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DISCOVER TRUE AFRICA'S WILDERNESS WITH SARANIA ADVENTURE SAFARIS

4 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Dian Fossey Graveyard Hike

The 4-day Rwanda Gorilla and Dian Fossey safari is an ideal introduction to some of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, stunning landscapes, and Dian Fossey’s journey of protecting mountain gorillas until she died in the 1980s. Enjoy a guided mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park to see one of mankind’s closest relatives in their natural habitat. You will also have a City tour to try your bargaining power at the busy Kimironko local market, shop for local art, and visit the Kigali genocide memorial to learn about the genocide history in Rwanda.

Highlights

  • Explore the City’s cultural scene and hospitality, find bargains at the local Kimironko market, and browse local art.
  • Trek in Volcanoes National Park to see a habituated mountain gorilla family up close.
  • Hike to the Dian Fossey research center and burial site.
  • Learn about the thrilling but devastating 1994 genocide through touring Genocide memorials and Museums.
  • Visit the Gorilla Guardian Village (formerly the Iby’ Iwacu Cultural Village).

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Volcanoes National Park.

Day 2: Look for mountain gorillas and visit Gorilla Guardian Village.

Day 3: Go to Dian Fossey Gravesite hiking and African cultural tour.

Day 4: Depart from Volcanoes National Park.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali City tour and Drive to Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda’s Capital, Kigali is a serene and thriving City nestled against stunning rolling hills. Locals and visitors relish the order, hospitality, and cleanliness that Kigali offers. Begin your safari through the “Land of a Thousand Hills” by exploring this beautiful historical and cultural city. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, the local market, and an arts and crafts center (Inema Arts Center). After this informative tour, have coffee and head out to Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province of Rwanda. The journey is about 3 hours, and a late lunch will be after check-in at the Lodge.

Overnight accommodation at;

  • Virunga Lodge or Bisate Lodge (luxury).
  • Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange).
  • Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Travel time: 3 hours.

Day 2: Look for mountain gorillas and visit Gorilla Guardian Village

Start the long-awaited day with a hearty breakfast, as you will have a long day in the jungle searching for the habituated gorilla family. You require a reasonable level of fitness, and appropriate clothing and footwear (hiking boots, long-sleeved shirt, long safari pants, and gardening gloves). Having registered with the Rwanda Development Board and being briefed, hop on the safari vehicle for a drive to the trailhead. Start the walk through the forest searching for the gorilla family and this will take 1-6 hours to finally get to the mountain gorillas. Once located, you will have one hour of taking photos and learning about gorilla behavior and day-to-day routines (such as playing, grooming each other, resting, foraging, and others). After your time with the Giant Apes, you will return to the base and continue to the Lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon head to Gorilla Guardian Village for the chance to learn about the country’s rural cultures. Learn about the local dances, local dishes, and visit the traditional healer to be immersed into the cultures of the people.

Overnight accommodation at;

  • Virunga Lodge or Bisate Lodge (luxury).
  • Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange).
  • Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Activities: Gorilla trekking and a visit to Gorilla Guardian Village.

Day 3: Go for Dian Fossey Gravesite hiking and African cultural tour

Have breakfast and continue to the Park Headquarters for the Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike. Go from the trailhead at the Research Station to see the Cabin where Dian Fossey lived and was murdered in 1985. You will hike for one and a half to two hours to the Cabin alongside the gravesite where her beloved gorillas (including Digit) were buried. Learn so much about the forest, several wildlife species, and birds while on the hike and return to the Lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will choose to relax or take a village tour.

Overnight accommodation at;

  • Virunga Lodge or Bisate Lodge (luxury).
  • Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange).
  • Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner.

Activities: Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike and Village tour.

Day 4: Depart from Volcanoes National Park

Have breakfast and drive back to Kigali and your guide will transfer you to the Airport in time for your outbound flight.

The 4-day Rwanda Gorilla and Dian Fossey safari includes;

  • Gorilla permit/s.
  • Dian Fossey Hiking tour.
  • Tours of the Gorilla Guardian Village.
  • Ground transportation by a 4WD Safari vehicle.
  • City tours- local market, Genocide Museums, and local art scene.
  • Bottled water.
  • Relevant Government taxes.
  • Services of an experienced safari guide.
  • 3 nights accommodation in one of the best accommodations.
  • Meals as per the itinerary.

The 4-day Rwanda Gorilla and Dian Fossey safari excludes;

  • Optional activities not included on the itinerary.
  • Visa fees.
  • Airfares.
  • Medical and travel insurance.
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Souvenir shopping.
  • Laundry fees.
  • Park entry fees.
  • Ranger fees.
  • Gratuities to Safari Lodge staff, guide/s, Rangers, and others.

Best time to enjoy our Rwanda Gorilla and Dian Fossey tour

In truth, the Rwanda Gorilla and Dian Fossey Tour can be enjoyed all year round. Even despite its elevation, the weather conditions in Volcanoes National Park don’t vary between seasons- expect it to be warm, humid, and rainy.

March to May, and November to early December mark the wet season, with temperatures sitting between 13°C and 16°C. Throughout these months of the year, daily showers are common and can sometimes be heavy. Increased rainfall makes the forest cooler and forest trails muddy/slippery. This makes gorilla treks and the Dian Fossey hike challenging.

The other months of the year- June to September and January to February, mark the dry season. During this time, temperatures average around 25◦C to 27◦C and much as there is less rain, occasional showers are still not unheard of. Reduced rainfall levels make the forest feel drier and trails less muddy/slippery. This makes exploring Volcanoes National Park on foot easier and offers a wonderful opportunity to trek mountain gorillas and hike the Dian Fossey gravesite.