Mountain Gorilla - Volcanoes National Park
Caption: Mountain Gorilla - Volcanoes National Park
Caption: Golden monkeys - Volcanoes National Park
Caption: Volcanoes National Park
Caption: Grey Crowned Crane
Caption: Gorilla Trekking

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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 3 Involves a high level of physical activity over an extended period, in terrain that may often be uneven, slippery and steep. You would be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Not suitable if you have limited mobility.
Destination: Rwanda "GORILLAS IN THE MIST" Extension To Kenya Safari
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Flight information: Flights depart London Heathrow [LHR] and arrive Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport [NBO] on Day 1 of the Kenya safari and returning from Kigali Airport [KGL], Rwanda on the final day
Pickup location: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi [NBO]

Overview

18 - 22 Sep, 2023
& 28 Sep - 02 Oct, 2023 - SOLD OUT

How to make a truly unforgettable African journey the best ever…add an extension to get up close to the Gorillas in Rwanda!

You will start this amazing African journey in Rwanda and visit the Parc National de Volcans where the mighty mountain gorillas roam. This is one of the very few places on earth where you can meet a giant Silverback face to face and observe a gorilla family at close quarters. It is a mind-blowing experience - one you are unlikely to ever forget! You'll also go in search of the golden monkeys, as you walk through the beautiful terraced hillside that characterises much of Rwanda's landscape. 

After all the wildlife in Kenya you’ll think you will be prepared for the wonders that await you in Rwanda – but the gorillas are another experience entirely – creating special memories to savour.

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Masai Mara to Nairobi
DAY 2 - Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda
DAY 3 - Gorilla trekking - Parc National Des Volcans
DAY 4 - Golden Monkey Trek. Kigali
DAY 5 - Return home from Kigali
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Masai Mara to Nairobi

An early morning wakeup call before undertaking a last game drive in the Masai Mara. Return to camp for breakfast, departing thereafter to Nairobi. We will stay overnight in Nairobi, Kenya's capital city, before flying to Rwanda first thing tomorrow.

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner 
Accommodation: Eka Hotel, Nairobi 

DAY 2 - Nairobi to Kigali, Rwanda

It will be an early morning departure from the hotel today for our flights from Nairobi into Kigali, Rwanda. After landing in Kigali, we will drive to Musanze in the northwest part of Rwanda (110km – approx. 2.5hrs.) On arrival, we check into our lodge and have some time at leisure.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge 

DAY 3 - Gorilla trekking - Parc National Des Volcans

Today will be the most amazing day – a chance to meet the gorillas. Many of our previous guests have enthused about how this experience has touched their soul and made them think differently about the conservation and survival of the mountain gorilla. A very early morning transfer will be necessary to the Park Office for trekking formalities. Treks vary in duration depending on which gorilla group you are assigned to, and on where those animals have chosen to range. After locating your assigned gorilla group, you will spend approximately one hour in their company before heading back down the volcano slopes. Lunch is back at the lodge with the afternoon to relax and reflect on this truly special experience.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, Volcanoes National Park 

DAY 4 - Golden Monkey Trek. Kigali

This morning we will set out into Volcanoes National Park to encounter another endangered species, the Golden Monkeys. This rare species lives at the base of the volcanoes and habituation has helped them to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists. Trekking golden monkeys and gorillas is a similar experience – in a small group you can spend one hour with the monkeys once you find them. They are very active creatures, and jump from tree to tree which is really interesting to watch, if a little difficult to photograph!
Afterwards we will drive back to Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner and will certainly spend some time reminiscing about all the incredible memories of our trip.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: Kigali Serena 

DAY 5 - Return home from Kigali

This morning is spent at leisure at the hotel before we arrange for your transfer to Kigali Airport to meet your departing flight back home. Say goodbye to Africa … until next time!

Included meals: Breakfast  

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • Economy flights London Heathrow to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi [NBO] on Day 1 and returning from Kigali Airport [KGL] on the final day
  • One way economy flight: Nairobi Airport [NBO] - Kigali Airport [KGL]
  • Meet and Greet on Arrival at Nairobi and Kigali Airports to hotel
  • Golden monkey trekking permit
  • Meals as detailed in the itinerary
  • Transport in 4x4 vehicle
  • Transfers as detailed in the itinerary
  • Accommodation as detailed in the itinerary
  • Experienced English speaking tour guides
  • All activities, visits and excursions as detailed in the itinerary

What's not included

  • Gorilla Permit: USD $1,500/~£1,215 per person per visit – payable at the time of booking. Copies of passports also required when booking
  • International airport departure taxes
  • Visa and any other entry requirements
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities 
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above
  • Any meals not mentioned in itinerary
  • Any optional activities offered
  • Increases in Government taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

Important information

  • Price excludes international flights departing from Kigali Airport [KGL] on your last day. 
  • Gorilla Permit Minimum age requirement - 15 years.
  • EU and US Passport holders require an visa to enter Rwanda.
  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant tour.
  • Vaccinations are recommended for Kenya and Rwanda. Please consult your doctor for advice.
  • Check in is after 2-3pm and check out is before 10am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • Cancellation 90 – 0 days prior to departure cancellation fee is 100%. It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. 
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights.
  • A non-refundable deposit of 20% per person is due at the time of booking, plus the cost of the Gorilla Permit which is currently $1,500 per person per visit. There are a small and limited number of permits available per day and so the Rwanda extension is subject to availability. Full balances will be due 14 weeks prior to departure.
  • A copy of your passport is required at the time of booking in order to be able to arrange your Gorilla Permit.

More time away?

Choose a tour extension to extend your trip.

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The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

talk toll free to our well travelled team of experts

Call us on:0844 3350 197

Monday - Thursday 9:00am - 8:00pm, Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm (London time)

or Send us a message

Anytime, day or night

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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