Green heart of Africa

Day 1: Kigali
Today you will arrive at Kigali International Airport. You will be welcomed by a representative who will transfer you to Kigali Serena Hotel for an overnight.

Day 2: Drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will go for a city tour of Kigali where you will be able to visit the genocide museum. Then drive to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park crossing the border of Rwanda and Uganda. The Forest is home to the endangered Mountain Gorillas usually referred to as Gentle Giants. You will have time enough to rest as you prepare for the next day’s activity. Dinner and overnight at Mount Gahinga Lodge.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast with your packed lunch, your guide will drive you to the park headquarters for a briefing about the dos and don’ts during your gorilla trekking. Your gorilla family tracking will start immediately after the briefing. This is a memorable and amazing experience watching the Mountain gorillas feed, play around, and also do their day-to-day activities. This activity can take 2 hours or even up to 8 hours since it's dependent on the location and movement of the gorillas. You should expect to walk long distances in muddy and steep conditions- this will require you to have a walking stick. On meeting the gorillas, you will spend one hour with them as you take photos. Later, trek back to the park headquarters to pick your certificates and return back to Mount Gahinga Lodge.

Day 4: Drive to Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda
After breakfast, you will start your journey to Volcanoes National Park Laying in north-western Rwanda. It is also well-known as a haven for the rare and endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The journey goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that show much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. Once you have settled in, you will go for a cultural visit where you will get to participate in cultural dance and learn about the ways of living of the local communities. Dinner and overnight at Bishop's House.

Day 5: Optional activities – Drive to Lake Kivu
Today you will choose among the different optional activities one can engage in while at Volcanoes National Park. These include; Gorilla Trekking; Tracking the Gorillas is often referred to as a life-changing experience. Seeing the Gorillas in their natural habitats is truly an amazing experience. After breakfast, your guide will drive you to the park headquarters for a briefing about the dos and don’ts during your gorilla trekking. The tracking will start immediately after the briefing. This is a memorable and amazing experience watching the Mountain gorillas feed, play around, and also do their day-to-day activities. Dian Fossey Hike; Trekking to the Dian Fossey Tomb is one of the most sought-after safari activities carried out while visiting Volcanoes National Park. Dian Fossey was a primatologist who founded the Karisoke Research Centre in 1967 and studied the Mountain Gorillas for 18 years. She was unfortunately murdered from her secluded mountain home and was buried beside one of her favorite Gorillas that she had worked tirelessly to protect. Golden Monkey trekking; The Golden Monkeys are a species of a Widespread Skyes Monkey also known as the Blue Monkey. They are beautiful to look at mainly because of their colors. These are also endangered species that are exclusive to the Virunga Mountain ranges. Hike Mt. Bisoke; It stands at an elevation of approximately (3711m). The mountain has a massive crater lake at the summit. It is relatively strenuous but absolutely achievable even for inexperienced hikers or climbers, requiring some basic fitness. At the summit, the view of the crater lake is amazing. On average the hike takes a total of 6 hours, 4 hours going up and 2 hours coming down. Thereafter you will drive to Lake Kivu for an overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.

Note: Gorilla trekking is booked in advance because it is dependent on permits availability. 

 
Day 6: Lake Kivu - Kigali International Airport
After breakfast, you will have a boat ride on Lake Kivu which is the largest of all freshwater lakes in Rwanda. Cruising on this beautiful and peaceful lake is indeed a journey back in time. Lake Kivu, a significant part of the Great Rift Valley and contains numerous islands of varying sizes. You will enjoy sweeping views over the blue waters and the steep terraced hills. You will also have a fulfilling glance at the rural areas that surround the lake. The tranquillity will make you relax beyond your expectations. Thereafter, you will drive back to Kigali to arrive in time for your evening departure flight.