Journey Time: Less 30 Minutes

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and completion of immigration formalities, you will be welcomed by your dedicated safari guide. Following a brief orientation, transfer to the hotel for check-in. No scheduled activities for the remainder of the day.

Overnight: Midrange: Kigali Serena Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Hemingways Retreat Kigali – or similar
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Journey Time: Approx. 03 Hours    

Pick-up Time: 08:30AM. After an early breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided tour of Kigali City. Following the tour, depart for Volcanoes National Park, where lunch will be served upon arrival (subject to change).

Explore the key highlights of Kigali City: This Kigali excursion offers an authentic experience of Rwanda’s scenic, hilly capital. Highlights include visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt House Museum, Mount Kigali, and a local market. Upon arrival at the lodge, enjoy lunch (subject to change).

Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge – or similar
Luxury: The Bishop’s House – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)

Pick-up Time: 05:00AM. After an early breakfast at the lodge, receive a packed lunch and mineral water to carry in your backpack. Proceed to the park for a prior briefing.

Volcanoes Gorilla Tracking Experience – After completing park formalities, embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trek to track the endangered mountain gorillas. Upon locating the gorilla family, enjoy one full hour of close observation and photography. Trekking through the light mountain forests on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains is a captivating experience, as these majestic primates are typically concealed within dense tropical foliage. You will, however, be able to observe them from just a few meters away. For your safety and comfort, wear hiking boots, long trousers, a face mask, and gloves, and carry insect repellent and a water bottle. If the trek extends beyond the usual duration, your ranger guide will select a safe spot for a picnic lunch during or after the trek.

Later, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to explore Rwanda’s traditions and cultural heritage. After the cultural experience, return to the lodge to freshen up before dinner.

Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge – or similar
Luxury: The Bishop’s House – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)  

Journey Time: Approx. 2 – 5 Hours – Based on lodge location

Pick-up Time: 06:00AM. After an early breakfast at the lodge, store your luggage at reception. Then, depart the lodge and transfer to the Park’s Kinigi office.

Planned Activity: Hike to the Tomb of Dian Fossey – Arrive at the park by 07:00AM for briefing, followed by a 30-minute drive to the base of Mount Bisoke. The hike offers an educational experience focused on Dian Fossey, the American primatologist who dedicated her life to researching and conserving endangered mountain gorillas. The trail ascends Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi, showcasing some of the park’s most remarkable landscapes and providing opportunities to spot mountain gorillas. The hike also includes a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Return to the lodge for lunch before departing for Lake Kivu.
Overnight: Midrange: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena – or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner and Breakfast)

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided at the hotel.

The day’s planned activities: Begin by exploring the natural healing properties of the Gisenyi Hot Springs, engaging with the local community. Next, enjoy a 2-hour boat cruise on Lake Kivu to Napoleon Island, where you can observe a large colony of fruit bats, various bird species including the African fish eagle, and traditional shoreline fishing villages. In the late afternoon, embark on a mountain bike tour through the region’s dramatic terrain, offering breathtaking landscapes and an opportunity to connect with nature and local communities, especially during the stunning sunset. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Midrange: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Journey Time: Approx. 5 – 6 Hours.

Pick-up time: 06:00AM. After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park. Upon arrival, check in at the lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise on Lake Ihema—the largest of the ten lakes within Akagera National Park. This lake, spanning approximately 90 sq.km and reaching depths of 5–7 meters, lies along the Rwanda-Tanzania border and boasts rich biodiversity. Lake Ihema is renowned for having the highest concentration of hippos in East Africa, alongside various grazers. Birdwatchers can expect to see species such as the papyrus gonolek, African jacana, herons, sandpipers, and both pied and malachite kingfishers.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight: Midrange: Akagera Safari Camp – or similar
Luxury: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Lunch, Dinner, and Breakfast)

Journey Time: Approx. 03 Hours

Pick-up Time: 06:00AM. After an early breakfast at the lodge, check out and embark on a guided morning game drive. This early safari offers excellent opportunities to spot predators and other wildlife active during the cooler hours. Expect to see a diverse array of animals, including buffalo, African bush elephants, black and southern white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, Burchell’s zebras, hippos, and numerous antelope species. Birdwatchers will appreciate sightings of over 500 bird species, such as the shoebill, papyrus gonolek, African Wattled plover, Squacco heron, African Openbill stork, and many others. Thereafter, depart for Kigali. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Midrange: Kigali Serena Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Hemingways Retreat Kigali – or similar
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Journey Time: Less 1 Hour

Pickup Time: 10:00Hrs or earlier. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and complete check-out by 10:00Hrs. You will then be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time to check in for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast Only