Highlights

  • Come face to face with mountain gorillas in the jungles of Rwanda
  • Seek out golden monkeys and chimpanzees on expert-led treks
  • Sip sundowners on the golden shores of Lake Kivu
  • Stay at Rwanda’s finest luxury hotels and lodges
  • Explore Kigali – Rwanda's buzzing capital

Spoil yourself

  • Upgrade to Bisate Lodge or One&Only Gorilla's Nest on the edge of Volcanoes National Park

Uplifting, emotional, even spiritual. There’s something truly life-affirming about seeing a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. This tailor-made journey allows you to do just that as you journey to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park for an audience with these magnificent creatures. But that’s not all, as along the way we’ve included a host of other unforgettable experiences, from tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park to sipping sundowners on the shores of Lake Kivu. It’s all brought together with private transfers and stays in some of Rwanda’s most luxurious hotels and lodges.


Day 1

Depart for Kigali

At the airport, enjoyed included airport lounge access before boarding your flight to Rwanda’s capital. On arrival a private transfer will see you to your luxury city-centre hotel. Complete with pool and spa, it’s the ideal base to unwind as you ease your way into life in Rwanda. 

Stay: Kigali Marriott Hotel (Deluxe)


Days 2 – 3

Chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park

Leaving the city behind, you’ll join your driver and guide for the transfer to Nyungwe National Park – a scenic route winding among green hills dotted with rural villages and tea plantations. Pause along the way to explore a replica of the 18th-century King’s Palace where you’ll meet the resident Inyambo cows. These animal’s huge horns have made them a firm favourite at royal parades and functions.

You’ll then continue to Nyungwe National Park – a jungle home to almost 400 species of birds and animals, including chimpanzees. Check into the luxurious One&Only Nyungwe House – a collection of ultra-stylish treehouses hidden deep in the forest – then look forward to a full day of guided exploration, including a guided trek through the jungle to hopefully watch chimpanzees swing through the canopy.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Aerial view, One & Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda

One & Only Nyungwe House

Chimpanzee trek, One & Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda

Tracking chimpanzees in the forests of Nyungwe


Days 4 – 5

Sunshine and sundowners at Lake Kivu

Today’s private transfer sees you out to Lake Kivu’s rugged inlets and sandy shores. Spend your time swimming in the lake accompanied by views of the nearby Nyiragongo volcano, then take to the water for a kayaking tour, paddling out to explore pretty islands and hidden villages. 

Stay: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Superior)

Breakfast included

Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Lake Kivu, Rwanda

Serena Lake Kivu

Serena Lake Kivu


Day 6

Luxury at Volcanoes National Park

Today’s private transfer sees you north to the iconic Volcanoes National Park, the spectacular base for your gorilla tracking adventure. On arrival, check into the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, ideally located just 10 minutes from the national park headquarters.

Inside, open fireplaces and traditional furnishings promote cosy relaxation between activities – the golden monkey treks are a special highlight – while elegant guest rooms, some with four-poster beds, ramp up the style. Settle in for an afternoon at leisure, perhaps relaxing on the deck and soaking up spectacular national-peak views.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge


Day 7

Mountain gorillas – one of life's great encounters

Today is a true holiday highlight – a gorilla tracking excursion into the jungles of Volcanoes National Park. After breakfast, you’ll meet your guide for the drive to the park headquarters where you’ll be welcomed with tea and coffee before joining a small group according to your level of fitness – treks can take anything from a couple of hours to a full day.

After a safety briefing, you’ll set off into the jungle, traversing volcanic slopes and bamboo forests to find your designated troop, which can range in size from just a couple of members to more than 40 individuals. It’s then that the magic begins as you spend a truly unforgettable hour in the company of these magnificent creatures – just don’t forget your camera! 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Gorilla family in the jungles of Rwanda

Gorilla family in the jungles of Rwanda


Day 8

On the trail of golden monkeys

Having enjoyed a further night at your chosen lodge, you’ll have a full day to explore. And, to help you make the most of your stay, we’ve included a guided trek to see the region’s golden monkeys. Endemic to this region of central Africa, these playful primates make their home in the bamboo forest, reached by a short drive and gentle stroll through the foothills.

What’s more, with an early morning start, you’ll have the rest of the day free for optional activities. Alongside the aforementioned canoeing trips, bike rides and cultural tours, there’s the excellent Karisoke Research Centre, which showcases the work of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund through a series of fascinating interactive exibits. 

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Golden monkey, Rwanda

Golden monkey, Rwanda

Virunga Safari Lodge

Virunga Lodge


Days 9 – 10

Depart for UK or extend for safari

After a last delicious breakfast, a private transfer will see you back to Kigali in time for your flight home.

Alternatively, we highly recommend heading to Rwanda's Akagera National Park for a luxury safari at the luxury new Magashi Camp. You'll stay in one of just six suites as you head on included game drives and bush walks, returning to sundowners, gourmet dining and a pool.

Breakfast included


About the itinerary

"Having recently visited Rwanda, and met its most famous residents, I can safely say that a trip here is one of my greatest experiences in travel. To help you make the most of your time in the country, I've put together this itinerary to showcase not only its stunning natural world, but also some of its newest and most luxurious accommodation. There's even a two-night stay at the gorgeous One&Only Nyungwe House, complete with fine dining restaurants and an indulgent spa."

Katrin Rummer

Destination Specialist

Pricing information

Guide price from £11,780 pp incl. flights

Low Season from: £11,780 pp
High Season from: £15,275 pp

Includes:

  • Complimentary UK airport lounge access
  • Return flights from London to Kigali
  • Private airport transfers and transport throughout
  • 1 nights accommodation in a 4* (Deluxe) hotel on a B&B basis
  • 2 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) hotel on a B&B basis
  • 5 nights accommodation in 5* (Deluxe) lodges on a full-board basis including house wines and beers
  • Gorilla tracking permit, chimpanzee and golden monkey tracking permits
  • Nyungwe National Park Entrance fees
  • Kigali City tour, visit to King's Palace with lunch in Butare & Kayaking on Lake Kivu
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