Classic Escapes Newest Itinerary Searches for Gorillas in Rwanda

WHY IT RATES: Rwanda has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Africa to visit today, offering a plethora of luxury accommodations and opportunities to see great apes in Volcanoes National Park. —Mia Taylor, TravelPulse Senior Writer

As scientists continue to study the genetic link between humans and the great apes of Africa, it is easy to understand the enduring fascination of gorillas.

As the largest species amongst all primates, the chance to see gorilla families up close is a major factor drawing visitors to Africa. And there is perhaps nowhere in the world as ideal to view these majestic mountain great apes as Rwanda’s thickly forested Volcanoes National Park, home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

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While gorillas are a major draw in Rwanda—pioneering conservationist Dian Fossey’s work here is immortalized in the book and award-winning film, Gorillas in the Mist—the country continues to attract high-end travelers with its abundant biodiversity (especially in Akagera National Park), cultural experiences and national reconciliation projects which have helped turn Rwanda into one of Africa’s most progressive nations.

With its ongoing sustainable growth, conservation efforts and gender equality initiatives, Rwanda has seen tourism figures continue to grow, catching the attention of renowned hospitality and conservation companies.

A plethora of luxury accommodations now available in Rwanda continues to boost the country’s profile, making it one of the most sought-after destinations in Africa to visit today. Newer properties such as Wilderness Safaris’ Bisate in Volcanos and Magashi in Akagera, Governor’s Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, and Singita Kwitonda increase Rwanda’s profile in the luxury market.*

Classic Escapes, a family-owned boutique travel company specializing in nature and cultural journeys, is offering an 11-day Rwanda - A Bevy of Primates in the ‘Country of A Thousand Hills' itinerary, visiting Kigali, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and the Karisoke Research Center. An extension to Nyungwe Forest is also available. **

This itinerary offers customizable dates and pricing begins at $8,795 per person, double. The package includes superior accommodations**, a professional naturalist guide, all meals while on safari, wildlife viewing by 4x4 land cruisers driven by professional guides, all applicable hotel and lodge taxes, gratuities for baggage handling and park entry fees, and complimentary emergency evacuation insurance. International airfare is not included.

Select permits for excursions including Gorilla Trekking, Golden Monkey Visit and Karisoke Visit are an additional cost***.

Highlights of the Rwanda Itinerary Include:

—Explore Akagera National Park, home to lion, elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, crocodile, zebra, antelope and an incredible assortment of bird species before returning to your luxury Ruzizi Tented Lodge, overlooking Lake Ihema;

—Spend three nights at Bishops House, located near Volcanoes National Park headquarters in the town of Musanze.

—Follow in the footsteps of famed primatologist Dian Fossey as you trek into the bamboo forest in search of the mighty mountain gorilla; the park is currently home to three resident gorilla families, each with their own names and distinct members, including the formidable silverback Guhonda who leads the Sabyinyo family;

—Search for the much lesser-known primate called the Golden Monkey; this endangered species lives only in this area of the world;

—Visit the village of Iby’Iwachu for an intimate look at Rwanda’s rural cultures; observe herbal healing, schools in session, banana brewing and traditional music and dance;

—Visit the Karisoke Research Center, where you can pay your respects at the resting place of Dian Fossey and learn why this has been such an integral site to the study of primatology since the 1970s

—On an optional extension to Nyungwe Forest, seek out 13 primate species (close to ¼ of the total number in Africa), including the Rwenzori colobus monkey, the Olive baboon, the Angola colobus, the silver monkey and the golden monkey

For more information and to view full itinerary, please visit classicescapes.com.

SOURCE: Classic Escapes press release