Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Kigali - Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed and transported to the Hotel des Mille Collines. This hotel gained fame for sheltering 1,268 people during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, as portrayed in the film Hotel Rwanda. The hotel offers 113 rooms, including eight suites, each featuring a bathtub, balcony, cable TV, telephone, minibar, internet access, toiletries, work desk, wake-up service, and voicemail. Some rooms also provide additional amenities such as a bathrobe, ceiling fan, connecting rooms, hairdryer, trouser press, and kitchenette. Non-smoking rooms are available. Established in 1972, opened in 1974, and renovated in 1987, the hotel is one of Rwanda’s premier accommodations, offering 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 commence their safari. The day begins with a city tour of Kigali, including visits to the King’s Palace and the Genocide Memorial. Later, guests will proceed to Akagera National Park in northeastern Rwanda, arriving in the evening.

Located along the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park covers 1,122 sq km, reduced from its original size of over 2,500 sq km when established in 1934. Much of the park was converted to farmland until a partnership with African Parks in 2010 helped restore its former beauty. Named after the Akagera River, which flows along its eastern edge and feeds into a series of lakes, including Lake Ihema, the park’s stunning landscapes feature forest-lined lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains, and rolling highlands, making it one of Africa’s most picturesque destinations.

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 Akagera National Park area are a fantastic way to encounter various wildlife species including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and Kobs, among others. After the lunch break, guests will depart for a boat ride on Lake Ihema.

Lake Ihema - The boat ride offers a chance to see more wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, sometimes up close but safely. The lake is also home to over 500 bird species, such as shoebill storks, herons, jacanas, ibis, and gonoleks, among others.

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

Iby’iwacu Cultural Village - Guests will unwind and, later in the evening, enjoy a cultural experience at the Iby’lwachu village, where they will have the chance to join in traditional dances with the Indigenous people of Rwanda.

Akagera National Park - After breakfast, enjoy a short game drive before bidding farewell to the park and heading to Volcanoes National Park. The 4-5 hour journey offers stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery along the way. Guests will arrive just in time for lunch.

Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park - Start the day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge before embarking on an exciting morning drive through the breathtaking Switzerland of Rwanda Park. This pristine forest is perfect for gorilla trekking, offering a glimpse into the untouched beauty of nature. At the park headquarters, guests will receive a briefing before setting out on their gorilla trekking adventure with ranger guides. Once the gorillas are found, guests will spend an unforgettable hour observing and taking pictures. Afterward, they will return to the starting point, hop into their vehicle, and head back to the lodge for an overnight stay.

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 before starting their golden monkey trekking adventure. They will bid farewell to Volcanoes National Park, hop into their vehicle, and head to Kigali or the airport. With cameras full of memories and hearts brimming with adventure, they will continue to Bwindi National Park for their 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 another gorilla trekking adventure, this time visiting a different gorilla family in Uganda. Each family is unique, offering special opportunities to connect with the gorillas and admire their beauty. Just like on Day 5, there will be a briefing before heading into the National Park with the rangers to locate the gorillas. Once found, guests will have an hour to spend with them. Until next time, let the spirit of Uganda and Rwanda’s wilderness remain with them!

• Private transportation
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
• Drinking water in safari vehicle
• 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.