4 Days Volcanoes Helicopter Safari, Travel North by Helicopter to the Gorilla trekker’s Paradise and spend quality time with one of the habituated gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The 4 days Volcanoes Helicopter Safari is perfect for luxury travelers and those limited by time yet interested in getting up close with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Rwanda is home to about 350 mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park and so far, 12 gorilla families have been habituated for tracking. Besides the mountain gorillas, this Park also shelters bushbucks, elephants, buffaloes, spotted hyenas, leopards, giant forest hogs, and over 200 bird species.
Highlights
- Trek through Volcanoes National Park for the endangered mountain gorillas.
- Visit the Gorilla Guardian village, the dense and verdant rainforests, the breathtaking Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo.
- Aerial views over the Virunga Volcanoes.
Brief Itinerary
Arrive in Kigali, and explore the beautiful City.
Arrival in Volcanoes National Park by helicopter flight.
Volcanoes National Park- Gorilla Trekking and village Tour (Gorilla Guardian Village).
From Volcanoes National Park to Kigali City by Helicopter flight, Depart.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, and explore the beautiful City.
Welcome to Rwanda! Renowned as the “land of a thousand hills”, the Capital City is surrounded by beautiful Hills and verdant Valleys. When you arrive at Kigali International Airport, our Airport representatives will offer assistance in immigration and customs clearing, then continue to arrivals where you will meet your private driver for a transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay after the long flight.
While you might want to just relax at the Hotel, Kigali City will mesmerize you. After recharging with a nice meal, venture into the calm City of Kigali and explore. Visit the Kigali genocide memorial center, Presidential Palace Museum, Kamironko market, Inema Art Center and others.
Accommodation:
- The Retreat or Kigali Serena Hotel (High-end)
- Marriott Hotel Kigali or Onomo Hotel Kigali (midrange).
Meals: Dinner (own account).
Day 2: Arrival in Volcanoes National Park by helicopter flight.
Your private driver will meet you at the Hotel lobby and transfer you to Kigali Airport for the helicopter flight to Volcanoes National Park, one of the most renowned Gorilla Sanctuaries in the World. If you are lucky to get a window seat, then expect endless views of the City of Kigali and its surrounding hills and Valleys, the extensive Virunga Volcanoes, and the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo as you fly over during this 30-minute helicopter flight.
Arrive at the One & Only Gorilla’s Nest helipad or land at Musanze airstrip then have a private transfer to the Lodge. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing or venturing out on a guided walk through the shores of the Twin Lakes. Lunch and dinner at the Lodge.
Accommodation:
- One and Only Gorillas Nest (High-end).
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange).
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Volcanoes National Park- Gorilla Trekking and village Tour (Gorilla Guardian Village).
Expect a thrilling half-day excursion in Volcanoes National Park today. After a very early breakfast at the lodge, you will proceed to the park headquarters for briefing and thereafter drive for about 30 minutes to the trailheads (start points) for this amazing adventure.
While there are several animals in this Park, the mountain gorillas are the star of the show and it is a fascinating experience to meet face-to-face with them. You have the chance to trek these Great Apes in their natural habitat and it takes 2-6 hours to find them. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a haven for 12 habituated families of Mountain Gorillas living in different areas of the Park. One hour is allowed for photography and observing them going about their normal day playing, eating, resting, nursing babies, and many others.
After this exciting day spent with the mountain gorillas, get back to the lodge where you will have lunch and later visit the fantastic Gorilla Guardian Village.
Accommodation:
- One and Only Gorillas Nest (High-end).
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange).
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: From Volcanoes National Park to Kigali City by Helicopter flight, Depart.
On this day, you will transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali City by Helicopter, where you will catch the flight back home or to your next African safari destination.
Meal plan: Breakfast.
Includes:
- Gorilla permit at $1,500 per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, and trek)
- All activities as highlighted in the itinerary
- 3 Nights’ accommodation includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Park entry fees
- Village / Cultural Visit
- Helicopter flight to/from Volcanoes National Park.
- Services of professional English-speaking drivers.
- Ground transport in a 4WD safari vehicle.
- Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour.
- Relevant Rwandan government taxes and levies.
Excludes:
- Rwandan visa.
- International flights tickets
- Medical and travel insurance.
- Optional activities not included in the program.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic Drinks
- Cigarettes.
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.