10 Nights 11 Days Remarkable Rwanda

Kigali

Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across lush undulating hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 meters above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options. It also offers a collection of restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is definitely worth a visit.

Day Itinerary

• TBA: Arrival at Kigali International Airport.
• TBA: VIP Meet & greet assistance through immigration.
• TBA: Pick up from Kigali International Airport for a 25 minutes transfer to Kigali Serena Hotel.
• Kigali: Check in at the Hotel.  
• TBA: Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel  

Ideally located on one of Kigali's most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art. Relaxed yet elegant, the hotel centers on the Executive Lounge and Bar, which opens onto a wide sundeck overlooking the newly refurbished swimming pool. Also overlooking the pool, the popular Milima Restaurant offers a wide range of all-day buffet choices, while the relaxed Sokoni Café offers inside and outside poolside seating. The capital's natural business hub, the hotel also boasts its own extensive conference center, 500-seater auditorium and lavish ballroom.

The hotel features 148 rooms. Guests can choose from a selection of 60 Standard Rooms, 37 Superior Rooms, 19 Deluxe Rooms, 18 Junior Suites, 7 Prime Rooms, 6 Executive Suites and a luxury Presidential Suite. In-room facilities include 24-hour room service, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee making facilities, mini fridge, hair dryer, private safe and a flat screen satellite TV.

Deluxe Room

Varying slightly in size between 25 and 30 sq meters, these rooms offer either twin or king-sized beds and a luxury bathroom with both tub and shower.

Facilities include:

• 24-hour room service
• air-conditioning
• Wi-Fi and in-room modem hook-up
• direct-dial phone
• voice-mail
• in-room flat-screen satellite TV
• mini-bar
• private safe
• tea and coffee-making facilities
• hair dryer
• porter/concierge
• 24-hour on-call doctor
• Walk in shower and bathtub
• Working desk

Meal Plan

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Day 2: One & Only Gorilla's Nest, Volcanoes National Park       

Volcanoes National Park

Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face to face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main draw card, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the Crater Lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.

Day Itinerary

• 0800: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0900: Meet your guide and transfer to visit the Genocide memorial Centre
• 1030: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
• 1300: Arrival at One & only Gorillas Nest Lodge.
• 1320: Check-in & Lunch for the day and spend the rest of the afternoon on relaxation.
• 1500: The afternoon is spent on relaxation at the lodge.   
• 1800: Dinner and overnight stay at One & Only Gorillas Nest Lodge.

Overnight: One & Only Gorilla's Nest    

Cushioned in the foothills of the breath-taking Virunga Volcano range, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest makes the magical possible as you enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, personal encounter with the rare and majestic mountain gorilla, roaming free in its own natural habitat. Offering an exclusive front-row seat to the world’s most popular mountain gorilla sanctuary. You’ll be captivated as exotic colorful birds and one of the planet’s greatest arrays of primate species flourish before your eyes and welcome you into their world. Then retreat to your own world, a spectacular modern haven, where every creature comfort is yours to behold. An all-inclusive resort, guests can look forward to savoring locally inspired dishes and taking part in two complimentary daily on-resort experiences.

Virunga Suites

Soak up the rare wholesome beauty as you bathe in your open-air bathtub, refresh in the outdoor shower, lounge in your spacious deck, or dine al fresco with loved ones. Inside, move between your chic king bedroom, grand master bathroom with large standalone bath and shower, and your separate living and dining spaces with a roaring fireplace at the heart.

Have all your desires met, regardless of the time, by our resident chef and butler who are always on call. With a private catering kitchen, enjoy fresh ingredients tailored to your tastes.

Activities

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum

Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The center is an extremely moving, challenging, educational and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy and successful rebuilding post-genocide.

The memorial hosts a tour which is transparent and educational but very somber and humbling when guests realize that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.

Meal Plan

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 3: One & Only Gorilla's Nest, Volcanoes National Park       

Day Itinerary

• 0600: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0630: Transfer to the park headquarters for gorilla trekking briefing. 
• 0800: Start the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
• 1200: Estimated time of returning from the jungle.
• 1230: Transfer back to the Lodge.
• 1300: Lunch at the Lodge. 
• 1500: Visit Iby ‘Iwacu cultural village. 
• 1800: Dinner and overnight stay at One & Only Gorillas Nest Lodge. 

Activities

Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

Iby ‘Iwacu Cultural Village

Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity of discovering the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by a guide and two scouts who are well trained in emergency situations. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some taking the better part of the day.

Iby’ Iwacu Cultural Village

Offering an adventurous stay in a traditional rural, Rwandan village that has existed for centuries living with and next to mountain gorillas in Parc National des Volcans.  Iby’ Iwacu Cultural Village gives you a rare chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of our culture and traditions. The community you visit will genuinely welcome you as a special guest while they proudly present to you aspects of their traditions and beliefs. This will truly be an experience of a lifetime as you home stay with the community and become part of their family

Meal Plan

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 4: One & Only Gorilla's Nest, Volcanoes National Park       

Day Itinerary

• 0600: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0630: Transfer to the park headquarters for gorilla trekking briefing. 
• 0800: Start the SECOND gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
• 1200: Estimated time of returning from the jungle.
• 1230: Transfer back to the Lodge.
• 1300: Lunch at the Lodge. 
• 1500: Relaxation at the Lodge
• 1800: Dinner and overnight stay at One & Only Gorillas Nest Lodge.

Activities

Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity of discovering the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by a guide and two scouts who are well trained in emergency situations. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some taking the better part of the day.

Meal Plan

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 5: One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest National Park     

Nyungwe Forest National Park

Situated in south-western Rwanda, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity and its wide range of endemic species. The Park is composed of lush tracts of rainforest set high up on fertile mountain slopes. It is one of Africa’s most ancient forests and the home of Rwanda’s sole remaining chimpanzee population, as well as 85 additional mammal species, 43 reptile species, nearly 300 bird species and over 1000 plant species. Visitors can enjoy spotting Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees hiding in the trees, hiking on a well-maintained network of trails passing through lush equatorial rainforest and catching a glimpse of a beautiful array of colorful birdlife. Don’t miss the thrilling Canopy Walk; it is one of its kind in Africa and offers impressive views of the forest.

Day Itinerary

• 0730: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0800: Drive to Nyungwe Forest
• 1300: Arrival at the One & Only Nyungwe Helipad.
• 1315: Check-in at Nyungwe House.
• 1330: Lunch at the Resort.
• 1500: Take part in complementary activities at the Lodge.
• 1800: Dinner at the Resort. 

Overnight: One & Only Nyungwe House              

One&Only Nyungwe House is set amongst the rich tea plantations of Gisakura, In Southwest Rwanda, just south of Lake Kivu on the Burundi border. The property is set on the edge of the iconic Nyungwe National Park, which covers approximately 1020 square kilometers of rainforest, bamboo, and swamps. The accommodations at this lodge provide a sense of tranquility with a fireplace and picturesque private deck. All rooms include breakfast, lunch, and dinner while featuring tea and coffee facilities and an en-suite bathroom with an indoor shower, wilderness-view shower, and stand-alone bath.

The One&Only Spa provides relaxing treatments, while the One&Only Gym allows guests space and equipment for a refreshing workout. Additionally, guests can relax in the infinity pool while having a snack and drink and enjoy a meal by the trees with a picnic or at the elegant restaurant.

NYUNGWE ROOM

The One Bedroom Nyungwe Room is the perfect immersive retreat for your luxury once-in-a-lifetime Rwandan experience. Designed to accommodate two guests in a king-size bed, our signature bedroom is secluded within lush treetops and opens out to a large, private balcony. You’ll discover plenty of room to stretch out, with the bedroom also offering a plush lounging area. The balcony’s open space invites you to step outside and soak up the sounds of the wilderness and watch rare birds dart overhead. Keep an eye out for the jungle’s most mischievous residents, the curious monkeys.

Meal Plan

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 6: One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

• 0500: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0530: Prepare for transfers to Park headquarters for Chimpanzee trek briefing.
• 0530: Start the Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe forests.
• 1230: Estimated time to return from the jungle. 
• 1330: Lunch at the Lodge and entire day relaxing and winding at the Lodge. 
• 1500: Take on a Canopy Walk experience.
• 1800: Dinner at the Resort. 

Activities

Nyungwe Forest National Park Cyamudongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking

Canopy Walk

Nyungwe Forest National Park Cyamudongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking

Located within the Nyungwe National Park, the Nyungwe Forest National Park Cyamudongo Forest Chimpanzee Trekking provides visitors with a unique chimpanzee experience. Visitors will follow a path through the lush vegetation to a point where they will be able to witness the chimpanzees acting out their daily activities, such as waking up, eating and socializing within their natural environment.

Canopy Walk

Suspended above ravine amidst the lush vegetation and montane forest of the Nyungwe National Park, Canopy Walk offers participants an exhilarating perspective atop the ancient treetops and wildlife. The 160 meters long suspended bridge is accessible as a part of a guided hike along the Igishigishigi trail or those hiking the Imbaraga and Umuyove trails.

Meal Plan

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 7: One & Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

• 0800: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0900: Today is dedicated to the Isumo Waterfall hike.
• 1230: Lunch at the Lodge and entire day relaxing and winding at the Lodge. 
• 1800: Dinner at the Resort. 

Activities

One & Only Nyungwe House Nyungwe Forest Isumo Waterfalls Hike

One & Only Nyungwe House Nyungwe Forest Isumo Waterfalls Hike

The impressive Isumo Waterfall Trail starts off winding its way through green tea fields with grassy verges maintained by goats and is full of sun-loving wildflowers and butterflies. After this, the trail moves into the dense vegetation of Nyungwe Forest where a variety of fauna and flora can be seen. The main attraction of the hike is the Isumo Waterfall, roughly 17 meters in height. Many species of primate and birds can be seen near the waterfall. There are two main vantage points for taking in the beauty of the waterfall.

Meal Plan

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 8: Magashi, Akagera National Park             

Akagera National Park

Bordering Tanzania in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is central Africa's largest protected wetland and the last refuge for savannah-adapted species in the country.

Stretching across a vast expanse of low-lying mountains and savannah plains, the park takes in the rolling highlands woodlands, swamp-fringed lakes, and wetlands of the Kagera River along the way.

Crocodiles and hippos wallow in the park's watery basins, predator’s prowl through its acacia groves, and elephant, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and other animals roam across its grassy plains. Bursting with a rich biodiversity, the park features a variety of rare species, as well as a plentitude of mammals and hundreds of bird species.

Day Itinerary

• 0800: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0900: Take your helicopter flight to Akagera -Magashi Camp
• 1000: Estimated time of arrival at Magashi
• 1100: Magashi Camp check-in.
• 1300: Lunch and afternoon activities by the lodge. 
• 1800: Dinner and overnight stay at Magashi Camp. 

Overnight: Magashi       

Magashi Camp is situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, overlooking scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga. Akagera comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp and grassy low mountains – and is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, large crocodiles, as well as the rare sitatunga and boasting an impressive 520 species of birds.

Teeming with plains game, Akagera now also boasts a healthy population of lion which were introduced by African Parks in 2015 after a 20-year absence; black rhino was reintroduced in 2017, and white rhino in 2021. Magashi – the only exclusive-use area in Akagera – also harbors a good density of leopard. 

INSIDER'S TIP: Our core Purpose in Akagera is to help conserve Rwanda’s last protected savannah ecosystem, and species like black rhino and the rare and elusive shoebill; furthermore, our presence here will contribute towards enabling it to become economically self-sufficient for the first time.

Twin/Double Tents

Magashi offers six, spacious and airy, canvas tented accommodation that pays homage to Rwandan culture using a traditional, elegant East African safari feel. The interiors are meticulously designed so that guests are able to take full advantage of the beautiful wilderness surrounds and tranquil, uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga.

The interior design features an array of locally-sourced artefacts and elements inspired by the camp’s exceptional natural setting and Rwanda’s amazing renaissance – a huge part of which has seen the reinvention of traditional textiles and ceremonies in a modern context.

'Imigongo' is a type of art that is based on patterns in black, white, and ochre colors generated through lines crafted on a cow dung surface. This art form originated in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, and is formally known as 'Igisaka cy’Imigongo'. These geometric patterns further emphasize the striking local cultural reference – while khaki is used quite prominently throughout the interiors to evoke the feeling of a traditional safari, with harmonizing accents of blush in the mosquito nets, cushions and chairs providing a more contemporary feel.

Meal Plan

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 9: Magashi, Akagera National Park             

Day Itinerary

• 0630: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0700: Morning game drive in Akagera National Park and other days activities by the lodge.
• 1400: Boat safari in Akagera on Lake Rwanyakizinga. 
• 1800: Dinner and overnight stay at Magashi Camp. 

Activities

Magashi Game Drives

Magashi Boating

Magashi Game Drives

Explore the area in an open 4x4 vehicle with each vehicle able to accommodate a maximum of seven guests, allowing each individual an outside seat.

Magashi Boating

Magashi offers boating in eight-seater swamp cruisers. This is an excellent way to view the water birds and many other aquatic animals seen around Lake Rwanyakazinga.

Meal Plan

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 10: Magashi, Akagera National Park             

Day Itinerary

• 0630: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0700: Day’s activities by the lodge.
• 1100: Rest of the day at Magashi -Akagera   
• 1800: A night game drive could be done on this day. (Activities are under the lodge). 
• 1800: Dinner and overnight stay at Magashi Camp.

Activities

Magashi Night Game Drives

Magashi Night Game Drives

Magashi is in the only private access area in Akagera so exclusive night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles are offered.

Meal Plan

Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities

Day 11: End of Itinerary                

Day Itinerary

• 0800: Begin the day with a morning breakfast.
• 0900: Relax at Magashi ready for your transfer to the North Gate.
• 1100: Pick up from the North gate back to Kigali with lunch at Epic Hotel. 
• 1230: Lunch at Epic Hotel. 
• 1130: Continue to Kigali arriving in the late afternoon. 
• 1550: Estimated time of arrival in Kigali and transfer to the airport. 
• TBA: Flight time to be advised. 

Meal Plan