Rwandan gorilla trekking & Zanzibar beach

On arrival in Kigali, you’ll immediately understand why the country is named “The Land of a Thousand Hills” with its green, rolling expanse stretching out beneath you. And, you’ll be met for a private tour of the surprisingly modern and leafy capital, learning how it’s the the most pristine in Africa thanks to community cleanups and the banning of plastic bags. Between an included lunch at a local restaurant, it all culminates with a visit to the Genocide Memorial Museum – a truly moving experience. It sheds light on Rwanda’s tragic past, making its optimistic present all the more impressive.

You’ll then be brought through the undulating countryside to your luxury accommodation in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park. Here, views of volcanic peaks are showcased by fireplace-heated cottages, where you’ll be treated to full-board gourmet dining.

Today, you’ll enjoy one of the great highlights of world travel – the chance to come face to face with a family of mountain gorillas. You’ll be brought out into the depths of Volcanoes National Park before setting off to trek through its forested slopes. The walk alone is a magical experience, with your expert guides and trackers leading the way through the dense jungle.

You’ll then have a full hour to immerse yourself among the family, marvelling at the impossibly cute babies, the all-too-human faces of the mum and the rippling muscles of the 25-stone silverbacks. It’s a truly humbling experience. Then, returning to your luxury lodge, you’ll have some time to relax by the fire and enjoy your full-board dining.

You’ll have this morning and afternoon to explore the Virunga Volcanoes. Perhaps you’d like to track the gorillas again or explore the park further, trekking out to discover golden monkeys, volcanic lakes and the tomb of Dian Fossey – the celebrated primatologist and conservationist that all but lived with the gorillas for nearly two decades. Then, after lunch, your private driver-guide will bring you back past coffee, tea and banana plantations to Kigali.

Here, you’ll spend the night in one of the city's finest hotels, complete with spa, sundeck and piano bar. You might also want to visit a local market or try out traditional Rwandan cooking at one of the many fine restaurants.

After breakfast, a private transfer will bring you to Kigali Airport, from which you'll fly to Zanzibar (around two-and-a-half hours), a tropical Tanzanian archipelago in the Indian Ocean. On arrival, you'll be whisked away to your luxury beachfront hotel in Stone Town, the UNESCO-listed historic heart of Zanzibar City. Over the next couple of days, you'll have ample opportunity to explore Stone Town, which harbours an eclectic fusion of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European cultural influences. As you navigate its labyrinth of winding streets, you'll pass buildings hewn from coral stone, mangrove timber and lime mortar, many of them adorned with intricately carved wooden doors and ornate balconies. It's a fascinating introduction to Zanzibar before you head to the northern tip of the island for several days of idyllic seaside relaxation. 

Stay: Park Hyatt Zanzibar

It’s time to finish on your very own tropical-island idyll. After a private transfer from Stone Town, you’ll arrive at one of Zanzibar’s most exclusive properties, its infinity pool and your private-terrace seafront accommodation all set just off a near-private beach. There’s even an overwater restaurant, where just-caught seafood is served up to sunset views.

And, in between your included half-board dining, you’ll want to relax on the white sands or with the spa treatments. You’ll also be able to explore with the world-class snorkelling, diving and sea kayaking on offer, while optional trips to local villages add further intrigue.

After a last breakfast at your hotel, your trip comes to an end in Zanzibar.