 Gorilla Treks - Rwanda
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It is also possible to see Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda. This can be done either by crossing the Uganda border at Kisoro, or by flying into the capital Kigali from Nairobi - as the following example indicates:
Day 1
Arrive Kigali airport from Nairobi, met, and drive for two and a half hours
to Kinigi via Ruhengeri. The road to Ruhengeri is sealed offering stunning
scenery of the hills and valleys of this green and lush, well populated
country. From Ruhengeri it is a 20 minute drive to Kinigi at the base of
Sabinyo Mountain, with excellent views of the rest of the Virunga volcanoes.
Overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge.
Day 2
Gorilla tracking day. After breakfast take a short drive to the Park Headquarters
and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on
the etiquette and safety of gorilla trekking. You will then hike into the
forest where the gorillas were last seen the night before, and track them
from that point.
The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours and climbs to altitudes in excess
of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy.  Although
the hike is physically demanding, the beauty of the forest and
surrounding scenery make the trekking worthwhile. Once the gorillas
are located, all fatigue is forgotten. The experience is often
described as being the most profound natural history experience
in the world. Picnic lunches are provided and it is important to
take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty of fast speed film is
recommended. It can rain at a few minutes notice; hence waterproof clothing
is essential, as well as zip lock bags for cameras and film.
Overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge.
Please note:
We cannot guarantee seeing Gorillas – though
the percentage chances of doing so are high.
When you do come across them, conditions can be varied, sometimes they
are sitting feeding in a clearing, but sometimes they are in thick bush
with poor light, or consistently on the move!
You will only be allowed to stay with them for a maximum
of one hour – then
your guide will move you off, please accept that. This is to try
to ensure that they do not become too habituated to humans, and to minimize
the risk of communicable disease.
It is for this reason, if you have a bad cold or flu, you will not be allowed
to proceed on the trek.
Day 3
Second gorilla tracking day. Two hour drive to Kigali.
Overnight at Umubano Novotel.
Day 4
Transfer back to the airport for flight to Nairobi.
Gorilla Nest Lodge is 3 to 4 star quality, en suite bathrooms with hot
and cold running water, dining and bar area serving excellent meals.
There are 20 rooms, all on a twin basis. Views of the Volcanoes and surrounding
countryside are breathtaking. |
