RESPONSIBLE TOURISM & ECO-TOURISM IN RWANDA, UGANDA, & THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Great Virunga Massif Circuit Safari

Highlight of the Tour -The Virunga Massif, sometimes referred to as the Virunga Volcanoes Range or the Virunga Volcanoes Region, spans an area of 450 km2 and borders eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), northwestern Rwanda and south-western Uganda. This region comprises an outstanding diversity of habitats. Our Virunga Massif safari combines a visit to see the Golden Monkeys in Rwanda and trekking the Gorillas in Bwindi heading on up to climbing the Active Nyiragongo Volcano in Virunga Park. It is the ideal plan to showcase unto you the wealth of adventure found in this region. Our Virunga Massif tour is a customized safari package that ensures you get to experience an unforgettable adventure.

DAY 1: ARRIVE KIGALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by Amahoro driver/guide and be transferred to your hotel in Kigali arriving for overnight on bed and breakfast.

Driving distance:  15 Minutes
Activity: 0
Overnight: Gloria Hotel |Heaven Boutique Hotel | Marriot Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast

 

DAY 2: PICK UP FROM KIGALI AND DEPART FOR RUHENGERI

After Breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and your day starts with a complementary tour of the city.  Named in 1907 by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first colonial resident governor of Rwanda; Kigali city is surrounded by lush hills of green and is referred to as the land of a thousand hills. Get to visit interesting spots which may include; the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial site & Kigali museum. Depart for a 2 hours’ drive to Ruhengeri area the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains – The Virungas. Arrive at Red rocks Intercultural Exchange centre for lunch then join the local brew makers to understand the chemistry about the process of brewing a local beer from bananas fruits. If you find the activity interesting enough you can join the women in squeezing the juice out of the bananas and drink a glass of juice (Optional). Understand how long juice takes to turn into alcohol after adding in sorghum floor. Enjoy the big glass of our local brew. Among other activities they also do basket weaving and with your visit this local community will be proud of this activity and families supported financially. Later drive to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
 
Driving distance:  2 hours
Activities: City tour + Cultural Activities
Overnight: Amahoro Redrocks Guest House | La Palme Hotel | Mountain Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 3: GOLDEN MONKEY TREK +DEPART FOR BWINDI NATIONAL PARK

This day is set out for Golden Monkey tracking in the Volcanoes National Park. Entering dense stands of bamboo interspersed with open glades; you will make your way deep into golden monkey territory. Guides lead visitors to the habitat of groups of ‘habituated’ golden monkeys – monkeys that have become accustomed to human presence. Though viewing is kept to a maximum of one hour, travellers can get an up-close look at the golden monkey in its natural habitat. Adult monkeys frolic in plain view, feeding on bamboo leaves and leaping from perch to perch. Females carry their young, completely comfortable among onlookers. Return to your hotel to freshen up and have lunch. Bid your host good bye and depart for Bwindi National Park arriving late in the afternoon. Then later dinner and overnight at your Lodge

Driving distance:  2 Hours
Activities: Golden Monkey + Depart For Bwindi Park
Overnight: Ichumbi Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Safari Lodge | Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

 

DAY 4: GORILLA TRACKING IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK OR MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK

Today, after an early Morning breakfast prepare yourself for an encounter with the Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest boasts both Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees – the only forest in Africa which can make this claim in fact. It also hosts five other species of primate, 113 species of mammal, over 200 butterflies and 360 birds. Given the fact that gorilla tracking time is unpredictable, it is difficult to foresee how many hours you will actually hike. The escapade of tracking the gorillas in the superb ecosystem of the park will be passionate for the adventurers. It may take 2 hrs up to 9 hours or more and you should be prepared to walk long distance in steep and muddy conditions, sometimes with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. “The excitement of seeing the gorillas makes it all worthwhile!” Briefing will be given on how to handle or behave with these gentle giants always. This is a fantastic and privileged opportunity to get up close and personal with Uganda’s very own ‘Gorillas in the Mist. Return to your hotel for Lunch. Enjoy an afternoon Batwa (Pygmies) community walk. Later dinner and overnight.

Driving distance: Depends on the family you trek to
Activities: Gorilla tracking + Batwa Community Visit (Optional)
Overnight:  Ichumbi Lodge | Nkuringo Gorilla Safari Lodge | Mahogany Springs Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast

DAY 5: DEPART FOR GOMA (EASTERN SIDE OF DR CONGO)

After breakfast you will bid your host good bye and depart for Channika Border. Clear with the customs and proceed on to Goma. En-route you enjoy a visit to the Twin Lakes of Bulera & Ruhondo- These are beautiful lakes located at the base of volcano Muhabura and close to the border with Uganda. They are surrounded by steep hills with a backdrop of the Virunga volcanic mountains. These twin lakes are great spots to be visited and used to be referred to as neglected gems but things have changed and Bulera and Ruhondo are a place not worth missing out on. Their deep blue waters ringed by steep hills and tall waterfalls with the outlines of the nearby Virunga Volcanoes provide a spectacular backdrop. Enjoy a Boat Ride to one of the islands. This is an ideal area of capturing amazing photography. Thereafter we journey on to Goma Border.  Clear with customs at the border crossing and entering the Democratic Republic of Congo you .Drive on to your hotel arriving late in the afternoon then dinner and overnight.

Driving distance:  3 Hours
Activities: Twin Lakes
Overnight: Caritas Hotel | Ihusi Hotel | Lac Kivu Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

DAY 6: MOUNT NYIRAGONGO HIKE

After an early breakfast; today is real adventure where you spend a day hiking the live volcano Nyiragongo. At 3468 meters, Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most beautiful and active volcanoes, towers above the thick jungles of Virunga National Park. A five-hour hike to the rim of the 1.2 km wide crater reveals the fiery lava lake deep inside. Sitting on the edge of the crater at night, the red boiling lava and smoking caldera will mesmerize the visitor. The trek includes a walk through lush forest and lava fields with a steep incline near the top, and includes an overnight stay in the Nyiragongo Crater Cabanas on the volcano rim. The stunning views both day and night make this an unforgettable experience. Later stay for overnight in tents at the rim of the giant crater high above the active lava lake.

Things to bring for Nyiragongo Hiking- Sleeping Bag, Food (lunch, dinner, breakfast),Water (3 liters p.p. minimum), Any other drinks required, Change of dry clothes, Rain gear, Good walking shoes, Warm Clothes (sweater, jacket) is very cold up there. Sun cream, warm Hat, Torch, Camera and your smile too.

 Driving distance: 
 Activities: Nyiragongo Hiking
 Overnight: Bandas
 Meal Plan:  Half Board- Dinner and Breakfast

DAY 7: MOUNT NYIRAGONGO DESCEND + DEPART FOR KIGALI (RWANDA)

After breakfast descend by 0700hrs arriving at the trail head before lunch .Continue down to be transferred to the Grande Barriére (Congo border) to clear with customs before proceeding to Kigali. If time permits and depending on your flight departure timings go on a complementary tour of the city to visit interesting spots which may include the craft market, Gisozi genocide memorial site & Kigali museum. Also engage in last minute shopping in one of the friendliest African capitals, before being dropped off at the Kigali International airport for your late evening flight back home.

End of service

Driving distance:   3 Hours
Activities: Mount Nyiragongo descend + Kigali City Tour
Overnight: 0
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

To be more specific, here is what is included and excluded in the package

Cost Includes

Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle exclusive to you
English speaking driver guide
Accommodation and meals as stated in the program
All guide fees
Golden Monkey Trekking Permit in Volcanoes Park
One Gorilla tracking permit in Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park
Nyiragongo Hike Permit
Nyiragongo Food Package (Half Board)
Congo Tourist Visa

Cultural Activities
Visit to Twin Lakes
Complimentary City Tour

Cost Excludes

International flights & Visas for Rwanda & Uganda
Travel Insurances
Driver guide or local escort tips
Drinks and dining rooms tips, porter age, personal travel and baggage
Telephone bill, laundry and any items of a personal nature
Activities not mentioned in the program