Areas of Interest: Rwanda, Ruhengeri, Virunga, Congo, Lake Bunyonyi, Parc National des Volcans, Kampala

Activity: Trekking, camping, scenery, bird watching, photography, culture and history

Due to difficulties of obtaining Gorilla viewing permits, we offer still another option of seeing the primates in Rwanda. You will be required to obtain a visa to cross in to Rwanda. Ruhengeri town is the base for the gorilla trek. It is situated just 15 km away from the Parc National des volcans and is tucked in by the mighty Virunga volcanoes, offering amazing views of them. This is the definitive location to track the rare and captivation mountain gorilla. This area protects the Rwandan portion of Virunga, bordering Congo, and is a truly breathtaking area.  In addition to gorillas, the Virungas harbour elephant, buffalo, the rare golden monkey and a variety of birds. It is here where Dian Fossey did all her research into gorilla behaviour and the film, Gorillas in the mist was shot.

Day 1 - Kampala - Rwanda (Ruhengeri) 530 Km

Depart early in the morning from Kampala for Ruhengeri. There will be a short stopover at the Equator to take photos and lunch will be served at a scenic picnic site along the shores of the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda. This lake is reputed to be one of the deepest in Africa and its surrounding hills are home to the Bakiga people who are cultivators by tradition. Arrival at Ruhengeri in Rwanda at approximately 17:00 hours. Dinner and overnight at the Ruhengeri campsite.

Day 2 - Ruhengeri (Parc Des Volcanoes)

After breakfast the day will be spent tracking the famous Mountain Gorillas. Packed lunch will be provided. We return for dinner and overnight stay at Ruhengeri Campsite. The terrain is difficult and the area rains a lot, with many stinging plants that can penetrate through light clothing. It is thus recommended that appropriate footwear; clothing and a pair of gloves are worn. You also need to be reasonably fit and free of health ailments that may endanger the health of the gorillas. The time spent with the gorillas is limited to an hour only and fast film is recommended for photographs, as it is pretty dark in the forest. Please note that children under 15 years of age are not permitted to visit the gorillas.

There are four habituated gorilla groups in Parc National des Volcans. The Susa group with 35 individuals is the largest and hardest to reach, involving as much as 3 to 4 hours up the slopes of Karisimbi and at an altitude of more than 3000m. The other groups – Sabinyo with 13 members, Amahura with 16 and Group 13 with just 6 members – are all easier to reach. The daily permits are limited to a maximum of 32 and no more than 8 people per group.

Day 3 - Rwanda - Kampala 530km

Depart after breakfast for Kampala in Uganda.  Lunch will be served at a scenic picnic site along the shores of Lake Bunyonyi. Arrival at Kampala in the late afternoon.