Itinerary Details
1 Arrive Kigali, Rwanda
Between steep valleys and thickly forested ridges, Kigali flourishes, an ever-building drumbeat of flash boutiques and flowery cafes. A gateway to the national parks, there is much to discover here before escaping to the jungle.
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2 Kigali | A Day For Reflection & ExplorationAnother dimension of the Rwandan capital’s culture is reflected in its places set aside for contemplation and quiet reflection upon the country’s past, notably at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a haunting tribute to the lives lost in the 1994 atrocities. Today, Rwanda exports some of the world’s finest coffee; gain insight into roasting and brewing methods on a visit to a local coffee operation, with a chance to taste some of the aromatic brew for yourself.
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3 Nyungwe Forest National Park | Biodiverse HotspotHear the howl of olive baboons, spot the graceful, black-and-white coats of Colobus monkeys and catch a flash of white as vervet monkeys swing through the trees; Nyungwe Forest is a primate playground, where among the hiking trails and waterfalls, troops of numerous species of monkey have made their home. Chimpanzees are the main draw here, with ample opportunity to track these fascinating, highly complex creatures.
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4 Nyungwe Forest National Park | Home Of The ChimpanzeesSet off at dawn for a guided chimpanzee-tracking excursion — early morning marks the time the apes are at their most active. Keep eyes open, too, for over 300 species of bird, including the dazzling, patchwork-painted Rockefeller’s sunbird. This afternoon, tour a nearby tea plantation for the opportunity to visit local farmers. Alternatively, you may choose to embark on a canopy walk in the park.
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5 Kibuye | Serene Lake KayakingEven if landlocked Rwanda had hundreds of miles of its own coast, its people would still flock to the beautiful, sinuous shores of Lake Kivu. One of East Africa’s most spectacular lakes, it has golden beaches and lush islands that rise from the water like the eyes of a curious hippopotamus, while fishermen drop their nets into the lake’s rich, emerald depths. Drift away on a peaceful kayaking excursion on the lake, led by an experienced guide. Admire the serenity of the landscape, all secluded inlets and distant hills, as the sun’s rays dance on the water’s surface.
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6 Volcanoes National Park | Mountain Gorilla AbodeSome of Africa’s most spellbinding scenery can be found in Volcanoes National Park; Rwanda’s calling card, this is the jungle of every explorer’s dream, where the sky crowns the green Virunga’s (volcanoes) with halos of cloud and hiking trails twist deep into forests ringing with birdsong. One of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences awaits A&K guests trekking into the dense, high-altitude forests of Volcanoes National Park, where experienced rangers read the forest to locate one of 18 habituated families of endangered mountain gorillas.
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7 Volcanoes National Park | Up-Close EncountersYour team of expert guides lead you into the jungle where, with a little luck, you spend an hour in the company of a troop of gorillas, observing their behavior and taking pictures from a respectful distance. Seeing these majestic animals eat, frolic and relax together in such intimacy is one of the most powerful wildlife experiences a traveller can have. Later, in the foothills of the Virungas flows the gentle Mukungwa River, the setting for your guided, A&K-exclusive canoeing trip. Drift by the region’s sights, sounds and wildlife before a sundowner on the quiet riverbank, with time to reflect on your journey and the amazing beings you encountered.
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8 Depart KigaliKigali Serena Hotel (dayroom).
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