1 day helicopter  flight safari to Volcanoes National Park

1 day helicopter flight safari to Volcanoes National Park: One of the greatest and quickest ways to see Rwanda’s most popular gorilla park is by taking a helicopter Safari, which includes a flight transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. Chartered and private flights are carried out throughout Rwanda from Kigali international airport to different airstrips in different parts of the country. This day trip is one of the most luxury but cost friendly trip in Rwanda connecting from Kigali international airport to Musanze Airstrip, from where you connect to the park center.

1 day helicopter  flight safari to Volcanoes National Park

This trip is so convenient for luxury clients who have limited time in Rwanda but wish to experience the once in a lifetime moment of spending an hour with the gentle giant apes in their natural habitat.

Volcanoes national park lies in the Northwestern part of Rwanda. Flights are operated by Akagera Aviation Authority, and your tour operator will help you coordinate all the travel procedures for you to have a successful trip.

Costs vary depending on the helicopter size, number of travelers and whether you are requesting for a one-way or round trip.

For your luxury gorilla safari, you need to have your gorilla permit booked in advance and the permit cost $1500 for international tourists.

 

Detailed itinerary for a 1-day flight trip to volcanoes national park.

At 6:00am, get up and prepare to transfer to the airport for your flight. The flight from Kigali to Musanze takes 25 – 30 minutes.

At the air strip, your tour guide will be readily waiting for you. He will drive you to the lodge to freshen up, get dressed in your tracking gear and later transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about the dos and don’ts of gorilla tracking. You will be allocated to a specific gorilla family depending on your fitness level.

At 8am, your driver guide will transfer you to the starting point. With your walking stick and the leadership of a ranger guide, you will trek into the park jungles for your lifetime experience. the trek varies from 1 – 5 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. This time includes the one hour you are allowed to stay in presence of the gorillas as you watch their daily behavior, feeding, grooming, playing and reaction to human presence.

While in the park jungle, follow    the guidelines from your ranger guide, leave enough space between you and the gorillas, avoid noise and have flash less photography.

After your trek, return to the starting point for trekking certificates. Later, meet your guide to transfer you to the lodge for lunch.

Some of the lodges whey you can have your lunch include One and Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Virunga Lodge or Sabinyo Silverback Lodge.

Optional activities that can de done after lunch: (You can choose one if time allows).

 

  1. Visiting the gorilla guardian’s village (Ib’yiwachu Cultural centre)

A place where you will interact with the rehabilitated poachers who currently advocate for mountain gorilla protection and habitat conservation. Experience the beauty of Rwandan tradition and culture through their folk tales, songs and traditional dance, and hand made crafts.

  1. Ellen De Generes Campus of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

This is the world research and education center of all information about mountain gorillas and honouring the legacy of Dian Fossey and to further the mission of protecting mountain gorillas and their habitat.

  1. Boat cruise on the twin lakes. (Bulera and Ruhondo)

These lakes are found between Musanze and the Ugandan border at the base of mount Sabinyo. The lakes offer refreshing boat cruise where you can see aquatic creatures and several bird species.  you are also exposed breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and some of the Virunga massif volcanoes.

After your optional activity, return to Musanze airstrip for your flight back to Kigali.

If the paid for one-way helicopter transfer, then stay with your driver guide to transfer you back to Kigali by road. On arrival in Kigali, wrap up your trip with a dinner and over night at your hotel.

Trip inclusions

  • Internal flights and transfers
  • Golden Monkey permit
  • 4×4 luxury safari vehicle
  • Knowledgeable English-speaking driver/ guide
  • Lunch
  • Drinking water

Tour exclusions

  • International flights and visas
  • All expenses of personal nature
  • Tips to porters and guides
  • Personal insurance
  • Optional activities