3 days Rwanda Gorilla & Iby'Iwachu Self Drive Safari
This 3 day Rwanda gorilla trekking Self Drive safari provides an opportunity to visit the magnificent Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern region of Rwanda. It encompasses 62 square miles, comprising rainforest and 5 of the 8 extinct volcanoes included in the vast Virunga region. The mountains comprise of Muhabura, Karisimbi, Sabinyo, Bisoke, and Gahinga.
The park is contiguous with Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Congo’s Virunga National Park. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is renowned for its association with Dian Fossey, the esteemed primatologist, and as a habitat for the endangered Mountain Gorillas and the elusive golden monkeys. The Volcanoes National Park was established in 1925 as part of the broader Virunga Conservation Area to save the endangered mountain gorillas inhabiting Mount Mikeno, Karisimbi, and Bisoke. Eventually, its boundaries were delineated to only encompass Rwanda. By 1967, the park gained international renown as the headquarters of Dian Fossey.
She exerted tremendous effort to safeguard the mountain gorillas in the park and raised global awareness regarding their predicament and potential extinction. Despite her assassination in 1967, Fossey is still commemorated for her pioneering contributions to gorilla study; without her work, it is believed that mountain gorillas would be extinct today. In addition to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, Volcanoes National Park serves as a habitat for black-fronted duikers, bushbucks, elephants, forest buffaloes, and spotted hyenas, with over 178 bird species documented within the park.
This 3 days gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda encompasses a Kigali city tour, Mountain Gorilla trekking and a visit to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village. During your time in the village, you will observe and acquire knowledge about Rwandan culture, complemented with cultural acts, folklore, and traditional music. Rwanda gorilla safaris starts and concludes in Kigali, including a visit to the Gisozi genocide memorial site to get insight into the turbulent aftermath of the dreadful Rwandan genocide.
Highlights of the 3 days Rwanda gorilla trekking self drive safari
- Kigali Urban Excursion
- Tour at the Genocide Memorial
- Cultural Excursion to Iby’iwachu Village
- Trekking for Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
- Complimentary Airport Transportation
- Included in the Price:
- Gorilla Trekking Permit and Park Entrance Fees
- All Culinary Offerings
- Comprehensive Accommodation Comprehensive Transportation English-speaking Safari Guide
Exclusions from Price – 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Self Drive Safari
- Rwandan Visa International and Domestic Flights
- Personal requirements including expressions of gratitude, beverages, etc.
Detailed 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Self Drive Safari
Day 1: Kigali City Tour
A Car rental 4×4 Africa representative together with the driver guide will arrive at your hotel or the airport early in the morning to hand over your rental car to commence your tour. Following the briefing from the corporate guide, you will commence Kigali City tour, which will feature the esteemed Gisozi genocide memorial site, where you will discover the tragic loss of over 300,000 lives in 1994. You will explore the remainder of Kigali, local marketplaces, the king’s palace, and subsequently enjoy lunch. Following lunch, you will commence the two-hour journey to Volcanoes National Park. The picturesque hilly landscape en route will evoke the reason Rwanda is commonly known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Da Vinci Lodge
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Iby’Iwachu Cultural Village Tour
Following yesterday’s early sleep, you should now be prepared for gorilla tracking in Rwanda. The head park guide conducts the gorilla trekking briefing at 7:00 AM at the Kinigi park headquarters in Musanze. All trekkers are required to arrive in the park by this time and must participate in the briefing. A gorilla safari in Rwanda presents multiple families to pick from, allowing selection based on fitness levels. Following the assignment of a gorilla family and the engagement of a porter, it is time to proceed to the jungle for gorilla tracking. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda presents challenges; nonetheless, the opportunity to observe mountain gorillas renders the endeavor rewarding. A family of mountain gorillas is remarkable, and one may spend hours observing the little ones frolic and engage in play. Mountain gorillas exhibit playful behavior and display curiosity towards humans, frequently approaching them. Adhere to your guide’s advice, maintain composure, and refrain from abrupt movements. Upon concluding your one hour with the mountain gorillas, return to the starting location where you left your rental car. You will then drive back to your hotel for lunch and relaxation.
In the evening, you will be escorted to the Iby’iwacu cultural village situated in Musanze, adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Da Vinci Lodge
Day 3: Return to Kigali – 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Self Drive safari
On this day, rise and have breakfast at your convenience while preparing for the journey back to Kigali. Grab your car keys, and drive back to your accommodation in Kigali or to the airport for your return journey home. You will fine the driver waiting for you to hand the car over back to him as you. If you missed the city tour on the first day, you can still conduct it on this day, prior to the time you will be leaving the country.