Gorilla & Safari Adventure
Rwanda
9 days
Rwanda's stunning scenery offers the unique combination of gorilla treks and Big 5 safari in one country. This journey explores the incredible biodiversity, wildlife and people throughout Rwanda's volcanoes, rainforest and sweeping plains. At the luxury lakeside camp set within the sanctuary of Akagera National Park, enjoy game drives, nature walks or boating excursions without disturbance of crowds. In Kigali, join the locals exploring the country's divisive past and promising future. At exciting Volcanoes National Park, venture through the lush hills and happen upon a mother gorilla watching over her babies. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will change you forever.
At The Retreat meet Rwanda's future leaders as they provide insight into Kigali's art and culinary experience.
Highlights
Explore Akagera, home to one of Africa's highest hippo densities, the rare sitatunga and almost 500 species of birds.
Discover the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ and be enchanted by the welcoming Rwandan people and their gracious hospitality.
Experience that magical hour when you observe the magnificent mountain gorillas as they interact and forage in the forest.
Enjoy the luxurious bandas at Virunga Lodge with panoramic vistas overlooking the five Virunga volcanoes and Lake Ruhondo and Bulera.
Accommodations
1. The Retreat
The Retreat is a luxury boutique hotel and is Kigali’s first eco-friendly solar powered resort featuring locally crafted teak wood furniture and beautifully designed custom-built rooms with high ceilings. Each room is furnished with a private balcony/patio, separate sitting area, complimentary wifi, flat screen TV with satellite channels, fridge and mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe, work desk and air conditioning. The comfortable bed features Frette Italian linens, a down duvet and pillow menu. The en suite bathroom includes a deep soaking bathtub and rainfall showerhead. Enjoy fine dining at the restaurant which merges culinary traditions from Italy, Mauritius, Morocco and elsewhere blended in with Rwandan ingredients creating a fusion of delightful flavor. The Retreat offers luxury amenities including heated saltwater solar powered swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, spa, fully equipped gym, generously stocked bar and front and rear private patio areas.
2. Magashi Camp
Akagera National Park
Magashi Camp is situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park overlooking scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga. Elevated on wooden decks, the spacious and airy tents offer uninterrupted views over the lake. Each tent is equipped with en-suite bathroom, an indoor shower, vanity basin, separate toilet, pedestal fan (no air conditioning), wardrobe, writing desk and chair, hat and coat stand, mosquito nets, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities, multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices, mini-bar, two way radios and an outside deck with seating area. Wooden walkways connect the tents to the main area, comprised of a luxurious lounge, dining and bar area, wine cellar and pool, as well as an expansive viewing deck with fire pit. Magashi is committed to pioneering sustainable and authentic ecotourism in Rwanda. Their core purpose is to conserve Rwanda’s last protected savannah ecosystem, and species like black rhino and the rare and elusive shoebill.
3. Virunga Lodge
Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park
Described as having ‘the best view in the world’, Virunga Lodge is perched high on a ridge with magnificent views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the twin lakes, Bulera and Ruhonda. The natural yet ‘bush-chic’ design reflects the building style of the area and offers eco-luxury comfort. Each “banda” (cottage) has its own stone fireplace, open living room and private terrace with breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes or twin lakes. The bedrooms are large, with either king-size or twin beds draped in mosquito netting. Built to environmentally friendly standards, the en-suite bathrooms are bright and sunny with solar powered hot water and low-flush toilets. The main lodge has a wide wrap-around veranda with exceptional views across the lakes. In the evenings, relax in the cozy lounge around a log fire and share stories about the day's adventures. The dining room features one large table where all guests dine together. A relaxing massage is particularly welcome after a day tracking the gorillas. Wi-Fi is available in the main lodge building.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Kigali, Rwanda
Murakaza neza! Enjoy a fetching Rwandan welcome on your arrival as you are transferred to your hotel for the perfect first night in the "land of a thousand hills."
The Retreat
Day 2. Kigali / Akagera National Park
Enjoy breakfast before your private transfer to Akagera National Park. During your drive you will pass through a mixture of small towns, rural communities and scenic views of the rolling Rwanda hills and mountains. Upon arrival at Magashi Camp, enjoy the scenic views over Lake Rwanyakazinga towards the Mutumba Mountains. Meet your guide for an afternoon game drive in search of the Big Five. (BLD)
Magashi Camp
Day 3. Akagera National Park
Today's agenda includes expertly-guided game drives, walks and boating trips to experience some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa without the disturbance of scores of other travelers. The open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamps, and grassy low mountains offer guests some truly incredible encounters with buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, and an incredible 490 bird species. (BLD)
Magashi Camp
Day 4. Akagera National Park
Rise early for another day of wildlife viewing. Guests are encouraged to become 'Citizen Scientists' and participate in movement studies and predator identikits. Search for the park's healthy lion population. Lions were reintroduced into the park in 2015 after a 20 year absence. Also look out for the black rhino which were reintroduced to the park in 2017. (BLD)
Magashi Camp
Day 5. Akagera National Park / Kigali
After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy your last game drive in Akagera, before returning to Kigali. Arrive in the capital in the afternoon and join a tour of this beautiful and amazing city. Gain a deep understanding of why Kigali is so special by visiting a local neighborhood market, participate in Imigongo art painting and taste the aromatic richness of the country's famous coffee. At your boutique hotel, you can relax and chat with the Retreat staff about the local and culinary arts in the city. The hotel has an innovative program training the nation's future leaders and works with farms and artisans to source local products. (BL)
The Retreat
Day 6. Kigali / Parc National des Volcans
Enjoy breakfast in Kigali. If you're looking to learn more about Rwanda's history, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Beautiful and serene rose gardens, as well as cascading fountains surround the center, providing a haven for those needing time to contemplate after their visit. A private transfer will take you to your enchanting mountain retreat. Relax in your Afro-chic luxury banda while appreciating the unique elevated scenes of two sparkling volcanic lakes and the park's volcanoes. (BLD)
Virunga Lodge
Day 7. Parc National des Volcans
Rise early to start your gorilla tracking through the enchanting bamboo forest. After a gentle climb, spend time quietly observing the endangered primates as they feed on the lush foliage and tend to each other with uncannily human-like mannerisms. Return to the lodge in time for a late lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. (BLD)
Virunga Lodge
Day 8. Parc National des Volcans
This journey also includes a trek to to see the endangered golden monkeys. Watch them as they playfully swing through the bamboo trees. Or choose from a variety of optional excursions on offer from the lodge. Take a guided walk to Lake Bulera to experience village life or follow in the footsteps of the late activist Dian Fossey on a full-day hike to visit her gravesite and the remains of her Karisoke Research Center. (BLD)
Virunga Lodge
Day 9. Parc National des Volcans / Depart
Travel back to Kigali. Enjoy lunch, and then transfer to the airport for your onward arrangements. (B)
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply .
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
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Add-Ons
Currently there are no add-ons for this tour
