HIGHLIGHTS
GREAT FOR
Honeymooners – Stunning accommodation with plenty of privacy
Photographers – Capture the antics of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys
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
Game drives and gorilla trekking… Virtually nowhere else on the planet can you combine two of the best and most memorable safari experiences coupled with gorgeous accommodation, delectable food and outstanding service. You start off in Kigali at The Retreat, then settle into Magashi for three nights followed by Bisate Lodge for another three.
This itinerary pulls together two of Rwanda’s foremost national parks – Akagera and Volcanoes – to deliver a high-impact Big 5 safari, tracking golden monkeys, spotting no less than 13 species of endemic birds and, of course, trekking rare families of mountain gorillas. While the silverback keeps a close eye, the little ones may play, females groom one another and they stare into your eyes as their closest ancestor.
TRIP SUMMARY
DURATION
8 Nights / 9 Days
DESTINATIONS VISITED
Kigali, Rwanda
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
ACCOMMODATIONS VISITED
DAILY ITINERARY
Kigali is one of the world’s miracle cities and is fastest becoming a technology hub for central east Africa. Touching down at Kigali International Airport, your driver-guide will be waiting to escort you to one of its most innovative boutique hotels – The Retreat.
Conceptualised as a modern collection of suites and cottages, it has all the little extras to ease you into your Rwandan vacation, like soothing rain showers and private saltwater plunge pools (heated for year-round swimming).
Why we love The Retreat:
- Sleek design that incorporates green principles
- Lush gardens – you can start your birding early!
- Full gym, yoga programme and spa treatments
- Excellent fusion cuisine made with local produce
DAYS 2 TO 4
No doubt your excitement will be mounting as you leave the outskirts of Kigali behind for the morning drive to Akagera National Park. Another miracle, Akagera has been carefully managed to undo previous damage and is now a key safari attraction that boasts all of the Big 5.
Home is Magashi. Set in a private concession on the shore of Lake Rwanyakazinga, this understated and intimate tented camp is the perfect base from which to explore for three nights.
Why we love Magashi:
- Phenomenal Rwandan hospitality from the staff
- Share a traditional and tasty kugisha supper
- Go on exciting night drives to find nocturnal animals
- Spend an afternoon boating on the lake at sunset
After hearing thrilling cattle-herding stories (likely involving fending off lions or hyenas!) and being lulled by traditional song, it’s time to bid Magashi goodbye for the drive back to Kigali.
As you retrace your steps, you can fondly recall trying your hand at fishing on the lake, ticking off as many of the 500 bird species as possible or finding shy roan antelope. The team at The Retreat will be waiting to welcome you back for the night.
Today is the big one: time to head to Volcanoes National Park to track endangered mountain gorillas! Your driver will deliver you to award-winning Bisate Lodge, right on the edge of the park with views of two dormant volcanic peaks.
Gorilla trekking is one of the most life-changing activities you can undertake: a precious hour with great apes that are intelligent, shy, boisterous and relatable all in one. Another day, you will also head out to find beautiful golden monkeys.
Why we love Bisate Lodge:
- One of the most unusual lodges in Rwanda
- Rooms echo those traditionally built for royalty
- Walk to primatologist Dian Fossey’s memorial
- Take part in a thriving reforestation project
Once again, bittersweet departures are in order as you leave Bisate and Volcanoes National Park for the drive back to Kigali. If you have not done so during your previous two stays at The Retreat, you may now have time to visit the incredibly moving Kigali Genocide Memorial with an increased understanding of this beguiling country and its people.
In just over a week, you will have two of Rwanda’s most exciting experiences under your belt: game drives in Akagera and gorilla trekking!
INCLUDED
EXCLUDED
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