Ben Kahrl and Connie Mao
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival at Kigali
Get ready for a warm welcome to Rwanda! When you land at Kigali International Airport, a representative will greet you. They'll help you with your luggage and accompany you to your private vehicle to transfer to your hotel.
Overnight The Retreat by Heaven
Day 2
Kigali
Set off on a 4-hour mountain bike ride this morning to experience the Umusambi Village nature trail. Soak in the beautiful mountain views and visit the villages around Kabuga Hill along the 13.5-mile trail. Enjoy a delightful BBQ lunch along the way.
After your bike ride, visit the Umusambi Village, a beautifully restored wetland area operated by the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association. It is a refuge for over 50 endangered grey crowned cranes rescued from the illegal pet trade and can no longer be released into the wild. This site has been carefully restored to eliminate all invasive and non-native species. It is now home to many native plants and trees, creating a habitat supporting diverse wildlife. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to discover the surrounding plants and wildlife and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving wetland areas and promoting biodiversity.
This afternoon, visit the Kimironko fresh produce market to experience the vibe of a Rwandan market. You will also find locally made art and decorations you can purchase and take home. Your guide will show you how to negotiate for the best prices.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial serves as a place for remembrance and learning, allowing visitors to reflect on the tragic period in Rwanda's history. As you walk through the memorial and pay tribute to the victims, including 250,000 individuals laid to rest here, you cannot help but be deeply affected by the disturbing events that precipitated and transpired during the genocide.
Overnight The Retreat by Heaven
Day 3
Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is one of Africa's most remarkable success stories. It is now a sanctuary for lions, rhinos, and other members of the Big Five, as well as a diverse range of other wildlife. The park is home to over 13,000 large animals, including a growing number of apex predators, making it one of the premier destinations for wildlife viewing in Africa. The income from tourism is reinvested in the park and the local community.
However, what sets Akagera apart is its conservation efforts. Just over 20 years ago, it was on the brink of being lost forever, but visionary leadership from African Parks has led to a flourishing wildlife population.
Once you've settled into your accommodation, set out on a 2-hour afternoon game drive in Akagera for the chance to see zebra, giraffe, buffalo, topi, and plenty of impala to name a few. After your game drive, head out for a sunset boat ride along Lake Ihema for more wildlife spotting. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, the motorboat will navigate around a nearby island and the forest-fringed shores.
Stay at Ruzizi — a luxury eco-lodge nestled along the bank of Lake Ihema with nine guest tents discreetly positioned amidst the trees. The lodge was designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings, preserving the connection to nature. The lodge is powered by solar energy and prides itself on its environmental values.
Overnight Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 4
Akagera National Park
Set out early from camp this morning to seek out wildlife and see the expansive plains, savannah, woodlands, wetlands, and numerous lakes on a full-day game drive in Akagera. On the plains, you will likely encounter spotted hyenas and may even catch a glimpse of lions. Leopards are often spotted in the scrub and woodlands, while the elusive serval, side-striped jackal, and various mongoose species could also appear if you're fortunate.
This evening, take a night drive to glimpse the nocturnal wildlife hidden during the day. You might spot birds and small primates in the trees, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter some of Akagera's predators, as they tend to be more active at night.
Overnight Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 5
Akagera National Park
Head out early to explore the wildlife of Akagera on a morning game drive. Then, at 9:00 AM, gain a fascinating insight into Akagera and its incredible conservation success story with a Behind The Scenes tour. Meet key park management staff and learn about the exciting new developments safeguarding crucial ecosystems and protecting species from extinction. As part of these efforts, 7 lions were reintroduced to the park in 2015, and their population has now grown to 36 individuals, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of the wider ecosystem. In 2017, 18 Eastern black rhinoceros were reintroduced to Akagera Park, marking the species' return to Rwanda after a 10-year absence.
After an eventful morning of adventure, your driver will transfer you to Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, where you can settle into your accommodation.
Sabyinyo Lodge offers eco-luxury accommodation right on the doorstep of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, providing convenient access to mountain gorilla trekking adventures. The lodge emphasizes sustainability with its organic gardens and its community upliftment programs and its proximity to the park entrance makes it the perfect home base for gorilla trekking and other activities such as golden monkey tracking, hiking, and birdwatching.
Overnight Sabyinyo Lodge
Day 6
Volcanoes National Park
Today, you'll be mountain gorilla trekking! Starting early in the morning, you will be divided into groups of up to 8 individuals –possibly with other travelers– and each group will be assigned a ranger. After that, you will be driven a short distance to the beginning of the trail, where you will trek through the forest for approximately 1-3 hours to locate the gorillas.
Observing these incredible primates for an hour is an unforgettable experience. Being in such proximity to a family of mountain gorillas is a wildlife encounter unlike any other on Earth. You will witness boisterous adolescents misbehaving, playful children seeking attention, and aunts and uncles moving together as part of an extended family group under the watchful eye of the silverback.
After returning to headquarters, your driver will return you to your lodge for lunch. Then, you'll have the afternoon free to relax or visit the local community projects in the area.
Overnight Sabyinyo Lodge
Day 7
Volcanoes National Park
Today, you'll venture into the forest bright and early to track the endangered golden monkey species. These lively creatures, with about 80 members split into two troops, are captivating as they play and leap through the trees. It's a fantastic wildlife experience, and the proceeds from your visit help fund research to protect these monkeys and preserve their habitat. Plus, if you're keen on birdwatching, don't forget to ask your guides to point out the diverse bird species along the trails – you might even spot the striking blue turaco if you're lucky!
After checking out from Sabyinyo Lodge, your driver will transfer you to your accommodation. Following a satisfying lunch, your next stop will be the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you can witness firsthand the efforts made in gorilla conservation. This center, which builds on Dian Fossey's groundbreaking work, is a remarkable place to visit, as it plays a crucial role in protecting the habitats of the slowly increasing gorilla populations in the Virunga Volcanoes region. Dian Fossey's work with mountain gorillas, which began in 1967 with the establishment of the Karisoke Research Center, has contributed significantly to closely monitoring and studying these magnificent creatures. In Rwanda, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund researchers and trackers are responsible for protecting and studying approximately half of all the mountain gorillas. In contrast, the Rwandan National Park authorities care for the other half.
Join a guided canoe trip along the Mukungwa River in the early afternoon. Enjoy stunning views, observe numerous bird species, watch out for otters, and interact with welcoming communities. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the river is mostly calm and flat, featuring one easy, brief rapid and a section with faster-moving water.
Your home for tonight, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, is located on the shores of Lake Kivu, just a stone's throw away from the small town of Gisenyi. Nestled within lush tropical gardens, the hotel boasts a stunning view of a private sandy beach.
Overnight Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 8
Gisenyi
Enjoy an early morning kayaking adventure along the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes. Accompanied by a skilled guide, you'll glide through the tranquil waters in a modern sea kayak or sit-on-top, exploring inlets, crossing bays, and taking in the breathtaking scenery. Encounter local fishermen, observe fish farms, and consider visiting the hot springs. You'll also have the opportunity to stop in a nearby fishing village and enjoy lunch on a small, uninhabited island, where you can take a refreshing swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters!
Check out from Lake Kivu Serena Hotel and into One&Only Nyungwe House in Nyungwe National Park. The Nyungwe Forest, a montane tropical rainforest in southern Rwanda, has been a forest reserve since 1933 and is one of the last remaining large montane rainforests in Africa and the largest protected high-altitude rainforest in East Africa.
After settling into your accommodation, take a guided community walk through a village in Gisakura, concluding at Nyungwe House by One&Only. The walk typically takes 2-3 hours, allowing for stops to capture beautiful photographs. During your walk, enjoy a relaxing picnic in the tea estate.
The stunning One&Only Nyungwe House is next to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa's oldest rainforests, offering a unique escape. The luxury suites and rooms are in five impressive wooden villa clusters that skim the treetops, providing seclusion amidst the untamed surroundings with tea bushes growing on the grounds.
Overnight One&Only Nyungwe House
Day 9
Nyungwe National Park
Experience the thrill of spending an incredible hour observing a group of wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat! Your adventure begins bright and early at 5:00 AM as you go to Cyamudongo, a section of Nyungwe Forest renowned for its habituated chimpanzees. Upon arrival, you'll meet your local ranger at the visitor center before embarking on a trek through the lush forest, navigating winding paths and possibly ascending short stretches of steep rainforest terrain. Keep your ears tuned, as the distant sounds of chimps may reach you before you see them, swinging from tree to tree or dashing around on the forest floor. Along the way, you may also encounter other fascinating creatures such as silver monkeys, L'Hoest monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, crowned monkeys, Dent's mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, and olive baboons.
After having lunch, take a guided hike to Isumo Waterfall. The hike begins at Nyungwe Forest Lodge and takes you through vibrant green tea fields. As you climb into the forest, you'll be treated to breathtaking views to the north, including Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This area is home to several species of primates and various bird species. You can view the waterfall from two main vantage points, depending on how much you want to get wet and how far you want to hike.
Overnight One&Only Nyungwe House
Day 10
Nyungwe National Park
Starting from the Uwinka Visitor Centre, you will be guided by a ranger on a walk through the forest. This walk offers a magnificent journey through the largest surviving Afro-Montane ecosystem and one of the earth's oldest continuously forested areas. The walk also features the Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walkway, which takes you high above the forest floor, offering a unique vantage point.
Your driver will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
