TRIP SUMMARY

Summary of Your Tour

Country Visits & How Long Will You Be Gone:

• Countries: Rwanda
• Tour Duration: 9 days (8 nights)
• Start & End Point: Your trip will start in Kigali and end in Kigali

Destination & Accommodation Visits:

• Kigali – 1 night at Radisson Blu Kigali Hotel
• Volcanoes National Park – 2 nights at Bisate Lodge
• Lake Kivu – 3 nights at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Suite Room Upgrade)
• Nyungwe National Park – 2 nights at One&Only Nyungwe House

DAY 1 – KIGALI (RWANDA ARRIVAL)

Private Arrival Transfer from Kigali International Airport (KGL) To Your Kigali Hotel

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, our airport guest relations’ officer will personally meet all arriving guests. We will be standing outside the arrival section holding a signboard with your name on it. You are met and transferred to your hotel in Kigali for your overnight stay.

Kigali

Planning a trip to the beautiful, hilly country of Rwanda usually means landing and leaving from its capital, Kigali. Surrounded by picturesque rolling hills, this city is a thriving, bustling metropolis of about a million people.

Located in the center of the country, it’s the perfect springboard for travels to Rwanda’s excellent safari parks and wilderness reserves.

Whether you are spending a few days in Kigali for business or for pleasure, you will be impressed by the tranquil ambiance of the town metropolis, its cleanliness, and the well-maintained gardens set in the city squares. Trees line the roads and avenues, and the friendly, welcoming character of the people will touch your heart.

Destination Guide: Kigali

Kigali – Radisson Blu Kigali Hotel

Radisson Blu Kigali Hotel offers well-appointed facilities and amenities characteristic of The Radisson Blu chain all over the world.

In addition to the glittering facade of the hotel is the unique dome-shaped convention center that is now a recognizable landmark dominating the skyline of the suburbs of Kigali. The accommodation, located around 3.5 miles (5.5 kilometers) from Kigali International Airport, offers vacationers equal distance to the main commercial hub of the city as well as the Supreme Court and consulates of various countries.

It has a plush lounge with a high ceiling and elegant decor where you can spend time enjoying the ambiance of opulence. Visit the in-house Amani Spa for relaxation provided by expert masseuses or the steam and sauna room.

You can also take leisurely swims in the outdoor egg-shaped swimming pool or burn off the delicious food in the well-equipped fitness center. There is also a splashing pool for toddlers and younger children.

Radisson Blu Kigali Hotel offers luxury tourists and businesspersons 292 rooms you can choose based on your requirements.

Enjoy the muted soothing colors of the rooms decorated with diffused lighting that spell complete relaxation and comfort amidst sophistication and style. Make your choice from the 209 Standard Rooms, and 4 Accessible Rooms that are equipped with special amenities for mobility challenged guests.

Also, corporates or urban holidaymakers can choose from the 68 Business Rooms and a luxurious collection of suites including 5 Junior Suites, 5 Presidential Suites and 1 Diplomat Suite.

All of the rooms and suites are air-conditioned along with an exclusive balcony that offers sweeping views of Kigali and the green hills surrounding it in addition to a flat-screen TV with satellite connection and minibar.

The spacious, ensuite bathroom is equipped with a shower-stall bathtub and other amenities typical of a high-end establishment.

Overnight accommodation: Radisson Blu Kigali Hotel 

Kigali City Tour Attractions (Optional Visits – Time Permitting)

Optional Tour Activities: Kigali Genocide Memorial, Natural History Museum – Kandt House, The Dancing Pots, Caplaki Handicrafts Cooperative, Art Galleries – Inema, Ivuka & Niyo

DAY 2 – VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Drive From Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (Kinigi) With Your Private Guide & Exclusive 4×4 Vehicle

Volcanoes National Park

In the heart of the mighty African continent is a distinctive, natural utopia shared by three countries: Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.

Each nation has placed its part of this region under preservation by creating wilderness parks. In Rwanda, this kaleidoscope of natural beauty is protected as Volcanoes National Park, or Parc National des Volcans, a 160-square-kilometer reserve that includes evergreen and bamboo forest, tropical rainforest and partial grasslands, valleys, serene lakes, craggy volcanoes, and farmed foothills.

The rainforests on their slopes are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, which often travel between the three countries in the quest for eatables.

Gorillas are known to feed mainly on soft bamboo shoots, wild celery, stinging nettles, and wild fruit. Like-minded tourists who hope to see these rare primates in their native habitat can explore this tranquil, Eden-like world by following the many trails that wind through Volcanoes Park.

Each of the trails allows you to experience a different facet of the forest reserve. With a permit and the help of an expert tracker, hike to meet one of the famed gorilla families and spend time watching them as they forage for food or groom one another.

Destination Guide: Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes – Bisate Lodge

Nestled close to natural coliseum formed by an extinct volcano is a luxury haven that promises you the spectacle of Rwandan nature in all her glory.

Here, Bisate Lodge, a boutique accommodation, is set on a sprawling estate that covers around 66 acres (27 hectares).

Adventure seeking, discerning vacationers are welcomed into the lounge and reception area, that along with 6 enchanting villas have been created using the architectural styles of traditional Rwandan royal palaces.

Offering you stunning views of the volcanic peaks of Mikeno of Congo, Karisimbi, and Bisoke, each rondavel villa is raised off the ground on a deck.

It has a high peaked tip and is built using a range of woven materials under a thatched roof.

Eclectic artifacts and other accessories create a fabulous impression of the culture of the country while the patterned fabrics add a touch of Rwandan elegance to the interiors.

Your private luxury villa, sprawled over an area of 91 square meters offers you the very best of Rwandan hospitality with expansive rooms filled with the finest of pampering comforts for your use.

It includes a living area with the bedroom alongside an en-suite bathroom complete with handmade, high-quality toiletries. Fireplaces not only lend a cozy atmosphere to the room but also keep you warm against the cool highlands climate.

Soak for long hours in the wooden hot tub that helps you relax after your strenuous gorilla safari trek in Volcanoes National Park. Slip into the warm bathrobe and slippers before you settle down to relax in the living area.

Overnight accommodation: Bisate Lodge

DAY 3: VOLCANOES PARK ACTIVITIES

The gorilla trek is experienced the next day due to the 07:30 hours start time

Optional Activities: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Tour & Dian Fossey Grave Shrine Tour, Mount Karisimbi or Bisoke Hike, Musanze Caves & Buhanga Forest Tour

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drinks Are Included At This Accommodation

Specific Drink Inclusions: Soft drinks, beer & house wine 

Volcanoes Park Activities

Included Activities: One gorilla trek

Optional Activities: Golden monkey trek, Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Tour & Dian Fossey Grave Shrine Tour, Mount Karisimbi or Bisoke Hike, Musanze Caves & Buhanga Forest Tour

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drinks Are Included At This Accommodation

Specific Drink Inclusions: Soft drinks, beer & house wine

DAY 4 – LAKE KIVU

Drive From Volcanoes National Park (Kinigi) To Lake Kivu With Your Private Guide & Exclusive 4×4 Vehicle

Lake Kivu

As a part of their holiday itinerary in Rwanda, discerning travelers seeking relaxation after their gorilla and primate safari trek make it a point to spend some time on the shores of the stunningly beautiful Lake Kivu.

With its 60 species of birdlife, the locale is known for its serenity and sandy beaches, where you can relax, sunbathe, or simply enjoy a rejuvenating siesta.

With a surface area of around 2700 square kilometers (1042 square miles), the lake is, in fact, one of the safest in Africa; it hosts no dangerous animals like hippos or crocodiles.

The lake supports a thriving marine life; perhaps spend a leisurely afternoon trying to catch one of them for your dinner.

You may wish to hire a canoe or a kayak and go on a gentle row on the lake; those looking for leisure can opt for half-day rentals, while experienced canoers and kayakers might opt for guided trips over several days. Adventure-seekers will enjoy windsurfing or jet-skiing, riding the waves of a speedboat.

If you’re in search of a slightly tamer adventure, book a cruise aboard the Munezero boat. Birders can connect with nature by spotting and listening to the calls of avian species that can be spotted around the Lake.

Cyclists and hiking enthusiasts on holiday can choose to travel along part of the Congo Nile trail. A 227-kilometre (141-mile) path that begins at Rubavu, the trail offers adventurous vacationers terrific views of the lake’s coastline and beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and an opportunity to immerse themselves in Rwanda’s culture and way of life.

Destination Guide: Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu – Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

After a distinctive primate and plains game viewing safari in the parks of Rwanda, like-minded vacationers looking for relaxation and tranquility find that the shores of Lake Kivu are the perfect destination.

Breathtakingly beautiful, the lake lies on the western border of the country with the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Beside the lake in Gisenyi town is the mid-range Lake Kivu Serena Hotel that comprises of a selection of three-storied structures built on a well-landscaped property.

Offering a private beach to its guests, it also provides facilities such as a free-form swimming pool with a wading section for kids, adequate spa services, wellness center, the “Maisha Health Club” and two tennis courts.

You will spend your lake-side holiday in one of the 66 rooms the Kivu Serena Hotel has including 37 standard rooms, 23 family rooms, and 6 Luxury Suites, all of which face the lake.

Of the Standard and Family Rooms, you can request for the ones with king-sized beds or twin queen-sized beds while the Luxury Suites include a separate living cum working area.

Physically challenged tourists can stay in the room designed for their comfort while families can request for interlinked rooms with cribs or cots. If you intend to smoke, please let the hotel know in advance so they can arrange for the room accordingly.

Your accommodations include a seating area, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee making supplies, electronic safe for storing valuables and an attached balcony on the upper floors and patio on the lower floor where you can sit and revel in the beauty of Lake Kivu.

Ensuite bathrooms come with a hairdryer and bathtub, though; the rooms with the luxury suites also include a shower area.

Overnight accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Lake Kivu Activities

Included Activities: Swimming and beach relaxation

Optional Activities: Canoeing, jet-skiing, cycling, fishing, boating, nature walks, and Congo Nile trail hike

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 5 & 6 – LAKE KIVU

• Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Lake Kivu Activities

Included Activities: Swimming and beach relaxation

Optional Activities: Canoeing, jet-skiing, cycling, fishing, boating, nature walks, and Congo Nile trail hike

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7 – NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK

Drive From Lake Kivu To Nyungwe National Park With Your Private Guide & Exclusive 4×4 Vehicle

Nyungwe National Park

The stunningly beautiful Nyungwe National Park is situated in the southwestern corner of Rwanda and is part of the Albertine Rift eco-region, making it a great part of your wilderness primate vacation in Africa.

Its mid-elevation forests are among the last of their kind on the African continent as well as important conservation sites. They host a high concentration of endemic flora and fauna, within an incredibly diverse biome.

Travel through the 970 square kilometers of this woodland reserve and you will be introduced to some of the 310 avian species present here – a field day for avid birdwatchers in Rwanda.

You may be lucky enough to spot white-headed wood hoopoes, paradise flycatchers, purple-breasted sunbirds, Ruwenzori turacos, and red-collared mountain babblers, to name just a few.

Destination Guide: Nyungwe National Park

Nyungwe – One&Only Nyungwe House

A small haven of premier tranquility set close to the forest boundaries of Nyungwe National Park is the One&Only Nyungwe House, formerly branded as Nyungwe Forest Lodge by Newmark Hotels.

Offering stunning views of the magnificent natural beauty of the reserve, this boutique vacationing accommodation has all the elements of the luxury safari indulgence of Rwanda in its decor and hospitality.

Since it is sited within the tea plantation of Gisakura, you can enjoy activities associated with it such as tasting the delicately flavored tea brewed with fresh leaves and touring the gardens.

Spend some time relaxing beside the heated infinity pool or taking lazy laps in it while reveling in the breathtaking panorama of the indigenous flora and fauna. You could also visit the fitness center for a workout or the spa for expert massage therapy.

Crafted out of brick stone and wood detailing and adorned with eclectic Rwandan art-craft, the 24 rooms offered by this forest holiday resort are designed for utmost comfort and premier pleasure. 22 of the rooms are housed in 6 villas, and while 15 of the rooms have king sized double beds, the rest of the 7 come with twin beds.

The 2 Presidential Suites are contained in distinct villas, one of which includes a Jacuzzi. Each of the villas has a bedroom with a king-sized bed and leads to a second bedroom that can sleep an additional two guests.

Take in the surrounding green ambiance while seated on your private deck or relax in the seating arrangement inside the rooms enlivened by the warmth of the fireplace.

Sip on drinks from the minibar or make yourself a cup of tea or coffee with the equipment in the room while catching up on world events on your flat-screen LCD TV. Ensuite bathrooms include a hairdryer, double basins, a bathtub, walk-in shower, and bidet.

Overnight accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House 

Nyungwe Park Activities

The chimpanzee trek is experienced the next day due to the 07:30 hours start time

Optional Activities: Swamp and waterfall hikes, bird and canopy walks

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drinks Are Included At This Accommodation

Specific Drink Inclusions: Soft drinks, beer & house wine

DAY 8 – NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK

Nyungwe

One&Only Nyungwe House

Nyungwe Park Activities

Included Activities: One chimpanzee trek

Optional Activities: Other primate treks, swamp and waterfall hikes, bird and canopy walks

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drinks Are Included At This Accommodation

Specific Drink Inclusions: Soft drinks, beer & house wine

DAY 9 – KIGALI (RWANDA DEPARTURE)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drive From Nyungwe National Park To Kigali With Your Private Guide & Exclusive 4×4 Vehicle

Kigali City Tour Attractions (Optional Visits – Time Permitting)

Optional Tour Activities: Kigali Genocide Memorial, Natural History Museum – Kandt House, The Dancing Pots, Caplaki Handicrafts Cooperative, Art Galleries – Inema, Ivuka & Niyo

Private Departure Transfer from Kigali City To Kigali International Airport (KGL)

Upon arrival in Kigali City, you are transferred to Kigali International Airport for your flight.

TRIP EXTENSIONS

Add-On Trips from Rwanda

Top Safari & Beach Extensions in Africa:

• Serengeti & Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania & Kenya
• Okavango Delta & Chobe in Botswana
• Cape Town, Kruger & Sabi Sand in South Africa
• Victoria Falls (Livingstone Town) & South Luangwa in Zambia
• Hwange & Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
• Amboseli, Lewa, Great Rift Valley Lakes (Nakuru – Naivasha) in Kenya
• Bwindi & Queen Elizabeth in Uganda
• Gombe – Mahale (Chimpanzees), Ngorongoro & Selous in Tanzania
• Sossusvlei & Etosha in Namibia
• Lake Victoria in Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda
• Indian Ocean Islands & Beaches – Zanzibar, Seychelles, Mozambique, Lamu, Pemba, Mafia, Mombasa, Mauritius & Madagascar