Safari Information
This gorilla safari is an amazing chance to visit a country that few tourists see. Start your adventure in Virunga National Park, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on the border of Uganda and Rwanda.
GORILLA SAFARIS
Our Gorilla Safaris begin in Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse protected area, known as Virunga National Park. The park’s 7800 km² includes forests, swamps, savannahs, erosion valleys, active volcanoes, lava plains and the glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori mountains. This relatively undiscovered gem, is home to about a quarter of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas. Trek through this vast and beautiful forest to meet the gorillas. Then climb one of the many volcanoes, sleeping in a summit hut for the night. After this epic gorilla safari adventure, you will fly to the highlands of northern Kenya. Here you will see the endangered rhino at Solio and the Grevy’s Zebra at Sasaab. Spend your days on game drives, walks, horse riding and fly-camping in the wilderness. Finally, you will return to Nairobi and unwind at the iconic Giraffe Manor.
* Guide price based on two people travelling for 12 nights on a full board basis with private guide on your journey through the Congo. The price is correct to the best of our knowledge. It is intended to be a guide price and is subject to change at the time of confirmation.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Kigali Serena Hotel, Rwanda
Day 2/3: Kibumba Tented Camp, Virunga National Park, Congo
Day 4: Nyiragongo Summit Huts, Virunga National Park, Congo
Day 5: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Rwanda & Four Points by Sheraton, Nairobi Airport
Day 6/7/8: Solio Lodge, Solio
Day 9/10/11: Sasaab, Samburu
Day 12: Giraffe Manor, Nairobi
Day 13: Farewell Kenya
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Full board accommodation at Kibumba Tented Camp, Nyiragongo Summit Huts, Solio Lodge, Sasaab and Giraffe Manor
- Bed and Breakfast accommodation at Kigali Serena Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi
- Day room and Lunch at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Scheduled internal flights (throughout Kenya)
- International flight from Rwanda to Kenya
- All transport between destinations and to/from activities incl. 4×4 safari vehicles
- Gorilla Safari and Volcano trek permits
- Private guide throughout your journey through the Congo
- Activities’ including game drives, sundowners, bush picnics
- Horse riding and mountain biking at Solio Lodge, camel riding and walking at Sasaab
RECOMMENDED FOR
Intrepid adventure seekers
Families
Honeymooners
Nature lovers
Anyone that is relatively fit
Gorilla enthusiasts
HIGHLIGHTS
Virunga National Park covers an area of 790,000 ha. It includes an outstanding diversity of habitats, ranging from lava plains to savannahs; dense lowland and higher bamboo forests, swamps and steppes, to the Rwenzori snowfields at an altitude of over 5,000 m and the Virunga volcanoes. The park is a refuge for mountain and lowland gorillas. The highlands have notable examples of the high altitude flora and giant herbs unique to the mountains of Africa.
WHEN TO GO
Virunga National Park’s vast range results in marked climatic variations. Rain in this region is varied and includes both the highest and lowest rainfall levels in the country, but is generally more heavy from March to May and mid-September to mid-December, with drier spells following each of these seasons.
DAY 1: Unwind in Rwanda’s Capital
STAY AT Kigali Serena Hotel
GETTING THERE Fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Here you will be met and driven to Kigali Serena Hotel, which is a short drive away.
EXPERIENCE Kigali Serena is a great place to rejuvenate after travelling and gather your energy for your upcoming Rwanda gorilla tours. Enjoy poolside dining and a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Get your blood pumping with a workout in the fully-equipped gym and fitness studio, followed by a relaxing swim or treatment in the Moroccan inspired spa
DAY 2 and 3: Gorilla Tracking
STAY AT Kibumba Tented Camp for your Gorilla tracking adventure
GETTING THERE You will be transferred to Kibumba Tented Camp from Kigali Serena Hotel by road. It is an easy three-hour drive on good roads with great scenery. Upon reaching the Grande Barriere border crossing into the Democratic Republic of Congo at Goma, you will stop to pick up gorilla and volcano trekking permits, before continuing to Kibumba Tented Camp which is one hour from Goma.
EXPERIENCE Gorilla tracking is probably the best way to meet your closest living relatives on earth. Spend the afternoon settling in and soaking up the spectacular green wilderness setting of the camp which is situated in lush volcanic forest inside Virunga National Park. Enjoy spotting the abundant birdlife and monkeys from your private deck, or take a guided nature walk through the surrounding forest. After an early breakfast on your second morning, you will meet your ranger for a briefing on gorilla tracking. Tracking the gorillas usually takes around one to two-and-a-half hours of hiking each way, depending on the location of the gorilla family being trekked and the difficulty of the terrain. Spend one magical hour with the gorillas, observing, photographing, and marvelling at these majestic giant primates, before making your way back to camp for a well-earned rest. Enjoy a late lunch and restful afternoon of leisure, with the option for nature walks and bird watching if desired. Relax with a drink around an open fire in the evening and share your gorilla adventures from the day.
DAY 4: Adventure Safari
Today your desire for intrepid adventure safari will be met as you trek and spend the night on the rim of the world’s largest lava lake.
STAY AT Nyiragongo Summit Huts
GETTING THERE After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Kibati Ranger Post, the departure point for your trek up Nyiragongo Volcano. The adventure safari begins with a climb usually takes between four and six hours, depending on the fitness level of the group.
EXPERIENCE The hike up the volcanic slopes is not far – only eight kilometres – but it is steep. Porters will help you to carry everything you will need for the night. Wind your way up through beautiful mountain forest, stopping to admire the endless views behind and spot wildlife (and perhaps also to catch your breath!). The last few hundred metres are the steepest, but the most incredible sight awaits you at the top: a bubbling crater of fiery molten lava. Spend as much time as you like taking photographs and marvelling at the inner depths of the earth, before enjoying a hearty and warming campfire supper. You will spend the night in a simple wooden hut on the edge of the crater and awaken to the most breathtaking panoramic views in the morning. Leave the crater rim early the next morning to make your descent back to Kibati.
DAY 5:
Lakeside lunch followed by dinner overlooking Nairobi’s iconic National Park
STAY AT Lake Kivu Serena Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport
GETTING THERE Upon reaching the bottom of Nyiragongo Volcano, you will be transferred by road back to the border crossing at Goma, before continuing to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda for your flight back to Kenya. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a shuttle service from Four Points by Sheraton will transfer you to the nearby airport hotel which is less than five minutes away.
EXPERIENCE After crossing the border back into Rwanda enjoy a lunch stop at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, which boasts a spectacular waterfront position. Take a cooling dip in the pool or in the lake, (which is perfectly safe for swimming), before continuing your journey to Kigali for your return flight to Kenya. After a long journey, relish the serenity and comfort on offer at Four Points by Sheraton hotel. Enjoy cosy robes, bathtubs and a deep sleep in the soundproof rooms. A fabulous rooftop pool and restaurant overlooks the Nairobi National Park and the spa offers an extensive range of indulgent treatments.
DAY 6, 7 and 8
The wildlife is easy to view, with large numbers of all plains game, rhino and lion
STAY AT Solio Lodge
GETTING THERE After a breakfast we will take you to Nairobi Wilson Airport for a short flight to Nanyuki. You will be met at Nanyuki and transferred to Solio Lodge (a short drive away) in time for lunch.
EXPERIENCE Solio Lodge, in the north of Kenya, offers plenty of exciting activities. You’ll find horse riding, trekking and trout fishing in the Aberdare National Park and fantastic views of Mount Kenya from the lodge or a helicopter. Large numbers of black and white rhinoceros are found on the Game Conservancy along with the big cats, other wildlife and indigenous exotic birds.
DAY 9, 10 and 11
A heavenly oasis to relax and enjoy
STAY AT Sasaab
GETTING THERE From the Solio airstrip it is a 20min private charter flight to Sasaab. On arrival we will take you to the lodge in time for lunch.
EXPERIENCE The hilly terrain in Samburu land in the north of Kenya, is different to other parts of the country. Here you’ll find the Samburu Special Five – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and Beisa oryx. During your stay at Sasaab guests are offered a glimpse into Samburu life, learning about their traditions and culture. Here you can explore the wild, embark on a fly camping adventure, take a ride on a camel through the wilderness or relax at the luxurious spa.
DAY 12
Meet the resident Rothschild’s giraffes
STAY AT Giraffe Manor
GETTING THERE After breakfast at Sasaab you’ll catch a flight from Samburu to Nairobi Wilson Airport. We will meet you at Wilson Airport and transfer you to Giraffe Manor in time for a late lunch.
EXPERIENCE On arrival you will be met by our resident Rothschild’s Giraffe who roam the grounds of the sanctuary surrounding this classic manor house. The giraffes are completely wild, but enjoy being fed by our guests*, making this an experience unlike any other in the world. After lunch you can visit the Giraffe Centre located within the Manor’s grounds or take a trip to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and see orphaned elephants and rhinoceros. The nearby Karen Blixen Museum offers a glimpse into the life of the author of the infamous book “Out of Africa” and en-route you will have a chance to purchase gifts from local designers and artisans.
* The giraffe at Giraffe Manor are wild and therefore we cannot guarantee interaction with them at any given time.
DAY 13
Farewell Kenya
EXPERIENCE: After an enchanting breakfast with the giraffes at Giraffe Manor, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international flight home.
* Depending on the time your international flight departs Nairobi, you may wish to spend some time relaxing in the tranquil surrounds of The Retreat at Giraffe Manor, where you can enjoy a wonderful range of spa facilities and first class hospitality. Day rooms and day passes are available to book in advance.