6 Day Discover Rwanda

This safari offers an opportunity to track gorillas in Parc National des Volcans. Rwanda has 8 habituated gorilla families and tracking most groups in the afro-montane forest usually takes only a few hours.

You can also climb a volcano, visit the remains of Dian Fossey's grave and the endangered golden monkey.

You continue to Nyungwe, in southern Rwanda, a massive afro-montane forest, the largest in Central Africa. The forest has 13 primate species including chimpanzee and large groups of colobus monkeys. Other attractions are 300 bird species and a variety of orchids and butterflies.

Highlights:

• Gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda
• Golden monkey tracking
• Diane Fossey's grave and Karisoke Research Centre
• Chimp trek and canopy walk suspended above the Nyungwe rainforest

Day 1	Arrival at the airport, transfer to Kigali and depart for Nyungwe Forest.
Day 2	Chimp trek in Nyungwe Forest.
Day 3	Return flight to Kigali airport and road transfer to Parc National des Volcans.
Day 4	Gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans.
Day 5	Gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi, visit Ros Carr's orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke or Muhavura volcanoes or trek to Dian Fossey's grave.
Day 6	Leave for Kigali and transfer to the airport.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali – Nyungwe Forest Lodge - 6 hours drive

Arrive Kigali. Met by our smiling guide on arrival at the airport and transfer to Kigali. Briefing on your safari. Start for Nyungwe Forest National Park. Visit the old palace in Nyanza. Drive past green hills of tea and the vast Nyungwe Forest a massive montane forest, and the largest in Central Africa with thirteen species of primate including chimpanzee and large groups of Rwenzori colobus. Around 300 bird species, orchids and butterflies are also found here. Time permitting you can do the canopy walk suspended above the Nyungwe rainforest. The Canopy Walkway is 40 meters above the ground level, and 90 meters long, above a steep, deep valley, that can bring you "eye-to-eye" with different primate species, and many bird species, all of which are fond of inhabiting the upper scales of the forest. in the forest. O/N: Nyungwe Forest Lodge (H,B).

Day 2: Nyungwe Forest NP

After and early morning breakfast drive to the forest for briefing about your chimp trek. O/N: Nyungwe ForestLodge. (B,L,D).

Day 3: Nyungwe - Kigali - Virunga - 3 hours drive

Transfer to the helipad for your return flight to Kigali airport. On arrival at Kigali Airport you will be met by another Volcanoes Safaris guide who will take you on a 3-hour's drive to Virunga Lodge. O/N: Virunga Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 4: Gorilla tracking

Wake up early and enjoy a hot breakfast whilst the sun rises over Lake Bulera before venturing off to track the gorillas (subject to permit availability at the time of booking).

Tracking the gorillas on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. Please note that you cannot use flash photography, so a fast film is a must! You can hire porters to carry your equipment up the mountain; this is a large percentage of their income so we encourage guests to hire them for the day. If you are lucky you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them and be back in time for a late lunch. Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. However, falling under the gaze of a great silverback makes any trek seem worth it. Return to the lodge to take advantage of your complimentary massage or watch the vivacious Intore Dancers, who are supported through the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust. O/N: Virunga Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5: Optional Activities

Today provides another opportunity to see themountain gorillas (subject to permit availability at the time of booking).

Alternatively you can partake in one of the many activities available from Virunga Lodge. These include:

• Tracking the rare golden monkeys (only found in this region of the world).
• Drive to Gisenyi to see Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes. From birds to local businesses, life is always bustling around the lake. You can also visit a coffee plantation on the way.
• Visit Ros Carr's orphanage where you will have an hour to learn about the critical work done here and play with the enthusiastic children.
• You can also trek to see Dian Fossey's grave, where the famous primatologist worked at the Karisoke Research Centre.
• Climb the Visoke or Muhavura volcanoes, which provide fantastic opportunities to see Rwanda's magnificent landscape.
• Walks are possible direct from the lodge; you can visit local community projects, hike to Lake Bulera or visit the nearby Mwiko School. Relax at the lodge by the open fire on your return.

O/N: Virunga Lodge (B,L,D).

Day 6:

Wake up to savour that view one more time, eat breakfast, and then start the 3 hour drive back to Kigali. With time permitting in Kigali, your guide can take you on a tour of this remarkable city including a visit to the bustling market, a pottery project, handicraft shops and the highly moving genocide memorial. You will then be transferred to the airport in time for you return flight (B,L).

Days 1 - 2: Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Nyungwe Forest
Days 3 - 5: Virunga Lodge, Parc National des Volcans