Rwanda Gorilla Trek & Safari

On arrival, a VIP immigration meet and greet service will be arranged for a smooth and stress-free entry into Rwanda. While you relax in a private lounge with a welcome drink, your dedicated assistant will handle immigration formalities, collect your luggage, and escort you to meet your driver guide.

You will then transfer a short distance to your hotel, Movenpick Kigali, a beautiful five-star property offering excellent leisure facilities including a swimming pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options.

Take time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s amenities before gathering in the evening for a Women’s Travel Club welcome drinks reception. Meet your fellow travelers, connect with your roommates, and get to know your tour leader and local guides. A short tour briefing will also be held to prepare for the days ahead.

Dinner will be enjoyed at the hotel following the welcome event.

Accommodation: Movenpick Kigali (Dinner)

Begin your day with a guided walk through Nyandungu Eco-Park, a peaceful green space known for its scenic walking trails, birdlife, and environmental conservation efforts.

Continue to One Cup Coffee House for an interactive Coffee Master Class, where you will learn about Rwanda’s coffee industry from farm to cup. Take part in roasting, tasting, and brewing experiences guided by expert baristas.

Next, visit the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, located in one of Kigali’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Learn about the center’s work supporting local women through skill development and entrepreneurship. Enjoy a guided walk through the community followed by a traditional home-cooked lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important and moving site that provides insight into Rwanda’s history and its journey toward reconciliation and rebuilding.

Return to your hotel in the evening with time to relax before dinner.

Accommodation: Movenpick Kigali (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning, depart Kigali and travel west to begin your experience with CARSA Peace Tourism, an inspiring initiative focused on unity, healing, and community empowerment. Upon arrival, meet the CARSA team and learn about their mission, programs, and the role they play in supporting reconciliation efforts across Rwanda.

Continue to the Mushishiro-Rwasare Resilience Cell Group in the Muhanga District, where you will meet local community members and participants of the “Cow for Peace” initiative. Through personal stories and open discussion, gain a deeper understanding of the country’s journey of forgiveness, resilience, and rebuilding.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch stop en route before continuing toward Lake Kivu, taking in the changing landscapes and glimpses of rural life along the way.

Arrive at your lodge set along the shores of Lake Kivu and take time to settle in before the evening experience. Later, enjoy a private sundowner by the lake as traditional fishing boats head out onto the water and the surrounding villages begin to wind down for the evening.

Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Umurobyi Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning, take time to relax and enjoy the peaceful setting of your lodge along Lake Kivu, with a later check-out allowing for a slow and easy start to the day.

Late morning, begin a scenic drive south along the shores of Lake Kivu, taking in beautiful lake views and glimpses of daily village life along the way. Arrive at your hotel, Kivu Marina Bay, in time for lunch and check-in.

In the afternoon, depart for a visit to Nkombo Island, one of Rwanda’s hidden gems located on Lake Kivu near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. After a short transfer and boat ride across the water, continue with a walk and gentle hike onto the island, where you will be warmly welcomed by the local community with vibrant traditional dance.

Spend time connecting with local artisans, learning about traditional craftsmanship, and watching basket weaving demonstrations. This experience offers a genuine and heartfelt connection with the community, where shared moments of joy and culture go beyond language.

After your visit, return by boat and transfer back to your hotel. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing evening overlooking the lake.

Accommodation: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning, depart Lake Kivu and transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, arriving at Gisakura Reception Centre, the starting point for your guided hike.

Set out on the Ndambarare Waterfall Trail, a beautiful walk through dense forest filled with the sounds of nature. Along the way, enjoy peaceful surroundings, spot vibrant birdlife, and take in the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. Upon reaching the waterfall, take time to enjoy the refreshing mist and natural beauty, a perfect spot for photos and quiet reflection.

After the hike, return to Gisakura Visitor Centre for lunch before continuing your journey deeper into Nyungwe Forest. As you transfer to your eco-lodge, keep an eye out for primates and other wildlife that call this rainforest home.

Arrive at your lodge and take time to relax and unwind in the tranquil setting. Enjoy dinner at the lodge and prepare for an early start the following morning for your chimpanzee trekking experience.

Accommodation: Munazi Eco-Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Begin your day with an early morning departure as you head to the park headquarters for your chimpanzee trekking experience. After a short briefing, set out with expert guides into the forest in search of one of Rwanda’s most fascinating primates.

Nyungwe Forest is home to a large population of chimpanzees, and as you trek through the dense rainforest, you may also encounter other primates along the way. Once located, observe the chimpanzees in their natural habitat, known for their energy, intelligence, and social behaviour. This is an active and rewarding experience set within one of Africa’s most important rainforest ecosystems.

After your trek, return to the lodge to freshen up and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, transfer to Uwinka Visitor Centre for the Canopy Walkway experience. This guided walk takes you along forest trails to a suspended bridge set high above the treetops, offering a unique perspective over the lush vegetation below. The experience provides stunning views and the chance to spot wildlife from above in this remarkable environment.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Munazi Eco-Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your journey toward Kigali, with a scenic drive through the Rwandan countryside.

En route, stop in Nyanza to visit the King’s Palace Museum, an important cultural site that offers insight into Rwanda’s traditional monarchy. Enjoy lunch at the on-site café before your guided visit.

Explore the reconstructed royal residence, built using traditional materials and techniques, and learn about the history, customs, and craftsmanship that shaped Rwanda’s royal heritage. The site provides a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past and cultural identity.

Following your visit, continue your journey back to Kigali. Upon arrival, check in at Movenpick Kigali and enjoy time to relax before dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: Movenpick Kigali (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast, depart Kigali and travel east toward Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve. Along the way, stop at Imigongo Café to enjoy a coffee break and browse local arts and crafts.

Continue to the park entrance and complete registration before setting out on your first game drive through the southern sector of the park. With a packed lunch provided, explore this diverse landscape known for its populations of zebra, buffalo, and antelope, with opportunities to spot giraffes, elephants, and even predators.

As your game drive continues, make your way to Ruzizi Tented Lodge, beautifully located along the shores of Lake Ihema. Check in and take time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings before your afternoon activity.

Later, head out for a sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema. This relaxed experience offers a different perspective of the park, with close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife. As the sun sets, you may even spot elephants coming down to the water’s edge.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning begins early as you depart your lodge before sunrise for a truly unforgettable experience. Arrive at the launch site for your hot air balloon safari, where you will witness the preparation and inflation of the balloon as the savannah begins to wake.

As the sun rises, take to the skies and drift peacefully over Akagera National Park, enjoying panoramic views of rolling hills, lakes, and open plains. From above, you may spot wildlife moving through the landscape, offering a unique and memorable perspective of the park.

After landing, celebrate your flight with a champagne bush breakfast set in the heart of nature. Enjoy a relaxed meal with fresh juices while reflecting on the experience, and receive a commemorative medal as a special keepsake of your journey.

Following breakfast, continue your exploration of Akagera National Park with a scenic drive toward the northern sector. Stop for lunch along the way before heading out on an afternoon game drive through one of the park’s most wildlife-rich regions.

This area offers excellent opportunities to spot elephants, giraffes, antelope, and a variety of birdlife, along with the chance to see predators such as lions and leopards, and both black and white rhinos.

At the end of the day, arrive at Karenge Bush Camp, set on a hilltop overlooking the savannah. Enjoy the peaceful setting and a beautiful sunset before dinner and your overnight stay.

Accommodation: Karenge Bush Camp (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning, depart Karenge Bush Camp and make your way toward the northern exit of Akagera National Park, enjoying your final opportunities for wildlife sightings as you leave the park.

Continue with a scenic journey across rural Rwanda, offering a glimpse into local life, landscapes, and villages along the way. Stop at Sooko Xperiences for lunch, a thoughtfully designed rest stop providing a comfortable break during your transfer.

In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an important center dedicated to gorilla conservation, research, and education. Explore the exhibits and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect mountain gorillas and support surrounding communities.

After your visit, transfer to your accommodation near Volcanoes National Park and take time to settle in.

In the evening, attend a special presentation by the Gorilla Doctors, a team of dedicated veterinarians working to protect and care for mountain gorillas. Learn about their work, the challenges facing these endangered animals, and the conservation efforts helping to ensure their future.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge and relax for the evening as you prepare for your gorilla trekking experience the following day.

Accommodation: Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco-Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Begin your day with an early breakfast before meeting your driver guide and transferring to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your trekking briefing. Here, you will learn about gorilla behaviour, safety guidelines, and be placed into small groups based on fitness levels.

Set out with experienced rangers into the forest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can take several hours, navigating through lush vegetation and varied terrain, adding to the sense of adventure and anticipation.

Once you locate the gorillas, spend up to one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch as they interact, feed, and move through the forest, offering a rare and deeply moving connection to these remarkable animals.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and time to relax while reflecting on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Intore Dance performance at the lodge, where vibrant music and cultural storytelling provide a memorable end to the day.

Accommodation: Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco-Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Following an early breakfast, set out on a guided trek through Volcanoes National Park to visit the grave site of Dian Fossey, the renowned primatologist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas.

Hike through the forest to the remains of the Karisoke Research Center, where you will visit her tomb along with the nearby gorilla graveyard, including that of her beloved Digit. This experience is both peaceful and deeply moving, offering time to reflect on her legacy and the lasting impact of her work on gorilla conservation.

Return to your lodge, where you will have time to freshen up, pack, and enjoy lunch before a late check-out.

In the afternoon, transfer back to Kigali for a special farewell dinner. Enjoy a final evening together reflecting on your journey before continuing to the airport for your onward travels.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)