Day 01: Arrive Kigali

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, we are greeted by our safari driver. Driving into the city, we will be briefed about the country and its people. Rwanda was once part of German East Africa, and after World War I, it became a mandated territory under the League of Nations administered by Belgium. As a result, French was widely spoken, and now English is too, alongside the Bantu languages of Kinyarwanda and Kiswahili. This linguistic diversity reflects Rwanda's rich cultural and ethnic mosaic, home to several groups, including the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa.

Our hotel stay for the night is at the famous Hotel des Mille Collines, also known as the Hotel Rwanda. This hotel gained international recognition through the movie of the same name, which highlighted the role the hotel played as a shelter during the 1994 genocide. Today, the hotel stands as a museum of sorts, including photos.

Overnight: Hotel des Milles Collines, Kigali (1 night)

Day 02: Kigali/Volcanoes National Park (Drive)

After breakfast, we visit the 1994 Genocide Museum and the Nyamata and Ntarama genocide memorial grounds. While this marks a tragic chapter in Rwanda’s history, the resilience and progress of its people have transformed it into the beautiful and peaceful country it is today. We enjoy a lunch of Kigali cuisine at a local restaurant.

Next, we embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, featuring lush rainforests. The park is home to five of the eight volcanoes comprising the Virunga Mountains, a region of immense ecological and cultural significance. This mountain range is one of the last refuges of the endangered mountain gorillas and plays a critical role in their conservation. It is also part of the Albertine Rift, one of Africa’s most biodiverse areas, known for its unique ecosystems and extraordinary species diversity.

Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury) or Ingagi Park View Lodge (Mid-range), Volcanoes National Park (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 03: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

A very early morning breakfast, and we are driven to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park authorities. Along with our packed box lunch, we are now set to encounter these unique primates. Gorilla trekking is not just a thrilling adventure but a deeply meaningful experience, as it directly contributes to the conservation of these endangered creatures and supports local communities.

After the briefing, we embark on the trek, guided by experienced park rangers. When we finally come face-to-face with a gorilla family, the experience is nothing short of magical. Observing their behaviors—whether it’s the playful antics of young gorillas, the nurturing interactions of mothers, or the commanding presence of the silverback—is profoundly moving. Spending up to an hour in their presence offers a rare window into the lives of these magnificent creatures, a moment many describe as life-changing.

On a gorilla safari, a reasonable degree of fitness is required, along with comfortable walking shoes, bug repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. The trekking experience can take 2–6 hours, depending on the movements of the primates and the trekking group you are placed in (generally allocated based on physical ability in groups of up to 8 people).

After a hot lunch at the lodge, the afternoon is free to join one of the many optional activities. Contact us to arrange a visit to Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Campus, Dian Fossey Gorilla Center, where we can discover the legacy of this legendary primatologist, or Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, to be immersed in Rwandan traditions. (B, L, D)

Day 04: Volcanoes National Park/Depart Kigali (Drive)

After a relaxing morning, return to Kigali to connect with your onward flight (should be booked for after 3 PM). Optional addition of a Golden Monkey trekking experience if you have a late night flight departure on this day, or would like to spend an extra night in Kigali. These unique and vibrant primates are found only in the Virunga Mountains, and are a pleasure to watch. Contact us for details. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 2 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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