Private Tour Highlights
- See the volcanoes of the Virunga National Park
- Rest and recuperate at Lake Kivu
- Sunbathe, swim and play in Gisenyi on the Rwanda Rivera
- Trek through Hagenia and Hypericum forests
- Observe Gorillas munching on bamboo chutes
- Watch local fishermen work in their Mokoro Canoes
- Enjoy views from the steep, green terraced hills
- And so much more!
Tour Overview
Let Yampu guide you to Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga Conservation Area that covers more than 125 square kilometers. This popular park is home to five Virunga volcanoes, with the highest being Karisimbi. Next you will visit Lake Kivu, the ideal destination for rest and recuperation. The Rwanda Riviera town of Gisenyi is the perfect place for sunbathing, swimming and water sports.
The Virunga ecosystem is composed of 4 major vegetation zones: bamboo at the lowest altitude, Hagenia and Hypericum forest around the bottom of the volcanoes, Sub-alpine in the higher altitudes, and Afro-alpine at the highest altitudes. The mountain gorillas spend most of their time in the hagenia woodlands and bamboo forests. During the rainy season when new bamboo shoots are growing, the gorillas spend more time foraging in the bamboo forests. The climb to the natural habitat of bamboo forest and Hagenia woodlands offers fantastic views.
Lake Kivu provides the ideal place for rest and recuperation, as well as for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. Lake Kivu is an extraordinarily beautiful lake enclosed by steep, green terraced hills, where fishermen ply the water in dugout canoes unchanged in design for centuries, while colorfully dressed women smoke traditional wooden pipes, and where troubadours strum sweetly on traditional string instruments that are much like guitars. The birdlife is fantastic; flotillas of pelicans sail ponderously across the open water, majestic crowned cranes preen their golden crests in the surrounding swamps, while jewel-like malachite kingfishers hawk silently above the shore.
Inclusions
Overnight accommodations in each area visited, meals and refreshments where specified. Ground transport in private 4WD vehicle, English speaking driver/guide, Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle, Gorilla tracking permit. Canopy walk, National Park fees and all government taxes & levies.
Note:
This program is valid year-round. Program costs vary with season: please inquire with one of our sales consultants for further details.
Listed prices not applicable from December 21 – January 2. Please contact a Yampu travel consultant for pricing and availability. Gorilla tracking permits are non-refundable after confirmation and the minimum age requirement for gorilla tracking is 16 years old.
Exclusions
Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote).
Package Price: $7220
Package Price: From N/A
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International flight to Kigali
Arrival at Kigali Airport to be welcomed by a local Yampu representative and transferred to the evening's accommodations.
Arrival at Kigali Airport to be welcomed by a local Yampu representative and transferred to the evening's accommodations.
Exploring Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy breakfast before calmly heading to the northern part of the country. Via a panoramic route we will drive to Parc National des Volcans, with sufficient (photo) stops en route. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Volcanoes National Park.
Enjoy breakfast before calmly heading to the northern part of the country. Via a panoramic route we will drive to Parc National des Volcans, with sufficient (photo) stops en route. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Volcanoes National Park.
Search for the Endangered Mountain Gorillas
Today take the opportunity to spend some time with the endangered mountain gorillas. Make a beautiful hike through the green landscape and hills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend a magical hour with these amazing creatures while a guide will explain more about the family and their behavior. Return the lodge in the afternoon for relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking view. Dinner and overnight at Volcanoes National Park.
Today take the opportunity to spend some time with the endangered mountain gorillas. Make a beautiful hike through the green landscape and hills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend a magical hour with these amazing creatures while a guide will explain more about the family and their behavior. Return the lodge in the afternoon for relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking view. Dinner and overnight at Volcanoes National Park.
Visit to Lake Kivu
After breakfast we drive to one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa: Lake Kivu. Check in and have lunch. In the afternoon go for a boat ride on the lake. Enjoy the numerous birds around the lake, explore the small islands, take a swim, relax and watch the beautiful sunset in the evening. Overnight at Lake Kivu.
After breakfast we drive to one of the most beautiful lakes in Africa: Lake Kivu. Check in and have lunch. In the afternoon go for a boat ride on the lake. Enjoy the numerous birds around the lake, explore the small islands, take a swim, relax and watch the beautiful sunset in the evening. Overnight at Lake Kivu.
Volcanoes National Park – Kigali
Have a relaxed breakfast and the morning at leisure. After lunch we drive back to the capital city for check in at the hotel.
Have a relaxed breakfast and the morning at leisure. After lunch we drive back to the capital city for check in at the hotel.
Exploring Kigali historical sites
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories, say goodbye to the Land of the Thousand Hills. Depending on flight schedule join a guide on a city tour and visit some interesting and historical sites including the Kigali Memorial Centre. In time transfer to the airport for an international flight.
Enriched with an experience of a lifetime and unforgettable memories, say goodbye to the Land of the Thousand Hills. Depending on flight schedule join a guide on a city tour and visit some interesting and historical sites including the Kigali Memorial Centre. In time transfer to the airport for an international flight.
Volcanoes National Park Headquarters, Ruhengeri, Northern Province, Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda
Places You'll See
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Kigali
Spread across a hilly region, the populous city of Kigali is a modern feat of Rwanda. Visit the Ivuka Arts center and other museums and appreciate the thriving culture in this emerging city and Capital of Rwanda. Enjoy some locally grown coffee just before hiking up Mount Kigali for its spectacular views, or take a taxi ride on the back of a motor bike at sunset.
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Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
Known as a haven for mountain gorillas, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the prime habitat to spot these majestic primates. This mountain range stands high with five volcanoes covered in rich vegetation that feeds an assortment of wildlife that can be spotted while trekking the area. Along with visiting these magnificent creatures, Pay respects to the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey at her resting place.
Media Gallery
