Safari Highlights
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Kigali–Akagera National Park
Day 3: Akagera National Park
Day 4: Akagera National Park – Volcanoes National Park
Day 5:Volcanoes National Park
Day 6: Volcanoes National Park – Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 7: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 8: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 9: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 10: Nyungwe Forest National Park – Kigali.
Day One: Kigali On arrival at Kigali International Airport, we will welcome you and transfer to Iris Guest House for the overnight.
Day Two: Kigali – Akagera National Park After breakfast, depart to Akagera National Park which lies in the eastern part of Rwanda, where the countryside gives way to savannah with clusters of acacia mingled with open grassland. Lunch and birding in the afternoon along the lakeside. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Lodge. Full Board
Day Three: Akagera National Park All day birding in the park and along Lake Ihema. The park records 550 species including unique species such as Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) and the Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri).
Among the endemic species, there are the ibis (Threskiornithinae), jacanas, herons, Plovers (Charadriidae), Sandpipers, Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata), Hawk and many others, later on if time permits take a canoe ride on the same lake to see the large number of hippo, the huge Nile crocodile and birds. Dinner and overnight at Akagera Lodge. Full Board
Day Four: Volcanoes National Park After breakfast, depart to Volcanoes National Park. The journey goes through the beautiful terraced hillsides that characterize much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome volcanoes Virunga, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible.
The gorillas’ habitat, in the mountainous north, is the string of magnificent Virunga peaks that range from 2500 to 4500 meters: Karismbi, Bisoke Mikeno, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhubura volcanoes. This stunning backdrop is host to over half the world’s wild mountain gorillas.
The exhilarating climb to the gorilla’s natural habitat of shady bamboo forest offers fantastic views in all directions and explores the rich ecosystems of blending evergreen and bamboo forests, open grass lands, swamps and health. Late lunch on arrival at Volcanoes National Park. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge Full Board
Day Five: Volcanoes National Park In the morning we suggest the activity of the mountain gorilla tracking. It is a privilege to spend an hour watching the gorillas as they go about their daily routine, feeding, playing and resting- as you question your primeval existence and relieve the wonder that kept Dian Fossey living in the forest for almost 18years. Later return back at the base in time for a late lunch. Some gorilla families however are more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. Full Board
Day Six: Volcanoes National Park After breakfast go bird watching in the Volcanoes National Park where you are likely to see species like the rare Kivu Ground Thrush, Rwenzori Turacco, Graur’s Warbler, White Starred Robin, Regal Sunbird and many others. In the afternoon proceed to Gisenyi on Lake Kivu. Dinner and overnight at Malahide Hotel. Full Board
Day Seven: Volcanoes National Park – Nyungwe Forest National Park Early start for Nyungwe Forest National Park which is located in the South east corner of Rwanda. Stop over will be made at Nyanza old Royal palace and cultural museum. As you proceed, birding on the road through the forest will increase the chances of seeing the rare and shy Handsome Francolin. Lunch en route. Dinner and overnight at Gisakura Guest House. Full Board.
Day Eight: Nyungwe Forest National Park Go on an escorted walk in search of the large groups of colobus monkeys and birding where you will be able to see the bird species in this forest. One activity is the canopy bridge for observation and birding. The bird list in Nyungwe includes: Great Blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, Rosss Turaco, Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Crowned Eagle, Forest Buzzard, Handsome Francolin, Olive Pigeon, Cinnamon-breasted Bee-eater, White-headed Wood Hoopoes, Blue-Headed Sunbird, Stuhlmanns Sunbird,Black-Beaded Waxbill, Olive Thrush, Slender-billed Chestnut Wing Starling, White-necked Raven, African Saw-wing, Mountain Wagtail, Cape Wagtail, Red-throated Alethe, White-starred Robin, Equatorial Akalata Or go chimp tracking. Lunch at the hotel. Evening birding along the lodge. Dinner and overnight at Gisakura Guest House Full Board.
Day Nine: Nyungwe Forest National Park After breakfast, take the advantage of organizing an extra day activities in the biggest tropical forest in East Africa. In the morning you can go for chimpanzee trekking, which starts very early. In the afternoon, after lunch, proceed to Butare.
Stop over can be arranged in Gikongoro at Murambi genocide memorial. Butare is a pretty town where you have the possibility to find the best artisan shops in Rwanda and to visit the national cultural museum. Dinner and overnight at Ibis Hotel. Full Board
Day Ten: Kigali Drive to Kigali in time for lunch. In the afternoon you might have time to take a city tour including a visit to the market, a pottery project, handicraft shops, the Fashion Museum and a genocide memorial then check out for transfer to the airport. Departure.