The 10-Day Rwanda Encounter itinerary begins and ends at Kigali International Airport. You will experience stunning aerial views of Rwanda through helicopter transfers from Kigali to Misty Volcanoes National Park, then to Gisenyi, Nyungwe National Park, and back to Kigali. The itinerary includes trekking with the Great Apes, namely the Mountain Gorillas and the Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. You will also visit the Rwanda-DRC border, participate in various aquatic activities on Lake Kivu, trek to see Chimpanzees and Colobus Monkeys, and enjoy a canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park.
Detailed Itinerary for the 10-Day Rwanda Encounter
Day 1: ARRIVAL
After your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will clear immigration and proceed to the arrivals area to meet your driver guide. They will accompany you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
- Accommodation: Marriott Hotel Kigali (Luxury Option) or Onomo Hotel Kigali (Mid-range Option)
- Meal Plan: B,-,-
Day 2: HELICOPTER FLIGHT FROM KIGALI TO MUSANZE / VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Following an early breakfast at the lodge, you will travel to the park headquarters for a briefing before proceeding to the trailheads for one of the standout experiences of Volcanoes National Park: trekking to see the Golden Monkeys. This trek typically lasts about four hours. During this time, you will have the chance to observe the habituated monkeys and spend up to an hour with them as they engage in their daily activities. Known for their playful and curious nature, these monkeys can often be seen jumping between bamboo branches. After your trek, you will return to the resort for lunch and have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities.
- Accommodation: One and Only Gorillas Nest (Luxury accommodation) or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Mid-range accommodation)
- Meal plan: B, L, D
Day 5: HELICOPTER FLIGHT FROM MUSANZE / VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK TO GISENYI
After breakfast at your lodge, you will embark on a helicopter flight to Gisenyi, where a driver guide will meet you to transfer you to your hotel. Lake Kivu, one of the notable lakes in Africa located in Rubavu, Gisenyi town, lies along the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. It is part of the Albertine Rift, which is the western section of the East African Rift. Lake Kivu flows into the Ruzizi River, which then moves southward to Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. You will have an opportunity to visit the border and learn about what happens there. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury accommodation) or Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Mid-range accommodation)
- Meal plan: B, L, D
Day 6: FULL DAY GISENYI.
On this day, you will participate in various water-related activities on Lake Kivu, which include kayaking, windsurfing, sport fishing, hiking, and biking along the shore, among other options. After your lunch, you can unwind at the beach. Dinner and an overnight stay will be arranged at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury Option) or Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Moderate Option)
Day 7: HELICOPTER FLIGHT FROM GISENYI TO NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK
Following breakfast at your lodge, you will embark on a helicopter flight to Nyungwe National Park, where your driver guide will meet you for the transfer to the lodge. You will enjoy lunch, dinner, and spend the night at the lodge.
- Accommodation: One and Only Nyungwe House (Luxury Option) or Mantis Kivu Marina Bay (Moderate Option)
- Meal plan: B, L, D
Day 8: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING AND CANOPY WALK
On this day, you will leave the lodge with a packed breakfast and travel to the park headquarters for your briefing before starting your trek into the forest. Throughout this journey, you will encounter various bird species and primates. You will have an hour to observe the Chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Afterward, you will return to the lodge for some rest and lunch.
In the afternoon, you will head back to the park headquarters for a briefing on the canopy walk. This remarkable walkway offers a unique view of the forest, and it is the only one of its kind in East Africa. You will enjoy dinner and stay overnight at the lodge.
- Accommodation: One and Only Nyungwe House (Luxury Option) or Mantis Kivu Marina Bay (Moderate Option)
- Meal plan: B, L, D
Day 9: COLOBUS MONKEY TREK.
Following breakfast at the resort, visit the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on your trek to observe the Colobus Monkeys. These Old World Monkeys, belonging to the genus Colobus, are native to Africa and are characterized by their black bodies paired with white fur on their necks and backs. As you navigate through the rainforest, you’ll be struck by their numbers; approximately 400 individuals form the largest group of Angolan Colobus Monkeys found in Africa. This trek is relatively easier compared to the more strenuous Chimpanzee trek. You will have the opportunity to see many monkeys as they leap between the treetops. After the trek, return to the resort for lunch, and spend the remainder of the day relaxing and enjoying the resort amenities.
- Accommodation: One and Only Nyungwe House (Luxury) or Mantis Kivu Marina Bay (Moderate)
- Meal plan: B, L, D
Day 10: HELICOPTER FLIGHT FROM NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK TO KIGALI – DEPARTURE
After breakfast at the lodge and checking out, you will head to the helicopter for your flight to Kigali International Airport, where you will board your international flight.
- Meal plan: B, -, –
Inclusions and Exclusions for 10 Days Rwanda Encounter.
Inclusions for the 10-Day Rwanda Experience:
- Gorilla permits at $1,500 per individual
- Accommodation for 9 nights, with meals as outlined in the itinerary
- Activities included in the itinerary
- Park entry fees
- One-way helicopter transfer from Kigali International Airport to Musanze or Volcanoes National Park
- One-way helicopter transfer from Musanze/Volcanoes National Park to Gisenyi
- One-way helicopter transfer from Gisenyi to Nyungwe National Park
- One-way helicopter transfer from Nyungwe National Park back to Kigali International Airport
- Golden Monkey trekking experience
- Visit to the Rwanda-DRC border
- Water activities on Lake Kivu
- Chimpanzee trekking opportunity
- Canopy walk experience
- Colobus Monkey trekking
- Services of a knowledgeable English-speaking driver-guide
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Government taxes included
Exclusions for the 10-Day Rwanda Experience:
- International airfare
- Visa costs
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not included
- Gratuities
- Beverages
- Personal expenses
