The land of a Thousand Hills sits at the hub of East Africa. It is here that deep volcanic forces tear the continental plates apart revealing an exquisite beauty where you will wake up to a golden lit sky splashed with mist; you will certainly feel a rush of cool, sweet, fresh air brush against your face.
Overpass the ecosystems of the Congo and the Great Rift Valley of the east you will find a home to the biological riches of both worlds. Reaching the depths of the cradle of the mountain gorillas and staring into the eyes of these gentle giants you will discover a different form of “man”. With the recently held presidential elections that were conducted in a smooth and organized manner, it can only go to show that this once ethnically divided country is ready to put the past behind and move forward. The Government and its people are working hard to unite, strengthen and secure the people of the country.
Some actions geared towards a partnership with the domestic and international tour operators, lodges and hotels has been a driving force for promoting cultural tourism and aspects such as infrastructural development has made its mark when it comes to improving the county’s tourism industry. The visibility tiny country is moving forward in terms of tourism and even more plans to improve and strengthen the sector for it to succeed are in the pipeline.
Rwanda as a people and a nation are trying to find ways to look out for its people right from the top of the earning chain to the lowest man at the bottom. They have managed to do this by introducing pro-poor tourism so that even that Rwandese at the bottom can be involved in the tourism industry whether directly or indirectly, whether skilled labor or unskilled.
Rwanda is introducing a world of possibility.
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to Musanze – it takes approximately 2 hours to the gorilla home. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking
Brief of the day: Early morning – Gorilla Trekking and visit Buhanga forest in the afternoon where all the Rwanda kings were initiated or Kinigi Cultural Village for traditional dances and music, bio-mimicry and traditional healing lessons.
Volcanoes National Park:
After breakfast we transfer to the park.
After completing our park formalities, we are embark on a once in a life time experience of tracking mountain gorillas.
Once you spot them you are allowed to spend an hour watching your closest long lost cousin. This is perhaps one of the most breathtaking wildlife experiences on earth!!! You get so close to these awesome giant primates. You stare at each other blankly not knowing who to break the long silence first. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga is a magical experience.
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 it is wet and muddy. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.