Destination: Mt. Visoke & the Virunga Mountains
Essence of the trip: On this Epic Weekend you’ll first head to the base of the Parc National des Volcans chain for a tough trek through the forests, towards the summit of Mt. Visoke at 3700m. We’ll then transfer you to the Virunga mountains to track gorilla families through the dense jungle.
Details:
With Epic Weekends, you’ll be taken across the crater rims of dormant volcanoes and deep into cloud forests to track the elusive mountain gorilla.
Step off the plane, onto the tarmac and our private helicopter will transfer you directly to the northern border of Rwanda. 140km away lies the Parc National des Volcans; the base of the Virunga mountain chain and your camp for the night. This verdant expanse of dense vegetation and soaring hills is a haven for mountain gorillas, and the site of Dian Fossey’s important studies into their behaviour.
It’s an early start on your first morning in Rwanda. Take in the spectacular view from your lodge, before you begin the unrelenting trek up the mountain. You’ll climb up through bamboo and senecio forests, bringing you to the cool summit at 3700m above sea level. Take a moment or two to soak up the spectacular view of the glass-like crater lake and the sheer expanse of surrounding volcano range. It’s a physically demanding climb that will test your endurance but with rewarding views up and from Mount Visoke.
The next day the true Rwandan adventure begins, as you leave to start tracking the rare and endangered mountain gorillas. Leave the lodge as dawn breaks: you’ll spend the day searching for these creatures amidst the forest of the steep Virunga slopes. Seven gorilla families inhabit the area, from the Sabinyo group to the Amahoro. Your chances of seeking them out are high, but will rely on your physical stamina as you hike through miles of hot, steep, jungle paths. Once you’ve spent the afternoon with these incredible mammals, you’ll be taken back to the airport. Journey home thoroughly challenged, but with the memories of a lifetime.
If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.