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Gorillas in Rwanda’s Mist

OVERVIEW

There are approximately 880 Mountain Gorillas alive in the wild today. Their numbers are spread across the jungles of three countries; Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. While Virunga National Park in the DRC remains insecure, the only viable options to see Mountain Gorillas is Rwanda and Uganda. Although the cost of a one-hour visit with a gorilla family in Rwanda is costlier than it is in Uganda, the infrastructure in Rwanda is way superior to that in Uganda and for this reason our short 4-night trip focuses on the gorillas living in the Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains of this small nation of Rwanda.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 • Arrive in Rwanda
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met by a Wildspace representative who will introduce you to your safari guide. You will then be taken on a short visit to the Genocide Museum in Kigali, where you will have lunch before heading out of Kigali on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park. The journey north passes through the beautifully terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape and gradually climbs to the base of the Virunga Volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner & overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge . Approximate driving time: 2.5 hours
Day 2 • Gorilla Trek
Today the group will depart at dawn and drive to the park HQ for a briefing at 07h00, during which you will be allocated a gorilla family (we will request a close unit to try to minimize the walking distance). Tracking the gorillas through the forested slopes of the park is a magical experience. Typically, getting to the gorillas involves a short trek, after which you will spend an hour with them and be back at base in time for a late lunch. Some gorilla families are more elusive and tracking can take more time, especially when it is wet and muddy. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge .
Day 3 • At Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge offers specialized massage treatments designed to relax refresh and rejuvenate you after a hike to see the mountain Gorillas. From the lodge they offer escorted bird watching walks, escorted walks and escorted mountain bike excursions in the local area. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is located on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park and a 15 minute drive from the parks headquarters where all activities in the Park start from. Apart from gorilla treks, you can also go on a trek to see the Golden Monkeys, as well as lots of treks and hikes to view the volcanoes and its hidden treasures. Dinner and overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge .
Day 4 • Departure
After breakfast, depart from the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park, driving south past the coffee, tea and banana plantations back to Kigali International Airport in time for your flight home. Approximate driving time: 2.5 hours

GALLERY

Magnificent views across the Rwandan countryside from Sabyinyo Lodge

Mother and baby in Volcanoes National Park

Part of the gorilla family at Volcanoes National Park

Time to contemplate after your gorilla trek

Trekking to locate a gorilla family

Up close and personal with a Silverback

A silverback after which the lodge is named

A warm reception at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Comfort in the Virunga Mountains at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

ENQUIRE

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Comfort in the Virunga Mountains at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge