Freeman Safaris
‘Yesterday’s Safaris Today’
This safari extension to my Kenya safaris provides an opportunity to combine the wonders of the plains wildlife with a truly memorable visit to Rwanda to see the endangered mountain gorilla. Those who have seen these magnificent animals in their natural surroundings usually describe it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, something they will never forget, as an encounter with these primates is like no other.
For the duration of this safari you will be staying at Virunga Lodge on an all-inclusive basis as with a normal Freeman Safari.
Virunga Lodge is situated in a spectacular location overlooking the Virunga volcanoes and shimmering lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. It has eight bandas with a panoramic view of the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. The terraced gardens on this high ridge are now well established with a magical sunken paradise garden as their focal point.
Day 1
Depart Nairobi in the morning with Kenya Airways. You will be met at the airport and transferred to Kigali. There will be a briefing on your safari followed by lunch and then you will depart for Parc National des Volcans at 2 p.m. The journey north goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterise much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible.
Day 2
Go gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (subject to permit availability at the time of booking). Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virungas is a magical experience. If you are lucky enough you can get to the gorillas, spend an hour with them and be back at 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.
Day 3
Either go gorilla tracking again in Parc National des Volcans (on payment of a supplement at the time of booking (see below) or visit the golden monkeys or drive to Gisenyi to visit Ros Carr’s orphanage and Lake Kivu or climb the Visoke/Muhavura volcanoes or drive to Dian Fossey’s grave or visit the local school, community projects or walk to Lake Bulera.
Day 4
Leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops and the Genocide Memorial. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Nairobi to connect with your evening international flight or overnight for an early departure. Your overnight stay in Nairobi is not included in the cost of this safari.
The cost of this all-inclusive safari in Rwanda, which includes one gorilla permit ($500) is $2700 per person on a two- occupancy room basis. Although it is an expensive addition I really would recommend a second gorilla permit for the second day at an extra $500.
The return flight from Nairobi to Kigali on Kenya Airways is approximately $350. You depart Nairobi on an early morning flight and return in the afternoon of the last day so there is no extra stay in Kigali unless you decide to do so.
This safari is run as an extension to specific safaris (please see Availabilities page). If, however, you would like to extend any other safari, please do contact me to make a special arrangement.
© Freemansafaris.com
Gorilla Safaris