Kigali, Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across undulating lush hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 metres above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is definitely worth a visit.

Day Itinerary

• TBA: Proposed arrival flight time in to Kigali

• TBA: VIP meet & greet through immigration procedures.

• TBA: Pick up from Kigali International Airport for a 25 minutes transfer to Kigali Serena Hotel.

• TBA: Arrival at Serena for Check in.

• TBA: Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel

Ideally located on one of Kigali’s most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, the hotel centres on the Executive Lounge and Bar, which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool, the popular Milima Restaurant offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, while the relaxed Sokoni Café offers inside and outside poolside seating. The capital’s natural business hub, the hotel also boasts its own extensive conference centre, 500-seater auditorium and lavish ballroom. The hotel features 148 rooms.

Guests can choose from a selection of 60 Standard Rooms, 37 Superior Rooms, 19 Deluxe Rooms, 18 Junior Suites, 7 Prime Rooms, 6 Executive Suites and a luxury Presidential Suite. In-room facilities include 24 hour room service, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities, mini fridge, hair dryer, private safe and a flat screen satellite TV.

Basis

Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Volcanoes National Park

Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience a face to face encounter with these intriguing creatures. The park is set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Highly regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main draw card, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, visiting the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey and the Karisoke Research Centre, and enjoying a beautiful day hike to the Crater Lake on Mount Bisoke.

Day Itinerary

• 0800: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.

• 0830: Depart for Kigali Genocide memorial centre.

• 1000: Visit the Genocide memorial centre.

• 1130: Transfer to Volcanoes. Travel time 2.5hrs.

• 1330: Arrival at One & Only Gorillas Nest Lodge.

• 1350: Lunch for the day and spend the rest of the afternoon on relaxation.

• 1500: The rest of the afternoon is for relaxation around the lodge.

• 1800: Dinner and overnight stay at the One &Only Gorillas Nest Lodge.

Overnight: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Located in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest is an excellent option for a nature vacation. The surrounding area offers attractions and activities such as embarking on a safari in the National Park and gorilla spotting in their natural habitat. The hotel features a selection of comfortably furnished rooms and suites to ensure guests enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable stay.

The elegant suites and lodges are decorated in a modern African style and feature beautiful views of the natural surrounding as well as amenities such as minibars, internet access, TVs, dining areas and spacious bathrooms with nature views. At the Nest restaurant, guests can get a taste of delicious Rwandan cuisine made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Guests can also relax with a drink at the bar which serves a variety of beverages.

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Activities

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The centre is an extremely moving, challenging, educational and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy and successful rebuilding post-genocide.

The memorial hosts a tour which is transparent and educational but very sombre and humbling when guests realise that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.

Day Itinerary

• 0600: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.

• 0630: Transfer to the park headquarters for gorilla trekking briefing.

• 0800: Start the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

• 1200: Estimated time of returning from the jungle.

• 1230: Transfer back to the Lodge.

• 1300: Lunch at the Lodge.

• 1500: Visit to Iby’ Iwacu cultural village.

• 1800: Dinner and overnight stay at the One &Only Gorillas Nest Lodge.

Activities

Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

Iby ‘Iwacu Cultural Village

Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity of discovering the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by a guide and two scouts who are well trained in emergency situations. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some taking the better part of the day.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Offering an adventurous stay in a traditional rural, Rwandan village that has existed for centuries living with and next to mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcaneos. Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village gives you a rare chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of our culture and traditions. The community you visit will genuinely welcome you as a special guest while they proudly present to you aspects of their traditions and beliefs. This will truly be an experience of a lifetime as you home stay with the community and become part of their family

Basis

Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day Itinerary

• 0600: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.

• 0630: Transfer to the park headquarters for the golden monkey trekking briefing.

• 0800: Start Golden monkey trek.

• 1130: Estimated time of returning from the jungle.

• 1200: Lunch at the Lodge.

• 1330: Drive back to Kigali

• 1700: Estimated time of arrival in Kigali and transfer to the airport.

• 1800: End of service

Activities

RDB Golden Monkey Tracking Located in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, RDB Golden Monkey Tracking offers visitors a unique experience of catching a glimpse of the endangered Golden Monkey. These striking primates with their bright orange fur contrasting the green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains is a photographers dream. The Golden Monkey can be found in very few places outside of Volcanoes National Park, and their vibrant colours, energetic demeanour, and sizeable troupes of up to 30 individuals are indeed a sight to behold.

Basis

Breakfast & Lunch