HIGHLIGHTS
GREAT FOR
Honeymooners – Some of Rwanda’s most extravagant accommodation is included
Photographers – See all the country’s scenic and wildlife highlights in one itinerary
AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES
Gorilla trekking
Golden monkey trekking
Game drives
Night drives
BEST TIME TO GO
High Season⊕: May to October
Green Season⊕: November to April
OVERVIEW
When we talk about ‘the best’ of Rwanda, we don’t only mean the most sumptuous lodges with wine cellars, serene spas, helipads or heated private plunge pools. We also mean the best wildlife viewing, incredible scenery, exciting activities and more unusual experiences like markets, memorials and cultural touchpoints.
Starting in Kigali’s most sought-after boutique hotel, you get to explore this fascinating city that balances the past, present and future with a can-do attitude from its citizens. Next, Akagera National Park and its consummate conservation success story beckon. Volcanoes National Park is another high point thanks to a growing population of once highly-threatened mountain gorillas. Then you’re whisked to the secret gem of Nyungwe Forest National Park and the glittering shore of Lake Kivu.
TRIP SUMMARY
DURATION
11 Nights / 12 Days
DESTINATIONS VISITED
Kigali, Rwanda
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
Lake Kivu, Rwanda
ACCOMMODATIONS VISITED
DAILY ITINERARY
Although Rwanda is most famous for its primaeval rainforest that is home to shaggy mountain gorillas, its capital city is also very worth exploring. In mere decades, it has turned around to become a shining phoenix with an eye on modernity. For your two days here, your driver-guide will show you the incredibly moving Kigali Genocide Memorial, the sights and sounds of Nyamirambo old town and possibly even the bird sanctuary in Umusambi.
Your hotel is The Retreat, a slick eco-resort.
Why we love The Retreat:
- International design standard that uses green principles
- Alfresco meals in the verdant tropical gardens
- Full gym, guided yoga and spa treatment
- African-Asian-Italian cuisine with local produce
Not many people associate Rwanda with a classic safari but it has a burgeoning reputation as a great place to spot wildlife thanks to the wondrous work done in Akagera National Park. Slowly but surely, large mammals have been reintroduced and today it is an official Big 5 zone, harbouring lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.
At Magashi, expert guides will take you on day and night game drives in the park and their concession to find topi, hippo and zebra.
Why we love Magashi:
- Arguably one of the best lodges in Akagera
- Exhilarating night drives in the concession
- Traditional kugisha suppers next to the fire
- Superb boating, fishing and birding
It’s quite a long travel day today but that gives you the chance to nap or just take in the landscape, villages, pedestrians, fields, houses and everything else that map up Rwanda. From Akagera, you head back to Kigali and then onto Volcanoes National Park.
Pristine rainforest shelters families of mountain gorillas and tracking them is a must-do for any wildlife lover. From your lodge – the aptly named Gorilla’s Nest – you will set off with an expert tracker to find them.
Why we love Gorilla’s Nest:
- Much pampering, from boot cleaning to massages
- Walking and running trails through the forest
- Archery, yoga, reiki and chakra rebalancing
- Roaring wood-burning fireplaces in every room
After three days of gorilla trekking, watching golden monkeys and walking Mount Sabyinyo, it is time to head to your next destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park. A fairy-tale landscape of mature mahogany trees, soaring ferns and birds, butterflies and acrobatic monkeys, it is a splendid oasis to relax after your gorilla trek.
Again, you check into one of the area’s best lodges – Nyungwe House. Stretch tired legs with gentle nature walks or go mountain biking if you feel energetic enough!
Why we love Nyungwe House:
- Tasteful design inspired by traditional imigongo patterning
- Beautiful location near the Gisakura tea plantation
- Scenic helicopter flips to nearby Lake Kivu
- Thirteen primate species live around the lodge
It is always worth ending a holiday on the water as a way of completely relaxing before starting your return journey home. Dotted with traditional fishing boats and mirroring the clouds above it, Lake Kivu is part of the system of Africa’s Great Lakes where people live simply on the shoreline.
The Cleo Lake Kivu is your hotel for two nights and gives you excellent proximity to the historic town of Kibuye as well as kayaking, boating and hiking on your doorstep.
Why we Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel:
- Lovely views over the glittering water
- Interesting meals that elevate traditional dishes
- Genuine Rwandan hospitality
- Comfortable rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi
For a small country, Rwanda certainly packs a punch! Today, you wend your way with your driver-guide back to where it all began, the central heartbeat of Kigali. Retracing some of your steps gives you the chance to reflect on sharing a glance with a silverback, being amused by golden monkeys or the thrill of spotting one of Akagera’s shy leopards.
Once in Kigali, you can opt to fly home or consider a few days on the beach in Kenya or Tanzania.
INCLUDED*
EXCLUDED*
* Subject to change. Your personal consultant will confirm all the details with you while helping you plan your safari to Africa so you have a full understanding of costs with no surprises.
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