Journey Time: Less 30 Minutes

Upon arrival at Kigali Int. Airport and completing immigration formalities, be received by our dedicated Safari Guides (meet and greet included).  

After briefing, transfer to the reserved hotel in Kigali City. Arrive and check-in to enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Dinner included / no activity, only leisure.  

Overnight: The Retreat by Heaven – or similar

Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner and Breakfast)

Journey Time: 2 – 3 Hours  

Pick-up time: 08:30AM. Have breakfast at the hotel and head out for a cultural based city tour (Lunch included at a restaurant).

Explore the highlights of Kigali – Rwanda: This Kigali excursion is the best way to enjoy an authentic experience of Rwanda’s hilly capital and largest city. This photogenic city has an all-year-round moderate climate allowing you to visit any time. Kigali ranks among Africa’s cleanest and safest cities; with world-class facilities.

On your city tour visit Kigali’s historical and cultural sites. Visit Kandt House – a former residence of Dr Richard Kandt. Head to Mount Kigali for splendid views of the city, to the Natural History Museum. Visit Kimironko Market for cultural interactions – and to shop for a few craft souvenirs. Tour the Presidential Palace Museum; once a residence for two former Presidents of Rwanda. Do not forget to stop by the popular milk bar! Drive past Kigali commercial areas and suburbs and stop over at Kigali Genocide Memorial: Following the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, this site and a few others were converted into burial grounds for the victims; today over 250,000 are resting at Kigali Memorial.

Lunch will be served at Mille Collines Hotel (Once a scene for “Hotel Rwanda” film).
After lunch, depart Kigali to Ruhengeri (Volcanoes National Park). Arrive and proceed to check-in at the lodge with the rest of this evening at leisure. Dinner included.

Overnight: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board

Volcanoes National Park located in the Northern Province of Rwanda (Ruhengeri) and covers an area of 160Sq.km. This was turned into a wildlife conservation area in the early 1920’s at the same time as the Virunga National Park of Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda. The trio form what is known as the Virunga conservation region for the main purpose of protecting the endangered mountain gorillas.

Pick-up Time: 05:30AM. After an early breakfast at the lodge you; be handed a lunchbox and mineral water to put in your backpack. Thereafter, proceed to the Park headquarters at Kinigi for registration and briefing.

Gorilla tracking experience – Upon completing park formalities, embark onto your once-in-a-lifetime experience of tracking the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Upon an encounter with the gorillas, enjoy a magical hour of human-primate interactions and photography. Tracking the gorillas in the light mountain forests on the slopes of the Virunga is a captivating experience; these massive primates are usually hidden in the dense tropical forest, with less than 700 living today, but you will get within meters with any of the family visited today. Gorilla tracking may be fairly strenuous, lasting for an hour at a relatively high altitude of a dense tropical forest – an adventure worth the efforts invested. Wear hiking boots, trousers, and gloves for protection against stinging nettles as well as sufficient water as the rain forest gets hot and humid during the day. In case the trek takes longer than usual, your ranger guide will choose.

In the afternoon go for Iby’Iwacu Cultural visit – Exploring Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village offers an opportunity to meet the local people, in their community, with a taste of Rwanda’s culture and traditions. You will get to learn about the locals and their heritage treasures such as: a traditional lifestyle, activities, artefacts and uniquely magnificent crafts.
Be engaged in cultural activities such as:

• A guided community walk, visiting some households for interactions.
• Visit the King’s house replica – be enthroned to be a king for the moment.
• Traditional entertainment – “Intore dance”, songs and music instruments
• Listen to interesting stories and learn about herbs with their specific uses.
• Visit a local school to experience learning life in a developing country.
• Witness a traditional banana beer and vodka brewery process

After exploring Rwanda’s culture, return to the lodge to refresh for dinner at leisure.

Overnight: One & Only Gorilla’s Nest – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey Time: Approx. 4 Hours

Pick-up Time: 06:00AM. Early breakfast at the lodge and luggage stored at the reception. Thereafter, depart the lodge and transfer to the Park’s Kinigi office.

Planned Activity: The Dian Fossey Adventure Hike – This exciting and interesting hike is offered every morning. The experience starts with arrival at the park office in Kinigi at 7am to have briefing by Ranger Guides. After briefing take a 30 minutes’ drive from the park office to the base of Mount Bisoke (Incl. is a walking stick and porters at a fee). The hike aimed at offering you a learning experience about the legendary works of Dian Fossey (an American primatologist and conservationist), who dedicated most of her life to research about the mountain gorillas. To facilitate research activities, Dian set up a camp in the valley between Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke thus named ‘Karisoke’ Research Centre resulting from its location – however, she was assassinated on 26^th Dec, 1985 due to conflicts with poachers, and she was buried close to her favourite gorilla named “Digit”.

The hiking trail will take you to both Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi; exploring some of the most beautiful features of the park; see unique plant life, scenic views of the Virungas, varied forest/mountain wildlife with chances of seeing the gorillas but with no pictures. At Karisoke you will get to the exact house from where Dian Fossey was murdered as well as her grave; buried close to gorillas killed by poachers or death from other ailments. You will as well visit Ellen De Generes Campus of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund – opened in 2022 to keep Dian Fossey’s legacy and saving the gorillas from extinction.

After spending approximately 4 hours of adventure; return to the lodge for an early lunch and depart to Rwanda’s Lake Kivu. Arrive and proceed to the hotel to check-in and stay at leisure. Dinner included.

Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena – or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board

Lake Kivu known for beautiful scenery, numerous activities, fancy hotels and a perfect place to relax following a strenuous gorilla experience. This is one of the great lakes of East Africa, situated between D.R. Congo to the west and Rwanda to the east. This picturesque lake lies at 1,460M above sea level and covers an area of 2,700km2 with a length of 90km and a width of 48km. Lake Kivu is composed of numerous islands, and Idjwi is the largest of all. At the shores of Lake Kivu you will find densely populated principal towns such as Bukavu and Goma in Congo and Gisenyi in Rwanda. 

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at the hotel. At 08:30AM leave the hotel to go explore and experience Lake Kivu’s exciting activities.

The planned activities to explore for the day include:

Start a visit to Gisenyi Hotsprings (“magic waters”) – In “Kinyarwanda”, the Hotsprings are called “Amashuza”. The Gisenyi Hotsprings are situated in Gisenyi district on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu: They have numerous vents with waters boiling from 70 to 80^OC, capable of boiling eggs within 20minutes. To the locals, the site is a popular sickbay where body baths are taken in times of illnesses (chest pain, stress, flu and aiding digestion). Getting to the Hotsprings, you will see half-naked children, women, bare-chested men and eggs getting boiled in the hot waters. This is the best way to get close to the locals for cultural interactions.  Learn about the significance of the Hotsprings such as healing flu, chronic muscle pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, rheumatic diseases and as well as relaxation and swimming in the warm waters.

Next is a Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu – Lake Kivu is a true African gem surrounded by scenic rolling hills and misty mountains. By taking a boat ride (approx. three hours), you will be exploring the lake’s crystal clear waters and learning about the region’s culture, ecology and the water-human correlation. A boat trip on Lake Kivu will take you up to Napoleon Island; from where you will spot a large colony of fruit bats and a variety of birds especially the African fish eagle: you will as well see villages and locals along the lake shore on their daily economic activities. Lunch and refreshment at the hotel.

Lastly is an evening Mountain Biking Tour – Mountain Biking along Lake Kivu offers opportunities for viewing breath-taking landscapes (lush green rolling hills and serene lakeside paths) through the region’s challenging but fun terrain: This is another best way to connect with nature, surrounding local communities and great views at sunset! Traversing the picturesque villages and towns around Lake Kivu, is a great opportunity to indulge in cultural interactions – seeing hospitable locals and witness their everyday lives.

Returning to the hotel will be in the late evening: Refresh and go for your dinner.

Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey Time: Approx. 6 Hours  

Pick-up time: 07:00AM. Early Breakfast at the hotel and travel to Akagera National Park.   

Akagera National Park – is situated in eastern Rwanda and covers approximately 2,500 sq.km of mainly Savannah land and was established as early as 1934: The Park got its name from River Kagera which flows and feeds into Lake Ihema – along Rwanda’s eastern boundary with Tanzania. It is composed of an African Savannah landscape of acacia, open savannah grassland and swampy lakes. Akagera national park is Rwanda’s only Savannah Park and the only place to sight a variety of wildlife on a safari.

Upon arrival at Akagera, proceed to the lodge for lunch with a later game drive.  

Next is an evening Game Drive and Sundowner – Enjoy a game drive, covering the northern section of Akagera National Park: This has numerous wildlife and hence the best location for a safari. During your game drive expect to sight a variety of animals ranging from Cape buffalo, African bush elephant, black eastern rhino, Rothschild giraffe, Bruch ell’s zebra, hippos, several antelopes to predators such as lions and leopards: The various antelopes to expect include bushbucks, Topi, Oribi, water-buck, roan antelope and duiker, klipspringer, impala and the largest Cape eland. Akagera is home to over 500 bird species and on your evening safari expect to spot birds such as; the endemic shoebill, papyrus Gonolek, African Wattled Plover, Giant Kingfisher, Senegal Lapwings, Squacco Herons, African Open bill stock, Grey Crowned Crane, African Darter and more. Your evening safari includes a sundowner in the wilderness – sip a few cocktails and snacks.

After the game drive return to the lodge; to refresh for dinner at leisure.  

Overnight: Wilderness Magashi Camp – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board

Pick-up Time: 06:30AM. Depart the lodge early morning to start with a mini game drive – best time to see the predators (some lions, leopards and hyenas) briefly before sunrise. Take a breather to enjoy a Bush Breakfast: Your bush breakfast spot features camping tables, lanterns, canvas chairs with a live bush kitchen and a professional chef. A glass of sparkling wine or fresh orange/passion juice will welcome you: Then be served a full English breakfast; sausages, bacon, eggs, tomatoes and pastries are ready on the menu. After breakfast at sunrise; continue with the rest of your game drive alongside guided nature/birding walks to explore all the corners of the park.

Return to the lodge thereafter to relax (lunch and refreshment included). 

After lunch, next is a boat Cruise on Lake Ihema – Situated south of the park, Lake Ihema is the largest out of the ten lakes within Akagera National Park. This 5 – 7M deep lake covers an area of 90sq.km on the border between Rwanda and Tanzania and composed of a very rich biodiversity. Ihema is known for large hippo concentrations than any other East African country with other grazers, in addition you will spot a variety of birds such as papyrus gonolek, African jacana, herons, sandpiper, malachite kingfisher, hawks, with a chance to spot the rare shoebill stork.

From the boat, the rest of this evening will be spent at leisure if not taking another evening game drive until sunset. Dinner at the lodge.

Overnight: Wilderness Magashi Camp – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board

Journey Time: Approx. 3 Hours

Pick-up time: 10:00AM. Today is your departure day! With breakfast at the lodge, sleep-in a bit or bask in the morning sunrise – This depends on outbound flight schedule.  

At the time scheduled, check-out and depart Akagera back to Kigali City. Upon arrival enjoy lunch at Mille Colline Hotel before proceeding to Kigali Airport. For late night departures, a dayroom will be offered for you to refresh and prepare for your flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast + Lunch