12 DAYS RWANDA GORILLAS TRACKING & WILD ADVENTURE

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali international airport, you will be met by our representative. Outside customs and immigration hall, Safari briefing and introduced to your driver guide. Transfer to Retreat hotel. Overnight at (Retreat hotel for Luxury option OR Park Inn by Radisson for Midrange Option Onomo Hotel for Budget Option ) (BB)

City tour. Today morning after breakfast at 10:00am, you will head for a city tour. Kigali Genocide Memorial in Kigali, Rwanda commemorates the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The remains of over 250,000 people are interred there. There is a visitor center for students and whose wishing to understand the events leading up to the events of 1994. The Center is a permanent memorial to those who fell victim to the genocide and serves as a place in which the bereaved could bury their family and friends, and a clear reminder of the cost of ignorance

History; In April 1994 reports of systematic mass murder within Rwanda began to filter out of Rwanda and circulate throughout the world. Little, sadly was done to halt the mass killing. To outsiders the genocide was represented as tribal-based ethnic violence, with the Tutsis the victims and the Hutu’s as the perpetrators. Precisely how many people were actually murdered may never be known; estimates vary between 500,000 and over a million. The number of people killed is widely accepted as being somewhere close to 800,000. After return to the hotel for overnight stay and dinner.

Lunch will be at Africa bite restaurant and later after the city tour they will head back to the Retreat Hotel. Dinner and overnight at (Retreat Hotel for Luxury option OR Park Inn by Radisson for Mid-range option or Akagera for Budget Option)(BB)

Day 3, 4, 5: 2021- Road transfer to Akagera national park. Approximately 3hrs drive
After your breakfast at 07:30 am you will check out and transfer to Kigali Serena Hotel for your shuttle transfer to Akagera National Park. Upon arrival at the camp, you will briefed by the camp manager on your three days program.

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.

Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at (Magashi for Luxury option OR Akagera game lodge for Midrange/Budget option) (FB)

Return to Kigali -Drive to the volcanoes national park (2hr30min) On this day when you return from Akagera you will meet your guide at Kigali Serena Hotel for a short break before transferring 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 at (Bisate lodge for Luxury option OR Amarembo Gorilla Lodge for Mid-range option or Gorilla Solution lodge for Budget option) (FB)

Early/packed breakfast at your lodge; 0600 hrs: transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQs 0700 hrs: Registration, where the park staff determines which group of gorillas you will visit. The park staff discusses your fitness level and advises you of the trekking times and conditions to the various groups based upon their location in the park the previous evening. There are a total of 80 gorilla permits available each day with a maximum of eight trekkers visiting any one group.
Once the trekkers are put into groups, each group’s Lead Guide briefs the trekkers of the trekking procedures as well as the “do’s and don’ts” while in the presence of gorillas. After the briefing, trekkers return to their respective vehicles for the drive up the mountain to the starting point.
Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear. The cost, US$10 per person/per day. We advise that you utilize this service.

The cost, US$10 per person/per day in case of need a porter. 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 then rest of afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight: (Bisate Lodge for Luxury option OR Amarembo Gorilla Lodge for Mid-range option or Gorilla Solution lodge for Budget option) (FB)

Second Gorilla trekking/Golden monkey trek: Have an early breakfast, 0630 hrs; Transfer to the Volcanoes National Park’s Office to undergo the now familiar gorilla trekking formalities. Then enter the forest for the second trek, visiting a different family from yesterdays. After the trek, rejoin your driver Guide for a transfer back to Bishop House.
Later in the afternoon, you will visit the little known but compellingly beautiful twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo and have a cup of Rwandan coffee while admiring the scenic view.
Dinner and overnight: (Bisate lodge for Luxury option OR Amarembo Gorilla Lodge for Mid-range option or Gorilla Solution lodge for Budget option) (FB)

Helicopter transfer to Nyungwe national park. In the morning after your breakfast you transfer to Nyungwe house.
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.

Upon arrival you will check in at the lodge which located within the tea plantation you will visit the farm and do the harvesting until to the point of testing. Dinner and Overnight at (Nyungwe house for Luxury option OR Kivu Marina Bay for Mid-range option or Emeraudekivu Resort for Budget option) (FB)

Day 10, 11: Chimp trek Nyungwe National Park- Canopy walk. 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.
In the afternoon, 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 at (Nyungwe house OR for Luxury option OR Kivu Marina Bay for Mid-range option or Emeraudekivu Resort for Budget option) (FB)

Helicopter/Road transfer to Kigali – Departure. Today, you will have breakfast and check out for helicopter transfer to Kigali upon arrival lunch will be at heaven boutique restaurant and a last-minute shopping before you head 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 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

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 travelling 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.