation. OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: Lake trip from Karongi to Rubavu on a private boat. Duration of about 3 hours. 

Day 6

Volcanoes

DAY 6 – MOUNTAIN GORILLAS km 60, 2hrs, tar murram   As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyniyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Volcanoes National Park . Tracking the gorillas through the unique vegetation can take several hours of challenging walking in wet and muddy conditions. To see a gorilla, the trek will have been worth the hardship. 

Day 7

Virunga | Volcanoes

DAY 7 – VOLCANOES N.P. optional additional activities km 60, 2hrs, tar murram       Options available include a second Gorilla Trek, trek to a habituated group of Golden Monkeys ( cercopithecus mitis kandti) which are endemic to the Virungas, visit the Karisoke Research centre built by Dian Fossey and the site of her grave, located in the Park between the Karisimbi and Bisoke Volcanoes - two hours trekking accompanied by a Park Ranger, or to climb Bisoke volcano with its superb crater lake . Alternatively tour the shores of the small Ruhondo and Bulera lakes before driving back to your hotel

Day 8

DAY 8 - KIGALI – DEPARTURE   km 120, 31/2 hrs, tar murram   Drive to Kigali. Visit of town and its highlights. Transfer to the airport      

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Tour offered by:
Mapendano Voyages
YAScore: 54/100
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