Day 1 - Arrive in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to Kigali Serena Hotel for overnight (approx. 15 Min drive) - dinner will be under your own arrangements.

Kigali’s elegant Serena Hotel is situated in the centre of the city, and attracts guests who seek both business and leisure. The enormous pool and wealth of indigenous trees outside the hotel create a tranquil and welcoming sight for visitors before they step into the lavishly decorated interior charmingly personalised with Rwandan art. As to be expected of any Serena Hotel, the accommodation is spacious and sophisticated with 5-star amenities. As well as its standard rooms, the hotel boasts 25 beautiful suites. Beyond the comfort of the accommodation, Kigali Serena offers a myriad of additional features to help its guests relax: Maisha Spa, an outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, a fitness centre, and two dining options, including Milima Restaurant; one of Kigali’s most popular places to eat. 

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel

Meal Plan:

Day 2 - Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, proceed on a City Tour of Kigali including the Memorial Centre and Crafts Centers – this tour will be tailored to your wants so if you would like to spend the morning shopping just let your guide know.

The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for a hundred years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. Since then, the city has seen major economic development resulting in what it is today; a vibrant African city of 1 million with wide boulevards, an international airport, world-class hotels and restaurants, crafts & curio shops as well as a lively, cosmopolitan population. Visit the Kandt Museum, tour old Kigali and the Craft centres, visit the genocide memorial site where you learn about Rwanda’s history pre-colonial to 1994 genocide as well as other genocides in the world. Tour more and see the new developments; the recovery has been incredible, a true testament to humankind’s resilience.

After a safari briefing, over lunch at a local restaurant, drive north to Ruhengeri at the foothills of the Virungas arriving at your lodge in the late afternoon in time for dinner and overnight.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge lies nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, inside Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and just 1km from the park’s headquarters where Rwanda’s famed gorilla treks begin. Sabyinyo’s cottages are tucked cosily away amongst the rainforest, overlooking dramatic views of the volcanoes. The spacious rooms, built using local stone and traditional terracotta tiles, have private verandas and sitting rooms with a fireplace. The main building features a sitting and dining area, library and games room. Sabyinyo’s homely feel is enriched by personal touches; a wake-up call of tea and biscuits before a trek, and having your boots cleaned upon your return. Extremely environmentally-conscious, Sabyinyo is owned by the community trust SACOLA, and works to further conservation and socio-economic projects in nearby communities and the park. Aside from the renowned gorilla treks, Sabyinyo offers golden monkey tracking, cycling excursions, and village tours.

Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3 - Gorilla Tracking

After an early breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park Headquaters to be allocated a gorilla tracking group (15 min drive).

07:00: Briefing by your trackers then drive to the trail head for the start of an amazing adventure.

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 880 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!

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: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4 - Gorilla Tracking

Today you will set out on your second gorilla tracking adventure. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you can visit the Ibywacu Cultural Village.

Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5 - Lake Kivu

After breakfast, drive to Lake Kivu for some RnR by the beach.

Lake Kivu is as impressive as it is picturesque; forming part of the Great Rift Valley, this spectacular 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 pretty, tranquil fishing towns. Between the three main towns along the shores – Gisenyi (Rubavu), Karongi and Rusizi – there is plenty to explore around the lakeside, from visiting museums to hiking along the shores. You can also venture into the deep waters - free of hippos and crocodiles - and enjoy a variety of water activities: kayaking, a ride on a local amato boat, windsurfing, fishing and trips to the gorgeous islands. Lake Kivu is the perfect place for you to slow down and relax after trekking to see Rwanda’s famous gorillas.

Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Meal Plan: B,D

Day 6 - Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, you will drive to Nyungwe National Park arriving at the One&Only Nyungwe House in time for lunch.

One&Only Nyungwe House sits nuzzled inside the Gisakura tea plantation on the edge of Nyungwe Forest, one of the last mountain rainforests on the planet. Eight spacious villas have been designed to frame their glorious surroundings, opening out to astounding views of the plantation and forest. The lodge offers extreme comfort with open fireplaces and private decks in each room, delicious meals made with organic ingredients, and a communal spa, gym and heated infinity pool overlooking the rainforest. Whilst a place to completely unwind, staying at Nyungwe House can also mean an immersion into adventure and activity; trekking to encounter one of the forest’s 13 species of primate - including the chimpanzee-, canopy-walking, spear throwing, bird-watching, archery, and an interactive tour through the tea plantation. Amidst all of this, Nyungwe House also retains sustainability at the heart of its work so as to protect this truly irreplaceable environment.

Walk off some of that delicious lunch in a two hour afternoon canopy walk. You will get to enjoy panoramic views of the communities in the distance, views of the forest and Lake Kivu at large as well as a variety of various birds as this forest is rich in bird species including the endemic ones.

Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7 - Nyungwe National Park

09:00 After an early breakfast you will drive to the headquarters where you will meet your chimpanzee tracker and guide. Your group will have a maximum of eight guests tracking and tracks can last anywhere from two to six hours; the terrain can be quite steep and rain showers are not uncommon as this is a rainforest – please ensure you bring good hiking boots and a poncho as well as a backpack to carry your water and camera.

Once you reach the chimpanzees you will spend an hour with them – it is not uncommon for them to be on the move and this can be a thrilling experience walking through the forest following the chimpanzee family.

Once the hour is up you will walk back to the trail head where your driver will meet you and you will return to the lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon there are a variety of activities available at One & Only Nyungwe House. These are: Natures Boot Camp with a personal trainer, exploring the vegetable garden with the head chef and seeing where your meals come from, try your hand at spear throwing and archery with the team, nature walks around the lodge, exploring the tea plantation, picking the leaves and creating your own perfect cup of tea or indulge in a guided yoga class overlooking the forest.

Or you can choose to relax and enjoy the facilities of the property and soak in the rainforest atmosphere.

Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 8 - Drive to Kigali and Depart

After breakfast, drive to Kigali, where a room has been reserved for you. Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Overnight:

Meal Plan: B