Explore Rwanda

On arrival from an overnight flight from the UK or Europe, we feel it is best just to relax in the warmth of Kigali and perhaps take a stroll around the friendly city. It is an easy going capital spread over several hills. The following morning heads off east to Akagera National Park. The game lodge here (there is only one lodge at present) sits on a ridge with wonderful views over Lake Ihema to the escarpment on the Tanzanian border. There will be plenty of time to see the wildlife with an evening safari and a full day safari towards the northern end of the park past other pretty lakes. There is a wide diversity of habitats here which make this park special and numbers of savannah plains animals are rapidly increasing. For birders it is possible to see rarities such as shoebill stork and papyrus gonalek.

Returning to Kigali you will have a private guided sightseeing tour which can include the genocide memorial and museum to help you understand a little of what this country went through in 1994. The following morning is a very pretty drive down to Nyungwe Forest, now designated a National Park, it is one of the prettiest forests we have visited. Here you can track chimps or go in search of troups up to 400 strong of colobus monkeys. Your night will be spent in simple accommodation belonging to the park authorities on the edge of a tea plantation. The tea here is of excellent quality! Next, you have the adventure of taking a fast boat about half way up Lake Kivu from the southern port of Cyangugu to the pretty town of Kibuye. The following day is a journey through what is described as 'Switzerland of Rwanda', a very picturesque and hilly part of the country. The road is rough but it makes for a lovely drive to Gisenyi at the top of Lake Kivu. The very good Kivu Sun hotel here is your night's rest on the lakeshore.

We have left perhaps the highlight of the trip to last and today you will transfer about 1.5h to Ruhengeri for gorilla tracking this morning. Volcanoes National Park consists of several dormant volcanoes whose slopes are covered by bamboo forests with vegetative clearings, ideal for gorillas and for viewing them as they often rest in the clearings. You should be aware that you may be trekking up to around 3000m although with the time now spent in the country you will be reasonably well acclimatized. There is just time to see the pretty lakes nearby in the afternoon before returning to the centrally located capital for your departure.

June - October

Highlight species

	Lion
	Elephant
	White rhinoceros
	Chimpanzee
	Mountain gorilla

Key species

Cost from £

Please contact us for a cost for when you wish to travel.

Departure Dates

Any date to your requirements

Difficulty

Potentially steep and muddy trails to see chimpanzees and gorillas. These can make primate trekking strenuous.

Flights

Direct flights from the UK on Rwandair. Alternative airlines via hubs in Europe or with Kenya Airways via Nairobi

Time

GMT +2 hours

Consider crossing into Uganda for further treks for gorillas. Head to the Indian Ocean either on the Kenya or Tanzania coasts.