Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Kigali

Arrive at Kigali International Airport; after completion of customs and immigration formalities you will be met at the airport by our representative, briefing on your trip and introduction to your Safari driver guide. Thereafter, be transferred to your Kigali Hotel.

Overnight:  Kigali Serena Hotel BB                        

Day 2: Kigali – Nyungwe Forest National Park

Have breakfast at your hotel,

Depart on a scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park via Butare, the second largest city of Rwanda and regarded as the intellectual city of Rwanda. Butare hosts the National Museum, several academic (Universities) and research institutions.

Visit Nyanza (currently Nyabisindu) the former Mwami’s Palace (King’s palace) and the seat of the feudal monarchy. The palace has been reconstructed to its 19th century state and shows a traditional dome that can be compared with the Kabaka’s palace of Buganda.

You will also visit the Butare National Museum in Huye, one of the best ethnographic museum of East Africa. A good source of information on the cultural history of Rwanda. Lunch, followed by a drive to the wonderful rainforest reserve of Nyungwe.

Overnight:  One & Only Nyungwe House FB                    

Day 3: Nyungwe Forest NP ­– Chimps Trekking

Early breakfast at your lodge, depart at 05.00hrs and transfer to the trail head, arriving approx. 05.30hrs from where you start the thrilling hike in search of chimpanzee communities.

The Rwandan chimpanzee population is thought to consist of approx. 400-500 individuals, confined to the Nyungwe National Park, including a small community in the Cyamudongo Forest. Prepare to hear these excitable primates before you see them, as their pant-hoots travel through the deep forest. During your hike you may also spot migratory birdlife including the Ross’ turaco, grey-cheeked hornbill, red-breasted sparrow hawk and regal sunbird.

Return to lodge for lunch and afternoon at leisure. You may go for canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park at extra fee.

Overnight:  One & Only Nyungwe House FB

Day 4: Nyungwe Forest NP – Lake Kivu/ Gisenyi

Enjoy the scenic drive to Lake Kivu after breakfast.

Lake Kivu, a fresh water later is approx. 2650 square kilometers, and the largest Lake in Rwanda. It is located in the western Rift. Arrive at your Lodge and spend the rest of your afternoon at Leisure.

Overnight:  Lake Kivu Serena Hotel on Full Board Basis.

Day 5: Gisenyi – Volcanoes National Park

Have breakfast at your hotel, then depart on a scenic drive North West through the beautiful terraced hillsides that display Rwanda’s landscape. Arrive at Ruhengeri, the base for Gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park.

Ruhengeri is a small city of about 70,000 people. The Town has great views of the surrounding volcanoes with very friendly local people ready to welcome you. English, French and Swahili are the major languages.

Accommodation: The Bishop’s House Full Board Basis.

Day 6: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking

Early breakfast at your lodge, followed by a transfer at 06.30hrs to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters. At 07.00 hrs.; Registration where the park staff determines which group of gorillas you will visit.

The park staff advises you of the trekking times and conditions to the various groups based upon their location in the park the previous evening.  Maximum number of trekkers are eight for trekkers visiting any one group. Once the trekkers are put into groups, each group’s Lead Guide briefs the trekkers of the trekking procedures as well as the “dos and don’ts” while in the presence of gorillas; After the briefing trekkers return to their respective vehicles for the drive up the mountain to the starting point.

Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear; Cost, US$10 per person/per day. We recommend that you utilize this service.

Trekking can take from two to six or more hours if the gorillas move before the park rangers locate them the next morning.  The guides stop frequently to allow trekkers a chance to rest and take photos along the way.

After the trek, rejoin your driver Guide for a transfer to your Lodge for lunch and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation:  The Bishop’s House FB

Day 7: Departure

Have breakfast then depart from foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, driving South past coffee, tea and banana plantations on a breathtaking scenic drive back to Kigali. On arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International airport for your onwards departure flight

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