Rwanda - Gorilla Trekking & Wildlife Safari
Kigali, Rwanda to Kayonza, Rwanda - 7d
Just a three-hour drive from Rwanda's capital Kigali, Volcanoes National Park encompasses 160 km2 (60mi2) in a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, with evergreen and bamboo forests. The national park includes five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. The lush slopes of these volcanoes provide a dramatic natural setting for one of the most thrilling and memorable wildlife experiences: seeing the mountain gorilla in its natural habitat.
For a few days we will be based inside the national park, enjoying the spectacular nature and its wonderful inhabitants. We will then move to Akagera National Park, comprising some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains. This is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles as well as the rare sitatunga and more than 520 bird species.
Follow us on this unique immersion into the wilderness of Rwanda!
Itinerary
Exploring Kigali
Rwanda is often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and its capital city is no exception; Kigali is a region of rolling hills, valleys, ridges, and steep slopes. It enjoys a temperate tropical highland climate, a bit cooler than typical due to its high elevation of 1,540 m (5,140 ft). Average daily temperatures range between 15 and 27C (59 and 81F) and don’t fluctuate much throughout the year. Farmland comprises over 60% of the land within the city’s boundaries, mostly in outer areas surrounding the urban center and, like the rest of the country, most of the agriculture is small subsistence farming.
As in all of Rwanda, the last Saturday of each month in Kigali is a morning of mandatory community service called umuganda. One person per household between the ages of 18 and 65 is expected to carry out community tasks such as cleaning streets or building homes for vulnerable people. Most normal services close down during umuganda, and public transportation is limited. Rwandese take great pride in this national service and in the ritual of coming together to support one another, and their commitment shows.
Local people are in general very friendly and often willing to share the country’s history of genocide with visitors. The Kigali Genocide Museum is well done and worth a visit for those looking to understand the events leading up to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
There is also a flourishing local art scene with many new galleries opening up.
On an enchanting boulevard in the heart of Kigali lies Kigali Serena Hotel. A distinctively rich blend of Rwandan heritage, art and culture with contemporary 5-star comfort in 148 sophisticated rooms and suites, Serena Kigali hotel provides a private and peaceful retreat like no other for discerning international travellers.
Exploring Volcanoes national park
Just a three hour drive from Kigali, Volcanoes National Park encompasses 160 km2 (60mi2) in a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, with evergreen and bamboo forests. The national park includes five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, with Karisimbi being the highest at 4,507 m (14,785 ft). The lush slopes of these volcanoes provide a dramatic natural setting for one of the most thrilling and memorable wildlife experiences: seeing the mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. Roughly half of the world’s wild population of mountain gorillas reside on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas massif.
During your stay at Volcanoes National Park, will have a chance to join a number of activities in addition to the awe-inspiring gorilla trekking, such as golden monkey trekking, bird watching, mountain bike rides, cultural walks, or a trek to the Dian Fossey Research Camp and Grave.
Set on the edge of the Volcanoes National Park in a lush green property of eleven hectares, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge enjoys fabulous and dramatic views of the surrounding volcanoes. Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is an exciting combination of a world-class lodge and a financial source driving socio-economic development and conservation initiatives in the areas adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park.
All guest cottages are discretely situated in the folds of the hills and amongst the verdant vegetation of the Sabyinyo property. Each beautifully appointed ensuite cottage, with its country-chic style and open log fires, is a perfect haven of warmth and luxury. The main lodge building is designed with the guest in mind. Assorted seating areas in the main lounge, reception and entertainment room provide for intimate privacy, or the opportunity to meet other guests, and open-log fires throughout create a luxuriously warm and inviting atmosphere.
Exploring Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park overlooks beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga and comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains. This is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles as well as the rare sitatunga and more than 520 bird species.
Teeming with plains game, Akagera now also boasts a healthy population of lion, which were reintroduced into the park in 2015 after a 20-year absence, as well as black rhino which were reintroduced in 2017. The only exclusive-use area in Akagera also harbours a good density of leopard.
Magashi Camp is situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, overlooking beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga. Akagera comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains – and is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles as well as the rare sitatunga and more than 520 bird species.
Teeming with plains game, Akagera now also boasts a healthy population of lion. Magashi – the only exclusive-use area in Akagera – also harbours a good density of leopard. Six spacious and airy tents offer uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga, while Magashi’s main area comprises a luxurious lounge, dining and bar area, pool, and expansive viewing deck with a convivial fire pit. The architecture and interiors pay homage to traditional Rwandan culture.