Gorillas in the Virungas & Bwindi

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to Kigali. After lunch, depart for the Parc National des Volcans (PNV) around 2pm. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (L,D)

Spend the day gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the lush forested slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky, you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them, and be back at the base in time for a late lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)

Today you will have a number of different options. Either enjoy another day of gorilla tracking, again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of supplement at time of booking), visit the golden monkeys, climb the Visoke volcano, or trek to the remains of Old Karisoke. You may also visit local communities, or simply relax around the lodge. Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge/Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)

In the morning either relax or walk near the lodge, visit the golden monkeys or trek to the remains of Old Karisoke. After lunch, transfer to Uganda [Clocks go forward one hour] where you can either continue directly to Nkuringo, or make a detour to Lake Mutanda. Here you can take a gentle stroll on the lake shores whilst watching local life, or weather permitting, take a canoe to Toyo Island before continuing to Mount Gahinga. Overnight at the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. (B,L,D)

Either go gorilla tracking again, this time in Nkuringo on the northern side of the Virunga mountains, (on payment of supplement at time of booking), or climb the Muhavura or Gahinga volcano. You may also go for a nature walk, or visit Lake Mutanda. Overnight at the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge. (B,L,D)

Drive to Bwindi through the Switzerland of Africa, with the road winding through many hills and valleys, with distant views of the volcanoes and lakes. Time permiting go for a guided nature walk in the thick forest rich in birds, butterflies, and monkeys. Alternatively, look for monkeys and birds near the river below the lodge. Overnight at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (B,L,D)

Today you have another opportunity to go gorilla tracking, walking up steep densely forested hills (on payment of supplement at time of booking). In this thick and humid forest you almost have to cut your way through the undergrowth, but finally coming across the gorillas, camouflaged in the vegetation, is an inspiring moment. Tracking in Bwindi requires stamina and can often take most of the day. Alternatively, go for a leisurely walk on one of the different trails that meanders through the Impenetrable Forest. Overnight at the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge. (B,L,D)

Leave for Kigali in Rwanda via Kabale and Katuna, [Clocks go back one hour]. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, a widow’s project selling quilts, handicraft shops, the Franco-Rwandan cultural centre, and a genocide memorial. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight onward. (B,L)