"The land of a Thousand Hills", Rwanda is a green undulating landscape of hills, gardens and tea plantations. Lots on offer including Mountain Gorillas trekking, Volcanoes, birding and lots of other primates. Not forgetting the beautiful scenery simply breathtaking. The welcoming faces and culture of the Rwandese warms the heart.
Day 1: Kigali and Ruhengeri
On arrival at Kigali Airport, met for a half day city tour, including a visit to the genocide memorial center and other cultural sights. In the afternoon you will be driven to Ruhengeri/Kingi for overnight.The drive to Ruhengeri offers stunning views of the hills and valleys of this green and lush country. Excellent views of all of the Virunga Volcanoes. The lush slopes of the volcanoes provide an appropriately dramatic natural setting for a thrilling wildlife experience.
Day 2: Volcanoes National Park
Early breakfast, it is gorilla tracking day. Drive to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. Hike into the Virunga mountains forest to where the gorillas are. The trekking can take from 1 to 4 hours and climb to altitudes of 7,500 feet. The terrain is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make it worthwhile. Picnic lunches are provided. Spend time with the Mountain Gorillas families. Later descend and transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight. Enjoy dramatic views to the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding lowland farmland.
Day 3: Lake Kivu
Breakfast, departure from Volcanoes National Park and drive to Gisenyi, a lovely lakeside beach town along the Shores of lake Kivu. Africa’s fourth largest lake is located in Western Rwanda. Lake Kivu has a rough, jagged coast and contains numerous islands. Along this sandy beach are modern hotels and has a tropical atmosphere. Boat rides, catamarans and kayaking are some of the available water sports.
Overnight at a hotel.
Day 4 & 5: Gisenyi
Days spent at leisure in Kisenyi. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 6: Kigali
Breakfast, departure for Kigali. Rest of the day at leisure in Kigali. Overnight at a hotel in Kigali.
Day 7: Rusizi
Morning departure for the sleepy town of Rusizi. Arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Nyumbwe forest
Breakfast at the lodge. With picnic lunches depart for Nyumbwe forest. Nyungwe National Park is a top ecotourism destination with a growing network of hiking trails that offer visitors great opportunities for world class bird watching, chimp tracking, monkey watching, and orchid ogling. And, of course, the Park also offers the only Canopy Walk in East Africa
Day 9: Nyumbwe forest
Another day exploring Nyungwe forest or just relax at the lodge. The Canopy walk is the first ever hanging platform that allows tourists to view different animal species in Nyungwe Forest. The dizzying platform is above a steep and deep valley stretching across the massive forest. Meals and overnight at the lodge.
Day 10: Departure
Breakfast at the lodge. Departure for Kigali and transfer back to the airport for your next part of Safari or your flight back home