4 Days Volcanoes Experience by Helicopter

Introduction

Start	Accommodation	Type	Destination	Basis	Room Type	Duration
Day 1	One & Only Gorilla’s Nest		Volcanoes National Park	FB+	1x Virunga Suites	3 Nights
	→ Singita Kwitonda Lodge	alternate
	→ Wilderness Bisate	alternate

Key
B&B: Bed and Breakfast
FB+: Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Included

Airport from Kigali City to Airport for Heli-transfer on day 1.
•   All activities as highlighted in the itinerary
• 3 Night at One & Only Gorillas Nest includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, minibar, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic house beverages with meals, and two activities per person per day (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice).
•   1 Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, and trek – US$ 1500.-)
•   1 Golden monkey permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, and trek – US$ 100.-)
•   Village/ Cultural Visit.
• Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4 with WI-FI in receptive areas.
• Return Helicopter flight from Kigali-Volcanoes National Park
•Services of a professional, experienced English-speaking driver guide.
•Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
•Our assistance.

Excluded

International airline tickets unless where indicated,
Pre safari night in Kigali
All extra activities, visits, entrances, and extra meals/drinks are not mentioned in the itinerary.
Entry visa fees,
Optional extras whilst in Kigali.
Drinks throughout the trip,
Tips and gratuities,
Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.

Day 1: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park

Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face to face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main draw card, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.

Day Itinerary

0800: Begin the day with a morning breakfast. (Own arrangement).
0830: Transfer to Kigali Genocide Museum.
0900: Visit the KigaliGenocide memorial centre.
1015: Transfer to Kigali airport for your helicopter flight to Volcanoes.
1115: Helicopter departs to Musanze airstrip in Volcanoes.
1145: Arrival at Musanze airstrip and transfer to One & Only.
1220: Arrival at One & Only Gorillas Nest Lodge for your check-in.
1300: Lunch for the day and spend the rest of the afternoon on relaxation.
1500: Afternoon Iby’ Iwacu cultural village.
1800: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

Overnight: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest

Cushioned in the foothills of the breath-taking Virunga Volcano range, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest makes the magical possible as you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, personal encounter with the rare and majestic mountain gorilla, roaming free in its own natural habitat. Offering an exclusive front-row seat to the world’s most popular mountain gorilla sanctuary. You’ll be captivated as exotic colourful birds and one of the planet’s greatest array of primate species flourish before your eyes and welcome you into their world. Then retreat to your own world, a spectacular modern haven, where every creature comfort is yours to behold. An all-inclusive resort, guests can look forward to savoring locally inspired dishes and taking part in two complimentary daily on-resort experiences.

Virunga Suites

Soak up the rare wholesome beauty as you bathe in your open-air bathtub, refresh in the outdoor shower, lounge in your spacious deck, or dine al fresco with loved ones. Inside, move between your chic king bedroom, grand master bathroom with large standalone bath and shower, and your separate living and dining spaces with a roaring fireplace at the heart.

Have all your desires met, regardless of the time, by our resident chef and butler who are always on call. With a private catering kitchen, enjoy fresh ingredients tailored to your tastes.

Alternate: Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Boasting breathtaking views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and surrounded by high-altitude forests, Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers an experience unlike any of Singita’s other destinations. With its exceptional natural beauty, environmentally conscious luxury and transformative, purpose-driven experiences, the lodge was designed in response to this remarkable location, and the eight contemporary suites (as well as the private four-bedroom villa – Kataza House) are linked by volcanic rock pathways to the central lodge.

The interiors emphasise local design and handcrafted details adorn the carefully planned spaces. Layered textures and colours enhance the reflective quality of this tranquil haven and an experiential enclave offers free-flowing indoor and outdoor areas. A convivial fire pit, interactive kitchen, bar-deli and wine cellar complete the picture.

Alternate: Wilderness Bisate

Wilderness Bisate is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone and has dramatic views of the peaks of the volcanoes, Bisoke and Karisimbi, rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Six luxurious en-suite Forest Villas maximise comfort and views, while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of rural Rwanda. Each guest contributes to Bisate’s biodiversity conservation and local community projects – making a far-reaching impact on an iconic endangered species: the mountain gorilla.

Aside from tracking one of the several habituated gorilla groups, activities include visiting nearby natural attractions, hiking to Dian Fossey’s burial site, and observing the Park’s group of endangered endemic golden monkey. Walks on Bisate’s property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programme.

INSIDER’S TIP: Wilderness Bisate is within easy driving distance of Volcanoes National Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily.

Activities

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The centre is an extremely moving, challenging, educational and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy and successful rebuilding post-genocide.

The memorial hosts a tour which is transparent and educational but very sombre and humbling when guests realise that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Offering an adventurous stay in a traditional rural, Rwandan village that has existed for centuries living with and next to mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village gives you a rare chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of our culture and traditions. The community you visit will genuinely welcome you as a special guest while they proudly present to you aspects of their traditions and beliefs. This will truly be an experience of a lifetime as you home stay with the community and become part of their family

Basis

Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 2: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Volcanoes National Park

Day Itinerary

0600: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
0630: Transfer to the park headquarters for gorilla trekking briefing.
0800: Start the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
1200: Estimated time of returning from the jungle.
1230: Transfer back to the Lodge
1300: Lunch for the day.
1500: Relaxation for the rest of the day.
1900: Dinner and overnight stay.

Activities

Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity of discovering the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by a guide and two scouts who are well trained in emergency situations. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some taking the better part of the day.

Basis

Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 3: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Volcanoes National Park

Day Itinerary

0600: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
0630: Transfer to the park headquarters for the golden monkey trekking briefing.
0800: Start the Golden monkey trek.
1130: Estimated time of returning from the jungle.
1200: Transfer back to the lodge.
1300: Lunch at the Lodge.
1500: Afternoon visit the Twin Lakes for Kayaking
1800: Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge.

Activities

RDB Golden Monkey Tracking

Twin Lakes Burera & Ruhondo

RDB Golden Monkey Tracking

Located in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, RDB Golden Monkey Tracking offers visitors a unique experience of catching a glimpse of the endangered Golden Monkey. These striking primates with their bright orange fur contrasting the green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains is a photographers dream. The Golden Monkey can be found in very few places outside of Volcanoes National Park, and their vibrant colours, energetic demeanour, and sizeable troupes of up to 30 individuals are indeed a sight to behold.

Twin Lakes Burera & Ruhondo

Located at the base of the Volcano Muhabura in northern Rwanda, the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo are picturesque blue water masses surrounded by the virunga high hills and separated by a one kilometre strip of land. Visitors can take canoe or boat trips along the waters to take in the magnificent views. Other activities include gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking in the neighbouring Volcanoes National Park, taking fascinating cultural tours from Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, or visiting the intriguing, tropical Musanze Caves. The lakes’ Swamp Rugezi is one of the most important birding areas of Rwanda, and provides a photogenic, serene area to see a number of species. The lakes provide a wonderful opportunity to see people fishing along the shorelines with traditional methods, such as using self-made canoes (consisting of a single piece of wood), fishnets, and hooks.

Basis

Full Board Plus – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 4: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

0800: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
0900: Drive to Musanze airstrip for your helicopter flight.
1000: Fly back to Kigali By helicopter.
1030: Estimated time of arriving at Kigali Airport.
1100: Ready for Check-in for your flight out of Rwanda.
1200: End of service.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Transport

Flight Information

Date	Flight	Airline	Departure Airport	Time	Arrival Airport	Time	Class	Ref
	Charter Flight		Kigali City		One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
	Charter Flight		One & Only Gorilla’s Nest		Kigali International Airport [KGL]