Itinerary

Day 1      Kigali, Rwanda

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)
   
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Virunga Lodge / Gorilla Nest Hotel (or similar)   

Day 2      Parc National des Volcans

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 the forest is wet and muddy. Overnight at the Volcanoes Virunga Lodge / Gorilla Nest Hotel. (B,L,D)
   
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Virunga Lodge / Gorilla Nest Hotel (or similar)   

Day 3      Parc National des Volcans

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)
   
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Virunga Lodge / Gorilla Nest Hotel (or similar)   

Day 4      Nkuringo, Uganda

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 [note: 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 while 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)
   
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (or similar)   

Day 5      Nkuringo

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)
   
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge (or similar)   

Day 6      Bwindi

Drive to Bwindi through the "Switzerland of Africa," on the road winding through many hills and valleys, with distant views of the volcanoes and lakes. Time permitting, 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)
   
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (or similar)   

Day 7      Bwindi

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)
   
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lodging: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge (or similar)   

Day 8      Kigali, Rwanda

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

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