OVERVIEW
This trip takes you to the "Land of a Thousand Hills," where you will visit endangered mountain gorillas, track chimpanzees, observe golden monkeys and you will visit Akagera National Park to spot the Big 5 plus the Big Cats Nyungwe National Park in the south and Volcanoes National Park in the north are two of the natural wonders that are major highlights of this trip. You will stay in traditionally styled accommodations in beautiful settings that make the perfect place to come home to after an active day in the forest. Akagera National Park lies in eastern Rwanda, hugging the border with Tanzania. It's characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah. The varied terrain shelters wildlife including zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and hundreds of bird species, such as the rare shoebill stork. In the southern part of the park, vast Lake Ihema is home to hippos and crocodiles. A land-locked African country, Rwanda is home to exquisite lakes, and this fully customizable vacation will offer you the chance to stay directly on their shores. An excellent holiday for adventure-lovers, this trip brings you directly to nature while offering an overview of Rwanda's singular culture and history.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey tracking
- Chimpanzee tracking
- Canopy walk
- Spot the Big 5 & Big Cats
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera
INCLUDED
- Safari according to the itinerary
- Transportation on a well maintained 4×4 safari Land cruiser
- UNLIMITED Game drives
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- All accommodation as per itinerary
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Mineral water
- All mentioned activities
- All National Park Fees
- Sundowner Stops
EXCLUDED
- Additional Flights
- Optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for Souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
High Season
Rates asPer Person Sharing
-
2 PPL SHARING
$ 5,520 -
3 PPL SHARING
$ 5,670 -
4 PPL SHARING
$ 4,820 -
5 PPL SHARING
$ 4,520 -
6PPL SHARING
$ 4,520
Day 1: Transfer from Kigali International Airport to your Hotel
Our representative will meet you at Kigali International airport, and then transfer you at your hotel in Kigali.
Main Destination
Kigali
Meal Plan
Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel Chez Lando
Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe forest national park
Today, you will set off towards the famous Nyungwe Forest, one of the largest forests in East and Central Africa. The forest is abundant with flora and fauna including 13 primate species from colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys and, of course, our cousins the chimpanzees. Nyungwe Forest is also a famous location for birders. With about 310 recorded bird species, 26 of which are endemic, this is one of the most important – and still little known – bird-watching destinations in Africa.
Main Destination
Nyungwe National Park
Meal Plan
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Emeraude Kivu Resort
Day 3 Nyungwe National Park - Chimpanzee tracking
After a very early morning start, you shall proceed to the chimpanzee tracking trail in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sections. The total population between the two groups is a healthy 80 individuals. This exciting up-close encounter with human’s closest relative you will not soon forget.
After the chimp tracking you can relax at the lodge.
Main Destination
Nyungwe National Park
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Emeraude Kivu Resort
Day 4 Canopy walk - Nyungwe National Park
You will go for East Africa’s only canopy walk. This walk takes place above a deep gorge cutting across the massive forest. Lasting about 1½ hours, the walk takes you through some beautiful foliage and animal habitats and you’ll have the chance to spot blue monkeys and unique birds that dwell in the upper levels of the forest canopy.
In the afternoon you will go for the Waterfall hike. This hike takes between 3 and 6 hours round trip, depending upon how frequently you stop to sight see and whether you choose to drive a little further or walk from the head offices. The first part of the trail is basically following the road to the vehicle park and before delving into the forest.
You will have to cross various streams before making a steep descent to the base of the small, refreshing waterfall. Monkeys are frequently seen along the way and the steep slopes provide excellent views into the canopy.
Main Destination
Nyungwe National Park - Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Emeraude Kivu Resort
Day 5 Transfer from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park
After early morning breakfast at the lodge, visit Lake Kivu and enjoy the morning breeze at the shores. Spend just an hour there then return on the road to proceed on your drive to volcanoes national park with lunch en route. Arrive in the park in the late afternoon and connect to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay at your booked lodge.
Main Destination
Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
The Garden Place Hotel
Day 6 Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes NP
After a morning breakfast report to the park headquarters for your second experience with different endangered species in the volcanoes “The Golden Monkeys trek is normally an easy trek which may take you 1-2 hours. The Golden Monkeys are the rare species of old world monkey now found only in the Virunga mountain range. As with treks to see the Mountain Gorillas, treks to see the Golden Monkey takes place in the mornings and visitors are permitted to stay for 1 hour with the monkeys.
After trekking, return to your lodge for lunch and in the afternoon you may like to visit the colourful musanze market and wander through the multitude of stalls selling everything from banana, beans to brightly coloured materials.
It is also known to be the vegetable area for the country due to its volcanic soil, thus this will be your opportunity to have a look on different vegetables and fruits in the this market. Other options are visits to the Twin lakes, Ibyiwacu cultural village to mention but a few.
Main Destination
Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
The Garden Place Hotel
Day 7 Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early morning breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters together with your packed lunch early enough to be briefed about the code of conduct while with the gorillas. This will be followed by entering the forest in search of the gorillas in the forest which may take 2-6 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas in the jungle. Meet and stay with the gorillas for a maximum of one hour.
Main Destination
Musanze - Kigali - Akagera National Park
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
The Garden Place Hotel
DAY 8 AKAGERA -- VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Be early to raise and have a morning breakfast before you check out from the lodge. After that your driver guide will transfer you to Kigali and then transfer to Akagera National Park.
You will have lunch and in the afternoon you will go for a long game drive in the national park.
You will stay at your booked lodge where you will have a nice hot meal in the evening.
Main Destination
Akagera National Park
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Akagera Game Lodge
Day 9 Game drive and Boat ride on Akagera
Enjoy an early morning breakfast and start your game drives in an open roofed vehicle. A half day game drive here offers you an opportunity to spot a variety of game including elephants, buffalos, hippos, lions, Masai giraffe, gazelles, impala, baboons, oribi, Butchel’s zebra, topi, bush baby, leopard and bushbuck, etc.
Proceed for a boat trip after lunch on Lake Ihema, for a close encounter with the Crocodiles and Hippos along the river banks, coupled with large concentration of over 525 bird species both migratory and savanna related. Unique species such as Shoe billed stocks and papyrus gonolek can be encountered. Endemics include the jacanas, ibis, sand pipers and herons. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Main Destination
Akegera National Park
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Akagera Game Lodge
Day 10 FULL DAY AKAGERA
After a morning breakfast enjoy a game drive in Akagera national park. Expect to encounter some members of the Big Five including the Hippos, elephants, buffaloes, etc; giraffes, warthogs, waterbucks and different antelope species.
Main Destination
Akegera National Park
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Akagera Game Lodge
DAY 11 FULL DAY AKAGERA
After a morning breakfast enjoy a game drive in Akagera national park. Expect to encounter some members of the Big Five including the Hippos, elephants, buffaloes, etc; giraffes, warthogs, waterbucks and different antelope species.
Main Destination
Akegera National Park
Meal Plan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Akagera Game Lodge
DAY 12 AKAGERA -- KIGALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
On reaching Kigali, visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial site, the handicrafts shops, etc. Later our tour guide will transfer you to Kigali airport for you scheduled flight.
Meal Plan
Breakfast