Overview

“The sense of exhilaration I felt when viewing the heartland of the Virungas for the first time from those distant heights is as vivid now as though it had occurred only a short time ago. I have made my home among the mountain gorillas”

— Dian Fossey, 'Gorillas in the Mist'

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Highlights

Travulous is providing our guests with a special Behind-The-Scenes insight into the conservation of the endangered mountain gorilla. Come meet with Craig Sholley, a former research colleague of Dian Fossey, and hear his stories about working and living with Dian at the original Karisoke Research Center. There will also be an opportunity to hear from renowned mountain gorilla conservation organisations on their current conservation programs and successes.

Enjoy an exclusive Behind-The-Scenes event, in partnership with AWF, in Volcanoes National Park
Set in a scenic outdoor venue, listen to stories told by Craig who worked with Dian at Karisoke
Overlooking the Virungas, listen to presentations by mountain gorilla conservation organisations
Enjoy a special screening of a mountain gorilla conservation documentary

Specialist Event Host

Craig Sholley

Craig's passion for African wildlife and conservation began in 1973 as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zaire (now DR Congo). As an L.S.B. Leakey grant researcher in the late 1970s, Craig studied mountain gorillas with Dian Fossey and, in 1987, became Director of Rwanda's Mountain Gorilla Project, of which African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) was a sponsor.

He has worked and travelled extensively, providing conservation expertise, leading tours and photographing throughout Africa. Craig has acted as Scientific Advisor for the award-winning IMAX film, "Mountain Gorilla," and with National Geographic, he surveyed the conservation status of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire in the aftermath of the civil war in Rwanda.

Craig’s direct involvement with AWF began as a Senior Associate and member of its Board of Trustees. Operating as a full-time employee of AWF since 2001, he now serves as Senior Vice President. He has also served on the Board of the Ecotourism Society.

Itinerary

OVERVIEW:
*Volcanoes National Park*

Arrive at Travulous’ open-air welcome event from your accommodation near Volcanoes National Park. This exclusive event includes a presentation by our specialist host, Craig Sholley, who lived and worked with Dian Fossey at the original Karisoke Research Center. The staff from renowned mountain gorilla conservation organisations will also join our event.
At the end of the afternoon or evening, depart and return to your accommodation near Volcanoes National Park. If you do not have any existing accommodation arrangements in place, please let us know as we can arrange this for you.
Outlined below are 2 options, consisting of either an **afternoon** or **evening** event, which can easily be integrated into any existing gorilla tracking itinerary.
**Meals:** Dinner included, breakfast and lunch at own arrangement.
**Overnight:** Accommodation options

OPTION 1:
*Afternoon Event*

Our afternoon event is the perfect option for those wishing to have dinner at their lodge:
**15:00 – 16:00:** Arrival at Travulous’ exclusive welcome event.
**16:00 – 18:00:** Welcome drinks and snacks. Meet with Craig Sholley, a former researcher of the legendary gorilla primatologist, the late Dian Fossey, and hear his stories of living and working with Dian at the original Karisoke Research Center.
Presentation by renowned mountain gorilla conservation organisation, followed by a short video.
**18:00** **– 19:00:** Event ends/depart. Travulous can assist with arranging all transfers (enquire for details).
**Meals:** Drinks and snacks included. Dinner and lunch at own arrangement.

OPTION 2:
*Evening Event*

Alternatively, our evening event includes dinner and allows for extra time with our former Dian Fossey research team member:
**18:00 – 19:00:** Arrival at Travulous’ exclusive welcome event.
**19:00 – 21:30:** Welcome drinks, followed by dinner. Meet with Craig Sholley, a former researcher of the legendary gorilla primatologist, the late Dian Fossey, and hear his stories of living and working with Dian at the original Karisoke Research Center.
Presentation by renowned mountain gorilla conservation organisation, followed by a short video.
**21:30 – 22:00:** Event ends/depart. Travulous can assist with arranging all transfers (enquire for details).
**Meals:** Drinks, snacks and dinner included. Lunch at own arrangement.

Dates & Prices

EVENT DATES 2025:

Craig Sholley as host: 06 Aug & 29 Oct

EVENT PRICES 2025:

starting from $775 per person for the afternoon event
starting from $795 per person for the evening event

EVENT PRICES & DATES 2026

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INCLUDES:

Welcome Drinks and Snacks | Meals as per itinerary | Local soft drinks, beer and wine | English speaking host | Presentation by Mountain Gorilla conservation organisation

EXCLUDES:

Select One of the Options Below:

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General Information

Climate

Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary by location and altitude, with little variation throughout the year. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are June to mid-September and the wettest from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.

The dry season sees cloud cover and light rainfall. Roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate during this period.

Language & Currency

The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili. Generally all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili is widely spoken in tourist areas, with varying degrees of fluency.
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Very few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels in Kigali.
Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.

Health

At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.

Visas

All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Please check with your local Rwandan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for all travellers at all ports of entry. Visitors from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie are waived visa fees for visits up to 30 days.
For travellers of other nationalities, a visa fee is payable. The Rwandan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers who choose to arrange their visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.

For any questions on Rwanda, contact our travel team, who will happily assist you with any information you may require.