The virungas conservation area is where three national frontiers converge on the dormant volcanoes where the mountain gorillas live on the edge of the Rift Valley: Rwanda, Uganda and The Congo.
This is the place where the deep, dark forests of the Congo Basin meet the wide, open grasslands of East Africa. The line of contact between the two is an abrupt volcanic mountain range known as the Virunga that continues north into the Mountains of the Moon, or Rwenzori ranges.
Each of these countries protects its portion of the Virunga Mountains, which, when combined, form the 435 Km² Virunga Conservation Area. This Gorilla Safari Will is looking at Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Trip Summary
- Day 1: Kigali City tour, Rwanda, upon Arrival at the Airport
- Day 2: Volcanoes National- Rwanda
- Day 3: Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Transfers from Rwanda to Uganda– Bwindi/Mgahinga Via Cyanika
- Day 5: Gorilla Tracking In Mgahinga/Bwindi
- Day 6: Kigali – Rwanda Onwards
Day 1: Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to Kigali city by our Tour guide for an optional city tour and lunch. After lunch, depart for the Volcanoes National Park. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible.
Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Gorilla Hotel
Meal plan: Half Board
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park- Rwanda
Spending the day tracking in Volcanoes National Park, tracking the mountain gorillas through the lush forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. You will meet the mountain gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch. Some gorilla families, however, are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when the forest is wet and muddy. A packed lunch may be necessary. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Gorilla Hotel
Meal plan: Full board
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park
Today, you will have several different options. Either enjoy another day of gorilla tracking, again in Volcanoes National Park, visit the golden monkeys, climb the Visoke volcano, or trek to the remains of Old Karisoke. You may also visit local communities or simply relax around the Gorilla Lodge. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Gorilla Hotel
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4 Transfer from Rwanda to Uganda– Bwindi Via Cyanika
Drive to Mgahinga through the “Switzerland of Africa,” on the road winding through many hills and valleys, with distant views of the volcanoes and lakes. Time permitting, go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies, and monkeys. Alternatively, look for monkeys and birds near the river below the lodge. Overnight at Travellers Rest Hotel
Meal plan: Full Board
Day 5: Gorilla tracking in the Virunga Uganda side
This morning, a guide will lead you through the gorillas’ world, surrounded by wild forest and impressive bird life as he explains the behaviours of the gorillas along the way. Feel free to ask about other wildlife that you come across, these rangers are not only informed about gorillas but also the rest of the park, plus the people surrounding it.
Gorilla Tracking excursions normally leave from Ntebeko Entrance Gate at 8 am daily and can last between two and four hours, depending on the luck of the day and how the gorillas are interacting with the environment. Visitors should please note that the Nyakagezi gorilla group moves frequently into the adjacent forests in Rwanda and DR Congo, but may only be tracked when they are in Uganda. Overnight at Travellers Rest Hotel
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Kigali Rwanda Onwards
After breakfast, you will transfer to Kigali for your flight back home. This marks the end of our 6-day gorilla trekking safari in the Virunga conservation area.
