The comprehensive exploration of Rwanda provides the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees and gorillas, and experience the culture of the Rwandan people.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Akagera National Park: Created in 1934 to protect the lands surrounding the Kagera River, the Park is back with a vengeance. Strict conservation laws, better management, the reintroduction of lions in 2015 and black rhinos in 2017, the revamping of old camps, and the building of new ones has meant that Akagera is getting very popular.
Nyungwe National Park: Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity, with no fewer than 1000 plant species, 75 species of other mammals, 13 species of primates, at least 275 species of birds and 120 species of butterflies.
Volcanoes National Park: Comprising five volcanoes, the Virungas are utterly spellbinding and few would argue that this is not one of the most exciting national parks in Africa. Of all the extraordinary sights and attractions around the Virungas, the one that really attracts people here are the mountain gorillas.
Day 1: ARRIVAL KIGALI (10km – 20min)
Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival in Kigali, you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Kigali.
Day 2: KIGALI – AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK (100km – 2.5hrs)
This morning you drive to Akagera National Park arriving in time for lunch. Then you go for an afternoon game drive in the park (Shared transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park by Magashi. Game viewing and activities in the park are on a shared basis). You return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Akagera.
Day 3: AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Today you have a morning and afternoon game drive of the National park with a boat ride on Lake Ihema offering views of the waterfowl that make a home in the lake. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Overnight in Akagera.
Day 4: AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK – NYANZA – BUTARE – NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK (340km – 8hrs)
This morning, you drive to Butare, stopping in Nyanza en-route to visit the ancient palace of Mwami, a Rwandan King. You have lunch at a restaurant (included) in Butare before continuing to Nyungwe National Park (Shared transfer to Kigali by Magashi. You then meet your private vehicle and driver/guide to continue to Butare). The remainder of the safari is with private vehicle and driver-guide on an exclusive basis. Drive through the forest arriving late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Nyungwe National Park.
Day 5: NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
Today, you trek in the forest, tracking chimpanzees with our expert guide. The afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to go on one of the following Optional Tours (not included):
Canopy walk:
Experience the only canopy walk in East Africa by witnessing beautiful birds, relaxing by waterfalls are just a glimpse of activities that Nyungwe offers.
Bird walk:
Walk through stunning tea plantations before entering the thick luscious forest, for excellent birding opportunities with over 100 species of butterflies and the occasional chameleon.
Overnight in Nyungwe National Park.
Day 6: NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK – LAKE KIVU (215km – 4.5hrs)
This morning is at leisure. Mid-morning depart with a picnic lunch and travel to Gisenyi with spectacular views en-route. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Alternatively, you can choose to go on one of the following Optional Tours (not included):
Canopy walk:
Experience the only canopy walk in East Africa by witnessing beautiful birds, relaxing by waterfalls are just a glimpse of activities that Nyungwe offers.
Bird walk:
Walk through stunning tea plantations before entering the thick luscious forest, for excellent birding opportunities with over 100 species of butterflies and the occasional chameleon.
Overnight in Lake Kivu.
Day 7: LAKE KIVU
Today, you spend the day at leisure to enjoy the lake.
Overnight in Lake Kivu.
Day 8: LAKE KIVU – RUHENGERI – VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – RUHENGERI (90km – 2hrs)
Early morning drive to Ruhengeri, the base for Gorilla trekking at the Volcanoes National Park. You have a briefing about the gorilla trek and then set out on foot in search of your assigned gorilla group. Once you have found your group, you have an hour to observe their fascinating interactions (children under 15 years of age are not allowed to do the gorilla tracking). You then return to the park gate on foot where you meet your driver who transfers you back to your lodge for lunch. Overnight at your lodge after dinner.
Overnight in Ruhengeri.
Day 9: RUHENGERI
Morning at leisure or option to go on a second gorilla trek or set out on a Golden Monkey Trek (permits are not included and are extra), followed by lunch at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Ruhengeri.
Day 10: RUHENGERI – DEPARTURE KIGALI (95km – 2hrs)
After breakfast, you are transferred to Kigali Airport to connect for your onward flight (flights must be booked after midday).
Passengers should bring only soft-sided bags on safari. Passengers arriving in Rwanda may be asked to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted in East Africa. US banknotes cannot be older than 2004 and must have the most current security markings (large portrait of the president). Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
