RWANDA

Days 1 - 2

Arriving in Rwanda we meet you in the vibrant, capital city of Kigali, built across the many hillsides that are a prominent geographical feature of this beautiful verdant country. The city is well run, clean, and safe. After supper on the first night we can visit one of the busy and friendly night clubs if you wish and get to know some of the other travellers on the truck.

Rwanda is now a far cry from its remembered dark history of the past when up to a million people were massacred over a hundred day period.  The following morning we spend a few hours at the genocide museum in Kigali, the museum highlighting all mankind's acts of genocide throughout history, not only Africa's. It is a very strong and moving experience that leaves a lasting impression.

We then drive the two hours through the hilly, cultivated and populated countryside to the Parc Nacional de Volcans. Five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains, Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo are found in the park, the very first national park created in Africa. The 720 remaining mountain gorillas, humankind’s close relative, are marooned here on a “virtual island,” isolated partly by human activities such as cultivation and logging.

Prior to our trek we stay at Fatima's local catholic mission in Ruhengeri for a night in a bed before our trek.

Days 3 - 4

The following morning we set off on our trek deep into the gorilla’s forest home.  

To look into these gentle giant’s brown eyes you see how genetically close we are. The trek is an experience of a lifetime, taking anywhere from two hours to a full day, depending on when they are found. The gorillas vary in their response to us but quite regularly just continue on with their day to day activities during our hour with them.

That night on our return we usually eat out at a local restaurant and enjoy traditional dancing, you are welcome to participate or just watch.

During our time in Rwanda it is possible to hike to Dian Fossey's grave situated at the Karisoke research centre on the slopes of Bisoke. Dian is buried near Digit, one of her favourite gorillas, who was murdered on 31st December 1977 by poachers. Fossey was murdered 7 years later in the Virungas, as well possibly by poachers. Her 18 years of studies were instrumental in bringing the world’s attention to the plight of these magnificent close relations of ours. Her time in the Virungas was portrayed in the movie “Gorillas in the Mist”. Another primate we can also visit on a separate trip in the Volcanoes Park is the small, rare and agile golden monkey who lives in the bamboo thickets of the lower region of the montane forest habitat. At Ruhengeri we can also visit a local orphanage. Spending time with the local kids who enjoy our visit so much, is always a joy.  

You are returned to Kigali the following morning before being transfered to the airport.

Flights:-  Kigali has regular flights twice daily both by Rwandaise Express airways, Ethiopian, Brussels Airways and Kenya Airways Kigale is also serviced by Uganda Airways from Entebbe, as well direct flights from London, Paris, New York as well as major cities in Asia.

Want to see and do more......why not bolt on trips to....... safari in Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, Or to the Masai Mara. Climb Kilimanjaro, the highest free standing mountain in the world and Africa's tallest, And visit Zanzibar for a relaxing beach holiday on the exotic spice island.  

Optionals: Gorilla trek, golden monkeys.

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