Day 1: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park (2.5 hrs)

Have breakfast at your Hotel;

Take up a city tour of Kigali including a visit to the Genocide Memorial site a grim reminder of a senseless massacre of innocent’s lives in 1994. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide; learn about other genocides in the world and how this country has dealt with that past. Tour more and see the new developments in Rwanda; the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience. The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for 100 years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. You will have lunch in Kigali;

Afterwards, depart to Ruhengeri the base for Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans. The town itself, located only 25km from Uganda border, is relatively a small city. The constant flow of humanity is quite remarkable. The Town has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. People are very friendly here and although a former Belgian colony (and thus French-speaking), many people speak English here. Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. (Full Board) (Inclusive of local beverages and laundry service)

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is situated in the foothills of the mighty virungas, the chain of 15,000 ft volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, affords wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside. Guest cottages and the main building have been beautifully constructed and appointed.

Volcanoes National Park. In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat," wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, "are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas". Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range - home of the rare mountain gorilla - and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath. The mysterious rainforest is alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent

Day 2: Gorilla Trekking - Volcanoes National Park

Early breakfast at your lodge. At 0630 hrs transfer to the Volcanoes National Park HQs,

0700 hrs do the Registration, where the park staff determines which group of gorillas you will visit. The park staff discusses your fitness level and advises you of the trekking times and conditions to the various groups based upon their location in the park the previous evening. There are a total of 80 gorilla permits available each day with a maximum of eight trekkers visiting any one group. Once the trekkers are put into groups, each group’s Lead Guide briefs the trekkers of the trekking procedures as well as the “do’s and don’ts” while in the presence of gorillas.

After the briefing, trekkers return to their respective vehicles for the drive up the mountain to the starting point. Porters may be hired for the trek to carry your backpack and gear. The cost, US$10 per person/per day. We advise that you utilize this service.

Please remember to bring your passport for registration, appropriate, water proof hiking boots and a light rain coat. To protect from stinging nettles, we recommend long pants and long sleeved tops. A pair of old gardening gloves can help grabbing onto the vegetation while most hotels/lodges provide a walking stick that come in very handy especially when hiking downhill.  A small waterproof backpack is an excellent idea to carry a light snack, bottled water as well as protection for your camera.

After the trek, join your driver guide for a transfer back to your lodge. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a visit to iby’I wacu cultural village where ex-poachers were turned into eco-warriors. Overnight: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge. (Full Board) (Inclusive of local beverages and laundry service)

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park – Gisenyi (1.5 hrs)

Today after breakfast, you will drive to Gisenyi in western Rwanda on the shores of Lake Kivu. You will have the day to relax and have an optional tour of Gisenyi including a visit to the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, BRALIRWA (the local brewery) and the hot spring. Water activities available (to be paid directly).

Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel. (Full Board)

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is serenely sited on the white sandy shores of Lake Kivu, the sixth largest lake in Africa, and surrounded by extensive tropical gardens, the tastefully open-plan Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers the ideal extended holiday destination in Rwanda. it overlooks its own private beach and offers; 66 luxury hotel rooms, executive suites and family accommodation, a panoramic restaurant, indoor and beachside bars, a luxury swimming pool, and the ‘Maisha' Health Centre (offering an extensive range of health and beauty regimes, boating, swimming, volley ball, tennis, fishing, hiking and trekking). Lake Kivu Serena hotel also boasts a world-class fully-integrated Conference Centre, a distinguishing service offering in Rwanda.

Lake Kivu is in Rwanda's western side is bounded by Lake Kivu, one of a string of huge freshwater lakes which lie along Africa's Great Rift Valley. Dominating the border between Rwanda and the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo); Lake Kivu is Rwanda’s largest lake, and the sixth largest lake in Africa.

Day 4: Gisenyi – Kigali – Departure (3 hrs)

Today you will enjoy the scenic drive back to Kigali and proceed to the airport for your departure flight.

 Included in the price:

• Airport transfers
• Ground transport per private 4WD safari vehicle
• English speaking driver/guide
• Accommodation in places mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals as described in the itinerary 
• Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
• Activities and excursions mentioned in the program
• AMREF Flying Doctor Insurance

Note:
Prices are subject to change. Availability of accommodations and activities is not guaranteed; reservations will be made after receiving confirmation of the final itinerary and the requested deposit. Should any of the included accommodations not be available, we reserve the right to substitute it with an alternative suitable accommodation, which might affect the final quoted price.