Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Night Game Drive.
After breakfast at 0700hrs, you will be picked up by our driver guide and set off from Kigali, the vibrant capital city, and journey to Akagera National Park, located approximately 2.5 hours east of Kigali. The drive alone offers captivating scenery as it weaves through the Rwandan countryside, giving visitors an early taste of the country’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, you will check into a remarkable lodge that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings followed by lunch. In the evening at 1700hrs, you will head out for sunset, and night game safari, a must-do experience as the soft golden light creates ideal photography conditions in the Northern part of Akagera National Park.
Akagera National Park spans over 1,122 square kilometers and features a variety of ecosystems, from lush wetlands to savannahs and woodlands. Founded in 1934, the park is managed in partnership with the African Parks Network, which has been instrumental in restoring and preserving its biodiversity.
Dinner and overnight at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange), Akagera Game Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Big Game Safari – Boat Ride on Lake Ihema.
Day 3 of the 6-day Rwanda safari combined with Uganda gorilla trekking is all about spotting the Big Five game: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Early in the morning at 0600hrs, you will start your game drive to maximize wildlife sightings. A morning game drive through Akagera’s northern plains is particularly rewarding, with herds of zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roaming freely. The more elusive predators, like lions and leopards, tend to be active during these cooler hours, enhancing the chance of sightings. A game drive along Kilala Plains reveals large buffalo herds, elephants, and grazing antelopes while driving along the Lake Shakani trail offers excellent views of hippos and crocodiles and Mutumba Hills Offers panoramic views of the park’s valleys and lakes and the rolling hills. You will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you’ll serene boat ride on Lake Ihema, Akagera’s largest lake and an essential habitat for a diverse range of aquatic wildlife. The boat safari offers an intimate view of hippos and Nile crocodiles, as well as a spectacular range of birdlife, including the African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek, and shoebill stork. This guided tour provides insights into the lake’s ecosystem, as well as the conservation measures in place to protect these species.
Dinner and overnight at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange), Akagera Game Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Scenic Game Drive and Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Our final day in Akagera National Park allows for a relaxed morning game drive. After breakfast at 0600hrs, you will head out for one last game drive to have a last chance to spot any remaining wildlife. We will take you to visit parts of the park we may have missed in the previous game drives or revisit favorite spots from previous days. Following the morning drive, you’ll embark on the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will start. You will travel through the rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural villages, gaining a glimpse of local Ugandan life. Once we arrive in Bwindi, you’ll check into a carefully selected lodge that offers both comfort and proximity to the park, allowing you to recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury), Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Batwa Cultural Experience.
After a hearty breakfast at 0600hrs, your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience begins. You’ll transfer to the park reception for a briefing at 0730hrs about gorilla behaviors, family structures, and conservation efforts, making this an educational encounter as well as a thrilling one. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and following the advance trackers team, you’ll enter Bwindi’s ancient forest in search of a gorilla family. Treks can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas, but each moment is priceless, filled with anticipation and excitement as you follow signs of these gentle giants. Once you reach the gorilla family, you’ll have the rare privilege of spending an hour observing as you capture stunning photos of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll watch as gorillas groom each other, play, and interact under the watchful gaze of the silverback. After this mind-blowing activity, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
At 1400hrs, you will visit the Batwa also known as the “Keepers of the Forest,” for a cultural experience. Through a guided cultural experience, you’ll learn about their history, traditions, and lifestyle, which are deeply intertwined with the forest. You’ll enjoy traditional dances, songs, and demonstrations of Batwa hunting, honey, and medicine-gathering techniques, enriching your understanding of the local heritage.
Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Leisure Lodge (Luxury), Rushaga Gorilla Lodge (Midrange), Bweza Gorilla Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Return Journey to Kigali – Departure.
On the final day after a leisurely breakfast at 1000hrs, we’ll embark on a scenic drive back to Kigali (4hrs drive) where you can reflect on the unforgettable memories created during your Uganda gorilla safari. Our team will ensure a comfortable return, including stopovers at picturesque locations, allowing you to savor Uganda’s beauty one last time before departure. Depending on the departure time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
End of the 6 Day Rwanda Safari Combined with Uganda Gorilla Trekking.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport, and aid you through fast-track assistance with VISA, and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will then be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Number 5 (Luxury), Protea Hotel by Marriott (Midrange) Airport Guest House.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Transfer to Kibale National Park.
Kickstart your safari with breakfast at 06h00. After a briefing, you’ll begin the scenic drive to Kibale National Park. This 6-7-hour journey takes you through breathtaking scenic landscapes, lush greenery, rolling hills, tea plantations, and the lively town of Fort Portal. Upon reaching Kibale, you will be welcomed by the serene beauty of one of the most bio-diverse regions in East Africa. You will transfer to your lodge fully surrounded by the mystical calls of the monkeys followed by an evening at leisure whilst utilizing complementary activities offered by the lodge. Over a dozen primates inhabit this national park, and various types of monkeys grace the trees around your verandah. Close your eyes, and the soundtrack will provide an incredible appreciation for how remote you are.
Dinner and overnight at Kibale Lodge/Primate Lodge/ Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury), Turaco Tree Tops (Midrange), Bweza Kibale Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking – Community and Cultural Experience.
On the second day after a paradisiac breakfast at 06h30, prepare for an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking adventure in the lush forests of Kibale. Kibale National Park is home to about 1,500 chimpanzees, along with 12 other primate species such as the black-and-white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, and grey-cheeked mangabey. You will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by expert guides and rangers about the park’s rules, tracking techniques, and chimpanzee behaviors. Led by an experienced ranger guide, you will venture into the dense forest looking for chimpanzees. The tracking duration can vary from 1-4 hours depending on the movement of the chimpanzee groups. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll have a precious one-hour window to observe these magnificent animals as you watch them swing through trees, groom one another, and communicate through vocalizations.
After lunch at 14h00, you will go for a village walk to immerse yourself in the interesting cultures of the community. This immersive activity features coffee plantation tours, a traditional healer experience, Basket weaving, and a cultural performance, wrapped by local banana beer/Gin production and tasting.
Dinner and overnight at Kibale Lodge/Primate Lodge/ Chimpundu Lodge (Luxury), Turaco Tree Tops (Midrange), Bweza Kibale Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park – Sun Set Game Drive.
Begin your safari with a lazy breakfast at your hotel. From here at 1000hrs, embark on a scenic journey southwest to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The drive to the park is approximately 3-4 hours and takes you through lush countryside, expansive tea plantations in Bushenyi, and picturesque views of the rolling hills. Along the way, you’ll cross the Equator, where a quick stop is a must for a photo at the iconic Equator Spot. You will later proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park and check in at your lodge. Your evening will be on a sunset game drive whilst enjoying your first taste of the Ugandan wilderness with a sunset view over the savannah. You will spot lions, elephants, buffalo, Hartebeest, Bushbucks, hyenas, oribis, and a variety of antelope species.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (Luxury), Twin Lakes Lodge (Midrange), Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 5: Morning Game Drive – Sun Set boat Cruise.
Kick off the day with breakfast at 0600hrs followed by an early morning game drive in the Kasenyi Plains. This area of the park is famous for its abundance of wildlife, and the morning hours are ideal for spotting lions, elephants, buffalo, Hartebeest, Bushbucks, Jackal, hyenas, oribis, and a variety of antelope species. The Kasenyi Plains also host predators like leopards, which can often be found lounging on trees or prowling through the grasses. Our expert guides are knowledgeable about the animals’ movements and behaviors, ensuring you get up-close views and fantastic photo opportunities.
After a delightful lunch at the lodge, head to the Kazinga Channel for an afternoon boat safari. The channel, which links Lake George and Lake Edward, is a sanctuary for numerous animal species. This unique boat safari provides an up-close look at hippos wallowing in the water, Nile crocodiles basking along the shore, and elephants drinking by the water’s edge. The channel is also a haven for birdwatchers, as you can spot kingfishers, African fish eagles, pelicans, and more than 600 other bird species.
Dinner and overnight at Elephant Plains Lodge (Luxury), Twin Lakes Lodge (Midrange), Kazinga Wilderness Safari Camp (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 6: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, check out at 0700hrs and drive heading to the southwestern part of the country. Your destination is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (6 hours’ drive). You will drive via the isolated Ishasha sector in search of the treasured tree-climbing lions. The tail will move, and you will gaze into the eyes of a lion with its flowing black mane. Tree-climbing lions are just ten meters away, and you just spotted them.You will then proceed with your journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. You will travel through the rolling hills, terraced farms, and rural villages, gaining a glimpse of local Ugandan life. Once you arrive in Bwindi, you’ll check into a carefully selected lodge that offers both comfort and proximity to the park, allowing you to recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Lodge (Luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge (Midrange), Gorilla Bluff Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Batwa Cultural Experience
After a hearty breakfast at 0600hrs, your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience begins. You’ll transfer to the park reception for a briefing at 0730hrs about gorilla behaviors, family structures, and conservation efforts, making this an educational encounter as well as a thrilling one. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and following the advance trackers team, you’ll enter Bwindi’s ancient forest in search of a gorilla family. Treks can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas, but each moment is priceless, filled with anticipation and excitement as you follow signs of these gentle giants. Once you reach the gorilla family, you’ll have the rare privilege of spending an hour observing as you capture stunning photos of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll watch as gorillas groom each other, play, and interact under the watchful gaze of the silverback. After this mind-blowing activity, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
At 1400hrs, you will visit the Batwa also known as the “Keepers of the Forest,” for a cultural experience. Through a guided cultural experience, you’ll learn about their history, traditions, and lifestyle, which are deeply intertwined with the forest. You’ll enjoy traditional dances, songs, and demonstrations of Batwa hunting, honey, and medicine-gathering techniques, enriching your understanding of the local heritage.
Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Lodge (Luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge (Midrange), Gorilla Bluff Lodge (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8: Return Journey to Entebbe – Departure.
On the final day, we’ll embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe (10hrs drive) where you can reflect on the unforgettable memories created during your Uganda gorilla safari. Our team will ensure a comfortable return, including stopovers at picturesque locations, allowing you to savor Uganda’s beauty one last time before departure. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
End of the 8 Day Uganda Primate Trekking Adventure.
Discover the thrill of a lifetime on a 4 Day Gorilla Discovery Safari in Uganda, where lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and awe-inspiring gorilla encounters await. Our guided tour takes you deep into the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to more than half of the world’s remaining population of these endangered mountain gorillas. This immersive 4-day safari is well crafted not only to bring you closer to the gorillas but also to offer an unforgettable exploration of Uganda’s vibrant ecosystems.
Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe International Airport
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visa and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel Number 5 (Luxury), Protea Hotel by Marriott (Midrange), Airport Guest House (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After an early breakfast at 0600hrs, the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park will start. You will travel through the rolling hills, terraced farms (Switzerland of Uganda), and rural villages, gaining a glimpse of local Ugandan life. You will make two stopovers at the Equator for snapshots and later in Mbarara for Lunch. With each stop along the way, you’ll have a chance to interact with locals and learn about Ugandan culture. Once we arrive in Bwindi, you’ll check into a carefully selected lodge that offers both comfort and proximity to the park, allowing you to recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Lodge (Luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge (Midrange), Gorilla Bluff Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Batwa Cultural Experience
After a hearty breakfast at 0600hrs, your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience begins. You’ll transfer to the park reception for a briefing at 0730hrs about gorilla behaviors, family structures, and conservation efforts, making this an educational encounter as well as a thrilling one. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides and following the advance trackers team, you’ll enter Bwindi’s ancient forest in search of a gorilla family. Treks can range from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location and movement of the gorillas, but each moment is priceless, filled with anticipation and excitement as you follow signs of these gentle giants. Once you reach the gorilla family, you’ll have the rare privilege of spending an hour observing as you capture stunning photos of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll watch as gorillas groom each other, play, and interact under the watchful gaze of the silverback. After this mind-blowing activity, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
At 1400hrs, you will visit the Batwa also known as the “Keepers of the Forest,” for a cultural experience. Through a guided cultural experience, you’ll learn about their history, traditions, and lifestyle, which are deeply intertwined with the forest. You’ll enjoy traditional dances, songs, and demonstrations of Batwa hunting, honey, and medicine-gathering techniques, enriching your understanding of the local heritage.
Dinner and overnight at Bwindi Lodge (Luxury), Mahogany Springs Lodge (Midrange), Gorilla Bluff Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Return Journey to Entebbe – Departure
On the final day, we’ll embark on a scenic drive back to Entebbe(10hrs drive)where you can reflect on the unforgettable memories created during your Uganda gorilla safari. Our team will ensure a comfortable return, including stopovers at picturesque locations, allowing you to savor Uganda’s beauty one last time before departure. Depending on the time of departure you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
End of the 4 Day Gorilla Discovery Safari in Uganda.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our meet-and-greet lounge host, who will ensure a seamless transition from the airport and aid you through fast-track assistance with visas and luggage collection. After the immigration and baggage collection process, you will be handed over to our driver guide to start your safari journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight. This is the start of the 13 Day Rwanda Safari Expedition.
Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 2: Kigali City Tour
After breakfast at 0600hrs, you’ll enjoy a brief city tour through Kigali, exploring cultural landmarks, local markets, and historic sites. You’llvisit Nyamirambo Women’s Centre for a cooking class, a walking tour, and Lunch. After lunch at 1400hrs, you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to commemorate the 1994 Tutsi Genocide where the remains of over 250,000 people are interred.The Kigali Genocide Memorialtour will provide you with a moving insight into Rwanda’s Genocide history and resilience, serving as a reminder of the strength of its people.
Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner.
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Night Game Drive
After breakfast at 0700hrs, you will be picked up by our driver guide and set off from Kigali, the vibrant capital city, and journey to Akagera National Park, located approximately 2.5 hours east of Kigali. The drive alone offers captivating scenery as it weaves through the Rwandan countryside, giving visitors an early taste of the country’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, you will check into a remarkable lodge that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings followed by lunch. In the evening at 1700hrs, you will head out for sunset, and night game safari, a must-do experience as the soft golden light creates ideal photography conditions in the Northern part of Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park spans over 1,122 square kilometers and features a variety of ecosystems, from lush wetlands to savannahs and woodlands. Founded in 1934, the park is managed in partnership with the African Parks Network, which has been instrumental in restoring and preserving its biodiversity.
Dinner and overnight at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange), Akagera Game Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Big Game Safari – Boat Ride on Lake Ihema.
Early in the morning at 0600hrs, you will start your game drive to maximize wildlife sightings. A morning game drive through Akagera’s northern plains is particularly rewarding, with herds of zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roaming freely. The more elusive predators, like lions and leopards, tend to be active during these cooler hours, enhancing the chance of sightings. A game drive along Kilala Plains reveals large buffalo herds, elephants, and grazing antelopes while driving along the Lake Shakani trail offers excellent views of hippos and crocodiles and Mutumba Hills Offers panoramic views of the park’s valleys and lakes and the rolling hills. You will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you’ll serene boat ride on Lake Ihema, Akagera’s largest lake and an essential habitat for a diverse range of aquatic wildlife. The boat safari offers an intimate view of hippos and Nile crocodiles, as well as a spectacular range of birdlife, including the African fish eagle, papyrus gonolek, and shoebill stork. This guided tour provides insights into the lake’s ecosystem, as well as the conservation measures in place to protect these species.
Dinner and overnight at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange), Akagera Game Lodge (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Scenic Game Drive and Return to Kigali
The final day allows for a relaxed morning game drive. After breakfast at 0600hrs, you will head out for one last game drive to have a last chance to spot any remaining wildlife. We will take you to visit parts of the park we may have missed in the previous game drives or revisit favorite spots from previous days. Following the morning drive, you’ll embark on the return journey to Kigali, reflecting on the unforgettable wildlife encounters and landscapes they’ve experienced over the past four days.
Dinner and overnight at The Retreat by Heaven/Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury), Hotel des Milles Collines (Midrange), 5 Swiss Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6: Cultural Immersion Tour – Transfer to Nyungwe National Park.
After breakfast on this exciting day at 0600hrs, you will start on a 2-hour journey to the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, a historic and cultural landmark that provides insight into Rwanda’s royal heritage. This palace is an impressive reproduction of a traditional royal residence, with its thatched roofs and distinctive architecture. During this guided tour, you’ll experience a glimpse of Rwanda’s monarchical traditions and courtly life. The palace is famous for its resident royal cows, known as “Inyambo,” which symbolize Rwandan heritage and are revered for their elegance. This enriching experience sets the cultural foundation for the days to come. You will continue with your scenic journey 3.5-hour drive through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and local communities to Nyungwe National Park. The drive itself offers a glimpse of Rwanda’s beauty and a chance to witness rural life up close. Upon arrival, you will settle in at a lodge near the park entrance.
Dinner and overnight stay at One and Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Midrange) Emeraude Kivu Resort (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking – Canopy Walk Experience.
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe starts early in the morning at 0500hrs. With a packed breakfast, your guide will drive to Cyamudongo visitor reception where an experienced guide will give a briefing that will usher you into the chimpanzee tracking guidelines. You will dive into the forest with a ranger guide in your lead searching for the chimpanzees. The dense, mist-covered forest provides an unforgettable setting as trekkers navigate through steep and sometimes muddy paths. The chimpanzees of Nyungwe are accustomed to human presence but remain unpredictable, making each tracking experience unique. The trek can last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the chimpanzees’ location, so physical endurance and appropriate gear, including hiking boots, rain gear, and insect repellent, are essential. As you reach the chimpanzees, a sense of awe fills the group. You will watch the chimps interact, play, and communicate in ways that reveal their intelligence and complex social structures. This encounter, which typically lasts about an hour, is a profound experience that highlights the beauty of wildlife in its natural form. You will return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you report to Uwinka Park reception for a briefing before undertaking the canopy walk experience, a key highlight in Nyungwe. Suspended 50 meters above the ground, this 160-meter bridge offers panoramic views of the rainforest and the unique chance to observe wildlife from above. The canopy walk allows for sightings of other primates, such as the L’Hoest’s monkey and blue monkeys, as well as numerous bird species like the great blue turaco, making it ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. After this exhilarating activity, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Dinner and overnight stay at One and Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Midrange) Emeraude Kivu Resort (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8: Tea Plantation Tour – Journey Lake Kivu in Kibuye – Boat Ride – Night Fishing
Following a hearty breakfast at 0700hrs, you will take a scenic drive to a local tea estate, where you’ll learn about the tea-making process, from leaf to cup. At the tea estate, a guided tour covers the entire production cycle, from harvesting and drying the leaves to packaging. You’ll even have the chance to sample freshly brewed tea while taking in panoramic views of the plantation. The tea tour offers a fascinating insight into one of Rwanda’s most significant agricultural exports. After an exhilarating crop-to-cup tea tour, you will begin the journey to Kibuye with beautiful views of the Rwandan countryside, with terraced hills and lush valleys. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge followed by lunch. After lunch at 1400hrs, you will enjoy a guided afternoon boat tour to explore the lake and its various islands. Later in the evening at 1700hrs, you join the local fishermen for a night fishing experience using local methods of fishing.
Dinner and overnight stay at Cleo Kivu Hotel (Luxury), Inn on the Lake (Midrange) Moriah Hill Resort (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 9: Kayaking – Transfer to Gisenyi
After breakfast at 08h00, you will enjoy a session of kayaking on Lake Kivu. It’s a serene way to experience the lake’s beauty. This breathtaking ride will take you to explore the impressive lakeshore scenery, discover birds, and wildlife, and interact with local communities. After Kayaking, you will have a quick lunch and embark on a scenicjourney to Gisenyi. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel for check-in followed by an evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury), Kivu Paradise Hotel (Midrange), Kivu Hill View Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 10: Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
After breakfast at 08h00, you’ll enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kivu to the hot springs. After lunch at 14h00, your guide will be transferring you to the Volcanoes National Park (1.5 hrs drive).Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge followed by evening relaxation full of meditation.
Situated in the northwest of Rwanda, this park is renowned for its mountainous landscapes, lush vegetation, and being home to many of the world’s mountain gorilla populations. En route, we witness picturesque views of terraced hills, rural communities, and volcanic peaks. Upon arrival, you will check in to your lodge followed by an evening relaxation.
Dinner and overnight at One & Only Gorillas Nest/Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge (Luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Sambora Kinigi/Ingagi Parkview Lodge (Midrange), Classic Resort Lodge/Lalocanda Boutique Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 11: Dian Fossey Hike – Iby’wacu Cultural Experience
Following breakfast at 06h30, you will be transferred Kinigi visitor reception center for a briefing before hiking Dian Fossey’s tomb. The tomb of American primatologist Dian Fossey lies at Karisoke Research Centre within Volcanoes National Park where travelers pay regular tributes to this great conservationist who kick-started gorilla protection in the park. Fossey was killed in 1985 by poachers in Volcanoes National Park while carrying out her primary work of protecting mountain gorillas.After this exhilarating activity, you will return to the lodge, freshen up, and have a proper hot meal.
In the afternoon at 1400hrs, you’ll immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, you have the chance to interact with the local community and learn about traditional Rwandan norms and customs as you enjoy performances of traditional dances and songs. The village tour also includes demonstrations of traditional medicine, basket weaving, and hunting techniques, offering a glimpse into the local way of life and Rwanda’s rich heritage.
Dinner and overnight at One & Only Gorillas Nest/Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge (Luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Sambora Kinigi/Ingagi Parkview Lodge (Midrange), Classic Resort Lodge/Lalocanda Boutique Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 12: Gorilla Trekking Adventure – Afternoon Relaxation
Our first full day in Volcanoes National Park is all about meeting the gorillas! Rising early, you will fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park’s headquarters for a briefing by experienced park rangers about the guidelines on gorilla trekking. Equipped with trekking gear and excitement, you’ll embark on a guided journey through dense forests, bamboo groves, and hilly terrains. The trek varies between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Along the way, you encounter other fascinating wildlife, a wide array of bird species, and unique plant life that thrives in the volcanic soil. After navigating the forest, you’ll finally meet a family of mountain gorillas. During a one-hour interaction time permitted, you watch them play, feed, and rest, capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Observing these majestic creatures up close is a humbling experience as the gorillas’ expressive faces and close-knit family bonds leave a profound impression. Returning to our lodge, we unwind and share stories from the day over a delicious dinner, reliving each moment of the trek.You will later spend your evening at leisure whilst utilizing the lodge’s extra services including massage, swimming pool, and sauna.
Dinner and overnight at One & Only Gorillas Nest/Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge (Luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Sambora Kinigi/Ingagi Parkview Lodge (Midrange), Classic Resort Lodge/Lalocanda Boutique Hotel (Budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 13: Golden Monkey Tracking – Departure.
Our final day in Volcanoes National Park begins with an exciting trek to see the golden monkeys. After breakfast at 07h00, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about Golden Monkeys Trekking code of conduct heading out to the Golden Monkey trails. These rare and lively primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains, adding another layer of diversity to our wildlife experience. The golden monkeys are known for their playful nature and watching them leap from tree to tree is a joyous sight. This half-day trek offers a less strenuous but equally captivating exploration of the park’s biodiversity.
After our golden monkey trek, we will return to Kigali (2-3-hour drive). Depending on your time of Departure, you’ll bid farewell to Rwanda, taking with you, unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the wonders of Volcanoes National Park.