PRIMATES AND PARADISE

6 Days & 5 Nights | Rwanda

Kigali, Volcanoes National Park & Nyungwe Forest National Park

HIGHLIGHTS

GREAT FOR

Honeymooners – Two luxe lodges with romance on tap

Photographers – The chance to photograph wild gorillas

AVAILABLE ACTIVITIES

Gorilla trekking

Golden monkey trekking

Birding

Mountain biking

Cultural tours

Boating

Nature walks

BEST TIME TO GO

High Season: May to October

Green Season: November to April

OVERVIEW

A lot can happen in less then a week and this compact but impactful itinerary idea proves that. If you have always dreamt of sitting among mountain gorillas, watching golden monkey families and exploring some of Africa’s greatest strongholds of unusual primates like mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkey, chimpanzees and fluffy colobuses, then this journey is perfect for you.

Starting in Kigali, you stay in one of Volcanoes National Park’s top lodges for gorilla and golden monkey trekking. The time you spend with them is made even more special because it is so short – be sure to put down your camera or phone and just take it all in. Then, another fabulous lodge beckons; this time in glorious Nyungwe Forest National Park.

THIS ITINERARY WAS DESIGNED BY JOANNE

If you’ve always wanted to see the gorillas, just go for it! It’s as amazing as they say and I enjoyed every second of my precious hour with them. I’ve also visited Akagera, which is lush and beautiful, and where the game is making an extraordinary comeback.

TRIP SUMMARY

DURATION

5 Nights / 6 Days

DESTINATIONS VISITED

Kigali, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda

DAILY ITINERARY

Rwanda is a clear example of a country that has learnt the valuable lessons of the past to craft a brighter, stable and equitable future. Nowhere is that clearer than in Kigali, the friendly capital. Modern buildings and well-kept streets are laid out amid its gentle hills, offering lovely views.

Your first night is spent at the Kigali Marriott, which has everything you would expect from an international hotel including several restaurants, well-appointed rooms and a sun-drenched swimming pool.

Why we love Kigali Marriott Hotel:

  • Several types of rooms, right to the presidential suite
  • Conveniently located in the city centre
  • Gym and spa to shrug off any jet-lag
  • Lovely outdoor terrace and bar to soak up the sun

After breakfast, settle back for the scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, the epicentre of gorilla trekking the world. Named after several extinct and dormant volcanoes, it is an emerald jewel box of lush forest and families of rare mountain gorillas. These gentle giants, along with the smaller but no less fascinating golden monkeys, are your key focus here as you seek them out on expertly guided treks.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is your supremely comfortable resting place for two nights.

Why we love Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge:

  • Fully owned by the local community
  • Charming stone cottages in peaceful gardens
  • Post-trek, in-room massages next to the fire
  • Deep tubs for soaking away any trekking stiffness

What an exciting 48 hours – with much more to come! Leaving behind Volcanoes National Park, you are driven to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a place of ancient rainforest shrouded in ethereal mist…

Hiking and trekking enthusiasts will love it here and, if your luck is in, you may even come across a group of chimpanzees. An old-fashioned swing bridge lets you walk high above the tree canopy, channelling your inner explorer. Nyungwe House provides your bed, bath, meals and almost anything else.

Why we love Nyungwe House:

  • Cultural visits to charming Banda village
  • Signature rituals at the stylish spa
  • Explore the tea plantations at Gisakura
  • Rooms are embedded in the lush vegetation

It is hard to believe it has been less than a week since you left buzzing Kigali behind to explore the natural world in two of Rwanda’s flagship national parks. Although gorilla trekking is no doubt a highlight of this trip, it is replete with so many other special moments – perhaps joining a drumming circle or being awed by an Intore war dance – that you will have much to contemplate on the drive back to the capital today.

INCLUDED*

  • All activities specified
  • All transfers specified
  • All meals, drinks and sundowners specified
  • Laundry if specified

EXCLUDED*

  • International flights
  • Items from the safari shop
  • Pre- and post-itinerary accommodation
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Medical insurance, tests and vaccinations where stipulated
  • Tips / gratuities

* 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.

PRICE IS IMPORTANT

This itinerary is here to inspire you and prices may change due to availability, season and the year that you plan to travel.

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