Discover Rwanda
Rwanda
10 days from $26,345 per person
* Based on double occupancy, incl. taxes & fuel surcharges, restrictions apply.
Indulge in an extraordinary journey through the enchanting land of a thousand hills. From the moment you arrive, be embraced by the warm hospitality of the Rwandan people with a Platinum Airport experience. Prepare to be captivated as you traverse the vast open plains, serene woodlands, and glistening lakes of the prestigious Akagera National Park. Finally, witness nature's most majestic spectacle, where true elegance meets untamed wilderness, in the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park, home to the magnificent mountain gorillas.
Travel between November 2023 – May 2024 and save 30% on the first gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Savings on the permits will be applied at the time of reservation and are not reflected in the pricing rates.
How Your Trip Matters
This journey combines two iconic African experiences - safari and gorilla treks - while leaving a positive lasting legacy in Rwanda.
Highlights
Explore the land of a thousand hills and its magnificent mountains.
Discover how planting a tree leaves a lasting legacy in Rwanda.
Experience a fascinating walk through a tea plantation and learn what makes the perfect cup of tea.
Enjoy epic panoramic views from a scenic helicopter flight.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences chosen with great care based on the positive social or environmental impact they have both on their communities, and on those who experience them our guests. You can identify these experiences across our trips by locating the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience seal.
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. Bisate Lodge
Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park
Bisate Lodge lies in the natural amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone. The word bisate means ‘pieces’ in Kinyarwanda, describing how the cone was once whole but worn away by natural erosion. The area has dramatic views of the volcano peaks of Bisoke and Karisimbi, rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests. The lodge’s spherical thatched structures echo the thousands of hills that dot the Rwandan, landscape, while the richly detailed interior exhibits surfaces and screens made from a variety of woven materials with strong resonance in Rwandan culture. Each of the six forest villas consists of a generous, yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and bathroom, featuring an indoor shower, bathtub and double vanity with separate toilet. All warmed by a central fireplace with breath taking views out across a private deck. Complimentary wireless internet connection is available in the villas only. Bisate is within easy driving distance of the Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival, experience the epitome of luxury with a VIP Meet & Greet and assistance through security. As you step into your luxury vehicle, you will be whisked away to your hotel, Kigali's first eco-friendly and solar-powered resort.
Delve into a Rwandan culinary extravaganza! Taste the local fruits at a farmers market, and look for special ingredients needed to create modern African recipes. Enjoy the hands-on experience of making Rwandan banana beer (urwagwa), and participate in a private cooking class with Kigali's future hospitality leaders featuring some local signature recipes.
The Retreat
Day 2. Kigali
Embark on a day of cultural immersion and treat your palate to The Retreat Culinary experience, an exquisite journey through Rwanda's gastronomic delights. Explore a bustling farmers market, where you'll discover an array of local fruits and vibrant ingredients for modern African recipes. (BLD)
Visit the Nyamirambo Women's Center and delve into the vibrant community and witness the inspiring work of this women's sewing cooperative. Engage with talented artisans, learn about their craft, and support their empowering journey.
The Retreat
Day 3. Kigali / Akagera National Park
Set off on a scenic road journey to your luxurious tented camp nestled within the vast expanse of Akagera National Park, renowned as central Africa's largest protected wetland. Prepare for an extraordinary wildlife adventure as you encounter a diverse array of plains game, predators, primates, and magnificent bird species.
Magashi Camp
Day 4. Akagera National Park
Rise early and get ready for an exhilarating day of unforgettable wildlife encounters. Set off on a thrilling game drive, keeping your eyes peeled for majestic buffalo, elusive leopards, magnificent elephants, graceful giraffes, spotted hyenas, zebra herds, and the elegant eland. Join the Lion Tracking Conservation Project and actively participate in monitoring the local lion population, playing a vital role in preserving the park's biodiversity. Help track and identify individual lions using identikits, becoming a crucial guardian of these iconic species. (BLD)
Join the Lion Tracking Conservation Project and actively participate in monitoring the local lion population, playing a vital role in preserving the park's biodiversity. Help track and identify individual lions using identikits, becoming a crucial guardian of these iconic species
Magashi Camp
Day 5. Akagera National Park
Discover the captivating beauty of Lake Rwanyakazinga on a boating safari, where the elusive shoebill and a myriad of diverse bird species await. Try your hand at catch-and-release fishing, as a shy sitatunga silently observes your angling skills. If luck is on your side, you may even witness the majestic sight of elephants bathing in the calm waters near the camp. As the day winds down, gather around a roaring fire for a traditional Kugisha supper, sharing stories, laughter, and forging deep connections with friends, both old and new. (BLD)
Magashi Camp
Day 6. Akagera National Park / Volcanoes National Park
Whispers of "they are close" fill the air, and suddenly, an enormous mountain gorilla stands before you. Lock eyes with these incredible creatures in an unforgettable experience. Explore the romantic Virunga Mountains, home to ten gorilla families. Traverse rainforests and bamboo-covered slopes with expert rangers. Witness gorillas forage, play, and rest, mirroring our own behavior. The trek may be challenging, but the reward of encountering these extraordinary creatures is priceless. (BLD)
Bisate Lodge
Day 7. Volcanoes National Park
Don your gaiters and gear as you hike into the mountains for a second exhilarating gorilla trek. Fatigue dissipates as you glimpse the gorillas foraging and moving through the forest. Witness their grace up close, forging deeper connections with these majestic creatures. (BLD)
Bisate Lodge
Day 8. Volcanoes National Park
Savor your final day in Volcanoes National Park with a trek to witness the endangered golden monkeys. Be enchanted by their playful antics as they swing through bamboo trees, a spectacle of pure joy. Continue your journey with a visit to the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Immerse yourself in the legacy of Dian Fossey, a renowned conservationist, and learn about the ongoing efforts to protect gorillas and their habitats. Gain deeper insights into the vital work being done to ensure the survival of these incredible creatures. (BLD)
Bisate Lodge
Day 9. Volcanoes National Park
Don your gaiters and gear and get ready to hike into the mountains. All fatigue melts away as you capture your first glimpse of the gorillas as they forage and move through the forest. (BLD)
Join one of Bisate agronomists who will show you around the tree nursery and help you plant a sapling as part of Bisate's visionary reforestation project. Included is a visit to the Bamboo Greenhouse to see the lodge's greater indigenous tree nursery efforts.
Bisate Lodge
Day 10. Volcanoes National Park / Kigali
Return to Kigali in time for your international departure flight. (B)
Pricing
Land Arrangements (Price per person)
**Surcharges Apply Single Supplement available on request. Please contact African Travel, Inc. or your favorite travel advisor.
Air Arrangements (Internal Airfare)
No internal air is required for this itinerary.
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