4 Days Virunga Safaris Rwanda
Tour Details
For many tourists, gorilla tracking is the highlight of their trip and often a reason to travel to Uganda. In Uganda, you can visit the Gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest NP and Mgahinga Gorilla NP. Bwindi is Africa’s oldest rainforest and has beautiful ridges, steep valleys, and waterfalls. Be prepared for some steep hikes though. Buhoma is the most accessible track, whereas in Rushaga you can find the largest number of primates. Mgahinga is the path less traveled. Occasionally the gorillas cross to Rwanda but don’t worry as you will get a replacement ticket for Bwindi.
The Batwa Experience in Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) is the original Batwa cultural walk. The Batwa Trail and the Buniga Forest Walk are heavily inspired by its success, attempting to replicate it with Batwa communities from other parts of the Gorilla Highlands region.
The Batwa Experience happens in a forest bordering the national park, an area that can be relatively steep. A path in excellent condition leads from one station to another, showcasing traditional herbalist knowledge, hunting techniques, forest shelters, and more. The crescendo is reached at a spacious purposely-built hut that acts as a dance floor and dining area. The dancing includes an elaborately and impressively costumed deity that is quite a scary sight. The food served has little to do with the Batwa forest diet; it is instead a tasty example of what rural Ugandans usually eat: matooke (plantains), goat stew, and fruits.
The activity lasts about 5 hours and can be started any time from early morning to early afternoon. Up to 12 visitors can go at once; two groups per day can be served.
Trip Highlights
- Batwa Experience
- Uganda Cultural Safaris
- Gorilla Tracking
- Bwindi Impenetrable N.P
- Mgahinga Gorilla NP
- Wild Expeditions Uganda
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: On arrival at Kanombe International Airport
Your safari guide from Wild Expeditions Uganda the arrival section will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, which is about 20 minutes from the Airport. After checking in your room, you will meet up with your guide and get a detailed briefing on your safari program. Depending on your time of arrival, you will have a city tour of Kigali, visit the Genocide memorial site; visit the king’s palace and beautiful craft markets. This tour can take about 3 hours and later return at the lodge. Overnight at The Heaven Motel, Park in By Radisson Blu, or The Retreat.
Day 2: Transfer to Ruhengeri – Iby’iwacu cultural village tour
After a relaxed breakfast, you will be transferred to Musanze city in the northwest of the country, a gateway to the Virunga Volcanic Mountains, and the famous Mountain Gorillas area. The epic journey will take you through the rolling hills of Rwanda; no wonder Rwanda is called a country of a thousand Hills. The Journey will take about 2 hours arriving in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’iwacu cultural village in Musanze where you will be entertained with some cultural dances and taught some of the cultural norms in Rwanda. The visit to this place takes about 1 hour. Overnight at Musanze. Lodges one can stay at 1: One and Only Musanze, Five Volcano Lodge, Wilderness Sabinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 3: After early morning breakfast
With a packed lunch and about 2 litres of water in your backpack, head to Kinigi Park headquarters for your briefing about the Gorilla tracking excursion. A park ranger will be assigned to the Gorilla family you’re going to track. He or she will give you details about the Gorilla family you’re going to track and what to expect. A total of 8 people are assigned one Gorilla family group and expect to walk for about 2 to 3 hours before you find these amazing animals. Spend one hour with them, and later return to the point where you left you safari guide. Overnight Musanze. Lodges one can stay at 1: One and Only Musanze, Five Volcano Lodge, Wilderness Sabinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 4: After a relaxed breakfast
Visit the Ellen DeGeneres museum in Musanze and there proceed to Kigali in time for your flight. If you have a late flight, have lunch in Kigali city in one of the amazing restaurants, and later transfer to the Airport In time for your flight.
Mugisha Henry
Hotel Information
- Kyambura Gorge Lodge
- Ishasha Wilderness Camp
- Jacana Lodge
- Mweya Safari Lodge
The price includes
- Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with gasoline/fuel, Mineral water in the vehicle, services of an English speaking Driver/guide, Accommodation as shown at the lodges mentioned in the itinerary; Meals as shown (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), all Park Entrance Fees, Equator shopping, Gorilla Tracking, Batwa Experience, and Airport Transfer.
The price excludes
- International Airfares; Excess baggage charges; Ugandan Entry Visa Fees; fees for International travel Vaccinations and Inoculations; Items of personal nature such us Room service, Beverages, Communications charges (telephone, fax, internet), Laundry, etc.; Postage fees, Porterage fees, Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and Hotels staff, Shopping charges for Curios and Crafts, International Airport Departure Taxes, Optional activities unless specified as included, Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.
NB: Prices are current, net and subject to change. Availability of accommodations and activities is not guaranteed; reservations will be made after receiving confirmation of the final itinerary and the requested deposit. Should any of the included accommodations not be available, we reserve the right to substitute it with alternative suitable accommodation, which might affect the final quoted price. Gorilla and Chimp permits can only be secured after receiving the requested deposit. The estimated travelling hours are based on the actual hours of driving. Stops for lunch and photos are not included.