Morning: Arrive at Kigali International Airport and welcomed by an Echoes from Africa representative outside the customs and immigration hall who will assist with immigration procedures. You will be handed over to your driver guide to transfer you to your city accommodation and assisted with check-
Afternoon: You will do a city tour including a visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, Inema Art Center and some fashion shops including K’tsobe, Asantii and Sonia Mugabo Rwanda
Dinner at MEZA MALONGA LAB | Afro-fusion cuisine experience in Kigali and overnight stay at the hotel.
Kigali Marriott Hotel – Club room: FB inclusive of dinner and access to the lounge
- 05h00: Check out with packed breakfast and transfer to Kigali International Airport for a flight to Kamembe Airport departing at 07h00 and arriving at 07h40. Our driver guide will be waiting to transfer you to Uwinka park offices for briefing before you start the Canopy Walk experience which starts at 10h00. After the experience, transfer to check in at the lodge, freshen up followed by lunch. Afternoon is at leisure.Situated in south-western Rwanda, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity and its wide range of endemic species. The Park is composed of lush tracts of rainforest set high up on fertile mountain slopes. It is one of Africa’s most ancient forests and the home of Rwanda’s sole remaining chimpanzee population, as well as 85 additional mammal species, 43 reptile species, nearly 300 bird species and over 1000 plant species. Dinner and overnight stayRoom category: Canopy Tree House – King rooms – Inclusive of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (house wines and beers) with meals and two activities per person per day (as defined by the resort and subject to change without notice)
The day begins bright and early, driving to the park headquarters at 05h00 with a delicious packed breakfast. After an insightful chimpanzee trek briefing, you’ll be escorted to the Evergreen Forest for 06h00, when the adventure begins. Alongside the famous chimps, you are likely to spot a wide variety of bird life.
Their playfulness and human–like characteristics make this journey so rewarding. You may even be welcomed by chimp morning calls deep in the forest. Upon encountering the chimps enjoy their acrobatics, feeding, and day-to-day behaviors. Lunch at the resort. Rest of the day is at relaxation or enjoy the property complementary activities. Dinner and overnight stay.
Room category: Canopy Tree House – King rooms – Inclusive of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (house wines and beers) with meals and two activities per person per day (as defined by the resort and subject to change without notice)
07h00: You will have a relaxed breakfast at the lodge, check out and settle any extras (standard check out is before 11h00). 08h00, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park area via Kibuye with stunning views of Lake Kivu. Arrival at One & Only Gorillas Nest and you will be assisted to check in followed by lunch. Relax at the resort while enjoying their facilities or do some complementary activities.
18h00: Gorilla Doctors lecture. This is a great way to prepare for the gorilla trekking experience.
The talk will include the following;
History and habitation of the Mountain Gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, Virunga and Bwindi National Park. How deliberate measures in conservation has led to the constant growth of the Gorilla population. Procedures taken in monitoring the Gentle giants through safe sample collection and direct treatment and census taken by the Gorilla Doctors.
Behaviors and mannerisms of the Gorillas and how to behave while viewing them. Dinner and overnight stay at the resort. Room category: Forest King Tree House – inclusive of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (house wines and beers) with meals and two activities per person per day (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice
You will have a morning call at around 5h30 before meeting at the main dining area at 6h00 for breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed Rwandan coffee. 6h45 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 8h00, 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. Return to the resort for lunch.
Later you have an option to visit the Diane Fossey Foundation for a self-guided tour ($20 pp)
Dinner and overnight stay at the resort. Room category: Forest King Tree House – inclusive of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (house wines and beers) with meals and two activities per person per day (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice
Breakfast at the resort, later you will check out (standard check out is at 11h00) and settle any extras. Transfer to Kigali arriving in time for lunch, after your lunch you have an option to do some shopping before proceeding to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight.
INCLUDED
- VIP Meet and greet on arrival & departure
- All transfers
- Accommodation and meals as stated
- Exclusive use of a 4×4 safari with a pop-up roof and complementary WIFI
- Rwandair flight from Kigali – Kamembe Airport (economy)
- Services of a professional, experienced Echoes from Africa English-speaking driver guide
- Snacks and beverages in the vehicle during the tour
- Nyungwe National Park entry fees
- Canopy trekking permit
- Chimpanzee permits
- 1 gorilla permit each
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Services by Akagera Aviation helicopters
EXCLUDED
- International airline tickets
- Entry visa fees – $ 50.- pp
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus Visit – $20 (self-guided)
- Optional extras whilst in Kigali
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, porter-age, travel insurance