Meet our local representative on arrival at Kigali Airport
Road transfer from Kigali to Kinigi via Ruhengeri (approximately 2 hours)
From Kigali Aiport you proceed with your driver/guide to Kinigi. The road to Ruhengeri offers stunning scenery of the hills and valleys of this green and lush country, the drive taking a little less than two hours. From Ruhengeri, it is a 20-minute drive to Kinigi at the base of Sabinyo Mountain, with excellent views of the rest of the Virunga Volcanoes. Gorilla Nest Lodge is nestled under a grove of trees, with all the rooms surrounding a large courtyard. There are comfortable, nicely appointed rooms with en-suite chalets with modern bathrooms and hot water. It has a spacious restaurant, serving good food, with a large bar and reception area and friendly service. On a clear day the views across to the volcanoes and surrounding hills are spectacular. The rooms and main building are constructed of local materials (volcanic rock) and tiled on the inside throughout. The rest of the day is at your leisure to recover from jet lag and your long flight and to prepare for your gorilla trek. On arrival at the Park Headquarters at 7:00am the following day, you are introduced to the local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. You then hike into the forest to the location where the gorillas were seen the night before and then continue trekking from that point. The trekking can take from one to six hours and you may climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trek worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located, all fatigue is forgotten, as the experience is often described as being the most profound natural history experience in the world. A picnic lunch is provided and it’s important to take plenty of water. Cameras and fast speed film are recommended. It can rain at a few minutes notice; hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including zip lock bags for cameras and film. Note: Gorilla permits must be purchased in advance at a cost of $500 per permit (subject to change). Gorillas sightings are not guaranteed. After trekking you are then transferred back to the lodge. The evening is free to spend in the company of your fellow adventurers. You have the option of a second day trekking the gorillas, which must be booked and paid for in advance. Alternatively, you can spend the day exploring the beautiful surroundings before returning to Kigali.
Road transfer from Kinigi to Kigali (approximately 2 hours)
Novotel Kigali Umubano hotel was built in 1978 and has 98 rooms. It is situated on the top of one of the numerous hills in the middle of a wonderful Botanical Garden yet is only 5km from Kigali city center and 7km to the international airport. The hotel features four meeting rooms, a bar and restaurant, swimming pool, sauna, tennis, Joggi Ng, shuttle and car park. Rwanda, with its rolling mountainous landscapes, lakes and volcanoes was always known for the 'Gorillas in the Mist', as the home of Dian Fossey and as Africa's premier gorilla tracking destination. Recently, Rwanda, has sadly been known for the terrible genocide in 1994 but what most people do not know is that Rwanda has been peaceful and stable since 1995 and the country is now firmly back on its feet; stable and promoting tourism in one of the continent's most beautiful countries.
