once-in-a-lifetime experience this adrenaline adventure celebrates mankind’s relationship with nature and ultimately primates. Travel deep into the heart of Central Africa in search of mankind’s closest relatives – the endangered and rare mountain gorilla. Led by private guide and driver you’ll safari through Parc National des Volcans – where primatologist Dian Fossey under took her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behavior, Kigali – Rwanda’s resilient capital and Nyungwe Forest National Park – home to chimpanzees, other primates and over 100 kinds of different orchids. Spend time hiking and share precious time with these rare animals. Enjoy the breathtaking sights, smells, and sounds of this rarely seen mountain region. Encounter elephants, buffalo, an assortment of different monkey species, exotic birds and much more . Featuring bustling markets, traditional cuisine, stylish accommodations, private transfers, expert guide and 24/7 support this active exhibition is sure to please even the most intrepid explorer.

NOTE: Gorilla permit fees are sold on a first come first served basis. Once your permits are booked we require a $500 per permit non refundable deposit. All gorilla permits purchased before 1st June 2012 for tracking in 2012 will stay at US$500. All permits purchased after this date will be sold at the new rate of US$750 as per the park authority. Gorilla permits for tracking in 2013 will be sold at US$750 regardless of the time of purchase. The park authority/management reserves the right to cancel any permit without any refund or further reference.

Ranging in altitude from 2400km to 4,507 the Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) is dominated by the setting of volcanoes after which it is named. Best known to the outside world as the place where for almost 20yrs the American primatologist Dian Fossey under took her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behaviour. Day hikes to see the gorilla families can be strenuous on tracks climbing through the forest, and time is very limited once contact is made with the gorilla families. It is a rare and memorable experience to visit with these giant cousins of man.

In the event of serious illness, all travellers are covered by Flying Doctors Insurance. This covers the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance does not cover the cost of medical treatment.

Take your flight from Nairobi to Kigali today. The flight duration is approximately 1hr 30mins.

Transfer to/from Volcanoes National Park with private vehicle and driver.

The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is conveniently placed at the feet of the Virungas, the striking volcano mountains through which so many hike in order to catch a glimpse of mountain gorillas. The 8 cottages and suites are structured so as to give guests the most all-encompassing view, promising privacy, a vast countryside, and beautifully decorated quarters. Dining is a similarly pleasing experience, with a variety of fare meeting the standards of even the most discerning traveler. Staff here are extremely helpful, all possessing a very caring nature, and a willingness to assist guests. Besides visiting the famed mountain gorillas, be sure to check out the local marketplaces and find out more about local community projects.

Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback.

The Park des Volcanoes is located in the Virunga Mountains, a magnificent chain of dormant volcanoes in the North of the country, and home to the world´s last surviving mountain Gorilla populations, currently a mere 700 individuals. A full day trek with your guide through the park is a reasonably strenuous activity which can last the morning or all day as you seek out the gorilla families. Viewing time is limited to one hour, and only 8 maximum are allowed per group. Visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. Kids under age 15, or people sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, are not allowed to visit the gorillas.

PERMITS MUST BE PAID IN FULL AT TIME OF CONFIRMATION AND ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback.

An exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offers stirring views in all directions. Then, abruptly, the trail enters the national park, immersing trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.

Overnight at Sabyinyo Silverback.

Kigali is the capital and largest city of Rwanda. It is situated in the centre of the nation, and has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since it became capital at independence in 1962. Beginning on April 6, 1994, Kigali was the scene of the Rwandan Genocide — the slaughter of approximately one million Tutsi and moderate Hutu by Hutu militias (interahamwe), and some members of the Rwandan army. The genocide memorials are a moving testament to this tragic history.

Transfer to/from Volcanoes National Park with private vehicle and driver.

Your guide will take you on a tour of the new and vibrant capital city of Kigali. The new prosperity features a number of thriving markets and features the mountain terrain famous in Rwanda. A sober contrast to its recent history. For survivors and others whose families were murdered in Rwanda´s genocide 1994, the Memorial sites and centres are places of dignified remembrance for loved ones lost. It is also a place of reflection and learning for the wider community, both in Rwanda and internationally.

The Serena Hotel is considered the best hotel in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Meeting and surpassing the already high standards set by the luxurious Serena Hotels chain is no easy feat. The Serena Kigali manages this with its 104 rooms and suites, each individually immaculate, clean, and refined in decor. Dining is a treat, where one will never get sick of the extensive menus, which somehow manage to please all guests. Staff is always available, friendly, and hospitable, offering incomparable service and care. Activities include swimming pool, shopping, and fully equipped gym. On some nights, the hotel even has live music playing at the poolside.

Overnight at Kigali Serena.

Nyungwe Forest National Park is a national park in southwestern Rwanda, located south of Lake Kivu on the border with Burundi. The park covers an area of approximately 970 km² of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs. The nearest town is Cyangugu, 54 km to the west. Mount Bigugu is located within the park borders. The park is the location of the most distant source of the Nile. The park contains 13 different primate species (Including Common Chimpanzee), 275 bird species, 1068 plant species, 85 mammal species, 32 amphibian and 38 reptile species.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

Flight from Kigali (KGL) to Cyangugu / Kamembe (KME) with Rwanda air. Flight departs at 08:00 am - 08:25 am.

Early morning transfer to/from the airport offered by Nyungwe Forest Lodge.

The following activities can be arranged at an additional cost at the time of booking or upon arrival at the lodge: Black and White Colobus monkey trekking, Grey – cheeked Mangabey Trekking, Blue Monkey and Golden Monkey Trekking, Kamiranzovu Swamp walk, Kamiranzovu Waterfall walk, Various guided Walking trails from 1 hours to 7 hours, Bird watching walk, Cultural area walk with lodge guide.

Nyungwe Forest Lodge is built to blend in with the surrounding environment. It is situated in a tea plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe closed canopy rain forest, home to 13 species of primate including Chimpanzees. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the rugged African jungle...

Overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge.

Take breakfast and go for chimp tracking experience in Nyungwe! You will observe L’hoest monkeys and blue monkeys around Uwinka after a less strenuous hike. An orchid garden with over 100 species of Orchids at Uwinka is another feature you shouldn’t miss. For those interested in a more strenuous hike , we highly recommend the the Bigugu Mountain trail which takes you to the highest peak in Nyungwe Forest at 3000m above sea level .

Overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge.

Early morning transfer to/from the airport offered by Nyungwe Forest Lodge.

Flight from Cyangugu / Bukavu (KME) to Kigali (KGL) with Rwanda air. Flight departs at 08:55 am - 09:20am.

Take your flight from Kigali to Nairobi today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hr and 30mins.

You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

Depart from Nairobi international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.