Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival to Rwanda - Meet and Greet

   • Upon arriving at Kigali International Airport, proceed through passport control and collect your luggage. Please be aware that all luggage will be scanned through an X-ray machine.
   • In the arrivals hall, a representative will greet you, assist with your luggage, and guide you to your rental vehicle in the car park. Look for the representative holding a board with your name.
   • Your driver will meet you outside the arrivals gate, assist with your luggage, and transfer you to your accommodation at Heaven Boutique Hotel.

   Note that plastic bags, drones, and any form of radio or walkie-talkie equipment are strictly prohibited.

   We recommend withdrawing some local currency (Rwandan Francs) from an ATM at the airport, as many businesses in Rwanda prefer Rwandan Francs over US Dollars. A small departure charge at the airport also needs to be settled in local currency. 

   ATMs are available near your hotel and along your journey. We can provide recommendations for the best places to withdraw money throughout your trip.

2. Day 2: Discover Kigali

   • On this day, you will do a Kigali city tour by visiting different attractions in the city, including:
     • Nyamirambo
     • The Kigali Genocide Memorial
     • The Belgian Memorial
   • Overnight at Heaven Boutique Hotel.

3. Day 3: Spend a day in a life of a local artisan

   • On this day, you will visit Azizi Life which honors local artisans by connecting them with global customers.
   • Immerse yourself in village life, from communal chores and shared meals to learning artisan crafts like weaving.
   • You will also have a chance to visit the King's Palace Museum.
   • The day ends with reflection and fair trade shopping, supporting sustainable livelihoods.

   Overnight at Centre d'acceuil Mater Boni Consilii.

4. Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe - Colobus monkey and Tea Tour

   • Early departure from your accommodation to maximize your chances of tracking the black-and-white colobus monkeys. The drive will offer a glimpse of the park’s diverse landscape.
   • Begin your trek into Nyungwe Forest National Park to track the black-and-white colobus monkeys. These charming primates are distinguished by their striking black and white fur and playful behaviour. With nearly 400 individuals in the troop, you have a strong chance of spotting them and observing their social interactions.
   • Experience playful interaction with the largest group of primates on the entire continent of Africa.
   • Head to Gisakura Tea Plantation for a local experience of tea cultivation. Wander through the picturesque tea estate, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills.
   • Engage in the traditional art of tea picking. Learn how to select the best tea leaves and place them in a traditional basket. This hands-on experience offers insight into the tea harvesting process.
   • We will be hiking/walking through the small trails heading to the tea estate where our tea picking will start, however, if you are the adventurous type, you can opt for an optional tea tour with mountain bikes from the starting point to the tea estates and return to the base where the tour ends on your bikes. This is also another good way to explore beautiful trails around Gisakura estates.
   • Meet your guide and drive back to Nyungwe Top View Hotel.

5. Day 5: Waterfall hike & Canopy walkway

   • Travel to the trailhead for the newly discovered waterfall in Nyungwe National Park. Enjoy the scenic drive through the lush forest landscape.
   • Begin your hike into Nyungwe Forest, ascending through the forest and enjoying breathtaking views northwest toward Lake Kivu and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As you hike, watch for various species of primates and numerous bird species.
   • Reach the first viewpoint at the end of a short spur trail. Here, a picnic bench offers an excellent view of the waterfall from approximately 50 meters away. Small trees partially obscure the view but still offer a lovely sight.
   • For a more immersive experience, descend to the wild river below. Clamber over wet rocks to reach a large boulder in the amphitheatre, where you will be close to the base of the thundering falls. Be prepared to get a little wet for this up-close view.
   • Travel to the Uwinka Visitor Centre to begin your afternoon adventure. Here, you will meet your Forest Ranger guide and prepare for a canopy walkway experience.
   • Embark on a guided walk through Nyungwe Forest, exploring its rich biodiversity. Your walk will include a 200-meter-long canopy walkway that offers a unique perspective of the forest high above the ground. Observe various bird species, butterflies, orchids, and ancient trees. Look out for some of the 75 mammal species in this Afro-Montane ecosystem, including 13 primate species.
   • After the canopy walk, return to Nyungwe Top View Hotel for an overnight.

6. Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Transfer to Lake Kivu

   • 5:00 AM – Early morning travel to Cyamudongo, a section of Nyungwe Forest known for its habituated chimpanzees.
   • Arrive at the small visitor center to meet your local ranger. The ranger will provide a briefing before setting off on your trek.
   • Begin your trek to find the troop of about 40 chimpanzees. Follow the paths and possibly scale short, steep sections of the rainforest slopes. Listen to the sounds of chimps swinging through the trees or moving on the ground. Enjoy this thrilling wildlife encounter and keep an eye out for other primates such as Silver Monkeys, L'Hoest Monkeys, Owl-faced Monkeys, Red-Tailed Monkeys, Crowned Monkeys, Dent’s Mona Monkeys, Vervet Monkeys, and Olive Baboons. Bird enthusiasts should ask the guide about local bird species, including the impressive Blue Turaco.
   • Arrive at Cormoran Lodge, perched on a lush hillside near Kibuye.
   • Enjoy a delicious lunch at the lodge’s restaurant, which offers a menu featuring local fish, Rwandan cuisine, and international dishes with a French twist.
   • Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake. Take a stroll along the shores, enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Kivu, or simply unwind on the terrace.
   • Return to your cosy cottage for a restful overnight.

7. Day 7: Adventure kayaking trip on Lake Kivu & Coffe tour

   • Wake up to the remarkable dawn chorus of birds, a truly special experience amid the serene surroundings of the lake.
   • Enjoy a simple breakfast at the campsite, enjoying the serene morning atmosphere.
   • Begin your journey back towards Kibuye. Alternatively, if your next stop is Kinunu, prepare for a coffee tour in the area.
   • Experience a fascinating coffee tour in Kinunu. Learn about the coffee production process and the local significance of this crop.
   • Meet your driver and follow the scenic coast to your next destination. Enjoy superb views of Rwanda’s lush mosaic of crops and small farms that characterize the country’s hills.
   • Stop for lunch on Amohoro (Peace) Island. Take time to reflect on the memorable experiences of the past few days while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
   • Embark on a short paddle back to where the adventure began. Reflect on the journey as you return to the starting point.

   Dinner and Overnight at Cormoran Lodge

8. Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes - Afternoon Canoeing

   • Collect your quality hard-tail mountain bike or e-bike, helmet, and cycling gloves. Meet your guide for a briefing on the day's cycling adventure.
   • Begin your bike ride through the Rwandan countryside, exploring the numerous small tracks and trails. Enjoy the views of the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, separated by a 1km strip of land and formed by volcanic eruptions. Depending on weather conditions, you may also catch sight of the five Rwanda volcanoes.
   • Conclude your cycling tour and return to the starting point or your accommodation. Freshen up and take a break before the afternoon activities.
   • Transfer to the canoeing starting point, a 15-minute drive from central Musanze (or approximately 15 minutes from Kinigi).
   • Meet your experienced Kingfisher Journey’s activity leader for a briefing on the canoeing experience. Learn how to steer your canoe and prepare for the adventure ahead.
   • Set off on a gentle and mostly flat river, soaking up impressive views of the Rwandan countryside. Spot abundant birds, look out for otters, and interact with friendly local communities.
   • After about 20-30 minutes, pull over for a brief discussion about the small rapid ahead. Helmets are required for this section.
   • Navigate through a 200-meter section where the water speeds up around a few corners. Enjoy the sights and sounds of rural Rwanda as you continue your journey.
   • Take a 20-minute drive back to Musanze and a 15-minute drive to Kinigi.

   Overnight at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.

9. Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking & Mountain Biking Excursion

   • 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM – Arrive at the park headquarters to meet your guide and receive a briefing on the day's activities. Start your hike through the forest in search of the endangered Golden Monkeys. This trek will follow a similar approach to gorilla tracking, with a small group of no more than six people.
   • Spend one hour observing a troop of 40-100 Golden Monkeys in their natural habitat. Enjoy watching their playful behaviour as they leap from tree to tree and go about their daily activities. Your visit supports research and conservation efforts to protect this endangered species. If interested, ask your guide to point out various bird species along the trails, with a chance to see the impressive Blue Turaco.
   • Enjoy a motorboat trip to a local restaurant or visit a small island for a picnic lunch. The island offers stunning views of all five of the Virunga Volcanoes in Rwanda.
   • Travel to Lake Ruhondo, where you will embark on a relaxing afternoon exploration.
   • After your walk, join a motorboat tour to explore different islands on Lake Ruhondo. Enjoy the serene lake environment and picturesque views.

   Overnight at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.

10. Day 10: Gorilla trekking - Transfer back to Kigali

    • Upon arrival at Volcanoes National Park, you will be divided into groups of up to 8 people. Other tourists may join you, and each group will be assigned a ranger.
    • Take a short drive to the start of the gorilla trekking trail.
    • Start your trek through the forest, which can take approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. The terrain may vary, so be prepared for a potentially strenuous hike.
    • Once you locate the gorilla family, spend one hour observing these incredible primates. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter as you walk among a family of mountain gorillas. Witness the interactions within the group, including the playful adolescents and the attentive silverback. This is a unique opportunity to feel a part of their extended family, even briefly.
    • Enjoy a private transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali International Airport for departure.

    End of Tour.