From the lush rainforest of Nyungwe with its unique primates to the unique vegetation of the Virunga volcanoes, enjoy the spectacular landscapes of Rwanda's hills and the serenity of Lake Kivu's shores. Visit the former King's Palace and the National Museum. Follow the colobus monkey and track the mountain gorilla.
Highlights: the last mountain gorillas · the chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest · Lake Kivu and its islands · the unique landscapes of the Land of a 1000 Hills.
Practical aspects: about 1,000 km of tracks and roads on board one of our comfortable vehicles. 7 nights spent in good hotels or nicely located guesthouses. Cold lunches, warm and varied dinners. Equatorial type of climate (25 – 30°C). Experienced, English speaking guide during the whole safari.
Meet on arrival at the airport. Transfer to Kigali. Overnight at your preferable hotel.
2Day 2: Kigali – Butare – Nyungwe Forest
After an early breakfast, we follow the road as it climbs and descends some of the thousand hills, with spectacular views all along the way. Arrive at Butare. Visit the National Museum. It is a must for anybody who is interested in African history. Time permitting, tour the remarkable arboretum and continue onward the Nyungwe forest. Overnight at your preferable lodge.
3Day 3: Nyungwe Forest – chimpanzees and colobus monkeys
Covering 970 km², the Highlands provide unique habitat for thirteen species of primate, including chimpanzees, l'Hoest and owl-faced monkey. As you walk under the canopy of majestic trees, a large group of almost semi wild colobus monkeys can be seen feeding on wild figs and jumping from branch to branch. This high altitude jungle floor boasts some of the most beautiful orchids in the world. Overnight at your preferable lodge.
4Day 4: Lake Kivu
En route to Kibuye, enjoy the fantastic views over Lake Kivu and its rugged shore. Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the calm and pristine waters of Africa's highest lake from the terrace of your hotel. Overnight at your preferable lodge.
5Day 5: Lake and hills
After a refreshing early morning swim and a hearty breakfast, we continue toward north, along the lakeshore. There is plenty of opportunity for shopping and meeting villagers at the colourful market places. Stop at a huge tea plantation.
Option: link Kibuye with Gisenyi on a private boat. Duration of about 3 hours. Overnight at your preferable lodge.
6Day 6: Mountain gorillas
As the first light of dawn breaks through the curtain of mist clinging to the summits of Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, we make our way into Volcanoes National Park. Tracking the gorillas through the unique vegetation can take several hours of challenging walking in wet and muddy conditions. To see a gorilla, the trek will have been worth the hardship. Overnight at your preferable lodge.
7Day 7: Mountain gorillas, golden monkeys or Bisoke climbing
Trek a second time to the mountain gorilla or follow a habituated group of golden monkeys (cercopithecus mitis kandti), which are endemic in the Virungas. You can also climb Bisoke volcano with its superb crater lake. In the afternoon, tour the shores of the small Ruhondo and Bulera lakes. Overnight at your preferable lodge.
8Day 8: Ruhengeri – Kigali – departure
After a last look at the magnificent volcano range, drive to Kigali and transfer to the airport.
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