CASE Y GR E E N ’ S G O R I L L A SAFA R I I T I N E R ARY
1 8 TH
-
RWAN DA 2 2 N D SEP TEMBER 2 0 1 9
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
K I G A L I S E R E N A - S A B I N Y O S I LV E R B A C K L O D G E - K I G A L I S E R E N A KIGALI - VOLCANOES NP - KIGALI
18th SEPTEMBER 2019: KIGALI
On arrival into Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, you will be met and transferred to Kigali Serena for one night.
19th & 20th SEPTEMBER 2019: VOLCANOES NP
After breakfast you will visit the Genocide Memorial and then continue on to Volcanoes National Park. This is a three hour drive. You will have two nights at Sabinyo Silverback Lodge and trek twice to see the Mountain Gorillas.
21st SEPTEMBER 2019: KIGALI
After your second trek you will drive back to Kigali and have one last night at Kigali Serena.
2 2 n d S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 : T R AV E L T O A R U S H A
After breakfast you will �ly to Kilimanjaro International Airport and then be transferred to Legendary Lodge where you will join the rest of the group to continue your safari in Tanzania.
R W A N D A
Off the beaten path, Rwanda is the land of hills and lakes, serene scenery and placid people – an extraordinary destination waiting to be explored. small,
It is the most densely populated country on
2 of the largest river systems in Africa – the
festival or ceremonial context. To witness one
The
Republic
of
Rwanda
is
a
mountainous country surrounded on all sides
by land that encloses the watershed between
Nile and the Congo. The high elevation means the climate is temperate, with 2 rainy seasons and 2 dry seasons each year, allowing for an agricultural production that is the country’s
main economic resource. Often referred to as
“Pays des Milles Collines” – country of a thousand hills – Rwanda is a far cry from the common conception of the arid and �lat drylands of Africa.
Rwanda is a country in the ascendance and is now enjoying political and social stability, after brutally turbulent times in the 1980’s.
Kigali’s Genocide Museum, a memorial to the
people that were murdered in the infamous
100 days, permanently reminds the world of the devastating effect of division, tribal con�lict and hatred.
the Continent and the Rwandese are famed for their love of music and dance, especially in a
Uganda
of these performances is to really feel the beating pulse of Africa.
Nyungwe National Park in the west, boasts 13
species of primates and 280 recorded species of bird life, making it one of the most diverse forest ecosystems in Africa. It is, however, the
Kenya Lake Victoria
RWANDA Burundi
Tanzania
Zanzibar
critically endangerd mountain gorillas made
famous by the work of Dian Fossey and George Schaller, and depicted in the movie Gorillas In
The Mist that are the main tourist attraction.
These majestic and benevolent creatures are found in the forests �lanking the slopes of the
Virunga Mountains in the northwest of the country. Simply sharing the company of the mountain gorilla is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking experience that ranks on most bucket lists.
“Gorillas are almost
altruistic in nature...
the greatest of all the apes” D i a n e Fo s s e y
K IGALI
SERENA
HOT E L
O f t e n s p o k e n o f a s K i g a l i ' s t o p s t a y, a n d l o c a t e d i n t h e h e a r t o f t h e c i t y ' s
economic and political centre, Kigali Serena is a large and beautifully run 5 star hotel. Located just 10 kilometers from Kigali airport, Kigali Serena enjoys a brilliant location in this busy city – and is a great option for travellers who need to overnight at either the beginning or end of their trip. The standard of this hotel has been raised by Serena, and it now has a very good status, and certainly comparable to any good city hotel in the western world.
The main areas give a very striking �irst impression. The polished granite atrium extends right up to the very top �loor, with a huge skylight �looding the room with light, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, it centres on the executive lounge and bar which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the swimming pool. The Milima restaurant also overlooks the pool and offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, whilst the more relaxed Sokoni Café has inside and outside seating. Accommodation comprises 148 rooms all presented in a pan African style
including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite tv and a mini bar.
The stunning Maisha Mind and Body Spirit Spa offers a full range of spa treatments, and has been styled on a Moorish theme and offers an ultra-modern gym, aerobics studio and landscaped outdoor pool area.
Explore the wonderful markets in Kigali where you can shop for woodcarvings, drums, baskets and ceramics.
“Clean, comfortable,
well located and with excellent services,
this is the LEADING option
in the city as you get ready to start your adventure, o r y o u r j o u r n e y h o m e .”
K I G A L I
T h e R w a n d a c a p i t a l p r o v i d e s a n i d e a l s p r i n g b o a r d f r o m w h i c h t o e x p l o r e t h i s m a g i c a l c o u n t r y. Kigali is the largest city in Rwanda and is situated near the geographic centre of the nation.
Built in hilly country and sprawling across about 4 ridges, Kigali is located on one ridge while the main Government area is on another. It’s fascinating history starts in 1885 when the city was ‘given’ to Germany but it was only in 1907 when an administrative residence was set up. In 1916 Belgian troops declared victory over the Germans and then continued to administrate Kigali. The city has been the economic, cultural and transport hub of Rwanda since it became the capital at Independence in 1962 and the country’s main port of entry, showing considerable economic progress in recent years. Characterising the city streets are new high rise buildings, hotels and restaurants offering cuisine peppered with Belgian �lavour – a gentle reminder of historical links. Named after the fertile sentinel rising to form the city’s iconic backdrop, Mount Kigali stands at an elevation of 6,070 feet. It is no surprise upon entering the garden city of Kigali, why Rwanda itself was named ‘Pays des Milles Collines’, the city is surrounded by hills clothed in lush rain forests.
Despite being situated so close to the Equator, the city’s high elevation lends it a tropical highland climate, which provides an unusually cooler temperature for this latitude.
Flowing through this haphazard suburban metropolis is the Ruranwa River, supporting both the wildlife and human inhabitants of the city and providing a laidback riverside atmosphere.
A variety of must-see destinations await, from bustling African markets, to the Muslim quarter and of course the Kigali Genocide Museum.
Volcanoes N.P Lake Kivu
Nyungwe Forest N.P
Akagera N.P
KIGALI
KIGALI GENOCIDE MEMORIAL
The Memorial Centre is the �inal resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and it honours the memory of the more than 1 million Rwandans killed in 1994 through education and peace-building. On April 6, 1994, an airplane carrying Habyarimana and Burundian president, Cyprien Ntaryamira, was shot down on its descent into Kigali, killing all on board. Genocidal killings began the following day; soldiers, police, and militia quickly executed key Tutsi and moderate Hutu leaders, then erected checkpoints and barricades and used Rwandans' national identity cards to systematically kill Tutsi. These forces recruited or pressured Hutu civilians to arm themselves with machetes, clubs, blunt objects, and other weapons to rape, maim, and kill their Tutsi neighbours and to destroy or steal their property. An estimated 500,000–1,000,000 Rwandans were killed during the 100-day period from April 7 to mid-July 1994, constituting as many as 70% of the Tutsi and 20% of Rwanda's total population. In April 2004, on the 10th anniversary of the genocide that split Rwanda apart, the Kigali Memorial Centre was inaugurated.
The Centre provided an opportunity to offer a place where the bereaved could bury their families and friends.
The Centre houses 3 permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the Genocide in 1994. There is also a children’s memorial and an exhibition on the history of genocidal violence around the world. The Education Centre, Memorial Gardens and National Documentation Centre of the Genocide all contribute to a meaningful tribute to those who perished and form a powerful educational tool for the next generation.
“A m u s t s e e t o T R U LY
understand where Rwanda i s t o d a y.
A country that
overcame the death and destruction to become
a city of FORGIVENESS a n d r e d e v e l o p m e n t .”
V I R U N G A
M O U N T A I N S
T h e Vo l c a n o e s N a t i o n a l P a r k i s t h e R w a n d a n s e c t i o n o f t h e g r e a t v o l c a n i c m a s s i f c a l l e d t h e V i r u n g a M o u n t a i n s . These lava mountains, reaching as high as 14,700 feet are covered by a patchwork of mountain habitats, ranging from dense evergreen rainforest to bamboo forest, from open grassland to swamp and heath. The slopes of these ancient volcanoes overlook the forest and terraced hillsides characteristic of the beautiful Rwandan landscape. In this wild area of 44,479 acres dwells a variety of wildlife, including black-fronted duiker, buffalo, spotted hyena and bushbuck. Birdlife here is proli�ic with more than 170 species recorded, including 13 species and 16 sub-species that are endemic to the area. One of the highlights of the Volcanoes National Park is trekking to see the golden monkey, resident in the high altitude forests of the region. At the foot of Mount Sabyinyo are 2 habituated groups, one of which is comprised of near to 100 members. These chubby cheeked primates are fascinating to watch as they play with one another, weaving in and out of the bamboo canopy. Of course, the park is best known as a haven to the extremely rare mountain gorilla, only 750 of these gentle giants survive today and 8 families are known to inhabit the park. It was within these hills that Dian Fossey made a base to study her beloved mountain companions and it is in these same hills that she remains.
It is possible to visit her research station and to follow her footsteps through the forest in search of one of the world’s most sought-after wildlife interactions. The opportunity to face these massive creatures, to be with them and watch as they feed peacefully, to live with them for a mere moment and look into their deep brown eyes, is unimaginable and must be experienced �irst hand. Mhahinga N.P
Virunga N.P
VOLCANOES N.P Lake Kivu
Nyungwe Forest N.P
Kigali
Akagera N.P
SA BY INYO
The lodge, situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas
affords wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is located on the northwest edge of Rwanda, bordering the Parc National des Volcans. The lodge is owned by a community trust and re-invests capital into further conservation and protection initiatives within the park. Only moments away from the trailheads, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge provides the intrepid trekker with a prime location from which to start their gorilla journey – a rare and emotional experience shared with these magni�icent mountain creatures in their natural environment. While the gorillas are the main draw, this area offers other incredible experiences that revolve around trekking and primates – the golden monkey trek allows time spent with these playful and inquisitive subspecies as they frolic on the forest �loor and between the bamboo branches. For a more demanding trek, the Karisoke Research Centre, nestled between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Visoke, is the world’s centerpiece for the study and protection of the mountain gorilla founded by Dian Fossey.
The lodge itself is surrounded by 27 acres of landscaped gardens, a setting guaranteed to keep avid bird enthusiast entertained with 650 bird species in the area. Constructed with stylish contemporary Rwandese �lavour, the main area is built from local stone and houses a bar, dining room and library leading out to extensive decking, ideal for relaxation after a hard day’s trekking. The 5 private cottages are folded into the hills and trees, each with a private veranda, ensuite bathroom and sitting room with a cosy �ireplace that wards off the evening chill. Elegant yet homely, Sabyinyo is designed to relax, refresh and rejuvenate amidst inescapable scenic beauty.
“Dramatic. Thrilling. Poignant.
The wildlife experience o f a L I F E T I M E .”
G O R I L L A
T R E K K I N G
The world’s last remaining mountain gorillas of Central Africa are now thought to number just 750. They are distributed between the Virunga National Park complex at the intersection of Uganda, Rwa n d a a n d t h e D e m o c ra t i c Re p u b l i c o f C o n g o a n d Bw i n d i I m p e n e t ra b l e Fo re s t i n U ga n d a . These critically endangered animals continue to face many threats – habitat loss due to human encroachment, poaching, civil unrest and disease.
In a land where nothing comes easy, trekking in search of these majestic beings is not for the feint hearted. The rangers follow the habitual gorilla families every day and have a pretty good idea of where to locate them however it can still take 3 hours or more to reach a family group. Anticipation mounts as one transcends the steep-sided forested mountains and ravines. Despite the energy exerted in the climbing, one can still appreciate the pristine beauty of these aforementioned forests with the swirling mists, moss covered trees and swinging vines. Apart from the gorillas, the forests are home to an amazing array of �lora and fauna including 120 species of mammals including buffalo, elephant, leopard, bushbuck and others as well as over 400 species of birds, numerous species of butter�lies, making it one of the richest ecosystems in Africa.
With one’s �irst glimpse of the gorillas, excitement overwhelms any feelings of fatigue. Watching these powerful yet peaceful giants as they interact, feed and go about their daily routine, often oblivious to your presence, is a rare privilege. Viewing is restricted to 1 hour and that will go by in a �lash; it is a humbling experience made even more poignant by the fact that you observe them at such close range. Each face is different portraying its personality; beautiful, expressive, bold, curious and noble. Mhahinga N.P
VIRUNGA N.P
VOLCANOES N.P
Lake Kivu
Nyungwe Forest N.P
Kigali
Akagera N.P
TEL: +254 (0)720 911 143
EMAIL: INFO@JAMESROBERTSON.CO.KE S K Y P E : J R S A FA R I S
W W W. K E R D O W N E Y S A FA R I S . C O M