Northern Province, Rwanda

Virunga

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL) and travel to Ruhengeri On arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be met by Kubwa Five Safari's driver / guide and your day will start with a complimentary tour of the city. Named in 1907 by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first colonial resident governor of Rwanda, Kigali city is surrounded by lush hills of green and is referred as the land of a thousand hills. You will get to visit interesting spots which may include the craft market, Gisozi Genocide Memorial site, and a Kigali museum. Then, you will depart for a two hours' drive to Ruhengeri area, the second largest town in Rwanda with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains - the Virungas. You will arrive at Red Rocks Intercultural Exchange Center for lunch, then join the local brew makers to understand the chemistry about the process of brewing a local beer from bananas fruits. If you find the activity interesting enough, you can join the women in squeezing the juice out of the bananas and drink a glass of juice (optional). You will understand how long juice takes to turn into alcohol after adding in sorghum floor. You will also enjoy the big glass of the local brew. Among other activities, they also do basket weaving and with your visit, this local community will be proud of this activity and families will be supported financially. Later, you will drive to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Driving time: 2 hours Activities: City tour and intercultural exchange Overnight: Garden Place Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge Meal Plan: Lunch and dinner

Day 3: Second gorilla trek and travel to Kigali Today after an early breakfast, you will proceed to the national park headquarters in Kinigi to meet your guides for the day for your second gorilla trekking experience. Mountain gorillas do not survive in captivity which is why they are not seen in zoos and meeting them in the undergrowth is an inspiring moment. Quietly chewing away at their vegetarian delicacies, they seem like a marooned human family. The tender grooming and firm disciplining of their offspring seem all too familiar. The gorilla family cast a wary glance at the sudden human intrusion into their private world but is comforted by the clucking made by the trackers. When provoked, the noisy but harmless silverback grunts, screeches, bares his fangs and beats his chest, before slithering off with attendant females, offspring, and other mature males. Later, you will return to your hotel to freshen up then have lunch. You will then be transferred to Kigali town in the afternoon for overnight at your hotel on bed and breakfast basis. Driving time: 2 hours Activities: 1 gorilla trek Overnight: Great Seasons Hotel / Lemigo Hotel / Kigali Serena Hotel Meal Plan: Breakfast and lunch