Arrival in Kigali
On arrival into Kigali, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel with time to explore Rwanda’s capital and settle in ahead of your adventure. Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel.
Things to do:
From seed to cup in Kigali on a speciality coffee masterclass
A flavour of Rwanda on a hands-on gourmet adventure
Walking with the locals in a vibrant Kigali neighbourhood
Spend a day with the artisans of rural Rwanda
Kigali & Nyungwe National Park
Today you’ll head to Butare – Rwanda’s second-biggest city, famous for its university. Take a trip to the nearby town of Nyanza, once the heart of the country, to explore the King’s Palace, a former royal residence which has been reconstructed in its traditional thatched, beehive-shape style. Visit the Ethnographic Museum in Huye to see artefacts, clothing and crafts from centuries past, before sampling traditional specialities at a local restaurant in the city. After lunch, drive to Nyungwe National Park to see the star of the show. One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, this lush, protected reserve sits high in the mountains with peaks reaching up to 3,000m and is known for its impressive array of wildlife, including a population of around 500 chimpanzees. Overnight at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay.
Things to do:
Discover Nyungwe’s unique and precious ecosystem
Tea plantation views and chimpanzee treks at Nyungwe House
Nocturnal nature walks at Nyungwe House
Nyungwe National Park
Head out early in search of chimps on a morning hike through Nyungwe Forest. You might spot one swinging through the trees, or eye the endemic L’Hoest’s monkey, alongside 12 other species of primate that call the park home. Keep an eye out for cerval cats, mongoose, leopards and colobus monkeys, and get your binoculars ready for some world-class birdwatching, including blue-headed sunbirds, the white-headed wood-hoopoe and the red-collared babbler. In the afternoon, head back to your hotel to relax at the pool and spa, or opt to visit a local tea plantation. Overnight at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay.
Things to do:
Tracking chimpanzees through the forest in Nyungwe
Learn the secrets of Rwandan tea
Nyungwe National Park & Kibuye
After an early breakfast, head back into Nyungwe for a final nature walk in this pristine, monkey-dappled forest, then return to the lodge for lunch. Drive to Kibuye, an idyllic beach resort on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu, where pines and eucalyptus trees slope into the water and colourful boats bob in peaceful bays. Relax by the water, venture off on a kayaking trip or head out on a mountain bike to explore these scenic landscapes from an alternative angle. Overnight at Comoran Lodge.
Things to do:
Beaches, boats and gentle adventures on Lake Kivu
Kibuye & Volcanoes National Park
Take it easy on the shores of Lake Kivu in the morning before heading to Ruhengeri, a small town set close to the Ugandan border in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. A former Belgian colony, this French-speaking settlement is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park – home to some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas as well as the rare golden monkey. Head to your lodge, located 3km from the park, and relax around the fire as you take in the majestic mountain surroundings. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Things to do:
Gorilla treks and volcano views at Wilderness Sabyinyo
Trek the Dian Fossey Trail
Take a walk through nature at Wilderness Sabyinyo
Gorilla's Nest: a treehouse retreat in Rwanda’s gorilla country
Volcanoes National Park
Get ready for a day of adventure as you head into Volcanoes National Park in search of Rwanda’s infamous gorillas. You’ll be put into groups depending on fitness level and driven up the mountain to the starting point; from there you’ll trek from two to six hours to seek out these intriguing creatures amid towering peaks and emerald rainforest. After the trek, you’ll be transferred back to your lodge for lunch and your final afternoon spent in these bucolic landscapes. Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Things to do:
In Volcanoes National Park, kingdom of the mountain gorillas
Why it’s good to have a porter for your gorilla trek
Volcanoes National Park & Kigali
This morning you have the option to re-enter the park to embark on another gorilla trek and track down a different family, or trek the famous Dian Fossey Trail. Alternatively relax and enjoy the volcanic landscape air before you bid these burly primates farewell and head back to Kigali on a scenic drive through fertile hills laced with coffee, tea and banana plantations. Upon arrival in Kigali you will be transferred to the hotel for your final night. Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel.
Things to do:
In Volcanoes National Park, kingdom of the mountain gorillas
Trek the Dian Fossey Trail
Kigali & Departure
The tour comes to an end today. After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight home or onward travel.
