Information
AKAGERA, NYUNGWE AND VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARKS, KIGALI & LAKE KIVU This safari includes both a visit to the gorillas and the chimps as well as a visit to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda where a large variety of plains game, as well as birds are found. The tour also includes a visit to the beautiful white-sanded beaches of Lake Kivu in northwestern Rwanda – a perfect winding up of a “Best of Rwanda” tour.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive to Kigali International Airport where you will be met by Guide and your driver / guide for the safari. Lunch either in Kigali or en route depending on arrival time. Proceed to eastern Rwanda and Akagera National Park. Afternoon game drive and overnight at Rusizi Tented Camp half board.
Day 2
Proceed to southern Rwanda and Nyungwe Forest National Park arriving late afternoon / early evening. Lunch and visit to Butare museum en route. Overnight Nyungwe Forest Lodge or Hotel in Cyangugu full board.
Day 3
Early start trekking for the chimpanzees, this can take anything from a few hours to a full day depending on where the chimpanzees are. It should be mentioned that it is not guaranteed to see the chimps as they are unpredictable and can move long distances during one day. There are several other primates in Nyungwe such as the Ruwenzori collubus, L’Hoest’s monkey, The Silver monkey, Owl faced monkey and the Grey cheeked Mangabey to name a few. After the trek return to base. Overnight Nyungwe Forest Lodge or Hotel in Cyangugu full board
Day 4
Long days drive to northern Rwanda and to the foothills of the volcanoes that make up “ Volcanoes National Park”. You have the choice of staying at the moderately priced “Gorillas nest” or the “Virunga Lodge” which is a high quality eco lodge with magnificent views over both the volcanoes and Lake Burera and Ruhondo. Overnight Mountain Gorillas View Lodget or Virunga Lodge or Sabinyo Silverback lodge full board
Day 5
Early breakfast before proceeding to the park head quarters where visitors assemble at 07.00 for a briefing on how to” behave” while in the company of a gorilla group. You will meet your guide here and proceed to the starting point of the trek to our allocated group of gorillas. The length of the trek varies depending on where the gorillas are as well as what the weather conditions are. It is important to bring good hiking boots, long trousers and gloves for protection against stinging nettles, some snacks & sweets as well as sufficient amount of water as the rain forest gets hot and humid during the day. You spend one hour with the gorillas which is a truly amazing experience – before trekking back to the base and return to your lodge / hotel. Overnight Mountain Gorillas View Lodge or Virunga Lodge or Sabinyo Silverback lodge full board
Day 6
Optional second gorilla trek or a trek to the golden monkeys. Another option is to trek to the grave of the legendary Dian Fossey – all excursions have to booked in advance in order to avoid disappointments. Overnight Mountain Gorillas View Lodge or Virunga Lodge or Sabinyo Silverback lodge full board
Day 7
Continue on a scenic drive to the white sanded beach of Lake Kivu. Day at leisure. Overnight Kivu Serena bed & breakfast.
Day 8
Full day at leisure by Lake Kivu overnight Kivu Serena bed & breakfast.
Day 9
Return to Kigali. City tour including a visit to the genocide museum. Overnight Hotel in Kigali half board
Day 10
Departure transfer, bed & breakfast.