In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas - home of the rare mountain gorilla. Drive from Kigali airport to the Park des Volcanoes where you will be based for your gorilla trek. A full day in the Virunga mountains gives you the opportunity to visit with mankind's closest relative. The mountain gorilla shares 97% of human DNA. On your second day at the park, seek the equally rare golden monkeys (or pay for an additional day of gorilla trekking). Option to visit the Dian Fossey's grave. Return on your final day for a city tour and visit to a genocide memorial. Enjoy as a standalone Africa vacation or as an addition to a safari.

NOTE: Gorilla permit fees are sold on a first come first served basis. Once your permits are booked we require a $500 per permit non refundable deposit. All gorilla permits purchased before 1st June 2012 for tracking in 2012 will stay at US$500. All permits purchased after this date will be sold at the new rate of US$750 as per the park authority. Gorilla permits for tracking in 2013 will be sold at US$750 regardless of the time of purchase. The park authority/management reserves the right to cancel any permit without any refund or further reference.

Ranging in altitude from 2400km to 4,507 the Volcanoes National Park (French: Parc National des Volcans) is dominated by the setting of volcanoes after which it is named. Best known to the outside world as the place where for almost 20yrs the American primatologist Dian Fossey under took her pioneering studies of mountain gorilla behaviour. Day hikes to see the gorilla families can be strenuous on tracks climbing through the forest, and time is very limited once contact is made with the gorilla families. It is a rare and memorable experience to visit with these giant cousins of man.

You will receive a private airport transfer to/from the airport.

Take your flight from Nairobi to Kigali today. The flight duration is approximately 1hr 30mins.

Transfer to/from Volcanoes National Park with private vehicle and driver.

Your guide will take you on a tour of the new and vibrant capital city of Kigali. The new prosperity features a number of thriving markets and features the mountain terrain famous in Rwanda. A sober contrast to its recent history. For survivors and others whose families were murdered in Rwanda´s genocide 1994, the Memorial sites and centres are places of dignified remembrance for loved ones lost. It is also a place of reflection and learning for the wider community, both in Rwanda and internationally.

In the event of serious illness, all travellers are covered by Flying Doctors Insurance. This covers the cost of emergency air evacuation service needed to fly back to Nairobi for treatment. This insurance does not cover the cost of medical treatment.

The Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is the new mid range lodge in the area and is perfectly situated for gorilla tracking in Rwanda. The 30 individual cottages have been built on 4 acres of land on the slopes of Mt Sabinyo. The stone and thatch cottages each have ensuite facilities, a small lounge with a fire place and a private veranda. The cottages are of a good size and are well positioned to give them privacy from each other. There is a separate restaurant and bar area where meals served to the guests. Mountain Gorilla View Lodge provides good value for money at the same time as great views and easy access to Parc National des Volcans.

Overnight at Mountain View Lodge.

The Park des Volcanoes is located in the Virunga Mountains, a magnificent chain of dormant volcanoes in the North of the country, and home to the world´s last surviving mountain Gorilla populations, currently a mere 700 individuals. A full day trek with your guide through the park is a reasonably strenuous activity which can last the morning or all day as you seek out the gorilla families. Viewing time is limited to one hour, and only 8 maximum are allowed per group. Visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. Kids under age 15, or people sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, are not allowed to visit the gorillas.

PERMITS MUST BE PAID IN FULL AT TIME OF CONFIRMATION AND ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

Overnight at Mountain View Lodge.

Trekking through the national park to view the rare species of Golden Monkeys. Only open for visitors since June 2003, enjoy a rare treat watching these unique primates play and perform in the forest. (Optional extra day gorilla trekking - $500pp additional cost for day permit)

Overnight at Mountain View Lodge.

Transfer to/from Volcanoes National Park with private vehicle and driver.

Take your flight from Kigali to Nairobi today. The flight duration is approximately 1 hr and 30mins.

Depart from Kigali international airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.