Tanzania and Rwanda
After your Mount Kilimanjaro Hike, start off your safari adventure in the foothills of Mount Meru in the outskirts of Arusha, Tanzania. This is the gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania. Begin your safari in Lake Manyara National Park at a beautiful treehouse property. Then, visit the modern day garden of Eden of Ngorongoro Crater. Finish your Tanzanian safari in the Central Serengeti.
You'll then jet off to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda for two full days of gorilla trekking!
Africa is a destination like no other; the raw beauty of the wild promises an adventure of a lifetime. You could spend countless days in Africa and uncover something extraordinary with every step: majestic wildlife roaming the savannah, lush landscapes stretching across the horizon, and ancient cultures thriving in harmony with nature. Africa showcases the thrill of the wild, and the Serengeti is, of course, its sparkling gem.
October 2 - 4, 2024
Arusha | Gran Melia Arusha (booked independently)
October 4 - 7, 2024
Lake Manyara | Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
October 7 - 9, 2024
Ngorongoro Crater | Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
October 9 - 12, 2024
Serengeti National Park | Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
October 12 - 15, 2024
Volcanoes National Park | One&Only Gorilla's Nest
October 15, 2024
Departure
If you need any assistance while you are traveling, or if you would like to make any changes, reservations or cancellations during your time in Africa you can contact the following who will be your local contacts during your trip:
Tanzania & Rwanda
- Local Contact Number: will be provided (Office Hours)
- Local Contact Number: will be provided (After Hours)
Scenset
- Scenset Emergency Line: will be provided
Important: Due to the time difference, for small day-to-day things like touring and dining reservations - or emergencies that need immediate assistance - it will be most efficient for you to use the local contacts as they are in the same time zone as you.
WhatsApp: If you don’t have WhatsApp on your phone, we strongly encourage downloading it for free as it makes contacting our local team easier.
Malaria is prevalent in East Africa. We recommend checking with your doctor about taking anti-malarial tablets.
The most important defenses against malaria are:
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
- Wear long-sleeved cotton clothing from dusk into the evening.
- Tabard and Peaceful Sleep are commonly used insect repellents.
Always check the latest recommendations with your travel clinic or doctor. We do not recommend drinking the tap water in East Africa and advise that you drink bottled water.
Tanzania
Currently, travelers with US passports require Visas for Tanzania. For nationalities that are required to obtain a Visa on arrival, we recommend that you obtain your Visa in advance to avoid delays on arrival at the airport. You must be able to produce a return ticket on arrival in Tanzania. Passports must be valid for six months after the date of travel and you are required to have two blank pages in your passport.
Please be aware that with immediate effect, Kilimanjaro International Airport has changed the process of issuing Visas on arrival. The new process involves travelers having to stand in 3 different queues (a queue for a Government Control Number, a queue to make payment and a queue for immigration to check and issue the Visa), adding a significant amount of time to the arrival process, with some travelers taking in an excess of 2 additional hours at the airport. With this change in place, we strongly encourage all travelers flying into Kilimanjaro to obtain their Visa online in advance of arrival. E-Visa’s typically take 2 – 3 weeks to be issued.
Always check the most recent regulations with your nearest Tanzanian High Commission or Embassy before traveling. Further details are available on the Tanzania Ministry of Home Affairs website.
RWANDA
U.S. passports must be valid for six months after the date of entry into Rwanda. Travelers can obtain a Rwandan visa through the following procedures:
- Obtain a 30-day tourist visa at the port of entry. Credit cards are generally accepted at the Kigali International Airport but are not accepted at some land borders. The U.S. Embassy recommends that travelers arrive at the Kigali International Airport with sufficient cash in U.S. dollars to pay for the visa in case credit card transactions are not possible at the time of your arrival. Additional information about this process can be found on the Rwandan Immigration website.
- Obtain 30-day, 90-day, or 10-year tourist visa through the Rwandan Embassy in Washington, D.C. Additional information about this process can be found on the Rwandan Embassy’s website.
Immunizations: World Health Organization (WHO) card with yellow fever vaccination if entering from the countries listed on the Rwandan Immigration website.
You may read more here on the U.S. State Department website.
These guidelines are for reference only. Scenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
For safari, we recommend layering your clothing. Game drives take place early morning and evenings and can be cool before the sun rises and after it sets. The day-time temperatures can be warm and sunny and it can get warm. Light, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are recommended for during the day (shorts, t-shirts) and in the evenings, layer up with long trousers, long sleeve vests and a warm jacket. Formal wear is not required at any of our lodges – you are free to come straight from game drive into dinner.
We recommend neutral tones and light colors. Certain colors, like black and navy blue attract Tsetse flies in East Africa and dark colors attract the heat. Neutral colours are advised. Avoid white/bright colours for bush walks. Laundry is done complimentary at the lodges, so that is one less thing to worry about as well and will help with packing lightly.
- Long trousers or denim jeans
- Long sleeve vests/t-shirts
- Shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses
- A warm jacket, fleece or windbreaker
- Woolen hat/beanie, gloves and scarf for morning drives
- A good pair of walking shoes
- Longer socks to wear with walking shoes – especially if you plan on going on Bush Walks
- Sandals or flip-flops for during the day at the lodge and some closed shoes or sneakers for evenings
- Wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses and a good sunscreen
- Bathing suit
- Camera, video camera, binoculars, spare memory cards and charging equipment. Some lodges do provide spare sets of binoculars on game vehicles and at the lodges if you don’t have your own.
- A small flashlight or headlamp for walking around camp
- Anti-allergen medication such as Zyrtec
- Insect Repellent with DEET
- Lotions, tissues, moisturizers, chapstick
- Personal cosmetics, toiletries
- Money belt or fanny pack for cash and travel documents
- Power bank for charging of phone on safari drives
- A good book to read during down time at the safari lodge
- Passport
- Cash for personal expenses
Check-in is one and a half hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours before departure for international flights.
Some scheduled regional and inter-lodge flights may involve multiple stops before reaching the final destination. Many flights are operated as air shuttle transfers and therefore departure times may vary by up to one hour.
When traveling on normal scheduled international flights, the luggage limit is usually 20kgs (approx. 44 lbs.) per person.
On light aircraft transfers there is usually a 15kg (approx. 33 lbs.) per person limit on luggage. This is for safety and space reasons. Please note that this 15kg includes any cameras, camera bags and any associated equipment. For those carrying heavy personal equipment, it is possible to book an extra seat and which allows for an additional 80kg (approx. 176 lbs.) of baggage (up to three extra bags; max 32 kgs (approx. 70 lbs.) per bag).
Please remember:
- Only soft bags (no hard suitcases can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft) will be accepted. This includes camera equipment and hand luggage.
- The maximum dimensions of the soft bags which can be accommodated are as follows; 25cm (10 inches) wide x 30cm (12 inches) high x 62cm (24 inches) long.
Before packing for your trip be aware that Tanzania has an overall ban on the import, use and possession of all plastic bags (except for official food, medical, agricultural and chemical safety use).
The fine for possession of a plastic bag will be provided in Tanzania. We recommend you bring a few cloth carry bags or stuff sacks (which pack down to nothing) from home to store your personal items and laundry, and avoid any use of plastic bags during your trip.
Avoid:
- Clear plastic bags used for demonstrating liquids for airport security in your hand and checked luggage.
- Using plastic bags to protect shoes or damp clothes from the rest of the items in luggage.
- Bagged duty-free purchases made en-route – dispose of bags in the airport building on arrival.
- Accepting any plastic bags with purchases – take paper or cloth bags with you for shopping.
- However, ziplock bags specifically used to carry toiletries are permitted as they are expected to remain with visitors and not be disposed of in Tanzania.
Tipping during your holiday is not compulsory. If, however, you want to tip because you have received good service, we have enclosed a brief guideline to assist you:
Currency: We advise clients to take spending money in the form of US Dollar cash, as this is favored on most excursions for tips, drinks and curios. Credit cards are generally accepted at hotels, lodges and a few safari camps.
Transfers: We recommend about US$10 per transfer for the driver.
Touring (excluding Camp/Game Lodge) Driver and/or Guides: For half day tours we recommend about US$20 and for a full day tour we recommend US$30 per day.
Safari Guides/Trackers at Game Lodges: We recommend US$40 per room per day for the guide and US$20 per room per day for the tracker.
Porterage: We recommend about US$5 per guest per movement.
Hotel/Guest House/Game Lodge Staff: We recommend about US$40 per room per day for hotel staff i.e. housekeeping, etc. In some instances where you are allocated a butler or dedicated waiter for the duration of your stay at a specific property, you could tip about UD$20 per room per day.
Restaurants/Hotels: 10 - 15% is customary on meal accounts if you are satisfied with the service.
Welcome to Tanzania!
Connect with your own arrangements to hike Mount Kilimanjaro.
Booked independently.
Welcome to Tanzania!
On arrival into Kilimanjaro Airport off a flight expected to arrive in the morning, make your way through passport control, immigration and collect your luggage before heading to the arrivals hall. Here, a representative with &Beyond Tanzania will assist you with a private transfer to Gran Melia Arusha Hotel.
If you have any issues locating your driver, please call will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
The Gran Melia Arusha is an oasis within Arusha, set out on 18 acres of beautiful landscaped coffee and tea plantations. The property offers spectacular views of Mount Meru. A river runs through the property and there are several natural springs, a herb and vegetable garden hidden between the plantations, and a state-of-the-art conference centre. With a spa, heated outdoor pool, and excellent general facilities, this is a great start to your African adventure.
Confirmation Number: will be provided
Booked independently.
After your Mount Kilimanjaro hike, arrange to be dropped back off at a hotel in Arusha.
Gran Melia Arusha
Booked independently.
It's time to head to the bush! Once you have checked out of Gran Melia Arusha Hotel, you will be met by a representative who will assist you with a private transfer to Arusha airport in time for your shared light aircraft flight.
If you have any issues locating your driver, please call will be provided.
On arrival at Arusha Airport, you will be met by a representative from Auric Air who will assist you with check-in for your onward flight, scheduled to depart in the late morning.
If you have any issues locating your representative, please call will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Please find your flight itinerary with Auric Air here in Tanzania.
Please be advised on notes regarding baggage allowance and intermediary stops during your safari flights.
Booked by Scenset
Please note that all times are estimates and depend on the final route on the actual day. Your flight may include stops at other airstrips before arriving at your destination.
Upon arrival at the Lake Manyara Airstrip, meet your guide and driver for a game drive and transfer to Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.
Booked by Scenset
Check in to your accommodation.
Each treehouse suite features generous decks suspended above the forest floor and large windows inviting the lush forest inside. The classically elegant bedrooms are fitted with contemporary furnishings in neutral colours and textures, overhead fans and billowing mosquito nets. The bathrooms have freestanding baths with a forest view and an outdoor shower.
Lake Manyara National Park is only 325 km2 (125 mi2) in size and yet offers a unique wilderness experience with an incredible diversity of habitats, from its Acacia forests and dense woodlands to its soda lake and steep escarpment. This spectacular setting, within easy road access from Arusha, makes Manyara a popular stop off on the way to the crater highlands.
Lake Manyara National Park is only 325 km2 (125 mi2) in size and yet offers a unique wilderness experience with an incredible diversity of habitats, from its Acacia forests and dense woodlands to its soda lake and steep escarpment. This spectacular setting, within easy road access from Arusha, makes Manyara a popular stop off on the way to the crater highlands.
Set in the heart of a mahogany forest, &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the only permanent lodge in the park of the same name. Designed to exert minimal impact on the environment, the lodge is situated in the park’s south-western region. Guests are offered an exclusive interpretive safari in a remote, game-rich part of the park. The tranquility of this lodge offers the perfect place to start or end a safari. With few other vehicles, you are able to ease into the destination, or just relax enjoying the peace and energy of the forested lodge.
Romantic treehouse suites are graced by the sounds of the forest and elephants often walking past the decks. Cradled in the boughs of ancient mahogany trees, nine stilted treehouse suites, crafted from local timber and makuti palm fronds, boast a sophisticated blend of intimacy and romance, offering privacy and exclusivity in cool, leafy surroundings. Each treehouse suite features generous decks suspended above the forest floor and large windows invite the lush forest inside.
- Treehouse Suite
- Inclusions: Three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on lodge activities, laundry, safari activities at safari lodges. Emergency evacuation insurance, scheduled transfers between lodge airstrip. Guides’ Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist and an area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist. SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars (one pair per room to use throughout stay).
Booked by a scenset.
The translucence of the lake, juxtaposed against the dramatic escarpment makes for breathtaking sunsets and sunrises in this special park. When the park closes, only &Beyond vehicles and guests are allowed to remain here. Experience your own private golden glow of sunset or watch the flamingos with every shade of pink. Make the effort to rise early to the sounds of the forest, to be on the lake for a cup of coffee as the pinks and oranges start to filter through the night and the birdlife awakens.
&Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge offers twice-daily game drives with sunrise and sundowner stops. &Beyond’s professionally trained guides will ask you about your favourite wildlife and will do their very best to ensure that your preferences are met, whether it’s tracking an animal or spending more time at sightings. Guides will also explain Lake Manyara’s diverse habitats.
Another dimension to your experience at &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the opportunity to explore the park on a night drive. After an early dinner, leave the lodge at about 8 PM and explore the park for approximately three hours listening to the bush come alive with a cacophony of night sounds.
Booked by Scenset. You will confirm and coordinate your activities directly with the hotel upon arrival.
- Treehouse Suite
- Inclusions: Three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on lodge activities, laundry, safari activities at safari lodges. Emergency evacuation insurance, scheduled transfers between lodge airstrip. Guides’ Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist and an area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist. SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars (one pair per room to use throughout stay).
Booked by a guest.
You will depart on an exciting journey with a knowledgeable guide for your transfer. As you leave the lush surroundings of Lake Manyara behind, you’ll travel through the diverse landscapes of the Great Rift Valley. This transfer is also a safari, so keep your eyes peeled—you might spot some amazing wildlife along the way!
The departure time will be advised locally by your guide the night prior.
Booked by Scenset
Check in to your accommodation.
Steeped in romance, each stilted, handcrafted mud and thatch suite is adorned with graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and elegant African treasures. The bedroom, sitting room and ensuite bathroom boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the magnificent Crater below.
A veritable Garden of Eden, the Ngorongoro Crater is only 260 km2 (100mi2) in size yet has some of the highest densities of lion and spotted hyena found anywhere in the world. The view from the crater rim at 2,000 feet above the floor is nothing short of breathtaking. The thick mountain forests of the crater highlands strike a sharp contrast with the short grass plains of the crater floor with its yellow fever Acacia woodlands and streams. The soda lake Magadi in the center of the crater floor sometimes attracts lesser flamingos, and the area is known for very large tusked elephants, black rhino, and great predator action.
The three million year old Ngorongoro Crater was once a gigantic volcano that some suggest was even higher than Mt Kilimanjaro. It is the largest intact caldera in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walks are available on the rim in certain areas, but game viewing on the crater floor is strictly by vehicle and on designated game drive routes. Local pastoralists and their villages surround the western side of the crater whilst the eastern side is heavily forested up to the farming town of Karatu.
Why we love it for you: Where Maasai meets Versailles, themed in romance on the rim of Ngorongoro’s ancient caldera; wildlife in abundance, sunsets to the rhythm of Maasai chants and a world of mindful impact. Perched above cool, swirling mists on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the lavish safari suites at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offer breath-taking views. Frequently described as Maasai meets Versailles, each camp has its own guest sitting and dining areas, as well as viewing decks. Lodge experiences at Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact caldera, are designed to ensure you soak up the spectacular views. Watch the sunset to the chant of the Maasai, swathed in bright red shukkas (traditional fabric), or soak in your bathtub looking out onto a magical landscape.
- Suite
- Inclusions: Three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on lodge activities, laundry, safari activities at safari lodges. Emergency evacuation insurance, scheduled transfers between lodge airstrip. Guides’ Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist and an area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist. SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars (one pair per room to use throughout stay).
Booked by a user.
An adventure haven and cultural utopia, this area features a variety of memorable activities. Aside from sublime game drives, indulge in a feast on the Crater floor, enjoy three amazing hikes, meet the local people or visit a traditional boma. Discover Olduvai Gorge or spend a day with a lion conservation team. Enjoy lodge activities with dinner in the wine cellar, sundowners with locals or a beading lesson.
Game drives descend into the Ngorongoro Crater through a lush highland forest, with magnificent birdlife to be spotted among the different tree species. Once on the grassy crater floor, discover a large variety of grazing herbivores, as well as predators. Depending on the time of year, you may see huge flocks of pink flamingo around the shores of the shallow Lake Magadi.
Note there may be additional costs for some of the above mentioned activities.
- Suite
- Inclusions: Three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on lodge activities, laundry, safari activities at safari lodges. Emergency evacuation insurance, scheduled transfers between lodge airstrip. Guides’ Journal with illustrated wildlife and vegetation checklist and an area map with illustrated Star Birds checklist. SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars (one pair per room to use throughout stay).
Booked by someone.
This morning, you will depart Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and be transferred to Manyara Airstrip for your shared light aircraft flight to Seronera Airstrip.
The departure time will be advised locally by your guide the night prior.
Booked by Scenset
Once you have arrived at Seronera Airstrip, you will be met by a guide who will assist you with a transfer to Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti.
Booked by Scenset
Check in to your accommodation.
Watch as a herd of elephants, baboons, impalas and many other local wildlife stop for a drink at our central watering hole, as you lounge on your room’s private balcony or gaze out the window from your deep soaking tub. One full bathroom with separate shower and deep soaking tub.
The Serengeti is perhaps the most famous African wilderness area, its name synonymous with the notion of safari for nearly a hundred years. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers 14,750 km2 (5,700 mi2) of premiere game viewing in Acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and undulating savannahs interspersed with seasonal rivers. The park on the northern side borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and, together with several other smaller reserves and conservation areas, forms the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
Stretching all the way to Lake Victoria, the Western Corridor is characterized by the quintessential safari landscape — open plains dotted with the occasional tree, although there are also beautiful riverine woodlands and some thicker bush areas. There is a good population of cats and general game all year round.
Why we love it for you: Deep in the heart of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves, where the Big Five – the lion, the leopard, the buffalo, the elephant and the rhinoceros – run free on the endless, untamed landscape. Perched on a series of elevated platforms and walkways, our Lodge sits next to an animal watering hole, where you can watch a family of elephants stop for their morning drink as you sip your own out on your room’s private balcony. Under the constant protection of local tribes people, we’ll take you in the bush for an exhilarating game drive, or you can soar high in the sky on a hot-air balloon safari. However you spend your day, our Spa is waiting to help you rehydrate, restore and re-energize for your next adventure.
- Savannah Water Hole View Room
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at a restaurant or bar, Beverages (soft drinks, house wines, well spirits and local beers), Daily laundry credit per room, Fitness Centre, Game Drives, and Airstrip return Transfers
Booked by a user
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti is located in the heart of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves, where the Big Five – the lion, the leopard, the buffalo, the elephant and the rhinoceros – run free on the endless, untamed landscape. Perched on a series of elevated platforms and walkways, the lodge overlooks an animal watering hole, where you can watch a family of elephants stop for a drink as you sip your own out on your room’s private balcony.
A balloon flight over the Serengeti is widely considered a bucketlist activity that offers a serene and spectacular experience floating over the vast, lush, and game filled plains.
A lift off at dawn means you watch the sun rise as you head in a generally western direction. Flights usually last close to an hour and depending on the take off spot you float over riverine woodlands, watching hippos return to their daytime refuges and crocodiles basking on sandbanks. Sometimes predators and large antelope herds can be spotted below, pointed out by your experienced captain.
After the flight you will be met by the trailing transfer vehicles and taken to a pre-prepared picnic breakfast, beautifully set up in an idyllic spot on the plains.
The pick-up time at your hotel will be advised locally by the hotel team.
Booked by Scenset
During your stay at the Four Seasons, you are booked for 2 x Kifaa massages.
Battle tension with our moderate to deep pressure signature massage, which uses a heated Rungu implement – a Maasai warrior’s wooden baton – and baobab ‘tree of life’ oil for ultimate rejuvenation.
Please review spa etiquette at the Four Seasons prior to your treatment.
Date: October 10th
Time: Afternoon
Duration: 90 Minutes
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours prior in order to avoid penalty fees. For any changes, please speak with the Front Desk at the Four Seasons Serengeti. This is to be paid locally.
Booked by Scenset
- Savannah Water Hole View Room
- Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Kula’s Restaurant or Maji Bar, Beverages (soft drinks, house wines, well spirits and local beers), Daily laundry credit per room, Fitness Centre, Game Drives, and Airstrip return Transfers
Booked by someone
This morning, you will depart from Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti on a safari transfer to Seronera Airstrip. Upon arrival at the airstrip, proceed to the check-in area for your scheduled charter flight to Kigali Airport.
The departure time will be advised locally by your guide the night prior.
Booked by Scenset
Please find your flight itinerary with Auric Air here in Rwanda.
Please be advised on notes regarding baggage allowance and intermediary stops during your safari flights.
Booked by a travel agent
The first leg of your journey includes a stop at an airport, for immigration and customs procedures. You may either remain on board or disembark briefly, depending on the airline’s procedures. Once the stop is complete, your flight will continue to Kigali International Airport.
Upon arrival in Kigali, disembark and proceed through immigration, where you’ll present your passport and any necessary visas. After clearing immigration, you’ll collect your luggage, pass through customs and proceed to the arrivals hall. Here, a representative from Akagera Aviation will greet you and escort you to your helicopter for a spectacular flight to Musanze.
If you have any issues locating your representative, please call will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Enjoy a private helicopter transfer from Kigali to Musanze in an Agusta 119 (max weight 380 kgs body and luggage).
Booked by someone
On arrival at Musanze helipad, you will be met by a representative who will assist you with a road transfer to One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, to start your Rwandan adventure.
If you have any issues locating your representative, please call will be provided or will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Check in to your accommodation.
Volcanoes National Park encompasses 160 km2 (60mi2) in a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, with evergreen and bamboo forests. The national park includes five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, with Karisimbi being the highest at 4,507 m (14,785 ft). The lush slopes of these volcanoes provide a dramatic natural setting for one of the most thrilling and memorable wildlife experiences: seeing the mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. Roughly half of the world’s wild population of mountain gorillas reside on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas massif.
Eye to eye with swaying eucalyptus trees, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is the closest resort to Volcanoes National Park – a historic rainforest home to a diverse tapestry of wildlife, including over 340 mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and 300 bird species. In and around the resort, there is an incredible topography of peaceful sleeping volcanoes that defy gravity, creating an awe-inspiring atmosphere and perfect setting for cyclists.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is set against the historic volcanic mountains of Volcanoes National Park – the first national park in Africa and home to endangered mountain gorillas. This is a place that has fostered a spirit of love and protection over the years, most notably from a renowned primatologist.
Inclusions:
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Alcoholic (house wines and beers) and non-alcoholic beverages with meals are also included
- Two activities per person per day are included (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice)
Booked by a representative.
You'll search for gorillas for the next 2 days!
Although the immense size of the silverbacks might be overwhelming, these 400-pound creatures are actually extremely accommodating to human presence amongst their family. The guides might even teach you a few words in ‘Gorilla’ so you can greet them and show that you are, in fact, friendly!
The day of the trek usually begins with an early start at your hotel and then a drive to park headquarters. Here, park officials assign you to a gorilla family and you meet your gorilla guides. After being briefed on protocols, you head over to the specific starting point, where teams of porters are available for hire. Remember, you are trekking for around 2,500m and so any help is welcome.
Groups are limited to eight guests. The initial trek is usually through rural Rwanda's open fields of potatoes and pyrethrum, until you reach the rough wall boundary of the park itself. From here, your guide will be in communication with the trackers and you will begin the hike through the forest to meet the gorillas. Your permit allows one hour with the gorilla family, after which you say goodbye to your trackers and hike back down to meet your awaiting vehicle.
- Meeting time: Early morning
- Meeting point: The lodge and Primate Guide will discuss times on arrival and advise the exact meeting time and location
- Duration: The duration depends on the gorilla family's location
- Gorilla trekking team: will be provided
- Contact: will be provided
Inclusions:
- Guiding Services
- Use of 4x4 Safari Vehicle
- Gorilla Trekking Permit
Booked by Scenset
The Virunga Mountains straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are home to around 480 mountain gorillas, more than half of the world’s entire population — the rest live in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
In Volcanoes National Park, which encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, twelve gorilla groups are now habituated for tourism and offer one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural experiences. To be in the presence of these gentle giants at such close quarters is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Inclusions
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Alcoholic (house wines and beers) and non-alcoholic beverages with meals are also included
- Two activities per person per day are included (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice)
Booked by a person.
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, you will be met by a representative who will assist you with your private road transfer to Musanze. On arrival, you’ll be escorted to the helipad for your private helicopter flight to Kigali, operated by Akagera Aviation.
If you have any issues locating your driver, please call will be provided or will be provided.
Scheduled for the afternoon, you will take a private helicopter transfer from Gorilla's Nest to Kigali in an Agusta 119 (max weight 380 kgs body and luggage).
Booked by Scenset
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, a representative will be waiting to provide you with VIP airport assistance. They will guide you through the check-in process for your international departure flight to Doha.
If you have any issues locating your driver, please call will be provided.
Booked by Scenset
Please refer to our terms & conditions here.