Day 1:
Arusha Tanzania to Kigali Rwanda: Today we transfer from Kilimanjaro International to Rwanda.
After clearing customs we meet our driver and then head through Kigali up into the mountains and check in the Gorillas Nest Lodge (2 ½ hour drive). Meals are provided at the lodge. It is set on a golf course if you want to play a round. Golf clubs are available to rent.
Day 2:
Breakfast is at 6:30am. We will leave at 7:00am. It is important to leave on time as we DO NOT want to loose our permits. People are usually waiting for no shows so they can buy the permit. The park only issues 40 permits per day. We arrive at Volcanoes National Park ORTPN (15 min. from Lodge): After Registration we will meet with our tracking guide. We will have a briefing on safety, the family we are going to visit and any last minute details. You will hike for a few hours up into the jungle. You should have a day pack, rain coat / poncho, water and snack and hiking attire. It is thick jungle and sometimes muddy and rainy.
After you return from Gorilla Tracking you will have lunch at the lodge. You can then take an excursion trip to the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo or play a round of golf or simply relax. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight at the Gorillas nest lodge. Traditional Dancers entertain us each night at the lodge.
Day 3:
Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla Tracking. Be prepared for a few hours of jungle hiking. We will have the same program as the previous day. We will trek to see a different family and hope for close encounters with the mountain gorillas. After we finish our gorilla tracking will head back to Kigali where we will stay in local hotel.
Day 4:
Today we will spend the day exploring the city of Kigali. We will have a city guide and driver that will show us the sights as well as explain the city and its history: City tour, Genocide memorials tours, National Museum at Butare and shopping.
Day 5:
Rwanda Kigali to Tanzania. After breakfast we will return to the Kigali Airport for international flight back to Tanzania. You can arrange your travel to depart directly home from here if you like. If you are returning to Tanzania and continuing your trek there is a $100 visa fee at customs in Tanzania.
From here, additional Add-On trips may be planned:
* Zanzibar Island in the Indian Ocean - Here you can enjoy exotic Stone Town, a 7th century Persian slave trading port and very Muslim culture. Then head North to Nungwi beach and enjoy crystal clear waters, ancient dowe sailboats, snorkeling, a turtle preserve and white sand beaches before return home.
* Kilimanjaro climb and African Safari - Journey to the highest point on the African continent (19,340'), traversing through 5 distinct eco changes via the Machame route. Then head out for 4 days of an African safari, seeing animals and meeting people of the local tribes of the region.
* Mount Maru (14,980'): An active volcano and the 2nd highest peak in Tanzania, this summit climb is challenging, but very rewarding.
Contact us to customize your trip.