$13,981 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateArrival
Arrival
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills
Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills
Your East African adventure begins with your arrival in Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant and immaculately maintained capital city. Nestled among rolling green hills, Kigali is widely regarded as one of Africa's cleanest, safest, and most progressive cities.
Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by Nyumbu Beyond Journeys representative, who will be waiting just outside the customs and immigration area. After a brief introduction, you'll be escorted to your comfortable private vehicle for the short transfer to your hotel.
As you travel through the city, enjoy your first glimpse of Kigali's beautifully landscaped neighborhoods, bustling cafés, colorful markets, and panoramic hilltop views. The city's remarkable transformation over the past three decades has made it one of Africa's most inspiring urban success stories, blending contemporary development with deep cultural heritage and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
- Main Destination:
- Kigali
- Accommodation:
- Hemingways Retreat Kigali
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 2
Into Akagera National Park – Rwanda's Big Five Wilderness
Into Akagera National Park – Rwanda's Big Five Wilderness
Awake to your first morning in Rwanda and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing Kigali for the scenic drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only savannah national park and one of Africa's greatest conservation success stories. Situated in the country's northeastern corner along the border with Tanzania, Akagera covers more than 1,100 square kilometers (425 square miles) of remarkably diverse landscapes, where rolling grasslands, wooded hills, papyrus wetlands, shimmering lakes, and river systems combine to create one of East Africa's most varied safari ecosystems. The journey from Kigali takes approximately 2½ to 3 hours, offering a fascinating glimpse into rural Rwanda.
Upon arrival at Akagera National Park, the landscape changes dramatically from cultivated hills to vast open savannahs dotted with acacia woodlands and seasonal wetlands. Following park formalities, your safari adventure begins with an exciting afternoon game drive through this remarkable wilderness.
- Main Destination:
- Akagera National Park
- Accommodation:
- Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Wildlife in Akagera NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 3
Big Five Safari & Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park
Big Five Safari & Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park
Wake to the gentle sounds of the African bush as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the rolling savannah and shimmering lakes of Akagera National Park. The cool morning air and golden light create the perfect conditions for wildlife viewing, making this one of the most rewarding days of your safari.
After an early breakfast, make your way to the water's edge for a private boat cruise along the tranquil waters of the Akagera River and Lake Ihema, the park's second-largest lake. As your boat glides quietly through channels fringed with papyrus reeds and lush wetlands, watch for pods of hippopotamuses surfacing beside the boat, their grunts echoing across the water.
The wetlands are alive with birdlife, making this one of Rwanda's finest birdwatching experiences. Keep an eye out for majestic African fish eagles, African jacanas, malachite kingfishers, saddle-billed storks, great white pelicans, herons, egrets, and numerous other waterbirds that thrive within this protected ecosystem.
- Main Destination:
- Akagera National Park
- Accommodation:
- Karenge Bush Camp
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 4
Scenic Journey from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park
Scenic Journey from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the sweeping savannahs of Akagera National Park and enjoy a final game drive as you make your way out of the park.
Your journey then continues west across Rwanda, revealing the country's spectacular and ever-changing landscapes. Travel through vibrant rural communities, rolling green hills, terraced farms, and bustling market towns, offering a wonderful glimpse into everyday life in the "Land of a Thousand Hills."
By late afternoon, arrive in the foothills of the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes and check in to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park. Surrounded by mist-covered mountains and lush forests, the atmosphere is a striking contrast to the open plains of Akagera and marks the beginning of your rainforest adventure. Spend the evening relaxing at the lodge, preparing for tomorrow's unforgettable encounter with Rwanda's iconic mountain gorillas.
- Main Destination:
- Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Sambora Kinigi Lodge
Wildlife in Volcanoes NP
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 5
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today brings one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife experiences. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. Here, you will be assigned to one of the habituated mountain gorilla families and receive an introduction to trekking procedures, safety guidelines.
Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, venture into the lush, mist-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains. The trek may take anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the location of your assigned gorilla family, traversing dense bamboo forest, mountain trails, and occasionally steep or muddy terrain.
Watching them feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat is an intimate and profoundly moving experience one that few wildlife encounters in the world can rival. Trek back to the lodge for a hot lunch. In the afternoon, if time permits visit the Dian Fossey Center and the vibrant markets of Musanze.
- Main Destination:
- Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Sambora Kinigi Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 6
Second Mountain Gorillas Encounters
Second Mountain Gorillas Encounters
Rise early for another full day of gorilla tracking. Hike through the bush, pushing your way through the undergrowth and parting thick creepers. Expect to stay with these gentle giants of the African forest for an hour after first encountering them. Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its mountain gorilla population, living in 10 families.
Looking deep into their expressive brown eyes is an unparalleled experience. In the afternoon, choose an optional visit to Iby'Iwachu Cultural Village or the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Gather for a festive dinner this evening to celebrate completion of your treks and the incredible wildlife you encountered!
- Main Destination:
- Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Sambora Kinigi Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 7
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, return to the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park for another remarkable primate encounter this time in search of the rare and endangered golden monkey. Following a briefing by the park rangers, set off with your guide into the park's beautiful bamboo forests, one of the few places on Earth where these vibrant primates thrive in the wild.
Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are energetic and playful, moving swiftly through the bamboo canopy in lively family groups. Their striking golden-orange coats, expressive faces, and curious personalities make for a captivating wildlife experience, offering exceptional opportunities for photography as they leap effortlessly between branches and forage among the forest floor.
As you explore this unique montane ecosystem, your guide will share fascinating insights into the ecology of the Virunga Mountains and the ongoing conservation efforts protecting both the golden monkeys and their fragile habitat.
- Main Destination:
- Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
- Accommodation:
- Hemingways Retreat Kigali
- Meals & Drinks:
Day 8
Leisurely Morning in Kigali & Departure
Leisurely Morning in Kigali & Departure
Enjoy a relaxed morning at Kigali Hemingways, with time to savor breakfast and unwind before your final day in Rwanda. Later, set out to explore Kigali, a city renowned for its cleanliness, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere.
Accompanied by your private guide, discover some of the city's highlights, browse local artisan boutiques and craft markets, or simply enjoy the lively cafés and leafy neighborhoods that make Kigali one of Africa's most appealing capitals.
After lunch at leisure, return to the hotel to freshen up before meeting your private driver for your transfer to Kigali International Airport. As you depart Rwanda, take with you unforgettable memories of breathtaking landscapes, remarkable wildlife encounters, and the warmth and hospitality that have made this primate safari a truly extraordinary journey.
- Main Destination:
- Kigali International Airport (Kigali)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks:
