Gorillas and Culture in Rwanda

10 days—Gorillas and Culture in Rwanda

$7640-8450 USD

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Safari summary

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. Sprawled across 10,000 sq.kms, Nyungwe is the undisputed giant in Central Africa. It is rich in birds, and butterflies. There are over 300 bird species and a large host of chimpanzees, monkeys and other primates. A visit to the forest is possible.
Proceed to Gisenyi, – Ross Carr’s orphanage with thousands of orphans. Explore Gisenyi and visit a local lake. You end your trip up north in Ruhengeri, where the Batwa pygmies live- they are an animist community that was recently re-settled here.

Those who wish can visit genocide memorials in Gisenyi, Butare and Ruhengeri as well. Back to Kigali, the capital, an attractive city spread over many hills for which Rwanda is well known. Enjoy local dances and see local cultures. The city has a pleasant, buoyant air and its people are some of the friendliest in the world. You can also purchase local handicrafts.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Primate trekking
	Activity level	Moderate activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Rwanda
	Parks	Nyungwe Forest

Itinerary

Day 1

DAY 1 Arrive Kanombe airport and transfer to Kigali. You stay overnight at the Mille Collines or the Umubano Hotel (BB).

Day 2

DAY 2 You start for Nyungwe. Along the way, you stop at places of interest including local markets, the traditional palace of Rwanda’s former king in Nyanza. You drive past green fields of tea scattered across the hillsides and the small wooden houses unique to the areas surrounding the forest. You arrive in the late afternoon. And stay overnight at the Gisakura Guest House (FB).

Day 3

DAY 3 You can visit the botanical gardens and a cultural museum in Butare. Visit the hot springs in Bugarama.· You stay overnight at the Gisakura Guest House or similar (FB).

Day 4

Nyungwe Forest

DAY 4 Your day’s programme includes a half-day visit to Nyungwe Forest or alternatively you can relax at the 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. You can swim in the refreshing, bilharzias free waters of the lake or stroll about in the nearby villages rambling across a number of hills. Stay overnight at the Palm Beach Hotel or similar (FB).

Day 5

DAY 5 You begin your day with a visit to Ross Carr’s Orphanage. You can then stroll about at the lake or visit local villages. You stay overnight at the Palm Beach Hotel or similar (FB).

Day 6

DAY 6 You drive further northwards to Ruhengeri. You can make an afternoon visit to the surrounding communities. See local Dian Fossey projects. You can make a visit to the Batwa pygmies and other local communities. You stay overnight at the Gorilla Nest Hotel (FB).

Day 7

DAY 7 You are in the Parc Nationale des Volcans area. You can go gorilla-tracking. Gorilla-tracking is an arduous activity and it is best to be prepared for a tough, day in the jungle. But coming face-to-face with these primates is well worth it! You stay overnight at the Gorilla Nest Hotel (FB).

Day 8

DAY 8 You trek to Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre which Dian Fossey, the famous primatologist, set up. Alternatively you can visit local communities. Or simply relax at the camp. Later in the day, you return to Kigali. [Approximate driving time: 3 hours] You stay overnight at the Mille Collines/Umubano Hotel (BB).

Day 9

DAY 9 You can visit the markets, the handicraft shops and the genocide sites. You can also 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 works of local crafts. Attend a traditional dance. You stay overnight at the Mille Collines / Umubano Hotel (BB).