Your driver/guide shall be at Kigali Airport to pick you up from your flight. Depending on your arrival time you may be able to visit some of Kigali’s craft markets to browse amongst the pottery, carvings, batik, weaving, sculpture, musical instruments, leather and fabrics on offer. Prepare to use your haggling skills! All activities and purchases today are at your own cost. Your accommodation is in the leafy suburbs of Kigali where you’ll find the simple but clean Step Town Motel.
Day 2: Visit Nyamata Church and the Genocide Memorial
Early morning drive south of Kigali, through beautiful countryside seldom visited by tourists. In the small town Nyamata and visit a genocide memorial church. The Bugesera district was one of the area’s most devastated by the genocide. From a population of 62,000, only 2,000 survived. At the Nyamata Catholic Church, 10.000 people were killed in and around the grounds between over 5 days.
After the visit, you will head back to Kigali to visit the Genocide Memorial and Education Centre, which opened in 2004. It’s a dignified tribute to the victims, including a poignant Children’s Memorial, and a detailed description of the darkest hour in Rwanda’s recent history.bed and breakfast at Step Town Motel.
Day 3: Travel to Nyungwe Forest
Set off towards the famous Nyungwe Forest, one of the largest forests in East and Central Africa. The forest is abundant with flora and fauna including 13 primate species from colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys and, of course, our cousins the chimpanzees. Nyungwe Forest is also a famous location for birders. With about 310 recorded bird species, 26 of which are endemic, this is one of the most important – and still little known – bird-watching destinations in Africa. In the evening, you will settle into your room at the Gisakura Guesthouse where you’ll have the option of eating in the on-site dining room.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking
After a very early morning start, you shall proceed to the chimp tracking trail in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sections. The total population between the two groups is a healthy 80 individuals. This exciting up-close encounter with human’s closest relative you will not soon forget. After the chimp tracking you can relax at the Lodge.
Day 5: Forest Canopy and Waterfall Hike
You shall go for East Africa’s only canopy walk. This walk takes place above a deep gorge cutting across the massive forest. Lasting about 1½ hours, the walk takes you through some beautiful foliage and animal habitats and you’ll have the chance to spot blue monkeys and unique birds that dwell in the upper levels of the forest canopy.
In the afternoon, go for waterfall hike. The trail begins from Gisakura Guesthouse and takes between 3 and 6 hours round trip, depending upon how frequently you stop to sightsee and whether you choose to drive or walk from the guesthouse. The first part of the trail is basically following the road to the vehicle park and before delving into the forest. Monkeys are frequently seen along the way and the steep slopes provide excellent views into the canopy. Bed and Breakfast at Gisakura Guesthouse.
Day 6: Journey to Kibuye on Lake Kivu
After a relaxed breakfast you shall travel to Kibuye on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu. Time allowing, you can visit the Ndaba Falls or take a walk around Kibuye town. In the afternoon you can you can rent a boat and visit a few islands. All activities are at your own cost.
Your accommodation for the night is at the beautifully situated Bethanie Guesthouse breakfast inclusive which features excellent views and a well-reputed restaurant serving a full menu and cold drinks.
Day 7: To Gisenyi
You shall continue along the scenic Lake Kivu coast winding through valleys and small villages to the northern town of Gisenyi just next to the border with DR Congo.
In the afternoon you can visit the local market, see the day-to-day life of the people, have a local lunch at Auberge de Gisenyi or Bistro Restaurant. Boat tours on Lake Kivu are also possible. Breakfast at Inzu lodge.
Day 8: To the Parc des Volcanoes
Today you shall drive northeast to the town of Musanze close to the Virunga Volcano range. This beautiful area represents the gateway to the gorilla tracking. Your hotel is located in the heart of town and makes an ideal choice for the budget traveller. Bed and Breakfast at Hotel Muhabura.
Day 9: Gorilla Tracking
You’ll have an early start for this special day. From the lodge, you drive into the park about 30 minutes to the Office Rwandais du Tourisme et Des Parc Nationaux (ORTPN). The head ranger of the ORTPN will divide you into groups based on interest and fitness. The gorillas you will track belong to one of seven habituated family groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. Your track will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gorillas’ current location. En-route, your guide will point out signs of previous Gorilla activity, including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. The time taken to track the gorillas can take as little as half an hour to as much as 8 hours! Once the gorillas have been located, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Hotel Muhabura on (BB).
Day 10: Back to Kigali
After a relaxed breakfast you shall be transferred by your driver/guide back to Kigali in time to catch your flight back home.
