Kigali international airport arrival  (assuming PM arrival)

Meet & Greet assistance from plane (visa and luggage assistance) (not inc. in Budget opt)

Our airport representatives will hand the guests over to their driver at the Arrivals hall

Airport transfer (approx. 20 minute transfer pending traffic)

Check-in to Kigali based overnight accommodation

Budget Option:  City Blue Urban (Standard garden room) or similar

Mid range Option: Hotel Mille Collines (Standard room) or similar

Mid high Option: Hotel Mille Colline (Junior suite room) or similar

High end Option: Serena Hotel Kigali (Superior Room) or similar

Luxury Option: Serena Hotel Kigali (Executive suite) or similar

Meals included today: NIL

*All room types & suggested accommodation are subject to availability at time of confirmation.

First stop this morning is a fantastic women’s community centre in a colourful part of Kigali.  These talented ladies offer walking tours of their local community as well as a chance for you to support them if you would like to purchase any of the gorgeous handicrafts they have made from traditional African fabrics (Kitenge).  This is a great way to get right in amongst the community and see what’s really going on and we always recommend this as an authentic introduction to the Rwandan culture.  Not many tourists are lucky enough to have this in their itinerary due to time restraints…. But we think this is just as important a visit to the memorial.

You will spend the morning with a local guide from the community who will show you around this vibrant neighbourhood and finish off the morning with a traditional vegetarian meal. This is an amazing opportunity to sample what we think is one of Kigali’s tasty home cooking and you will be having lunch at a member of the women’s co-operatives home (don’t worry it’s a purpose-built kitchen and Mama has been trained on safe food preparation as she does this for many foreign guests).

After lunch we head across town to pay our respects and learn what really happened during the dark days of Rwanda’s genocide. This memorial is one of many across the country but acts as the main information centre for visitors to the country. 

A comprehensive audio guides is included for up to 3 guests. For 4+ guests they offer guided group tours. The tour usually takes around two hours. Please note there is the option to take photos and video inside the memorial – this is not included in your package and should be paid at reception.

Day 2 continued..

Optional donations to support the amazing work the Ageis Trust continues to do for the survivors and the documentation of the genocide are welcomed at the centre, but not compulsory.  There is an on-site café with great cappuccinos as well as a gift store with books and items to purchase should you wish to do so.  Spend as little or as long as you like here, taking your time to learn about this sad part of the nations’ history and reflect on just how far they have come!

By around 3.30pm it’s time to transfer north to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 2 hr drive)

Check in at overnight accommodation:

Budget Option: Muhabura hotel (standard room) or similar

Mid range Option: Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (standard room) or similar

Mid high Option: Five Volcanoes (Deluxe double room) or similar

High end Option: Virunga lodge or similar

Luxury Option: Bisate lodge or similar

Meals included today:

Budget package: Breakfast and lunch only

Mid + packages: ALL ex drinks (High & Lux options inc house drinks)

Early breakfast and approximate 6.30am departure for Volcanoes NP HQ (approx. 30-45 minute drive)

7am arrival at Volcanoes NP HQ for sign-in and briefing

7.30/8am Gorilla trek briefing

8/9am Transfer to Gorilla trek start point

Post gorilla trek return to hotel for lunch (most groups return in time for lunch)

Day 3 continued…

Please advise if the clients have any health/fitness issues that may affect their ability to trek long distances, steep inclines, muddy trails and at altitude. For older clients or those with concerns/issues we can request at check-in that they are allocated a gorilla family that is located as close as possible – this usually means a return to their accommodation in time for lunch. Those who want adventure, are young and physically fit we can request the opposite but please note some guest have returned post 1800 in the evening. Generally we tell all guests to carry some snacks and definitely water in a day pack for their trek.

Post or pre-lunch Cultural Village experience – included in your client’s package:

Guests can see what life used to be like in Rwanda during the time of the King. Demonstrations in traditional medicine, hunting techniques, weaving, visit a replica King’s palace, learn about the customs and enjoy the traditional Rwandan music and dance with an amazing view of the Virunga Ranges in the background. All fees go directly to supporting this community some of whom were former poachers in Volcanoes National Park and now through your support they are the protectors of the Gorillas and national parks wildlife.

Other options to consider for your clients pre/post gorilla treks:

Dian Fossey Museum – entry by donation (Mon – Fri only)

A humble museum dedicated to the woman who started it all – Dian Fossey and her beloved Gorillas. A simple tribute but a short and convenient option for guests who are interested to learn more about Gorilla conservation.

Gorilla Doctor Speaker – POA – to be confirmed at time of booking

For groups interested in a special treat for their guests the night prior to their Gorilla trek, why not book this very unique opportunity to have a Gorilla Doctor come and speak with your group about Gorilla conservation in the region and their amazing work. A wonderful interactive encounter that is casual and at your hotel.

Return to same overnight accommodation option:

Budget Option: Muhabura hotel (standard room) or similar

Mid range Option: Mountain View Gorilla Lodge (Standard room) or similar

Mid high Option:  Five Volcanoes (Deluxe double room) or similar

High end Option: Virunga lodge or similar

Luxury Option: Bisate lodge or similar

Meals included today:

Budget package:  Breakfast only

Mid + packages: ALL ex drinks (High & Lux options inc house drinks)

Early breakfast, check-out and transfer to Volcanoes NP HQ around 6.15/6.30am

7am arrival for Golden Monkey trek briefing at same location as gorilla trek sign-in

Transfer to trek start point

Usually finished by lunchtime – transfer to nearby lodge for lunch and freshen up (Mid – Luxury options only).

Transfer to the lakeside town of Rubavu (also previously known as Gisenyi) (approx. 1 hr drive)

Approx 4pm transfer to start point for sunset kayak experience (approx. 1.5-2hr experience)

An easy level guided sunset experience on Lake Kivu where lucky guests have the opportunity to enjoy the singing fishermen in their traditional boats setting their evening nets.  Internationally accredited kayak guide, quality kayaks and life jackets supplied.

Check-in to overnight accommodation:

Budget Option: Inzu lodge (Safari tent – share facilities) or similar

Mid range Option: Paradis Malahide (standard room) or similar

Mid high Option: Kivu Serena hotel (Deluxe room) or similar

High end Option: Kivu Serena hotel (Superior room) or similar

Luxury Option: Kivu Serena hotel (Suite) or similar

Meals included today:

Budget package: Breakfast only

Mid + packages: Breakfast & lunch only

Post breakfast transfer to Kigali (approx. 4.5 hour drive)

For those with late night flights they have the option to stay longer and enjoy Lake Kivu over lunch (not included)

We recommend flights departing no earlier than 18.00 to allow for traffic and delays – unless client depart Lake Kivu prior to 10am check out.

Meals included today: Breakfast and lunch only (Breakfast only for budget package)