MEET THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA
Whilst humans are driving some species to the brink of extinction, we are also making a positive difference too. One such success story forms the basis of one of our most life changing experiences: Meeting the Mountain Gorilla.
With numbers now in the 1000s thanks to the dedicated efforts of conservationists, the gorillas can only be found in two places in sub-Saharan Africa, one of them being the tiny country of Rwanda.
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda
Depending on what time you arrive in Kigali we suggest taking a tour of this vibrant, lively city. To some Rwanda is a place with negative connotations, owing to its history of internal strife. A guided tour of the city will help your family understand more about this fascinating and resilient country. A visit to the Genocide Memorial is a way to appreciate Rwanda’s history but also marvel at its remarkable recovery from a painful past.
We have arranged your transfer by helicopter to the villa that borders the Volcanoes National Park. This evening you can relax in your plunge pool, curl up next to the fireplace or have a wander around the onsite Akarabo Nursery.
Meet the Mountain Gorillas
Situated on its north-western border, Volcanoes National Park is home to more than a third of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world. Your villa shares a border with the park and is the only villa in such close proximity to the habitat of the gorillas.
Setting off early in the morning for the 7am briefing at Volcanoes National Park’s headquarters your family and your guide will start the hike into the dense cloud forest. The distance of each gorilla trek is varied, so depending on which family group you will be visiting the duration of the trek is anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day.
As the age requirement for gorilla treks is 15, younger children will be cared for at the lodge where a variety of amazing activities are available. We can arrange cooking classes, arts and crafts, junior ranger programs for those not old enough to take part on the trek.
Following your time with the gorillas, you’ll head back to your lodge and spend some time relaxing over dinner as you let your ‘once in a lifetime’ experience really sink in.
Local Community Visit
Toady you will have the unique opportunity to visit the small village of Gasura in the Kinigi sector. During your visit you’ll encounter a range of authentic Rwandese cultural experiences, from meeting local crafters to visiting families in their homes to get a glimpse of local life.
Once back at your villa, explore the grounds by grabbing a bicycle and enjoying a ride in the beautiful wilderness whilst spotting some of the incredible wildlife in the area. A treasure hunt or a mini-ranger programme can be arranged for the younger members of your family.
Golden Monkeys
Today you’ll head back into the rain forest for another adventure – in search of the region’s endemic golden monkeys. Your expert guide will track these brightly coloured, big cheeked monkeys and get you a good eyeful as you spot the adorable and agile creatures swinging from the trees in the forest canopy.
This afternoon you will hike to the grave of world-renowned mountain gorilla tracking researcher Dian Fossey. A humbling experience for the entire family.
Leave for Kigali
After a leisurely final breakfast it’s time to leave your villa and say your goodbyes. A helicopter is ready to whisk you back to Kigali airport in time for your international flight.
Prices from £8,000 per person
Make this Adventure yours
We build each and every adventure and budget from the ground up. Once we understand your family dynamics, interests and the journey you want to make, we’ll create your personal hand-crafted trip.
Make this adventure yours
We build each and every big wide world adventure and budget from the ground up. Any costs mentioned are to give you a rough idea of price. Once we understand your family and the journey you want to make we will create a hand-crafted trip just for you.
