Day /1
Fly to Rwanda
Fly from London Heathrow with Qatar Airways. Upon arrival, you will be met and introduced to your personal Safari Guide. Refresh with an overnight stay within the private and sophisticated walls of the Serena Kigali Hotel. (BB)
Kigali, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Musanze & Ruhengeri /Itinerary
Day /2-3
Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will choose to either fly or drive to One&Only Nyungwe House. Bordering Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park, the park is nestled within a working Tea Plantation in one of the last mountain rainforest habitats on Earth. Said to have stayed green even through the Ice Age, the forest is rich in biodiversity; home to 13 species of primate who reside alongside 280 species of bird. Should you choose to drive, you will take a detour to The National Museum which remained surprisingly untouched throughout the civil war of 1994. Once settled, you will have the opportunity to visit humanity’s closest relative, the chimpanzee, in their natural habitat before a stroll under the canopy to spot more of the forest's inhabitants. (FB)
Day /4-5
The Virungas Foothills of Ruhengeri
Journey between the titanic peaks of Rwanda’s most mountainous district, Musanze; where you will stay below dormant volcanoes at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. Enrich your mind with the history of pre-colonial Rwanda with a visit to the Cultural Village of Ibyachu and try your hand at a plethora of activities from archery to traditional food preparation. On day five, rise early to venture to the Virungas foothills where you will be guided by an experienced ranger on a Gorilla Trek, perhaps glimpsing elusive buffalo and elephant along the way. Your efforts are rewarded as you hear the forest come alive with birdsong dancing between the trees before witnessing displays of playful affection between the regal silverbacks. (FB)
Sabyinyo Silverback LodgeDay /6
Musanze
Today is bespoke to you. Choose from a trek to the bamboo forest to call upon the rare and endangered golden monkeys native to the volcanic mountains of Africa; or visit the final resting place of primatologist Dian Fossey, where she lies beside her favourite gorilla friend, Digit. Alternatively, don your walking boots for a hike to the Crater Lake at the summit of Mount Bisoke which stands at 3,711 meters. The choice is yours. Finish the day with a trip to the Dian Fossey museum before settling into your transfer back to the Lodge.
Sabyinyo Silverback LodgeDay /7
Kigali & Return home
Fly or drive back to Kigali where you will enjoy a brief city tour and reflect upon the Genocide museum before proceeding to Kigali airport for your return flight home.