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Day 1 – ARRIVAL -
Meet on arrival at the airport. Transfer to Kigali.
Overnight: Intercontinental Hotel (BLD) or Hotel Hellenique or equivalent (BLD)
Day 2 – KIGALI – BUTARE – NYUNGWE FOREST -
After an early breakfast, we follow the road as it climbs and descends some of the thousand hills, with spectacular views all along the way. Arrive at Butare. Visit the National Museum. It is a must for anybody who is interested in African history. Time permitting, tour the remarkable arboretum and continue toward the Nyungwe forest.
Overnight: Guesthouse de Gisakura (BLD)
Day 3 - NYUNGWE FOREST – CHIMPANZEES AND COLOBUS MONKEYS -
Covering 970 km2, the Highlands provide unique habitat for thirteen species of primate, including chimpanzees, l'Hoest's and owl-faced monkey. As you walk under the canopy of majestic trees, a large group of almost semi wild colobus monkeys can be seen feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch to branch. This high altitude jungle floor boasts some of the most beautiful orchids in the world.
Overnight: Guesthouse de Gisakura (BLD)
Day 4 - LAKE KIVU -
En route to Kibuye, enjoy the fantastic views over Lake Kivu and its ragged shore. Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the calm and pristine waters of Africa’s highest lake from the terrace of your hotel.
Overnight: Guesthouse or Centre Bethanie de Kibuye (BLD)
Day 5 – LAKE AND HILLS -
After a refreshing early morning swim and a hearty breakfast, we continue toward north, along the lakeshore. There is plenty of opportunity for shopping and meeting villagers at the colourful market places. Stop at a huge tea plantation.
OPTION: Link Kibuye with Gisenyi on a private boat. Duration of about 3 hours. Overnight: Gorillas’ Nest (BLD) or Centre de Charite de Remera (BLD) or Guesthouse de Kinigi (BLD).
Day 6 - MOUNTAIN GORILLAS -
As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyniyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into the Parc National des Volcans. Tracking the gorillas through the unique vegetation can take several hours of challenging walking in wet and muddy conditions. To see a gorilla, the trek will have been worth the hardship. Overnight: Gorillas’ Nest (BLD) or Centre de Charite de Remera (BLD) or Guesthouse de Kinigi (BLD)
Day 7 – MOUNTAIN GORILLAS or GOLDEN MONKEYS TREKKING or BISOKE CLIMBING –
Track the mountain gorilla for the second time or follow a habituated group of golden monkeys (cercopithecus mitis kandti), which are endemic in the Virungas. You can also climb Bisoke volcano with its superb crater lake. In the afternoon, tour the shores of the small Ruhondo and Bulera lakes.
Overnight: Gorillas’ Nest (BLD) or Centre de Charite de Remera (BLD) or Guesthouse de Kinigi (BLD).
Day 8 – RUHENGERI – KIGALI – DEPARTURE -
After a last look at the magnificent volcano range, drive to Kigali and transfer to the airport.
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