Rwanda is a beautiful lush green, landlocked country in the heart of Africa, known as “the land of a thousand hills”. This destination is rich in flora and fauna and has stunning natural beauty with its scenic rolling hills as far as the eyes can see. On this trip you will visit the spectacular mountain gorillas on the slope of Virunga, chimpanzees in Nyungwe, one of the oldest continuously forested locations in the world with its spectacular scenery, Kayak on the blue waters of Lake Kivu.
Day 1 Kigali City
Meeting and greet then our guide will take you on an insightful tour to see some of Kigali’s fascinating History, Culture, Art and Markets.
We optionally finish at the Kigali Genocide memorial, which is very a very poignant and moving experience.
Afternoon drive to Musanze where Volcanoes National Park is located. Check in at the Lodge. Dinner and overnight
Day 2 Mountain Gorilla Trekking
On arrival, everyone will be split into groups of up to 8 people – and maybe joined with other tourists – before being allocated a ranger. You will then drive a short distance to the start of the trail, from where you will trek in the forest for around 1-3 hours or so to meet the gorillas. When you find them, the hour you spend with these incredible primates is a true lifetime experience that you will never forget. To see – and walk amongst – a family of mountain gorillas is a wildlife encounter unlike any other on Earth. You’ll be so close to the individual gorillas. Boisterous adolescents will be misbehaving whilst playful children are constantly demanding the attention of their parents as aunts and uncles wander together in an extended family group under the watchful eye of the silverback.
Lunch at the Lodge then check out followed then head to Lake Kivu accommodation. Dinner and overnight.
Day 3 Boatride to Cyimbili And Coffee Tour
After sumptuous breakfast head for a motorboat ride in one of Africa’s Great Lakes, you’ll soak up the beautiful scenery that surrounds Lake Kivu and is best experience.The motorboat will take you to Cyimbili for the coffee tour. This fascinating tour of a thriving Coffee washing station brings to life the entire process of harvesting, washing, roasting, grinding and preparing some of the best coffee in Rwanda – and the world.
Enjoy your lunch and then onward to the short hike on Munini (Napoleon) Island. Hike to the summit of Munini, popularly known as Napoleon Island (because it’s shaped like his famous hat!) Dinner and Overnight at the Lodge,
Day 4 Kayaking at Lake Kivu
Explore Lake Kivu on a peaceful kayaking journey along the shores of one of Africa’s Great Lakes. With an experienced and qualified leader in charge, you will paddle a modern sea kayak or sit-on-top to dip into inlets and across bays as you soak up the spectacular scenery, meet the fishermen, see local fish farms and optionally visit the hot springs.
You will have the chance to visit a nearby fishing village and you’ll also visit Munini, popularly known as Napoleon Island, for a hike to the summit viewpoint and the spectacle of a raucous bat colony. To finish this adventure, a rewarding swim in the warm, clean water from the kayaks is very refreshing!
After sumptuous lunch you leave to Nyungwe National Park. Nyungwe Forest is a high-altitude, montane tropical rainforest in southern Rwanda established as a forest reserve in 1933. The forest is located in the Albertine Rift.Dinner and Overnight
Day 5 Chimpanzee Tracking
Depart at 5am with packed breakfast to the forest for chimpanzee tracking.
Spend an amazing hour watching a troop of wild chimpanzees in the forest! Nyungwe Forest known as Cyamudongo, where most of Rwanda’s habituated chimpanzees are located. Here you’ll meet your local ranger, and then as soon as the trackers locate the family of chimpanzees – that number about 40 individuals – you’ll be off, trekking along the paths but also possibly, scaling short sections of the steep rainforest slopes immersed in the forest. Listen carefully and you may hear the chimps before you see them literally swinging from the trees or possibly running around on the ground all around you!
This is a wonderful wildlife encounter! And if you’re into birds then make sure to ask your guides to point out the species that you may find on the trails, which if you’re really lucky may include the rather impressive Blue Turaco!
Day 6 Canopy Walk Way
Accessible from the Uwinka Visitor Centre a Forest Ranger will lead your walk through the forest. With an eye for some of the 310 bird species, butterflies, orchids, centuries-old trees and 75 mammals including 13 primates that live here this walk is a spectacular journey in the largest surviving example of an Afro Montane ecosystem and one of the oldest continuously forested locations on Earth. The walk includes a 200m long canopy walkway that takes you high above the forest floor providing a unique platform for observing the forest.
After the tour drive back to Kigali and drop off at the Airport.
End of safariAccessible from the Uwinka Visitor Centre a Forest Ranger will lead your walk through the forest. With an eye for some of the 310 bird species, butterflies, orchids, centuries-old trees and 75 mammals including 13 primates that live here this walk is a spectacular journey in the largest surviving example of an Afro Montane ecosystem and one of the oldest continuously forested locations on Earth. The walk includes a 200m long canopy walkway that takes you high above the forest floor providing a unique platform for observing the forest.
After the tour drive back to Kigali and drop off at the Airport. End of services.
