






A 10-day discovery of remarkable Rwanda amid the towering peaks of the Virunga Mountains visiting the Majestic Mountain Gorillas
Flight - 1 night
Kigali - 1 night
Nyungwe Forest National Park - 2 nights
Akagera National Park - 2 nights
Parc National des Volcanoes - 2 nights
Kigali - 1 night
Gazing into the eyes of a mountain gorilla is an experience that will remain with you forever. Their silent power and grace, their majesty in the forest.
Rwanda has so much that is remarkable. This “Land of a Thousand Hills”, a tiny country in the heart of the continent, is visually spectacular, resplendent with verdant greens, rich browns and a kaleidoscope of local colour. Explore Rwanda from its unspoilt evergreen forests, lush meadows and picture-perfect lakes. Discover the incredible wildlife in its National Parks, explore the lowland swamps of Akagera, canopy walkways of Nyungew, the Parc National des Volcanoes and finally the vibrant streets of the capital, Kigali.
Chauffeur Driven Transfers*
Luxury Hotels
Most Meals Included
Panoramic Helicopter Flight
Chimpanzee Trekking
Golden Monkey Trekking
Gorilla Trekking
Conservation and Park Fees
Price Guarantee
Group Size: 4 – 6
Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Kigali.
Day 2 You will be welcomed by your guide, who will transfer you to the Retreat by Heaven for your overnight stay. Afternoon city tour and visit to the Genocide museum. (B, D)
Day 3 Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park and transfer to the One and Only Nyungwe House for a two night stay. Nyungwe Forest National Park protects the largest single tract of Montagne forest remaining in Africa. Boasting a remarkably rich center of biodiversity, with 86 mammal species, 280 birds species and almost 100 varieties of orchid. It is the most important birding site in Rwanda. Take a canopy walk to enjoy the birdlife, look out for the Rwenzori Turacco, black and white casqued hornbill, also be on the lookout for large troops of colobus monkeys. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Enjoy a morning chimp trekking in Nyungwe Forest. The National Park is treasured for its primates, with a remarkable 13 primate species resident in this lush rainforest, including man’s closest living relative, the chimpanzee, as well as the delightful L’Hoest’s monkey and numerous fun-loving troops of Black and White Colobus. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Transfer to Magashi Lodge, in Akagera National Park for two nights. Our lodge overlooks beautiful Lake Rwanyakazing, and the park borders fine-looking rising and falling plains, solid broad leafed forests and brighter acacia woods that are favoured by wildlife and visitors alike. Enjoy a game drive from the park entrance, Akagera is home to elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and more than a dozen types of antelope, most commonly the handsome chestnut-coated impala, but also the diminutive oribi and secretive bushbuck, as well as the ungainly tsessebe and the world’s largest antelope, the statuesque Cape eland. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Morning game drive, teeming with plains game, after a 20-year absence, Akagera now boasts a healthy population of lion and black rhino, reintroduced into the park in 2015 and 2017 respectively. Magashi also has a good density of leopard. In the afternoon take a boat ride on lake Ihema. Along the water’s shore pass numerous giant hippos and crocodiles, some in the shallows, others basking on the shore. Lining the lakes are some of the continent’s densest concentrations of water birds, while the connecting marshes are the haunt of the endangered and exquisite papyrus gonolek, and the bizarre shoebill stork. (B, L, D)
Day 7 After breakfast, return to Kigali and take the panoramic flight into Parc National des Volcanoes, covering an incredible 8,000 sq. kms, this stunning area protects five of the nine staggeringly beautiful Virunga Mountains. Travel across the beautiful terraced hillsides to the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range, home of the endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys, with a mosaic of montane ecosystems, landing at Virunga Lodge for your two night stay. Sitting high on the ridge of a lush green hillside, it is the ideal base for gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park. Blending well with the surrounding landscape, the property overlooks the sprawling lakes Bulera and Ruhondo, affording impeccable views of the Virunga volcanoes, with its own helicopter landing pad. In addition to mountain gorillas, the park is a sanctuary for spotted hyenas, buffaloes, golden monkeys, elephants, bushbuck, black-fronted duiker as well as more than 170 species of birds. Afternoon at leisure or you may wish to take the opportunity to explore the town of Ruhengeri. (B, L, D)
Day 8 An early start for our adventure, trekking Gorillas, following a briefing at the ORTPN offices we set off into the forest. Enjoy a thrilling trek through the refined foothills of the Virungas led by an experienced ranger guide. The rainforest is alive with calls of colourful birds and the chattering of golden monkey. Gorilla trekking can be a strenuous activity but so worthwhile when you encounter these gentle giants. Spend an hour with the troop in their environment, watch the adults feeding their young, brushing, grooming and resting as the youngsters play from vines and tumble through the forest foliage. In the afternoon visit the Karisoke Research Centre, established by Dian Fossey. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Morning trek in search of the endangered Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti) endemic to the high altitude bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor Later drive to Kigali for our final night at The Retreat By Heaven. (B, L)
Day 10 Return Flight to London. (B)
Essentials for the trek:
Copy of passport
Camera: with extra memory cards
Poncho or rain jacket - it can rain heavily, even in the dry season
Bum bag – or sealed pockets
Walking stick - provided by the camp
Gloves – these are useful for grabbing bushes, or for when you are sliding downhill on the seat of your pants (you never know where your trek might take you!)
Bug repellent
A good, solid pair of hiking boots
Cool, comfortable clothing in muted colours
Long sleeves, trousers, long socks and gaiters to keep bugs out and prevent scratches
Tips for Porters $15 for porter $10 for ranger
Wet wipes/Tissues/Plasters/Hand sanitizer
Retreat by Heaven is a luxury boutique hotel and Kigali’s first entirely eco-friendly solar powered resort featuring locally crafted sustainable teak wood furniture. Support and development of the local community are an important part of its operation and through a variety of programmes help develop Rwanda’s fast-growing hospitality industry. Features include Fusion restaurant blending international cuisine with local Rwandan and African flavours with a focus on quality local ingredients, saltwater pool, gym and spa. WiFi throughout. 12 luxury air-conditioned guest rooms with rain shower, private patio, safe, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
One & only Nyungwe House has rare proximity to Africa’s oldest forest, embracing the edge of the iconic Nyungwe National Park, alongside their own tea plantation. The lush and diverse habitat of the National Park is famously home to a large population of chimpanzees and endangered monkeys, and many other fascinating creatures and insects. The Government of Rwanda declared Nyungwe a national park in 2005, affording it the highest level of protection in the country. Features at the resort include a restaurant serving authentic dishes, bar, tea lounge, pool, fitness centre and spa. Free WiFi throughout. 23 luxurious air-conditioned guest rooms with safe, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and TV.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, in the idyllic sanctuary of Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp is a one-of-a-kind setting in Rwanda located in its own private concession area. The camp is home to one Africa’s highest hippo and crocodile populations, and the elusive stitatunga and shoebill stalk. The camp’s main area includes a luxurious lounge, dining and bar area, wine cellar and pool, as well as an expansive viewing deck with fire pit. WiFi (public areas). 6 stunning and spacious tented guest rooms with spectacular views over the lake, while the architecture and interiors pay tribute to traditional Rwandan culture.
The magnificent Volcanoes Virunga Eco-Lodge is perched high on a ridge with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. 360 degree breath-taking views make this one of the top lodge destinations in Africa. The dining area with open fire places encourages guests to interact and share the day’s stories around the large dining table. Volcanoes Virunga Lodge is built around eco-friendly concepts with solar lighting and use of local materials. WiFi (public areas). 10 spacious en-suite bright and airy stone cottages, decorated with modest furniture, hardwood floors and a private veranda with volcano or lake views.
per person in a twin room
Rwanda Airlines from London Gatwick
per person in a twin room
Rwanda Airlines from London Gatwick
A Jules Verne Limited Edition
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £1695
(May £995)
Flight Options
Business class from £1595
Privately Guided
Add £995 per person (May 21 & 22)
Add £1095 per person (Jul & Sep 21, Feb & Aug 22)
Independent Arrival
Save £750
Arrival or departure transfer add £20
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 8 nights’ accommodation, most meals, conservation and park fees, Chimpanzee trekking permit, Gorilla Trekking permit, local guides, porterage, itinerary as described, services of expert local guides and representative. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, overseas airport taxes, optional excursions, visa procurement, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
*On all of our Great Journeys, we provide a VIP chauffeur driven transfer for passengers living within a 70-mile radius of the point of departure. For those passengers that live outside of this 70-mile radius, we will provide the most competitive quotation for the additional mileage.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm