Day 1: WELCOME TO KIGALI AND THE START OF YOUR ADVENTURE
TBA: Arrive at Kigali International Airport and you will be warmly welcomed by representatives outside the customs and immigration hall. A transfer will take you to your city accommodation, Kigali Marriott Hotel, where you can enjoy an insightful tour briefing. An assisted check-in assures a smooth experience, followed by dinner and an overnight stay with Dinner and breakfast. Room Category room: Club
DAY 2: KIGALI CITY TOUR/TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK/RELAXATION
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will then begin an illuminating city tour with highlights including the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Genocide Memorial Centre: The Genocide Memorial is a must-see. Rwanda’s painful past has haunted the country for years, yet their impressive recovery story has turned them into an inspiration. The Genocide Memorial acts as a humbling reminder to those present and honors those who have been lost. Audio visual equipment will be provided in Dutch, English, and other languages.
Later Transfer to Volcanoes National Park Area arrive with assistance to check in followed by your lunch at the One & Only Gorillas Nest Lodge
Evening: Relaxation
Dinner and overnight stay
Room Category: Forest Lodge King Room – inclusive of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (house wines and beers) with meals and two activities per person per day (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice).
DAY 3: VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – GORILLA TREK (+15 years only) RELAXATION
06h30: Early breakfast precedes the day, before heading to the park headquarters for the gorilla trek /Golden Monkey trek briefing at 07h00. You will then transfer you to the starting point of your guided walk, ready to begin this amazing adventure at 8am.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 880 Gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment. Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours+ depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel after seeing the gorillas,
The largest gorilla group ever studied is in Rwanda and was led by Cantsbee. He was the oldest known mountain gorilla in the world. A gorilla family is led by a Silverback and include several younger males, adult and juvenile females, and infants. In addition to providing protection to group members, Silverbacks maintain order and decide all activities within their troop. They schedule feeding trips, resting time, and travel. They also father the majority of young in the group.
For gorilla trekking, you will be in the rainforest, so it will more than likely than not, rain. Warm clothing is required as well as walking/hiking boots, a hat and lightweight parka/raincoat. Garden gloves, to avoid stinging nettles, and gaiters, are recommended.
After a most memorable experience encountering these creatures, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
Dinner and overnight stay at One & Only Gorillas Nest Lodge
Room Category: Forest Lodge King Room – inclusive of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (house wines and beers) with meals and two activities per person per day (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice).
DAY 4:VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – GOLDEN MONKEY TREK /CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Trekking to see the Golden Monkeys is an absolute highlight of Volcanoes National Park. The Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus Mitis Kandi) is a local subspecies of the widespread Sykes Monkey, also known as the ‘Blue Monkey’ and is endemic to the high altitude forests. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor. There are two habituated groups of Golden Monkey, one group comprises around 80 – 100 members, with its home at the foot of Mount Sabyinyo.
06h00: Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Kinigi Park headquarters
07h00 – 08h00: Golden Monkey trekking briefing, allocation of park guides
08h00: Transfer to start point for your adventure
11h00: Return to the hotel for lunch
Cultural experience
19h00: Dinner and overnight stay at Gorillas Nest Lodge
Room Category: Forest Lodge King Room – inclusive of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (house wines and beers) with meals and two activities per person per day (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice).
DAY 5:TRANSFER TO KIGALI/DEPARTURE (2 hrs. /30 minutes’ drive)
08h00: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
08h30: Prepare for a return transfer back to Kigali (check out time is before 11h00)
TBA: Depending on your flight time, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight
End of Trip
WISHING YOU AN EXCELLENT TRIP