Day 1 - Arrive Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for the night.  Dinner is under your own arrangements.

Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, has been at the centre of the country’s dedication to move past their tragic history, and make the country stronger and better than ever. The city has been hailed as one of the cleanest, safest and prettiest capital cities in Africa. This is unsurprising considering the substantial strides Rwanda has taken to ameliorate the country, from its ban of plastic bags to the implementation of Umuganda which sees a monthly coalition of all citizens to clean up their neighbourhoods. Kigali’s extensive development has also seen the growth of cultural and contemporary activities; shopping at trendy artisan hub Kigali Cultural Village, exploring the explosion of colours at Kimironko Market, enjoying the city’s burgeoning dining and café scene, or honouring the country’s painful past by visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Situated in the centre of Rwanda, Kigali is also the ideal base for guests to explore the rest of the country’s treasures, such as tracking the famous mountain gorillas.

Overnight: Bronze: Hotel Des Milles Collines | Silver: Kigali Serena Hotel | Gold: The Retreat

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Kigali – Nyungwe Forest National Park

Today drive to the Nyungwe Forest National Park, have lunch on the way and arrive in the afternoon.

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a plethora of extraordinary sites and activities. With over 80 species of mammal, 13 species of primate, 1000 plant types and more than 300 kinds of bird - 27 of which are endemic - it is little wonder that many hail this forest as Rwanda’s most important site for biodiversity. The chance to track chimpanzees is high up on the list of things to do, with over 400 of the creatures living beneath the forest’s dense canopy, some of which have been habituated to human contact. To add to the mystical beauty of this ancient rainforest, Nyungwe is home to the source of the world’s longest river – the Nile. With 130 kilometres of hiking trails, trekking through the rainforest is sublime, particularly the route which crosses East Africa’s highest canopy walk. This spectacular landscape is not to be missed.

Overnight: Silver: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel | Gold: One&Only Nyungwe House

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3 - Chimpanzee tracking

After an early breakfast you will make your way to the start point for a morning of chimpanzee tracking. These wonderful primates are very much like humans – they can be gentle, caring and tender but they can also be aggressive and irritable very much like humans.

There are approximately 500 chimps left in the Nyungwe Forest and they live in extended communities of up to 100 individuals that break up into smaller sub groups as they forage through the forest. You are likely to hear them before you see them and they may be on the move so you will have to track them through the forest.

After lunch you will go for the unique Canopy Walk. During this walk you will experience a panoramic view of the communities in the distance, view all the forest and Lake Kivu at large as well as a variety birds including several endemic ones. The walk will begin at 15:00 and it will take you two hours to complete.

Overnight: Silver: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel | Gold: One&Only Nyungwe House

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4 - Lake Kivu

After breakfast drive north up to Lake Kivu. Arrive at the property in time for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. There is the option of going on a kayaking trip of the lake (additional cost). 

Lake Kivu is as impressive as it is picturesque; forming part of the Great Rift Valley, this body of water is the largest lake in Rwanda and one of the largest in Africa. The lake is surrounded by dramatic hills and mountains, dotted with idyllic islands, and fringed by sandy beaches and several tranquil – and traditional - fishing villages. Between the three main towns along the shores – Gisenyi (Rubavu), Karongi and Rusizi – there is plenty to explore around the lakeside. You can also venture into the waters - free of hippos and crocodiles - and enjoy kayaking, a ride on a local amato boat to the islands, fishing or even windsurfing. Lake Kivu is also a beautiful spot for slowing down and relaxing.

Overnight: Bronze: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel | Silver: The Cleo Hotel | Gold: The Kivu Queen

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - Volcanoes National Park

Today there is time for a leisurely breakfast before driving north to Volcanoes National park. The journey will give you an opportunity to view Rwanda's splendid hilly terrain. There is time in the afternoon to explore the community or head out on an Insider Access Experience: Canoeing the Mukungwa River with sundowners (additional cost).

The Mukungwa River runs through the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes and gliding lightly down it in a modern canoe is a unique way to soak up the countryside. Take in the impressive views of the soaring volcanoes in the distance, spot abundant birds, look out for the otters and meet friendly communities.

Your journey down the river is led by an experience guide and the river flows gently giving you time to take in the sights and sounds around you. At the end of the trip park up on the bank where a sundowner set up will be waiting for you; with your favorite drink in hand watch the sun slip behind the mystical mountain range and celebrate another day in this wonderful part of the world.
Please note that the following drinks are included in the sundowner experience: house spirits, soft drinks and local beers.

Overnight: Bronze: - Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Silver: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge | Gold: One & Only Gorillas Nest

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6 - Gorilla Tracking

After an early breakfast drive to the Gorilla Tracking HQ to meet the guide, porter and the other people tracking your gorilla family. 

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 1,000 gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment.

Gorillas make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Trek to see them and you’ll be introduced by your expert trackers and guides to one of the fully-habituated families of mountain gorillas and you can stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.

Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours + depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel at seeing the gorillas!

Expert guides give a pre-trek briefing on specific protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas that live within an altitude of 2500 and 4000m. Porters are available to help carry backpacks and cameras, as well as helping you with your footing along your hike which can be hard work, but well worth it.

Overnight: Bronze: - Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Silver: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge | Gold: One & Only Gorillas Nest

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Gorilla/ Golden Monkey Tracking

Today either go on a second gorilla track (additional cost) or go on a golden monkey track. This unusual species is endemic to the Virunga Volcanoes Chain and can only easily be seen in Rwanda

The Golden Monkeys are also an endangered species and the park is currently home to two habituated golden monkey troops which consist of approximately 40 members each. The troops live in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes and the tracking experience is very similar to the gorilla tracking experience. 

The golden moneys are very active creatures and spend a lot of time up in the bamboo jumping between them which can make them difficult to photograph. However this is a rare and delightful experience and one not to be missed whilst in Rwanda.

Overnight: Bronze: - Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Silver: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge | Gold: One & Only Gorillas Nest

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 8 - Kigali

This morning have breakfast at leisure before driving back to Kigali. There will be some time for shopping and lunch before leaving to the airport for the flight home.

Post-Tour Suggestion: Set off to Akagera National park for two nights; this park has had several species reintroduced including rhinos and lions. There are lots of activities available here including game drives. boat safaris and walking safaris.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B,L