Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Kigali - Upon arriving at Kigali International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed and transferred to the Hotel des Mille Collines. This hotel became renowned as a sanctuary for 1,268 individuals during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, a story portrayed in the film Hotel Rwanda. The hotel features 113 rooms, including eight suites, each equipped with amenities such as a bathtub, balcony, cable TV, telephone, minibar, internet access, toiletries, a work desk, wake-up service, and voicemail. Some rooms offer additional features like a bathrobe, ceiling fan, connecting rooms, hairdryer, trouser press, and kitchenette. Non-smoking rooms are also available. Established in 1972, the hotel opened in 1974 and underwent renovations in 1987, making it one of Rwanda’s premier hotels with extensive meeting facilities.

Pickup from the Hotel in Kigali and drive to Akagera National Park

Kigali Genocide Memorial - After breakfast, the Gorilla Explorers driver guide will pick up guests to begin their safari. The day starts with a city tour of Kigali, including visits to the King’s Palace and Genocide Memorial, before proceeding to Akagera National Park in Northeast Rwanda, arriving in the evening.

The Park is situated in the northeast of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. Although established in 1934, much of the park was converted into farmland, and in 1997, its size was reduced from over 2,500 sq km to its current 1,122 sq km. Since 2010, a partnership with African Parks has helped Akagera regain its former splendor. Named after the Akagera River, which flows along its eastern boundary and feeds a network of lakes, the largest being Lake Ihema, the park’s forest-fringed lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains, and rolling highlands make it one of Africa’s most picturesque locations.

Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema

Akagera National Park - Guests will enjoy an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Wildlife game drives in the park offer encounters with various species, including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and Kobs, among others. After lunch, guests will embark on a boat ride on Lake Ihema.

Lake Ihema - The boat ride provides an opportunity for additional wildlife viewing, such as hippos and crocodiles, often at a safe but close range. The lake is home to over 500 bird species, including shoebill storks, herons, jacanas, ibis, and gonolek, among others.

Morning game drive and drive to Volcanoes National Park for an evening cultural experience

Iby’iwacu Cultural Village - Guests will relax and later enjoy a cultural experience in the Iby’lwachu village, participating in cultural dances with the Indigenous people of Rwanda.

Akagera National Park - After breakfast, guests will have a short game drive, bid farewell to the park, and drive to Volcanoes National Park. This journey takes about 4-5 hours, passing through beautiful landscapes and scenery, arriving in time for lunch.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park - Guests will start their day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge before embarking on a morning drive through the “Switzerland of Rwanda” for Gorilla trekking, immersing themselves in the natural beauty. After a briefing at the park headquarters, guests will depart for the gorilla trekking experience with ranger guides. Upon finding the gorillas, guests will spend one hour with them, taking pictures, before returning to the starting point and heading back to the lodge for the night.

Golden monkey trekking and Transfer to Bwindi National Park in Uganda

Volcanoes National Park - After breakfast, guests will depart the park headquarters for a briefing and then begin their golden monkey trekking experience. They will then bid farewell to Volcanoes National Park, embark on their vehicle, and drive to Kigali or the airport. With cameras full of memories and hearts full of adventure, they will transfer to Bwindi National Park for a second Gorilla Trekking experience.

Second Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park and Transfer back to Kigali

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - After breakfast, guests will prepare for their second gorilla trekking adventure, this time visiting a different gorilla family in Uganda. Each encounter is unique, offering different opportunities to get close to the gorillas and appreciate their beauty. As on Day 5, guests will receive a briefing before heading into the National Park with rangers to find the gorillas. They will again have one hour with the gorillas upon finding them. Until next time, may the spirit of Uganda and Rwanda’s wilderness remain with them!

• Private transportation
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Drinking water when in the safari vehicle and Park entrance fees

• Domestic flights in Rwanda and International flights from the country of origin
• Soft and alcoholic drinks, Visas, travel and medical insurance

This exciting 7-day journey takes travelers into the heart of Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, offering encounters with magnificent mountain gorillas and lively golden monkeys. Begin with a city tour in Kigali, then head to Akagera National Park for exhilarating game drives and a picturesque boat cruise on Lake Ihema. The adventure continues at Volcanoes National Park, where cultural interactions with local communities await, culminating in an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Discover Rwanda’s rich biodiversity and vibrant culture while enjoying comfortable accommodations and expert guidance throughout.

• Discover Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park
• Experience cultural interactions with local communities
• Includes two permits for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking
• Private 4x4 safari vehicle transport with meals provided

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.