DAY 1
Arrive in kigali, rwanda
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and welcomed by our representative outside the customs and immigration hall, who will assist with immigration procedures. A transfer will take you to your city accommodation. You will check-in followed by dinner and an overnight stay at The Retreat.
DAY 2
kigali city tour and drive to volcanoes national park
After enjoying breakfast at the Hotel, you will then begin an illuminating city tour.
Visit the Genocide Memorial located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum started by a partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The center 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. Optional Question Coffee Master Class. Here in the heart of coffee country, we invite you to learn how Rwanda’s world-class coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, brewed and served. Guests will pick coffee cherries straight from the trees in our coffee garden, then experience the transformation from seed to cup, including smelling, tasting and making your very own coffee blend that you can take home! A master class is $70 per person.
Visit a local Art Gallery in Kigali and get infused with the contemporary pieces and style of Rwandan Artist. You may be inspired to purchase some art as a souvenir or just simply enjoy the work of local artists.
You will then have a fashion tour. Start your fashion tour in Kigali visiting Moshions a Rwandan clothing store, fashion house and brand that designs apparel and accessories. House of Tayo. Another Rwandan designer that specializes in Men’s wear, bespoke suits focusing on African Sophistication, Style & Flavor through locally made clothing & accessories through unique products. Conclude it with a visit to Haute Baso, an ethical lifestyle brand for the modern individual looking for thoughtful, simple and functional designs. You will have lunch and proceed to your accommodation in Volcanoes National Park.
DAY 3
First gorilla trekking
You will have a morning call at around 05:30am before meeting at the main dining area at 06:00am for breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed Rwandan coffee. 06:45am depart for the Trekking Headquarters at Volcanoes National Park (20-minute drive), on arrival: Coffee will be served, while your driver guide secures your spots with specific gorilla families (selecting the most suitable family depending on the group’s requirements – there are however no guarantees).
You will then gather in a group with the Volcanoes National Park Guide for a detailed briefing. At 8:00am, vehicles will depart to the various trailheads for a 15-minute to one-hour drive – depending on the gorilla family each group has been allocated. At the start of the trailhead, you will be allocated a porter to assist with carrying bags and navigating challenging terrain, (this is recommended). Cash is required to pay the porters (the minimum amount is USD 10). The time that it takes to reach the gorilla family varies and can be anything from 30 minutes to 3-4 hours, and treks reach an altitude from 2,500-4,000m.
The gorilla-trekking terrain varies from farmlands to thick bushes closer to the Park boundary, and visitors may be allocated to a gorilla family who is on the move – which could make their trek longer. This may at times require navigating a path through dense vegetation, which can be slippery. There are also stinging nettles, which is why we recommend packing gloves and gators to be used during Gorilla trekking.
DAY 4
Second gorilla trekking
Breakfast precedes the day, and just like yesterday, you will drive to park headquarters for safety briefing at 07:00am. Once you decide what level of trekking you are interested in, you will then transfer straight to the hiking point and with the accompaniment of a ranger and porters if you choose to take any, you will start your hike.
Warm clothing is required as well as walking/hiking boots, a hat and lightweight poncho/raincoat. Garden gloves, to avoid stinging nettles, and gaitors, are recommended. After a most memorable experience encountering these creatures, you will return to the lodge for lunch. You may stop at the Ellen Campus Diane Fossey Foundation for a visit at $20 each.
DAY 4
Optional golden monkey trekking and drive back to kigali
Today morning you will enjoy either a leisurely breakfast or opt for a Golden Monkey trekking. Trekking to see the Golden Monkeys is not as strenuous as the other hikes in the park. The Golden Monkey (Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti) is a local subspecies of the widespread Sykes Monkey, also known as the ‘Blue Monkey’ and is endemic to the high altitude forests. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor. There are two habituated groups of Golden Monkey, one group comprises around 80 – 100 members, with its home at the foot of Mount Sabyinyo. You will then return to the accommodation where you will freshen up, have lunch and depart to Kigali.
Tour Inclusions
- Meet and greet on arrival & departure
- Private Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day
- Stays at hotels/lodges & meals mentioned in the program
- Exclusive use of a safari land cruiser 4×4 with WIFI where receptive and pop up roof
- Services of a professional, experienced English speaking driver guide
- All drinks except premium brands at One&Only Gorillas Nest
- Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
- 2 Gorilla trekking permits per person
- All activities, visits and extra meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Services
- Genocide Memorial entrance fee
- Our assistance
Tour Exclusions
- International airline tickets
- Entry visa fees – $ 50.- pp
- 20$ Entrance fee to Diane Fossey Foundation
- 100$ per person Golden Monkey trekking
- Optional extras whilst in Kigali
- Premium alcoholic drinks at One&Only Gorillas Nest
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.