Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Kigali
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be welcomed by your Cox & Kings local representative. Your Rwandan guide will brief you on the history of the country during your exploration of its capital. Then visit the Kigali Memorial Center, dedicated to those who fell victim to the 1994 genocide. This evening, transfer to your hotel. Manor Hotel or Kigali Serena – 1-night (D)

Day 2
To Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart upon a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, with a stop in Butare for lunch. In Butare, you will also have the opportunity to visit an actual genocide site or the National Museum, which features a striking collection of cultural and historical exhibits. This evening, enjoy supper at your lodge and retire early in preparation for tomorrow’s search for chimpanzees. Nyungwe Villas or Nyungwe Forest Lodge – 2-nights (B, L, D)

Day 3
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe
Set out early on a long day’s exploration of the rugged forest trails in search of agile troupes of chimpanzees. On your way, you will likely see other primates — including groups of 300+ Angola Colobus monkeys — as well as enjoying the sounds of birds, insects and other inhabitants of the forest. In the afternoon, you will have the option of visiting a local tea plantation. (B, L, D)

Day 4
To Lake Kivu
Today you will drive to Lake Kivu. This afternoon, you may relax at your resort or, time permitting, you may have the opportunity to visit Imbabazi Orphanage, which opened in 1994 to care for some of the many Rwandan children orphaned by the genocide. Founded by the legendary Roz Carr — an American woman who fell in love with Rwanda — the orphanage is now home to more than 100 children. Kivu Serena – 1-night (B, L, D)

Option: Take a scenic speedboat ride across Lake Kivu for incredible views of the nearby Virunga volcanic massif.

Day 5
To Ruhengeri
Today after a very early breakfast, depart by road to Ruhengeri for your trek in search of golden monkeys. These little-known monkeys are one of the most endangered primates in Africa. After years of habituation, the monkeys now chatter and play quite happily while being observed. They live near the lower reaches of the park, and it is usually only a short walk to reach them. After your trek, you will return to the lodge to relax and prepare for your mountain gorilla adventure. Gorilla Mountain View Lodge or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge – 2-nights (B, L, D)

Day 6
Gorilla Trek
After an early wake up call, meet your gorilla tracking guides, porters and fellow trekkers at the National Park headquarters. The exhilarating climb to the gorillas’ habitat of shady bamboo forest offers fantastic views in all directions, before you are immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colorful birds and the chattering of the rare golden monkey. Once you are in the presence of the gorillas, you will have exactly one hour to observe the gorillas as they likewise observe their human visitors. It is a truly magical time, unequivocally the most incredible wildlife experience in the world!

After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relax and enjoy your stunning surroundings in the heart of the Virunga massif. You will have the opportunity this afternoon to embark on other excursions in the area, such as a venture to the Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. (B, L, D)

Day 7
Gorilla Trek
Early this morning, you will depart by road for the park headquarters after an early breakfast. Again, the gorilla group that you will visit will depend on the location of the gorillas in the forest. After lunch, return to Kigali by road and transfer to your hotel. Manor Hotel or Kigali Serena – 1-night (B, L, D)

Day 8
Depart Kigali
Today you will be transferred to the Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. (B)

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