Overview
This is the perfect short escape for those wanting to tick the ultimate bucket-list experience off their list. You'll fly from Nairobi directly into the heart of Rwanda's "Land of a Thousand Hills" for an intimate encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. This package focuses on the primate experience, combining gorilla trekking with a golden monkey trek in the lush Volcanoes National Park, all while staying in comfortable, well-located mid-range lodges.
Detailed Itinerary
You will be met at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and assisted with your flight to Kigali (approx. 1.5 hours). Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), your Rwandan driver-guide will greet you. You'll enjoy a short city tour, including a visit to the moving Kigali Genocide Memorial, before driving through the terraced hills to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 2.5-3 hours). You'll check into your lodge for a relaxing evening and a briefing on the next day's adventure. Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- After an early breakfast, you'll head to the park headquarters with your packed lunch. Following a briefing from the park rangers, you'll enter the forest to find a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take from 1 to 4 hours through stunning montane forest. Once you find them, you'll spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants. After the trek, you'll return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and a celebratory dinner. Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
This morning, you'll head back into the park for a different but equally delightful primate experience: tracking the playful and rare golden monkeys. After your hour with them, you'll return to the lodge for lunch. Later, you'll drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival, you can explore the city's vibrant craft markets for souvenirs. Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Today is yours to explore Kigali at your own pace. You could visit the Inema Arts Centre to see contemporary Rwandan art, take a coffee tour to learn about the country's famous beans, or simply relax at the hotel and enjoy the pool. In the evening, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute shopping or a visit to the local markets. Your driver-guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your flight back to Nairobi or onward home.
Inclusions
- All flights from Nairobi to Kigali and return (or as per itinerary).
- All airport transfers and private ground transportation in a 4x4 vehicle.
- Accommodation as per the itinerary (4 nights).
- All meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- Services of an English-speaking professional driver-guide.
- 1 x Gorilla trekking permit per person ($1,500) .
- 1 x Golden Monkey trekking permit per person ($100) .
- Kigali Genocide Memorial visit.
- Bottled water in the vehicle.
Exclusions
- International flights from your home country to/from Nairobi.
- Visas for Rwanda (can be obtained online or on arrival).
- Travel insurance (compulsory).
- Tips and gratuities for guides, lodge staff, and drivers.
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, drinks, etc.).
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.