13 Days Gorilla Trekking, Adventure and Rwanda Community Safari

Overview

Experience our ultimate 13 days adventure safari through Mountain Gorilla Trekking, Adventure and Rwanda Community Safari. After a guided city tour enjoy a scenic road trip to Musanze for the Ellen DeGeneres Campus and a canoeing experience. Experience Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, followed by Golden Monkey Trekking and a visit to Bigogwe. Relax by Lake Kivu and visit the Amashyuza Hot Springs, then explore Napoleon Island in Karongi. Discover Nyungwe National Park’s waterfalls and tea plantations, followed by chimpanzee trekking and the Canopy Walkway. After visiting the King’s Palace Museum, explore Akagera National Park with a full-day game drive. End with souvenir shopping in Kigali, creating unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s beauty and wildlife.

Highlights

  • Kigali City Tour
  • Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit
  • Ellen DeGeneres Campus by Dian Fossey Fund Tour
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Canopy Walkway
  • Gisakura Tea Plantation Tour
  • King’s Palace Museum Visit
  • Akagera National Park
  • Boat Riding in Lake Ihema
  • Visit Napoleon Island
  • Explore Ibere rya Bigogwe
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park Hike
  • Lake Kivu Exploration
  • Community Interactions with Local Villages

Itineraries

Day 1 : Arrival, Accomodation Check-in and Explore Kigali

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be warmly welcomed by Shalom Safari’s driver guide at Kigali International Airport. You will then be transferred to your accommodation for check-in. After a smooth check-in process you will begin exploring the vibrant city of kigali on a guided tour.

Day 2 : Kigali City Tour

Start your day with Kigali City tour, exploring it’s vibrant culture and history. Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial site to learn about Rwanda’s 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Then, head to the Kimironko Local Market to sample fresh products and shop for unique crafts. Afterwards, discover the scenic Fazenda Sengha, a beautiful country club located on Mount Kigali that offers visitors a unique experience that combines the beauty of nature with activities like horse riding, quad biking, ziplining, archery and painting.

Day 3: Transfer to Musanze for visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus and canoeing experience

After breakfast, transfer from Kigali to the northern part of Rwanda in Musanze, for a canoeing experience in Mukungwa River near the Volcanoes national park. later after lunch enjoy a tour of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, exploring educational exhibits to learn more about gorillas that highlight the ongoing conservation efforts and community initiatives aimed at protecting gorillas.

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

On the fourth day, experience an exhilarating day of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Guided by experienced park guides, you will hike through lush forests to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, creating unforgettable memories as you spend time with them. You are given a short briefing before the trek and are assigned by a guide and a family to visit. At your starting point there will be available porters who will be at your service in case you need help or tired during your trek. This to ensure that your trek is completed successfully.

Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking, Visit Bigogwe and a transfer to Rubavu

You will start early morning with breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for Golden Monkey Trekking. Arrive at the park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a briefing on the trek. The golden monkey, known for their striking golden fur, are typically found in the bamboo forest at the base of the volcanoes National park. After that, you will transfer to Bigogwe, which is a touristic area renowned for it’s stunning natural beauty with lushing green pastures, rolling hills and stunning views around every corner.  Here, you can explore the surroundings and perhaps interact with local communities to learn more about their way of life. Following your visit to Bigogwe, you will continue your journey to Rubavu for a relaxing evening and overnight stay.

Day 6: Lake Kivu and a visit to Hotsprings (Amashyuza)

After having breakfast you will start your tour in Lake Kivu, where you can enjoy a scenic boat tour to explore its stunning landscapes. Lake Kivu is known for its clear waters and lack of dangerous wildlife, which is perfect for relaxing and taking in the beautiful surroundings. After your boat excursion, you can spend some time at the lake, where you can swim or simply relax on the sandy shores. In the afternoon, you will head to the Hot Springs(Amashyuza) located nearby. Here, you can soak in the natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. After that, you will go back to your accommodation to spend one more night in Rubavu.

Day 7: Transfer from Rubavu to Karongi & Napoleon Island

Begin your day with a healthy breakfast, check out of your accomodation then proceed with a scenic transfer from Rubavu to Karongi. Upon arrival, check in to your accomodation and unwind by Lake Kivu as you have lunch. Following that, set off on a scenic boat ride across Lake Kivu, visit Napoleon island, known for its rich bird life and the breathtaking view of stunning landscapes.  Head to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 8: Transfer from Karongi to Nyungwe National Park & Kamiranzovu Waterfall, Gisakura Tea Plantation

Wake up early, have breakfast then get transferred from Karongi to Nyungwe National Park which is about 2 hours drive. Once you get there you will set on a hike to Kamiranzovu Waterfall, in Nyungwe National Park, where you can take in breathtaking views of the forest. Afterwards, visit Gisakura Tea Plantation for a guided tour, learning about tea production while strolling through lush fields. Enjoy tea tasting before returning to your accommodation to prepare for the next day’s adventure in Nyungwe National Park.

Day 9: Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe National Park

Wake up very early, grab your packed breakfast then head to the Park’s reception for briefing before a guide leads the way to the trek to see the chimpanzees. Once found, you can spend up to one hour observing their behaviours and social interactions. Then after have lunch, from there you are given walking sticks to facilitate on your trek to Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe National Park, where you will walk high above the forest floor, enjoying breathtaking views of the forest. Afterwards, head back to your accommodation to unwind and relax after your day filled with adventures.

Day 10 : Transfer to Kigali, on the way visit King’s Palace Museum.

On your designated day, you will begin with a scenic road trip transfer to Kigali. Along the way, visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you can explore the reconstructed royal residence and learn about Rwanda monarchy and traditions, as well as the Inyambo cows, then stay overnight in Kigali.

Day 11 : Transfer to Akagera National Park.

On your designated day, you will start with a transfer to Akagera National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival at Akagera National Park, enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema( the second largest lake in Rwana). During this scenic cruise, you will spot hippos, crocodiles and a variety of birds, including African fish eagles and kingfishers.

Day 12 : Full Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park and Transfer to Kigali

On your full day game drive in Akagera National Park, at the beginning of the game drive, be on the lookout to spot wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, lions, and various bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated area before continuing your exploration in the afternoon, focusing on different regions of the park to maximize wildlife sightings. After the exciting day, transfer back to Kigali for an overnight stay.

Day 13 : Shopping for Souvenirs and Gifts

Enjoy breakfast at your accomodation before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit some handcrafts shop for shopping souvenirs, and gifts before transfer to the airport. Concluding the 13-day tour filled with adventure, cultural and community activities.

  • Meet and greet assistance on arrival.
  • Ground transportation in 4 x 4 SUV / PP Open roof Safari Vehicle
  • Accommodation on full board basis.
  • Audio guide device at the genocide memorial
  • Park entrance fees
  • Gorilla Permit
  • Gorilla Guardian Village entrance fee
  • Kigali sight-seeing tour
  • Service of a professional driver-guide
  • Airport pick up and drop off.
  • Emergency evacuation insurance.
  • Airfares & Visa
  • Luxury drinks/Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips to local guides
  • Personal insurance and shopping
  • Umbrella
  • Entrance Fees

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