RW8: GORILLAS AND CULTURE IN RWANDA (10 Days)

The cultural trip starts with a visit to Omwami’s palace in Nyanza, continuing to the locally revered hot springs of Rugarama near Nyungwe Forest in South West of Rwanda, the largest afro-montane forest in Central Africa.

With over 10000sq.km in size, Nyungwe - the undisputed giant in Central Africa – is rich in birds, butterflies, over 300 bird species and a large host of chimpanzees, monkeys and other primates. A visit to the forest is possible.

Proceed to Gisenyi, where Ross Carr’s orphanage with thousands of orphans is found. Explore Gisenyi and visit a local lake. End your trip with the North, in Ruhengeri, where the Batwa pigmies, an animist community that was recently resettled.

For those who wish, visit genocide memorials as well, in Gisenyi, Butare and Ruhengeri. Back to Kigali, the Capital, an attractive city spread over many hills for which Rwanda is prominent. Enjoy local dances and see local cultures. The City has a pleasant, buoyant air and its peoples are some of the friendliest in the world. Local crafts can be bought.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kanombe airport and transfer to Kigali. O/N: Mille Collines/Umubano Hotel (BB).

Day 2: Start for Nyungwe. Along the way, make stops at places of interest including local markets, the traditional palace of Rwanda’s Former King in Nyanza. Drive past green fields of tea scattered across the hillsides and the small wooden houses unique to the areas surrounding the forest. Arrive late afternoon. O/N: Gisakura Guest House (FB).

Day 3: Visit the Botanical Gardens and a cultural museum in Butare. Visit the hot springs in Bugarama. O/N: Gisakura Guest House or similar (FB).

Day 4: Half day visit to Nyungwe Forest or relax at Camp. In the afternoon, drive via Kibuye on the stunningly beautiful Lake Kivu to Gisenyi; through beautiful countryside, crossing valleys full of agricultural produce. Go water skiing, or take a boat out on the lake to see the various islands. Swim in the refreshing, bilharzias free waters of the Lake or stroll about in the nearby villages rambling across a number of hills. O/N: Palm Beach Hotel or similar (FB).

Day 5: Visit Ross Carr’s Orphanage. Stroll about at lake or visit local villages. O/N: Palm Beach Hotel or similar (FB).

Day 6: Drive further northwards to Ruhengeri. Afternoon visit to the surrounding communities. See local Dian Fossey projects. A visit to the Batwa pigmies and other local communities. O/N: Gorilla Nest Hotel (FB).

Day 7: In Parch Nationale des Volcans: Gorilla tracking. Be prepared for a tough, arduous day in the jungle, but coming face to face with these primates is well worth it! O/N: Gorilla Nest Hotel (FB).

Day 8: Trek to Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre which Dian Fossey, the famous primatologist, set up, or visit local communities. Alternatively for those who are not up to it, simply relax at Camp. Later in the day return to Kigali. [Approximate driving time: 3 hours] O/N: Mille Collines/Umubano Hotel (BB).

Day 9: Visit the markets, the handicraft shops and the genocide sites. Go for a tour of the city including shopping. Time permitting, visit the Nyabugogo market, the Moslem quarter in Nyamirambo, the Franco-Rwanda cultural centre and a genocide memorial. Many hotels and restaurants prepare local dishes. Buy crafts. Attend a traditional dance. O/N: Mille Collines/Umubano Hotel (BB).

DAY 10: Fly out. Tour Ends.

Please take time to read our Gorilla Tracking etiquette document.

More Tours to Rwanda

RW1 Gorillas in Rwanda (4 Days)	RW2 Gorillas in the Virunga – PNV & Mgahinga (6 Days)
RW3 Gorillas in Rwanda & Uganda (6 Days)	RW4 Chimps in Rwanda (5 Days)
RW5 Gorillas, chimps & birds in Rwanda (5 Days)	RW6 Gorilla, chimps & birds in Rwanda & Uganda (15 Days)
RW7 Jewels of Rwanda (8 Days)	RW8 Gorillas & culture in Rwanda (10 Days)

Departure Dates: Daily

Itineraries that include a visit to the gorillas are subject to availability of permits at time of booking. Unless otherwise stated, only one gorilla permit is included in the safari cost; the other trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.

Merit Safaris will advise the most appropriate airlines to use to fly to Rwanda. We could book your flights; alternatively you can contact your Africa tour operator or travel agent. Safaris start either in Kigali in Rwanda, or Entebbe or Kampala in Uganda.

Please note: Rwanda is one hour behind Uganda.

Unless otherwise stated, prices quoted include a safari car for the itinerary stated, accommodation on a shared basis and meals (in Kampala/Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board), 1 boat/launch trip, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit.

For all categories of accommodation, ALL drinks (except bottled water) are excluded in the safari cost and clients are to pay for them directly to the hotels/Camps or Lodges. Clients could choose to fly out the following day in case there are no flights for their destination on the last day of the itinerary. A supplement for the extra night will be required.

Prices do not include airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes, all personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks. For single rooms, the supplement (SRS) has to be paid. Fees for mountain climbing, fishing and other specialist activities will attract an extra charge where not stated.

Prices are quoted in US Dollars. At the time of booking, clients should confirm with us the prevailing exchange rates for Pounds and Euros, if they wish to pay in those currencies. At the time of booking, the client(s) will need to pay for all gorilla permits needed in full otherwise a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of a safari paid, whichever is higher.

Key to Itineraries: