Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River , which flows
southwards into Lake Tanganyika . It gained notoriety
as a place where many of the victims of the 1994 Rwandan
genocide were dumped. The lake covers a total surface
area of some 2700 km² and stands at a height of 1460
metres above sea level. The lake bed sits upon a rift
valley that is slowly being pulled apart, causing volcanic
activity in the area. The lake is surrounded by majestic
mountains making it a magnificent sight. A large island,
Idjwi , lies in the lake, while settlements on its shore
include Bukavu , Kabare , Kalehe , Saké and Goma
in Congo and Gisenyi , Kibuye and Cyangugu in Rwanda.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge
Gorilla's Nest is close to the entrance to Parc National
des Volcans in northern Rwanda . It has been built within
a grove of trees with the rooms set around a large courtyard.
On a clear day the views across to the volcanoes and surrounding
area are spectacular. It's proximity to the National Park
makes it the perfect base for gorilla tracking. Each of
the hotel's 40 rooms is comfortably appointed with en-suite
facilities. There is a spacious restaurant with a large
bar and reception area.
Parc National des Volcans borders National Parks in neighbouring
Uganda and DR Congo and is named after the string of volcanoes
which it encompasses. It is the National Park in which
Dian Fossey did her groundbreaking studies into mountain
gorillas before her murder in 1985. This work was exposed
to a mass-audience in the film Gorillas in the Mist released
three years after her death. There are currently five
habituated families of gorillas in PNV and gorilla tracking
is the main reason most tourists visit this area. Away
from gorillas the Park is also home to seventy six mammal
species, including a troop of habituated golden monkeys.
Nature walks can be undertaken alongside a knowledgeable
National Park's guide; climbs of the volcanoes are also
possible as well as visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey.
Day 02
After breakfast, depart with picnic lunches for the Park
Headquarters where you will be met by excellent local
guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette
and safety of gorilla trekking. You will then hike into
the forest where the gorillas were last seen the night
before, and track them from that point
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge
Day 03
After breakfast, depart for the Ruhengeri Town for sight
seeing. In the afternoon continue to Kigali for dinner
and overnight.
Day 04
Breakfast at the Hotel, thereafter, enjoy a city tour
of Kigali prior to being transferred to the airport in
time for your departure flight.
For all our safaris please note:
