Gorillas to Plains

                  Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda

 Duration of program: 11 Nights / 12 Days

 

DAY 1.                                                        ARRIVAL > NAIROBI                                                                                                  

On arrival to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you will be met by English Speaking Driver (ESD) and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi.
Rest of the day at leisure

Hemingways 5* (BB)                                    Deluxe Room

Fairmont The Norfolk  5* (BB)                   Deluxe Room

The Sarova Stanley 4* (BB)                        Deluxe Room

Nairobi Serena Hotel 4* (BB)                     Superior Room

 

DAY 2.                                                        NAIROBI > MASAI MARA                                                                                   

07:00 Breakfast at your Hotel
09:00 Transfer to Wilson airport
10:00 Scheduled flight Wilson to Masai Mara
11:00 Met a representative from Itravel on arrival at local airstrip
Game drive enroute to your camp.
13:00 Lunch at your Lodge in Mara
15:00 Afternoon game drive in Lodge vehicle.
19:00 Dinner at the lodge

Angama Mara 5*(FB)                                     Luxury Tented Suite

Olare Mara Kempinski  5* (FB)                   Luxury Deluxe Tent

Ashnil Mara 4* (FB)                                       Standard Luxury Tent

Mara Serena Safari Lodge 4* (FB)              Standard Room

 

DAY 3.                                                        MASAI MARA     

07:30 Early morning game drive.
Day spent at Masai Mara game reserve with game viewing, including lunch.
19:00 Dinner at the lodge

Angama Mara 5*(FB)                                      Luxury Tented Suite

Olare Mara Kempinski  5* (FB)                    Luxury Deluxe Tent

Ashnil Mara 4* (FB)                                         Standard Luxury Tent

Mara Serena Safari Lodge 4* (FB)               Standard Room

 

DAY 4.                                                        MASAI MARA > SERENGETI                                                                                  

06:30 Early morning game drive.
07:30 Breakfast at your lodge
10:00 Transfer to local airstrip
11:30 Scheduled flight Masai Mara to Migori
12:00 Arrival at Migori and transfer to the border town of Isebania for immigration.
Cross over to Tanzania and to Tarime airstrip (+- 1 Hour)
14:00 Scheduled flight to Serengeti
15:45 Arrive in Serengeti meet your ESD and drive to Serengeti National Park (+- 1 Hour)
With an enroute Game drive
19:00 Dinner at the lodge

Four Seasons 5* (FB)                                                    Savannah Waterhole View

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge 4* (FB)                    Standard Room

 

DAY 5.                                                        SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK                   

                                                           

06:00 Breakfast at the lodge
Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park including packed lunch
19:00 Dinner at the lodge

Four Seasons 5* (FB)                                                    Savannah Waterhole View

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge 4* (FB)                    Standard Room

 

DAY 6.                                                        SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK                                                                                           

 06:00 Breakfast at the lodge
Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park including packed lunch
19:00 Dinner at the lodge

Four Seasons 5* (FB)                                                    Savannah Waterhole View

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge 4* (FB)                    Standard Room

 

DAY 6.                                                        SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK > NGORONGORO                                        

06:00 Breakfast at the lodge
After breakfast meet your ESG and proceed for a full day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater with packed lunches, ascend and drive to the lodge in Ngorongoro.
19:00 Dinner at the lodge

Ngorongoro Crater 5* (FB)                                              Suite

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge 4* (FB)                    Standard Room

 

DAY 7.                                                        NGORONGORO > RWANDA                                                                                    

Breakfast at the lodge
Meet your ESD and transfer you to Manyara airstrip for your flight to Kigali airport ( +- 1 Hour drive)
08:45 Scheduled flight Manyara to Kigali
11:25 On arrival to Kigali Airport you will be met by English Speaking Driver (ESD) and transferred to your hotel in
Rest of the day at leisure
19:00 Dinner at the lodge

Kigali Marriott Hotel 5* (BB)                  Deluxe Room

Radisson Blu Kigali 4* (BB)                    Deluxe Room

Grand Legacy Hotel 4* (BB)                   Superior Room

 

DAY 8.                                                        KIGALI > NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK                                                           

07:30 Breakfast at the Hotel

09:00 Drive to Nyungwe National park via Huye/Butare the second biggest town in Rwanda to visit the National Museum of Rwanda which is one of the largest museums in Africa providing you with a deeper insight into Rwandan history and culture

13:00 Lunch at Ibis Hotel in Butare and after you will then continue on to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Nyungwe is one of the few destinations in the world where you can see up to 13 species of primates in a single location, including rare species such as Chimpanzees, the Blue Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys and the Angolan black and white Colobus Monkeys. Nyungwe presents a unique phenomenon in primate tourism due to its huge concentrations of habituated primates whose troops can include 400 to 500 individuals!

19:00 Dinner at the Hotel

One & Only Nyungwe House 5* (FB)             Nyungwe Room

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel 4*                    Queen Room

DAY 9.                                                        NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK     

                                                                           

 07:00 Breakfast at the Hotel
07:30 Head for briefing and later at 8.00am, start the morning Chimpanzee trek in the Nyungwe forest. You will also be able to see other rare primate species like the Blue Monkeys, L’Hoest’s Monkeys and the Angolan black and white Colobus Monkeys
13:00 Lunch
14:00  After lunch transfer to visit the Gisakura Tea Estate. You will Participate in tea harvesting in the neighboring local communities, Visit a tea factory and learn about the production processes of one the highest quality teas produced in East Africa.
Tea is also the largest export in Rwanda, the temperate climate and the fertile volcanic soil are also good for the growing plants that create this unique popular drink. The tea leaves can also be seen as it covers the mountains which in the end create a stunning contrast towards the blue skies, sun shine and the dirt roads. The visitors can also discover how this tea is harvested, processed and how it’s brought to taste sweet. The tea plantation safari also takes place in many locations across Rwanda with one major place being Nyungwe national park, Gisovu and Gisakura. This is also a great family tour and the visitors of all ages are welcomed
19:00 Dinner at the Hotel

One & Only Nyungwe House 5* (FB)              Nyungwe Room

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel 4*                    Queen Room

 

DAY 10.                                                        NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK > VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK       

 

07:30 Breakfast at the Hotel
Meet your English Speaking Driver (ESD) and transferred to Musanze Via Kibuye-Gisenyi for Lunch
13:00 Lunch
After Lunch you will enjoy scenic views with drive along the Lake Kivu. With its waterfront and sandy beaches and excellent views of Lake Kivu, proceed to Volcanoes National Park, arrival at the lodge.
19:00 Dinner at the Lodge

Bisate Lodge 5* (FB)                                                      Forest Villa

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel 4* (FB)                     Deluxe Cottage / VIP Cottage

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge 4* (FB)                            Cottage

 

DAY 11.                                                        VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK 

07:00 Breakfast at the Lodge
Today you will have the amazing opportunity to trek into the Virunga Mountains for an experience of a lifetime with a gorilla family. After an early breakfast, be driven to the Park headquarters to meet your trackers. You are briefed first (at 7:00AM) and then begin the trek.
Pass through light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of the gorilla family to which you are assigned. There are ten habituated groups that call this area their home and the National Park staff assigns participants to these groups the morning of the trek.
Please note that the length of time you are away is dependent on the locations of the gorilla family and some hikes have been known to take three to four hours to reach the gorillas, especially when it is wet and muddy. This is a serious trek and you should prepare yourself in advance as parts of the trail can be steep. A porter will accompany your group to carry items such as backpacks, water, and camera gear. Walking sticks are available for your use. The trackers are there to assist you if needed, and of course, the end result is more than worth the effort.
Waterproof ankle shoes are recommended or good athletic shoes. Wear thick long pants (not light weight khakis) to protect your legs from the underbrush. Bring heavy, long socks that can be pulled up over the pants to prevent any problems with stinging nettles and ants. Bring a pair of sturdy gardening gloves and protect your camera with a rain cover (a plastic bag or shower cap can work!).
No more than eight people may visit any gorilla family on any given day so you can be assured of an intimate experience with these with these impressive animals. Once you reach the gorillas you have an unforgettable hour to spend with them.
Following your time with the gorillas, make your way back to the park entrance, where your private guide and driver will meet you and transfer with you back to Bisate for an evening at leisure. I would recommend taking advantage of the on-property spa, for a post trekking massage (at your own expense).
19:00 Dinner

Bisate Lodge 5* (FB)                                                      Forest Villa

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel 4* (FB)                      Deluxe Cottage / VIP Cottage

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge 4* (FB)                             Cottage

 

DAY 12.                                                        VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK                                                                                          

 07:00 Breakfast at the Lodge
Today you will have the 2nd amazing opportunity to trek into the Virunga Mountains for an experience of a lifetime with a gorilla family. After an early breakfast, be driven to the Park headquarters to meet your trackers. You are briefed first (at 7:00AM) and then begin the trek. This time you will trek a different Gorilla group and Family different from one trekked the previous night in order to get a different experience
Pass through light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains in search of the gorilla family to which you are assigned. There are ten habituated groups that call this area their home and the National Park staff assigns participants to these groups the morning of the trek.
Please note that the length of time you are away is dependent on the locations of the gorilla family and some hikes have been known to take three to four hours to reach the gorillas, especially when it is wet and muddy. This is a serious trek and you should prepare yourself in advance as parts of the trail can be steep. A porter will accompany your group to carry items such as backpacks, water, and camera gear. Walking sticks are available for your use. The trackers are there to assist you if needed, and of course, the end result is more than worth the effort.
Waterproof ankle shoes are recommended or good athletic shoes. Wear thick long pants (not light weight khakis) to protect your legs from the underbrush. Bring heavy, long socks that can be pulled up over the pants to prevent any problems with stinging nettles and ants. Bring a pair of sturdy gardening gloves and protect your camera with a rain cover (a plastic bag or shower cap can work!).
No more than eight people may visit any gorilla family on any given day so you can be assured of an intimate experience with these with these impressive animals. Once you reach the gorillas you have an unforgettable hour to spend with them.
Following your time with the gorillas, make your way back to the park entrance, where your private guide and driver will meet you and transfer with you back to Bisate for an evening at leisure. I would recommend taking advantage of the on-property spa, for a post trekking massage (at your own expense).
19:00 Dinner at the Lodge

Bisate Lodge 5* (FB)                                                      Forest Villa

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel 4* (FB)                    Deluxe Cottage / VIP Cottage

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge 4* (FB)                            Cottage

 

 

DAY 13.                                                        VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK  > / KIGALI CITY TOUR / DEPARTURE

                     

 08:30 Breakfast at the Lodge
09:00 Meet your English Speaking Driver (EDG) for a transfer to Kigali with a City Tour.
The three-hour overland journey travels down from the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes through to the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape.
Depending on the interest, you may opt for En-route, stop for a special experience at the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village in Kinigi, Musanze to learn more about the culture of Rwanda and its people.
Arrival in Kigali at around 1.30PM and continue for Lunch at Mille Collins Hotel and at around 2.30pm, transfer for Kigali city tour before your outbound flight to explore Kigali City with Major Visits to the Genocide Memorial Center and the craft/Artisan centers
You will visit the Memorial Center, a moving experience that will take about 1 to 3-hours depending on the interest.
In the span of 100 days, an estimated one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were systematically butchered by the Interahamwe and army. This memorial honors the estimated 250,000 people buried here in mass graves and tries to explain how it was that the world watched as the genocide unfolded.
The informative audio tour includes background on the divisive colonial experience in Rwanda and as the visit progresses, the exhibits become steadily more powerful, as you are confronted with the crimes that took place here and moving video testimony from survivors.
The memorial concludes with sections on the search for justice through the international tribunal in Arusha as well as the local gacaca courts (traditional tribunals headed by village elders).
After you’ve absorbed the museum displays take a rose (by donation) to leave on one of the vast concrete slabs outside that cover the mass graves. There’s also a wall of names, a rose garden and a pleasant cafe for lunch that is an ideal place to reflect and gather yourself before facing the outside world again.
You may also opt to visit some of the Artisan centers in Kigali to explore more on what these people do using the local talents and resources to develop the disadvantaged communities.
Depending on your flight time, your guide will then transfer you to the Airport for check in for your outbound flight or if you still have some time, you have an early dinner in Kigali before you fly out.
Transit Time: 5-6 hours (About 106kms)
Arrive at Kigali Airport for your onward International Flight.

INCLUDES

•   Accommodation as specified in itinerary
•   Meals as specified in itinerary
•   Transfers as specified in itinerary
•   English Speaking Driver as specified in itinerary
•   English Speaking Guide as specified in itinerary
•   Services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide
•   All entrance fees and guided excursions as described in itinerary
•   All park fees
•   1 litre bottled water per person per day

EXCLUDES

•   International Flights and Airport Taxes
•   Visa Fees (if applicable)
•   Medical & Travel Insurance
•   Incidental tips to hotel/lodge staff (budget approximately $2 — $4 per person per day)
•   Gratuity to tour driver/guide (Guideline $5 per person per day but this is not mandatory. It depends with the quality of service delivery)
•   All expenses of personal nature
•   Any entrance fees and guided excursions not included in the above itinerary
•   Early Check In & Late Check Out
•   Internal & Domestic Flights (priced separately)
•   Russian Speaking Guide as specified in itinerary

PLEASE TAKE NOTE

• All ITRAVEL standard terms and conditions apply to this quote, these terms and conditions are available on request
• This quote is valid for 24 hours only and after 24 hours a new quotation will be issued on request
• All quotes are subject to availability and change due to airfare increases, hotel rate increases, currency exchange fluctuations and any other unforeseen circumstances all without prior notice.
• Please check and re-confirm all services on this itinerary with Itravel prior to final booking, failure to do so may result in incorrectly scheduled services for which Itravel will not be held responsible in any manner whatsoever.
• Itinerary and journey times are close approximations and are subject to change without prior notice.
• Light Aircraft Flights:
• Baggage allowance is normally restricted between 15kg to 30 kg (depending on country, aviation supplier and seat class chosen) per passenger, inclusive of hand luggage in soft bags. Excess baggage will be charged at prevailing rates and only carried subject to space availability.
• Timings in remote areas such as national parks may vary from day to day. It is very important that your clients ask their tour guide or lodge manager to reconfirm flights 24 hours before departure. This reconfirmation process will give the departure and arrival details for the flight(s) the following day and will save unnecessary waiting time and discomfort. Charter companies reserves the right to change departure times or carrier when so required for operational, weather or safety reasons.
• Passenger weights limits apply for light aircraft flights and additional seats may be required if exceeding the weight limit. However, please let us know in advance if this is likely to apply so we can do whatever is possible to minimize the likelihood of this becoming an issue.

ESD – English speaking driver | ESG – English speaking guide | ITR – Itravel Representative

RO – Room Only | BB – Breakfast only (Bed & Breakfast) | HB – Breakfast & Dinner (Half Board) | FB – Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner (Full Board) FB+ – All meals + activities | FI / AI – All meals, drinks + activities (Fully inclusive / All Inclusive)