Day 1 – ARRIVAL
Meet on arrival at the airport. Transfer to Kigali. After lunch, drive toward Gitarama, with spectacular views along the way. The countryside is a patchwork of green. From the bluish green of the eucalyptus trees planted on the hilltops to the dark green of the cypresses lining the narrow tracks, to the soft green of the rice fields in the valleys. The inhabitants, mainly Hutu of Bantu origin with a Nilotic Tutsi minority, have after years of terrible problems, once again begun to appreciate the benefits of peace. A temperate climate explains the extraordinary diversity of farming: coffee, tobacco, sorghum, potatoes, and bananas. Arrive at Butare.
Overnight in Butare
Day 2 – BUTARE – NYUNGWE FOREST – COLOBUS WALK – GISAKURA
Early breakfast. Continue to the Nyungwe forest. Covering
970 km˛, the Highlands provide a unique habitat for thirteen
species of primate, including chimpanzees, l'Hoest's,
Columbus monkeys and owl-faced monkey. Go for a forest walk
to search for Colobus monkeys, a large group of which can
often be seen feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch
to branch. The high altitude jungle floor boasts some of the
most beautiful orchids in the world.
Overnight in Nyungwe National Park
Day 3 – NYUNGWE
FOREST – Chimpanzees
Enjoy
chimpanzee tracking under the canopy of majestic trees.
Chimpanzees (pan troglodyte Schweinfurt) are considered
great apes, just like gorillas. Spending much time on the
ground they also stand on two legs and walk this way for
short distances. They climb trees in pursuit of food and for
nesting. Depending on the season, the steep slopes with
thick vegetation can be wet. Chimps are far more mobile and
elusive than gorillas. You may need 3 to 4 hours to approach
this often exuberant primate. After lunch drive through
extensive tea plantations to Cyangugu, a small harbour on
Lake Kivu and cross Rusizi River to Bukavu in the DR-Congo. Overnight in Bukavu
Day 4 –
KAHUZI-BIEGA NP – EASTERN LOWLAND GORILLAS (g.g. graueri)
The
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a word Heritage site. A vast
area of primary tropical forest dominated by two spectacular
extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega , the park has a diverse
and abundant fauna. Some of the last groups of eastern
lowland gorillas consisting of only some 250 individuals,
live here at between 2100 and 2400 m above the sea-level.
Eastern lowland have black coats, and the males develop
silver backs as they mature. With the help of a ranger and
trackers, we approach this rare primate. The walk can take
several hours, but coming across the group in its particular
habitat is an inspiring moment.
Overnight near the Park
Day 5 – LAKE KIVU – GOMA
The 2 busy ports of Bukavu and Goma are connected by a wild
roller-coaster road that tumbles through lush plantain
fields and relic patches of misty rainforest to offer
sweeping views over hundreds of small islands. On the way to
the north, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the calm and
pristine waters and the ragged shore of lake Kivu, Africa's
highest lake and an extraordinarily beautiful island sea
enclosed by steep green terraced hills. A more leisurely
option is to take a speed boat plying daily between Bukavu
and Goma.
Overnight in Goma
Day 6 –
GOMA - KINIGI
After several relaxing hours spent enjoying the clear waters
of Lake Kivu, we set out on a boat to discover the beauty of
the little bay and neighbouring islands before returning to
Rwanda. The good tarmac road, which winds through the
luxuriant vegetation of the banana and coffee plantations,
takes us to Kinigi, at the entrance to the Volcanoes
National Park.
Overnight near the Volcanoes National Park
Day 7– VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK - MOUNTAIN GORILLAS (g. g.
beringei)
As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of
mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo,
Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Volcanoes
National Park. Tracking the gorillas through the unique
vegetation can take several hours of challenging walking in
wet and muddy conditions. To see a gorilla, the trek will
have been worth the hardship.
Overnight near
the Volcanoes National Park
Day 8 – RUHENGERI – KIGALI – DEPARTURE
After a last look at the magnificent volcano range and Lake
Ruhondo, drive to Kigali and transfer to the airport. Note: Depending on gorilla permits’ availability, it might be
possible that the mountain gorilla tracking would be at Jomba/Bukima in the
Virunga National Park (Congo). The
program would be adjusted in accordance.
