9 DAYS RWANDA GORILLA TREKKING & CULTURE

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are met by our representative. You will then be transferred to your Kigali Hotel where you will have a briefing on your safari. Overnight: (Kigali Serena Hotel for Luxury option or Raddison Blu Hotel for Mid-range Option or Onomo Hotel for Budget Option)(Bed and Breakfast)

Kigali – Akagera National Park (2.5 hrs) Have breakfast at your hotel; Take up a city tour of Kigali including a visit to the Genocide Memorial site a grim reminder of a senseless massacre of innocent’s lives in 1994. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide; learn about other genocides in the world and how this country has dealt with that past. Tour more and see the new developments in Rwanda; the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience. The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for 100 years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare.

You will have lunch in Kigali;
Then drive to Akagera National Park. Once arrived you will enjoy an evening game drive.
Overnight: (Ruzizi tented lodge for Luxury option Or Akarega game Lodge for Mid-range/Budget option) (Full Board)

Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is located in the north east of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes of which the largest is Lake Ihema. The rolling hills of Acacia and Brachystegia Woodland coupled with scattered grassland and swamp-fringed lakes along the meandering Akagera watercourse combine to create a park of breath-taking scenic beauty.

Game drive – Boat cruise: Today in the morning, depart to the park for a scenic game drive. The Akagera National Park with Game drives; Akagera is home to a variety of game, it’s an exciting reserve in which to spend a few days and an interesting contrast to the more mountainous central and western parts of Rwanda. There are plenty of animals around and the birdlife is quite exceptional. Mammals include a healthy population of Elephant and Buffalo, lions, plus 11 species of antelope including Impala, Common Duiker, Defassa Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Oribi, Tsessebe, Cape Eland and the rare Sable Antelope. Zebra and Giraffe still roam the more open acacia dotted plains. After game viewing drive back to the Camp.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a boat trip on Lake Ihema where you can catch sight of hippos and crocodiles. Overnight: (Ruzizi tented lodge for Luxury option Or Akarega game Lodge for Mid-range/Budget option) (Full Board)

Return to Kigali – Drive to the volcanoes national park (5hrs) On this day when you will check out and proceed to Kigali for lunch and later transfer to Volcanoes National Park.

Parc National des Volcans
In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas”. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the rare mountain gorilla – and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. The mysterious rainforest is alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent. Dinner and overnight: Virunga Lodge for Luxury option or Ingagi Park view lodge for Mid-range option or Indani colcanoes residence for Budget option (Full Board)

Parc National des Volcans
In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas”. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the rare mountain gorilla – and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. The mysterious rainforest is alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.

Gorilla trekking trek – Ibyi wacu cultural village. After an early breakfast at 6:30 am, you will head to RDB offices for briefing on your gorilla trekking that starts at 07:00am. Your guided walk.

Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the rare mountain gorilla – and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. You may spot a wide variety of bird life but the high point will be spending an hour with the remarkably peaceful gorillas despite their size and appearance as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting and raising their young.

The cost, US$10 per person/per day. We advise that you utilize this service.
You will be allowed an hour with these wonderful creatures. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and you will have an option of visiting.
Ibyi Iwacu is changing the traditional perception of what constitutes tourism by turning fate into fame through sharing various aspects of rural cultures and livelihoods into tourist attractions and creating income-generating activities for rural poor people that have reformed from living on bush meat and poaching for generations. Dinner and overnight: (Virunga Lodge for Luxury option or Ingagi Park view lodge for Mid-range option or Indani colcanoes residence for Budget option) (Full Board)

Gatsura Village. In the morning after your breakfast you will visit one of the communities in the volcanoes called Gatsura village where you get to participate the local daily community activity like milking, weaving, caving and banana beer making and after return to the lodge in time for dinner. Dinner and overnight: (Virunga Lodge for Luxury option or Ingagi Park view lodge for Mid-range option or Indani colcanoes residence for Budget option (Full Board)

Early in the morning have a breakfast checkout out of lodge, drive to Nyungwe forest.
Nyungwe National Park
Located in the South West corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe National Park is an untouched natural rainforest that is filled with exciting biodiversity. Covering over 1000 square kilometres, Nyungwe is surely one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. It’s believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests, staying green even through the Ice Age, which explains its diversity. Home to habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates’ species (including a 400-strong troop of habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus), it’s also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.

In the afternoon at 3pm, you will go for the canopy walk as another option which offers a splendid view over the lush forest with its magnificent biodiversity. Hard wood trees dominate the upper canopy while the lower part is beautified with a large selection of orchids, flora and fauna that flourish better in the higher altitudes Dinner and overnight: (One & only Nyungwe house Lodge for Luxury option or Kivu Marina Bay for Mid-range option or Emeraude Kivu Resort for Budget option) (Full Board)

Chimp trek – Nyungwe National Park. Early in morning, hike into Nyungwe Forest, the natural habitats for a huge population of Chimps. Chimpanzees are great apes that are closely related to humans. Nyungwe Forest hosts these intelligent primates who are an endangered species. Later after the trek you will return to the lodge in time for lunch and the rest of afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight: (One & only Nyungwe house Lodge for Luxury option or Kivu Marina Bay for Mid-range option or Emeraude Kivu Resort for Budget option) (Full Board)

Kigali departure: Today after your breakfast you will drive from Nyungwe National Park to Kigali, upon arrival drive to the airport for your departure flight.

** END OF YOUR SAFARI WITH INQUISITIVE AFRICA & ADVENTURES **

Inquisitive Africa reserves the right to review published rates in the event of currency exchange rate fluctuations or increases in costs or taxes, which are beyond our control.
EXTENDING YOUR STAY WITH US: Inquisitive Africa has a variety of authentic experiences in Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, Kenya and Dian or Mombasa, Uganda, Rwanda, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa. We would be happy to facilitate and plan any extended stay you might require in East and Southern Africa.

• High Season January, February, June, July August, September, December.
• Low Season March, April, May, October, November

Included in the price:
– Airport transfers
– Ground transport per private 4WD safari vehicle
– English speaking driver/guide
– Accommodation in places mentioned in the itinerary
– Meals as described in the itinerary
– Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
– Activities and excursions mentioned in the program
– AMREF Flying Doctor Insurance

Exclusions:
– International flight
– Visa for Rwanda
– Meals and drinks not mentioned above
– Items of personal nature
– Tips

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Prices are subject to change. Availability of accommodations and activities is not guaranteed; reservations will be made after receiving confirmation of the final itinerary and the requested deposit. Should any of the included accommodations not be available, we reserve the right to substitute it with an alternative suitable accommodation, which might affect the final quoted price. For more clarity please consult our website www.inquisitivesafari.com for the more detailed Terms & Conditions.
The chimp tracking may take place either in the morning or afternoon, depending on the availability of chimp permits. The estimated traveling hours are based on the actual hours of driving, stops for lunch or photos not included.

Booking of permits and payment
• All tours will be booked and confirmed only after receiving a 30% deposit of the confirmed safari. In case of gorilla permits a full advance payment of the permit fee is required.
• Gorilla and chimp permits will be bought in advance after receiving a full deposit of the permit fee.
• The payment for the safari is due no later than 45 days prior to the safari, unless agreed differently.
• Bookings made within 45 days before arrival must be fully paid at the time of confirmation.

If payment is not received in accordance with the above, Inquisitive Africa has the right to cancel the booking.

Payment can be made by VISA credit card, bank transfer, in any way before the start of the safari. Note that payments by VISA credit card involve a 5% service charge and transactions have to be made at least two months prior to the start of your safari. Regretfully, traveller Cheques are not accepted as of now.

The costs of international transactions (or 5% service charge in case of credit card payment) are to be fully paid by the travel agency/wholesaler.
VISA FEES AND APPLICATIONS FOR EAST AFRICA
Uganda Visa: Single entry visa costs US $50 per person. Visas have to be applied and paid for online via the Uganda Immigration website,( https://visas.immigration.go.ug) A copy of the approved application has to be presented at the entry point where the visa will then be issued.

Rwanda Visa: Single entry visa costs US $50 per person. Visas have to be applied for online via the Rwanda Immigration website. ( https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=203) A copy of the approved application has to be presented at the entry point where the visa will then be issued and paid for. Kindly note that citizens from the following countries are required to pay visa fees but are allowed to obtain their visa upon arrival without prior online application: Australia, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, UK and USA.

Kenya Visa: Single entry visa costs US $50 per person. Visas have to be applied and paid for online via the eCitizen portal, ( https://www.ecitizen.go.ke) and present a copy of their E-Visa upon immigration. However, effective 1st September 2015 all visitors to Kenya will be required to apply and pay for the visa online. Please remember that the visa process may take one full week.

Tanzania visa: Single entry visa costs US $50 per person. Visas have to be applied and paid for online via the https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/ A copy of the approved application has to be presented at the entry point where the visa will then be issued.

East African Tourist Visa:
If you are planning to combine Uganda with a visit to Rwanda and/or Kenya it is recommendable to request for the East African Tourist Visa. This special tourist visa costs US $100 per person and allows 90 days multiple entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Unfortunately, Tanzania has not yet joined the East African community tourist visa, and therefore not part of this arrangement and to visit Tanzania you’ll need separate visa

How to obtain the East African Tourist Visa:
– Uganda: online via the Uganda Immigration website, (https://visas.immigration.go.ug)
– Rwanda: online via the Rwanda Immigration website. ( https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=203)
– Kenya: online via the eCitizen portal ( https://www.ecitizen.go.ke).

Similar to the application for the single entry visa but make sure to select the East African Tourist Visa.