7 Day Rwanda’s big 5 & gorillas

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed to a VIP lounge while we clear your luggage through immigration. You will thereafter meet a D-Guide Travels representative for a short briefing and trip introduction and then transfer on an approx 15min drive to Kigali Marriott Hotel for check in. Dinner on own arrangement, though we are happy to recommend a nearby restaurant depending on your arrival time.

Overnight at The Kigali Marriott Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

Experience Rwanda’s capital from Kigali Marriott Hotel, conveniently located near the Nyarugenge financial district and the Kigali Convention Center. Set in the vibrant heart of Kigali, our impeccable luxury hotel provides spacious, modern accommodations with deluxe amenities and premium services.

The next morning you will embark on an approx 3hrs scenic drive to Akagera National Park where you will spend your next 2 nights with animal sightings in the wild at Magashi Classic Camp or Ruzizi Tented Lodge

With superb views over Lake Rwanyakazinga set in the idyllic sanctuary of Akagera National Park, Magashi Camp is premium and a one-of-a-kind setting in Rwanda located in its own private concession area. No other camp can be found in this vast expanse of beautiful wilderness teaming with hippo, crocodile, a plethora of birds, etc.

Located on the banks of Lake Ihema, Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge approximately 6 km from the park reception. Its nine tents are set back from Ihema’s serene shores and hidden among swaying palms and fruiting fig trees. Outstanding wooden walkways lead to a stunning deck that hangs over the lake and it contains a central fire pit and is the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee or to capture a perfect sunset view.

Have an early breakfast, after which you embark on a morning game drive in Akagera National Park and other days’ activities by the Camp. For the two full days, you will enjoy viewing many animals such as elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and antelopes that frequent the open plains within the park with chances to view the big cats of the Park.

You will depart the Akagera Park after significant drives through the savanna wetland in search of animals and would be in definite need of some rest and refreshment within Kigali before embarking on the next volcanoes adventure. Experience a Kigali nightlife by visiting some of the most vibrant restaurants and bars providing the most panoramic city views and vibes. Some sightings might make you hardly believe you are in an African Country. You will stay overnight at The Kigali Marriott Hotel.

After breakfast, you will check out and embark on a 3hr scenic drive to the Volcanoes. Stop by the Ellen degeneres Campus and Dian Fossey Research Center, for a basic understanding of Rwanda’s Conservation efforts and safeguarded Mountain Gorillas from Dian Fossey’s Conservation Legacy. The Campus has a 360 theater that provides a glimpse on what a Gorilla day looks like.

You will then carry on to your Hotel by the volcanoes, which will be your home for the
next 2nights.

4 Recommended accommodation options among others:

Singita Kwitonda Lodge
The location is easily the best of the luxury lodges in the area, the property has a border with the wall of Volcanoes National Park. The views of the large volcanoes are breathtaking, which greet you every morning as you awaken.”

One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
Eye to eye with swaying eucalyptus trees, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest is one of the closest resorts
to Volcanoes National Park – a historic rainforest home to a diverse tapestry of wildlife.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
A community-inspired luxurious lodge, located in the foothills of the mist-shrouded Virunga Massif. Sabyinyo is a true spirit of conservation and rehabilitation, surrounded by bountiful organic gardens, upliftment projects in the neighborhood of the Volcanoes NatiPark.

The Bishop’s House
The colonial style architecture and furnishings of The Bishop’s House sets it apart from others and our nine luxuriously decorated rooms. TBH is a haven of tranquility, surrounded by flora and fauna along with the sights and sounds of nature.

You will have an early breakfast and set off afterwards for your gorilla trekking experience, stopping by the park headquarters, an approximate 10-minute drive away, for briefing and assigning to a gorilla group. After the gorilla trekking experience, you will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon you have an option to enjoy a relaxing massage treatment at the Lodge or you may opt to community village walk, a rewarding experience that gives you a real taste of a typical Rwandan village life.

Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the rare mountain gorilla – and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. The high point of the trek will be spending an hour with the remarkably peaceful gorillas despite their size and appearance, as they go about their daily life: feeding, playing, resting, grooming and raising their young.

After breakfast, you will check out and embark on a 3 hour drive to Kigali. Our driver guide will
be at your disposal to offer a city tour for a possible Arts & Crafts souvenir shopping expedition in Kigali and local market visits, should your departure flight allow.

Otherwise you will be transferred to the Airport for your departure flight and that will mark the end of your trip to Rwanda.

The total cost of the tour starts from USD 5,530 per person sharing depending on the
property of your choice

Gorilla Trekking Tips & Rules:

•  When tracking gorillas, wear sturdier clothing to protect against stinging nettles, and solid walking shoes. A lightweight waterproof jacket may come in handy in the moist mountains.
  You will also need a small backpack to carry water and snacks.
• Keep a minimum of 10 meters from the Gorillas – this is to protect them.
• Do NOT remove anything from the park e.g. flowers, fruit, porcupine quills, etc.
• Keep your voices down at all times.
• No Flash photography is allowed.
• Professional film makers require permission and need to purchase filming permits.
• Do NOT eat or drink when close to the gorillas – this is a disease risk.
• Do NOT touch the Gorillas – they are wild animals.
• The maximum time you can spend with the gorillas is ONE hour
• If you are feeling ill, or are carrying a contagious disease, please volunteer to stay behind.
  An alternative visit will be arranged for you,
• Do NOT spit in the park and go to the bathroom only as instructed by your guide.
• Do not leave anything in the park, if you pack it in, pack it out!
• Obey the local guide instructions at all times, for the safety of the Gorillas and visitors.
• Porters are available at a small fee to carry your daypack and help you up the steep slopes
  when gorilla tracking.
• The minimum age for Gorilla trekking is 15 years.