10-DAY RWANDA HIGHLIGHTS

The driver shall be at Kigali Airport to pick you up from your flight. Depending on your arrival time you may be able to visit some of Kigali’s craft markets to browse amongst the pottery, carvings, batik, weaving, sculpture, musical instruments, leather and fabrics on offer. Prepare to use your haggling skills! All activities and purchases today are at your own cost. You will sleep at a comfortable hotel located in a quiet subburb of Kigali. Journey Time 15 minutes from airport Accommodation Heaven Boutique Hotel - Villa Queen room Meal Plan No meals inclusive today

After a relaxed breakfast, you head to Akagera National Park. Akagera National Park covers 2500 km² of savannah west of the Kagera River, in the north-east of Rwanda. The park has a variety of wildlife and is a habitat for over 500 different species of birds. Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes, while you might stumble across a leopard, a spotted hyena or even a lion. Giraffe and zebra haunt the savannah, and more than a dozen types of antelope inhabit the park. You will have lunch (exclusive) and in the afternoon you will go for a long game drive in the national park. You will stay at the Akagera Game lodge where you will have a nice hot meal in the evening. Journey Time 3 hours Accommodation Akagera Game lodge Meal Plan Breakfast & Dinner

This morning you go for a boat safari on the Akagera River to spot the many waterbirds like Cormorans, Fish eagles and kingfishers. It is then time to head back to Kigali After lunch you will drive to the Bugesera district, south of Kigali, through a beautiful country-side not often visited by tourists. In the small town Nyamata you will visit a genocide memorial church. You shall then head back for Kigali where you shall visit the Genocide Memorial in the city centre to learn more about this tragedy. Journey Time 3 hours to Kigali, 1 hour to Nyamata church Accommodation Heaven Boutique Hotel- Villa Queen room Meal Plan Breakfast

Today, you will set off towards the famous Nyungwe Forest, one of the largest forests in East and Central Africa. The forest is abundant with flora and fauna including 13 primate species from colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys and, of course, our cousins the chimpanzees. Nyungwe Forest is also a famous location for birders. With about 310 recorded bird species, 26 of which are endemic, this is one of the most important - and still little known - bird-watching destinations in Africa. In the way you will have lunch in Butare (exclusive). You'll be staying at a very nice lodge located on top of a small hill near Nyungwe Forest. Journey Time 6 hours Accommodation Top Hill view lodge Meal Plan Breakfast, dinner

After a very early morning start, you shall proceed to the chimpanzee trekking trail in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sections. The total population between the two groups is a healthy 80 individuals. This exciting up-close encounter with human's closest relative you will not soon forget. After the chimp tracking you can relax at the lodge or choose an optional activity that you can discuss with your guide. Journey Time 1 - 2 hours each way Accommodation Top Hill View Hotel Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional activity Canopy walk: US$ 60 per person You can choose to go for East Africa’s only canopy walk. This walk takes place above a deep gorge cutting across the massive forest. Lasting about 1½ hours, the walk takes you through some beautiful foliage and animal habitats and you'll have the chance to spot blue monkeys and unique birds that dwell in the upper levels of the forest canopy In the afternoon, you will do the exciting waterfall hike to explore the beautiful nature of Nyungwe forest. In the afternoon you will go for the Waterfall hike. This hike takes between 3 and 6 hours round trip, depending upon how frequently you stop to sightsee and whether you choose to drive a little further or walk from the ORTPN offices. The first part of the trail is basically following the road to the vehicle park and before delving into the forest. You will have to cross various streams before making a steep descent to the base of the small, refreshing waterfall. Monkeys are frequently seen along the way and the steep slopes provide excellent views into the canopy. After the trail, you return back to the Top View Hotel. Journey Time 45 minutes each way Accommodation Top Hill View Hotel Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a relaxed breakfast you will travel to Kibuye on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu. Time allowing, you can visit the Ndaba Falls or take a walk around Kibuye town. In the afternoon you can you can rent a boat and visit a few islands. All activities today are at your own cost. Journey Time 3-4 hours Accommodation Rwiza Village Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Upgrade: Rwiza Village is a basic accommodation build on a beautiful place in traditional african style and great service. We choose this lodge because of these reasons. However it is possible to upgrade to a more luxury accommodation Moriah Hill resort. All rooms have a balcony overlooking the lake. Sign up for this upgrade with your booking.

Today you shall drive northeast to the town of Musanze close to the Virunga Volcano range. This beautiful area represents the gateway to the gorilla tracking. Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge is situated on the edge of the the town. The spacious rooms give you a homely feeling. In the evening, enjoy a camp fire and some entertainment from some local dance groups. Journey Time 4 hours Accommodation Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge Meal Plan Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Rise early! From the lodge, you drive into the park about 30 minutes to the Office Rwandais du Tourisme et Des Parc Nationaux (ORTPN). The head ranger of the ORTPN will divide you into groups based on interest and fitness. From the ORTPN office your driver/guide will take you as close as possible to the starting point of your tracking. You will track the Gorillas of one of the habituated groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. Prepare for an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gorillas. Your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity, including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. The time taken to track the gorillas can take as little as half an hour to as much as 8 hours! Once located, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour with the gorillas. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic and privileged opportunity to get up close and personal with Rwanda’s own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’. Journey Time 30 minutes by car, tracking time varies Accommodation Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge Meal Plan Breakfast, packed lunch, Dinner

Today after a relaxed breakfast you will be transferred by your driver/guide back to Kigali in time to catch your flight back home. Sadly, this is where you say goodbye to Rwanda. Note: This is only possible when your flight departs from Kigali at 3 p.m. or later. If you need another night in Kigali, we will be happy to make a booking for you. Journey Time 2,5 hours Accommodation Not included Meal Plan Breakfast For more information on rates and conditions of this 10-Day Midrange Tour Rwanda, Contact Us.