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Your dream journey starts here...​

Rwanda

It is no secret that Rwanda’s history can chill the spine of those who dig back to the days of civil war and genocide. Now, a different world entirely, Rwanda has blossomed into one of Africa's most flourishing and eco-friendly nations, home to welcoming people and intriguing, diverse wilderness. The savannahs of Akagera welcome those who want to travel beyond the boundaries of the conventional safari and to the west, the great apes make what could be the highlight of this incredible country: the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park and the chimpanzees of Nyungwe National Park.

October - March

Low Season

Gorilla Trekking

Seasonality :

March - May
November

Chimpanzee
Trekking

Highlights :

Big cat viewing

June - September

Gorilla Trekking

Forest wildlife

A few of our favourite places in Rwanda...

Akagera

A rising star of Rwanda

Another one of African Parks most recent successes, Akagera National Park is a shining beacon of hope that we hope will spread as a model across Africa. Once almost extinct of large mammals, Akagera is now boasting a rising population of elephant, black rhino and lion, as well as being a haven for some of the last remaining savannah adapted species of Rwanda. Not to mention the thirty white rhino that have just been safely translocated from South Africa to the park, a place now destined to become Rwanda’s next rhino breeding stronghold. This unique wilderness is definitely a fantastic add-on to adventure-seekers visiting Rwanda, and pairs perfectly with a visit to the beautiful Volcanoes National Park fro a gorilla trek (or two) and the enchanting Nyungwe National Park, where chimpanzee cries echo around the forest. 

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Volcanoes National Park

Gorillas in the mist

In northeastern Rwanda lies a wondrous place of misty mountains and rare beasts that traverse its forests. The park’s rainforest slopes are part of the Virunga massif, home to the last populations of mountain gorillas on earth, as well as the rare golden monkey and other primate species. Encountering gorillas in the wild is a spiritual and emotional experience like no other that will leave visitors changes forever. However, what makes the Virunga experience special is that gorillas live at higher altitudes than in other places. This means there is less ground foliage to charge through, and one can view the gorillas, if lucky, in mystical highland vegetation, such as bamboo forests and in relatively more open environments.

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  • Akagera - Kigali - Nyungwe - Volcanoes National Park

    Ravishing Rwanda

    Welcome to Rwanda! The Land of a Thousand Hills awaits. Begin your Rwandan Odyssey with the incredible success story that is Akagera National Park, in the East. Managed by African Parks, Akagera is home to the big five, and to the rare prehistoric-looking shoebill stork. A landscape of swamps, savannah, low mountains and woodlands, it is a wonderful safari destination...

    See Itinerary
    Ravishing Rwanda

  • Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater - Pemba - Kigali - Nyungwe - Volcanoes National Park

    Swahili Safari

    Karibu! Welcome to Tanzania, one of Africa's most exciting destinations! Make your way to the endless plains of the Serengeti, one of the world’s most incredible nature reserves. Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, servals, elephants and countless other grazers in a stunning backdrop of kopjes (rocky formations that standout against the surrounding flatness, equatorial skies and infinite horizons...

    See Itinerary
    Swahili Safari

  • Mahale - Kigali - Volcanoes National Park - Mt Nyiragongo

    East African Odyssey

    Are you ready to explore East Africa like never before? The first part of the trip will take you to the fabulous shores of Lake Tanganyika: Mahale Mountains, a vastly remote and unique place to track chimpanzees. An extraordinary location of green mountains towering up into heavy clouds; falling down to beach shades of white and turquoise. Chimpanzee cries echo around you as dhows sail peacefully ahead. A secret, dappled haven...

    See Itinerary
    East African Odyssey

    • Akagera - Kigali - Nyungwe - Volcanoes National Park

      Ravishing Rwanda

      Welcome to Rwanda! The Land of a Thousand Hills awaits. Begin your Rwandan Odyssey with the incredible success story that is Akagera National Park, in the East. Managed by African Parks, Akagera is home to the big five, and to the rare prehistoric looking shoebill stork. A landscape of swamps, savannah, low mountains and woodlands, it is a wonderful safari destination...

      See Itinerary
      Ravishing Rwanda

    • Serengeti - Ngorongoro Crater - Pemba - Kigali - Nyungwe - Volcanoes National Park

      Swahili Safari

      Karibu! Welcome to one of Africa's most exciting destinations! Make your way to the endless plains of the Serengeti, one of the world’s most incredible nature reserves. Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, servals, elephants and countless other grazers in a stunning backdrop of kopjes (rocky formations that standout against the surrounding flatness, equatorial skies and infinite horizons...

      See Itinerary
      Swahili Safari

    • Mahale - Kigali - Volcanoes National Park - Mt Nyiragongo

      East African Odyssey

      Are you ready to explore East Africa like never before? The first part of the trip will take you to the fabulous shores of Lake Tanganyika: Mahale Mountains. A very remote and unique place to track chimpanzees. An extraordinary location of green mountains towering up into heavy clouds; falling into shades of white and turquoise. Chimpanzee cries echo around you as dhows sail peacefully ahead. A secret dappled haven...

      See Itinerary
      East African Odyssey
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      Gorilla Trekking

      Arguably one of the world’s most incredible experiences lies in the jungles of central and west Africa. Tracking the gorillas through the immense forest is an experience on its own, but when you see their great bodies immerging out of the forest, only meters from you, you are introduced to an encounter that will leave you changed forever.

      Predator viewing

      Africa wouldn’t be the same without them. The super-predators of Africa have captivated the world’s imagination for centuries, and for good reason. The majestic and magnificent lion, the shy and beautiful leopard, the lighting fast cheetah, and the ghostly but fascinating hyena. All of which are guaranteed to enchant and enthrall in the wildest ways. 

      Chimpanzee - Kibale Forest

      Forest Wildlife

      The forest of equatorial Africa are somewhat less spoken of, compared to the great plains in the east. Yet the animals that wander these shaded paths under the dense canopy, are some of the most fascinating in the world. Giant forest and red-river hogs, gorillas and chimpanzees, forest elephant and buffalo…not to mention the vast array of smaller apes, birds, reptiles and insects.

      Ravishing Rwanda

      Welcome to Rwanda! The Land of a Thousand Hills awaits. Begin your Rwandan Odyssey with the incredible success story that is Akagera National Park, in the east. Managed by African Parks, Akagera is home to the big five, and to the rare prehistoric looking shoebill stork. A landscape of swamps, savannah, low mountains and woodlands, it is a wonderful safari destination. 

       

      Your mind filled with giraffes, elephants and animals in all shapes and sizes, you fly back to Kigali, for two nights. Spend your full day in Kigali, enjoying trendy brunch spots in the ‘New York City of Africa’ and take the time to visit the Genocide Memorial Museum. You will appreciate how far Rwanda has come since the dark era of the mid 1990s. 

       

      Next, we head west. Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, close to the border with Burundi. Home to chimpanzees and many species of primates, Nyungwe is incredibly biodiverse and breathtakingly beautiful. Explore the forest from the treetops here, with the Canopy Walkway, a high suspension bridge which forms part of the Igishigishigi Trail. Stunning view over the forests and valley. One part of this trail also leads to a slice of paradise – the Kamiranzovu Marsh. Think waterfall and orchids blooming all around, birdsong echoing around you. 

       

      Lastly, transfer to the mighty Volcanoes National Park. Misty, mysterious, the Virunga Mountains are the perfect setting to go in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. We see spending time with these (our…) wonderful relatives as one of the most beautiful wildlife encounters one can have. There is nothing quite like spending time on foot with animals that resemble us like they do. Intelligent eyes will look at you from the vegetation, playful babies zoom around you, sometimes too curious and stumbling very close towards these strange hairless creatures that have come to spend an hour with them. 

       

      On your last morning, transfer back toward Kigali.

      12 days / 11 nights

      Akagera – Kigali – Nyungwe – Volcanoes National Park

      • Arrival
        Arrive in Kigali and fly to Akagera National Park
      • Day 1 - 4, Magashi Camp
        Akagera National Park
      • Game Drives
        Main Activity
      • Boat Cruises
        Main Activity
      • Day 4 - Travel Day
        Travel back to Kigali
      • Day 4 - 6 Heaven Rwanda
        Kigali
      • Genocide Memorial Museum
        Main Activity
      • Explore the "New York of Africa"
        Main Activity
      • Day 6 - Travel Day
        Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
      • Day 6 - 9, Nyungwe House
        Nyungwe National Park
      • Chimpanzee trekking
        Main Activity
      • Day 9 - Travel Day
        Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
      • Day 9 - 12, Bisate Lodge
        Volcanoes National Park
      • Gorilla Trekking
        Main Activity
      • Day 12 - Travel Day
        Fly back to Kigali

      Add on another great experience!

      Even though these itineraries are destination specific, it is a popular choice to witness more than one of Africa's iconic experiences. Below are some ideas of what you can add on to the beginning or end of this incredible safari.

      Kenyas coast

      An often overlooked experience but one that visitors to the turquoise waters and endless beaches of Kenya's coast will never forget.

      East Africa

      A week or so exploring the great plains of East Africa search of the vast herds and the predators that follow them.

      Like what you see?

      Get in touch with us and let’s make this dream happen. Bear in mind that this itinerary is subject to availability at the time of booking. Fear not, however, as there’s often more than one good option if the above-mentioned lodgings are not available.

      Swahili Safari

      Note – if you would like to lower the price of your safari, the gorilla treks can take place in Uganda or the DRC. 

       

      Karibu! Welcome to Tanzania, one of Africa’s most exciting destinations! Make your way to the endless plains of the Serengeti, one of the world’s most incredible nature reserves. Look for lions, leopards, cheetahs, servals, elephants and countless other grazers in a stunning backdrop of kopjes (rocky formations that standout against the surrounding flatness, equatorial skies and infinite horizons. 

       

      Next, head south to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – the Ngorongoro Crater. Stay at an incredible lodge situated on the western side of the rim, a property very much off the beaten track, with breathtaking views of both the Crater and the Serengeti. Explore the beautiful and lush environment that is the Crater, teeming with life, and keep your eyes peeled for the occasional leopard jumping out from the mist whilst driving up and along the rim! Don’t forget to make the most of the walking activities available at Entamanu – the remoteness of it all will make you feel very special indeed. 

       

      Spend some time on the Indian Ocean coast, in the beautiful gem of a place that is Pemba, quieter than neighbouring islands. It will accommodate your every desire – diving, snorkelling, hiking, relaxing, with its intoxicating smells of local spices, startling reefs, vibrant hills and fascinating culture. At the end of your beautiful stay, transfer back to Kilimanjaro Airport for your journey to the Land of a Thousand Hills. 

       

      Spend a day in Kigali, enjoying trendy brunch spots in the ‘New York City of Africa’ and take the time to visit the Genocide Memorial Museum. You will appreciate how far Rwanda has come since the dark era of the mid 1990s. 

       

      Next, we head west. Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, close to the border with Burundi. Home to chimpanzees and many species of primates, Nyungwe is incredibly biodiverse and breathtakingly beautiful. Explore the forest from the treetops here, with the Canopy Walkway, a high suspension bridge  which forms part of the Igishigishigi Trail. Stunning view over the forests and valley. One part of this trail also leads to a slice of paradise – the Kamiranzovu Marsh. Think waterfall and orchids blooming all around, birdsong echoing around you. 

       

      Finally, transfer to the mighty Volcanoes National Park. Misty, mysterious, the Virunga Mountains are the perfect setting to go in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. We see spending time with these (our…) wonderful relatives as one of the most beautiful wildlife encounters one can have. There is nothing quite like spending time on foot with animals that resemble us like they do. Intelligent eyes will look at you from the vegetation, playful babies zoom around you, sometimes too curious and stumbling very close towards these strange hairless creatures that have come to spend an hour with them. 

       

      On your last morning, transfer back toward Kigali.

      18 days / 17 nights

      Serengeti – Ngorongoro Crater – Pemba – Kigali – Nyungwe – Volcanoes National Park

      • Arrival
        Arrive in Kilimanjaro Airport and connect to Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti
      • Day 1 - 4, Namiri Plains
        Serengeti
      • Game Drives
        Main Activity
      • Day 4 - Travel Day
        Transfer to Ngorongoro Crater
      • Day 4 - 7, Entamanu Camp
        Ngorongoro Crater
      • Game Drives
        Main Activity
      • Day 7 - Travel Day
        Transfer back to Arusha for your flight to Pemba Island
      • Day 7 - 10, The Mantra Resort
        Pemba Island
      • Snorkelling, diving and water-sports
        Main Activity
      • Day 10 - Travel Day
        Fly to Dar es Salaam for your connecting flight to Kigali
      • Day 10 - 12, Heaven Rwanda
        Kigali
      • Genocide Museum
        Main Activity
      • Explore Africas "New York"
        Main Activity
      • Day 12 - Travel Day
        Fly to Nyungwe National Park
      • Day 12 - 15, Nyungwe House
        Nyungwe National Park
      • Chimpanzee Trekking
        Main Activity
      • Day 15 - Travel Day
        Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
      • Day 15 - 18, Virunga Lodge
        Volcanoes National Park
      • Gorilla Trekking
        Main Activity
      • Day 18 - Travel Day
        Fly back to Kigali

      Add on another great experience!

      Even though these itineraries are destination specific, it is a popular choice to witness more than one of Africa's iconic experiences. Below are some ideas of what you can add on to the beginning or end of this incredible safari.

      Kenyas coast

      An often overlooked experience but one that visitors to the turquoise waters and endless beaches of Kenya's coast will never forget.

      Akagera National Park

      A new and exciting development of African Parks Network, Akagera is a labyrinth of beautiful vistas and writhing life. A must-see of any traveller to Rwanda.

      Like what you see?

      Get in touch with us and let’s make this dream happen. Bear in mind that this itinerary is subject to availability at the time of booking. Fear not, however, as there’s often more than one good option if the above-mentioned lodgings are not available.

      East African Odyssey

      Note – if you would like to lower the price of your safari, the gorilla treks can take place in Uganda or the DRC. 

       

      Are you ready to explore East Africa like never before? The first part of the trip will take you to the fabulous shores of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania: Mahale Mountains, a vastly remote and unique place to track chimpanzees. An extraordinary location of green mountains towering up into heavy clouds; cascading down to beach shades of white and turquoise. Chimpanzee cries echo around you as dhows sail peacefully ahead. A secret, dappled haven…

       

      Fly back to Dar es Salaam after an incredible safari to transfer to The Land of A Thousand Hills  – Rwanda. Spend a day in Kigali, enjoying trendy brunch spots in the ‘New York City of Africa’ and take the time to visit the Genocide Memorial Museum. You will appreciate how far Rwanda has come since the dark era of the mid 1990s. 

       

      Next, transfer to the mighty Volcanoes National Park. Misty, mysterious, the Virunga Mountains are the perfect setting to go in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. We see spending time with these (our…) wonderful relatives as one of the most beautiful wildlife encounters one can have. There is nothing quite like spending time on foot with animals that resemble us like they do. Intelligent eyes will look at you from the vegetation, playful babies zoom around you, sometimes too curious and stumbling very close towards these strange hairless creatures that have come to spend an hour with them. 

       

      After your last gorilla trek, make sure everything is packed for a thrilling night. Cross over into the Democratic Republic of the Congo and reach the base of Mt Nyiragongo for an exceptional hike. It is a strenuous and tough trek, bringing you to an elevation of 3600m, but it is well worth the reward of gazing at the ruby red, oozing lava pit that will take your breath away. Spend the night gazing into the hypnotising crater, far from sea level, for an experience like none other. 

       

      The next morning, after the pink dawn skies give way to the day, make your way back down for your transfer back toward Kigali.

      10 days / 19 nights

      Mahale – Kigali – Volcanoes National Park – Mt Nyiragongo

      • Arrival
        Arrive in Kilimanjaro Airport and connect to Mahale Mountains National Park
      • Day 1 - 4, Greystoke Mahale
        Mahale Mountains National Park
      • Fresh-water coast
        Main Activity
      • Chimpanzee Trekking
        Main Activity
      • Day 4 - Travel Day
        Fly to Dar es Salaam for your connecting flight to Kigali
      • Day 4 - 6, Heaven Rwanda
        Kigali
      • Genocide Museum
        Main Activity
      • Explore Africas "New York"
        Main Activity
      • Day 7 - Travel Day
        Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
      • Day 6 - 9, Bisate Lodge
        Volcanoes National Park
      • Gorilla Trekking
        Main Activity
      • Day 9 - Travel Day
        Transfer by road to Mt Nyiragongo basecamp
      • Day 9 - 10, Mt Nyiragongo
        Volcanoes National Park
      • Climb Mt Nyiragongo
        Main Activity
      • Day 10 - Travel Day
        Drive back to Kigali

      Add on another great experience!

      Even though these itineraries are destination specific, it is a popular choice to witness more than one of Africa's iconic experiences. Below are some ideas of what you can add on to the beginning or end of this incredible safari.

      Kenya's coast

      An often overlooked experience but one that visitors to the turquoise waters and endless beaches of Kenya's coast will never forget.

      Akagera National Park

      A new and exciting development of African Parks Network, Akagera is a labyrinth of beautiful vistas and writhing life. A must-see of any traveller to Rwanda.

      Like what you see?

      Get in touch with us and let’s make this dream happen. Bear in mind that this itinerary is subject to availability at the time of booking. Fear not, however, as there’s often more than one good option if the above-mentioned lodgings are not available.