The 3 Days Senkwekwe Tour – The 3 days Senkwekwe tour takes you to Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, the only orphanage center where you can find mountain gorillas. Senkwekwe Orphanage lies at the Virunga National Park (VNP) headquarters and can easily be reached from Mikeno Lodge. This orphanage takes its name from the late Senkwekwe silverback gorilla, a former leader of the Rugendo gorilla family in Virunga Park who was unfortunately killed by rebels in 2007.
Mountain gorillas are rare creatures and survive in only 3 countries: Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. The idea behind the creation of the Senkwekwe Orphanage arose following the survival of Ndakasi and Ndeze orphaned gorillas. There was no ideal place to safely take care of these apes at the time, hence the establishment of the Senkwekwe Center.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Virunga National Park to Visit Senkwekwe Centre
Meet and greet your experienced driver guide at Kigali Airport or after breakfast at a hotel in Kigali city. Get briefed about this short 3-day Senkwekwe tour, followed by a Kigali city tour where you explore the Gisozi Memorial Center for deep insight into what occurred during the 1994 Rwanda genocide. From Kigali, start your 5-6 hours’ drive to Virunga National Park in Congo and arrive early to check into your accommodation.
Day 2: Full Day Tour at Senkwekwe Orphanage Centre
Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Afterward, depart for the Senkwekwe Centre gorilla tour. Today, you will encounter different orphaned mountain gorillas, learn more about their behavior, and how the caretakers have managed to ensure their survival, etc. The orphanage currently hosts gorillas such as Yalala, Ndeze, Ndakasi, Kaboko, Matabishi, and others. Retreat from the Senkwekwe Orphanage Center tour to enjoy lunch and some relaxation. In the late afternoon/evening, you have the option to take a walk around Virunga National Park to explore its hidden treasures.
Day 3: Senkwekwe to Kigali
Delicious breakfast served at the comfort of your lodge. Afterward, check out and depart Virunga National Park. Drop off at your hotel for evening relaxation or at Kigali International Airport (KGL) for departure.
