Rwanda gorilla safari
| country: | Rwanda |
| departures: | 2008: 14 Sep, 12 Oct, 9 Nov, 14 Dec 2009: 11 Jan, 8 Feb, 8 Mar, 12 Apr, 10 May, 14 Jun |
| price: | From £890 (10 days) excluding flights. Park & permit fees US $650. Price includes accommodation and 8 breakfasts, 3 dinners. We can arrange flights from the UK. All departure dates are guaranteed |
the amazing things you'll be doing
A relatively undiscovered country of emerald mountains and refreshing cool breezes, Rwanda is a delightful destination just waiting to be explored. Although paved roads are generally non-existent and all accommodation very basic, this is the perfect trip for those wishing to get way off the tourist track. From magnificent mountain gorillas deep within misty rainforests to a gleaming volcanic lake, beautiful beaches and tasty local brews, Rwanda just has so much to offer. So pack your most comfortable shoes and come along on this journey across the land of a thousand hills.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Kigali. Get acquainted with Rwanda's attractive capital on an orientation walk. |
| Day 2: | Parc National des Volcans/Gorilla Trek. Travel the scenic, winding roads of this land of a thousand hills, on the way to Parc National des Volcans, prime gorilla habitat. With several gorilla families living within the dense forests, chances of seeing silverbacks are good. |
| Day 3-4: | Ruhengeri. Indulge in traditional food and tribal dancing at a village homestay in Ruhengeri. |
| Day 5: | Lake Kivu/Gisenyi. Explore the lovely shores of Lake Kivu, Africa's highest lake. Beachfront bars in Gisenyi are the best places to kick back. |
| Day 6: | Nyungwe National Park. See enormous, historic Idjwi Island floating in the middle of a volcanic lake en route to Kibuye, one of Rwanda's hidden gems. |
| Day 7: | Chimpanzees & Colobus Monkeys Trek. Experience the pinnacle of primate tourism in Nyungwe National Park - the only place in the world where more than five species can be found in a single location. Look out for chimps, black and white colobus monkeys, baboons and more. |
| Day 8: | Kigali. Stop at tiny Butare and check out the interesting National Museum for a lesson on Rwandan history. The Kigali Memorial Centre gives sobering insight on the genocide that occurred only too recently in this landlocked country. |
| Day 9: | Akagera Game Drives. Embark on a safari drive, cutting across Akagera National Park to spot graceful giraffes, handsome impalas and hippos spluttering in the river. |
| Day 10: | Kigali. Sit back with a refreshing local brew |
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
how this holiday makes a difference
|
Throughout Rwanda, the country with the densest population in Africa, live some of the world's most amazing creatures – the gorillas. Since the atrocious genocide which unfolded in 1994, Rwanda has been trying to rebuild its ecotourism businesses and is set to return the country to its rightful place as one of Africa's top wildlife destinations. These amazing encounters with the natural world, ensure that travellers become aware of the importance of conservation and become conscious of the need for continual protection of wildlife and its habitats all over the world, for this reason there is a maximum group size of 8 on each gorilla visit to any one habituated family and visits are strictly controlled to minimize the possibility of disturbance or transmission of disease to the animals.
Gorillas have previously been seen by the locals as a pest as they often came to raid the village gardens for food leaving nothing for the villagers to eat themselves. The scene of desperation meant that some of the locals turned to poaching to earn much needed cash. To ensure that money from tourism is ploughed back into the local economy we employ local people to help on the trips which reduces the need for animal poaching. In Ruhengeri, our accommodation is in the local Village. The villagers have built three roundavels for visitors which are all built with mud and grass thatched walls and roofs. Through our visit and time within the homestays the local communities have found a different source of survival to subsidise their small-scale farming. Here we can visit the market, attend dance lessons, help in the gardens and enjoy the local food and beer, which again helps boost the regional economy. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |