Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

   • On arrival at Kigali International Airport, pass through passport control and collect your luggage. Your luggage will be scanned through an X-ray machine before you head to the arrivals hall.
   • Once you have reached the arrivals hall, meet our representative, who will help you with your luggage and take you to your rental vehicle in the car park. They will meet you in the arrivals hall, holding a board with your name displayed.
   • On arrival, you will be met on the tarmac. With priority luggage collection, you will be assisted by customs and immigration until your driver picks you up outside the arrivals gate.
   • Transfer to Heaven Boutique Hotel.

   Please note that the following items are strictly prohibited: plastic bags, drones and any radio/walkie-talkie equipment. We recommend that you draw some local currency at the airport before you head to your hotel. Many local businesses around Rwanda prefer to process Rwandan Franks rather than US Dollars, so you must draw some local currency from an ATM before leaving the airport. As you depart the airport, there is also a small charge that must be settled in the local currency. There are several ATMs near your hotel and along your journey, and we are very happy to make recommendations for the best places to draw money during the rest of your trip

2. Day 2: Go local in 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: Adventure around Kigali - Umusambi Village

   • Start your day by immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Umusambi Village Nature Trail. Enjoy a leisurely walk through lush landscapes and the stunning mountain views around Kabuga Hill.
   • Embark on the 22km biking trail, starting and ending at Umusambi Village. Enjoy a delightful BBQ lunch, perfect for recharging after your biking adventure.
   • After lunch, you have the option to visit a nearby village. This is a great opportunity to support local conservation efforts and engage with the community. The entry fee for this visit is US$15 per person, paid directly on-site.
   • Visit other places like Kimironko Market and the Question coffee for coffee tasting.

   Overnight at Heaven Boutique Hotel.

4. Day 4: Transfer to the South - Life of Artisans tour

   • 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.

5. Day 5: 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.

6. Day 6: 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.

7. Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking & 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.

8. Day 8: Begin Lake Kivu Kayak Adventure -Kibuye to Gishayu

   • Set off from Kibuye and head towards Lake Kivu’s ‘Bay of Islands,’ a stunning and unique landscape unlike elsewhere in Rwanda.
   • Begin your island-hopping adventure, making stops to explore different islands. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear, impressively clean waters of Lake Kivu.
   • Travel to Napoleon Island to witness a remarkable and noisy colony of thousands of fruit bats. Watch these fascinating creatures as they compete for the best roosting spots.
   • Paddle to your campsite on a beautiful, uninhabited island with native trees. This island provides a rare haven for numerous bird species.
   • Hike to the summit of Munini, also known as Napoleon Island due to its hat-like shape. Enjoy the spectacular 360° panorama of Lake Kivu, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the lush green hills of the region.
   • Set up camp with exclusive access to the island. Purchase fresh fish from local fishermen to support the community and prepare a simple but delicious meal around a small open fire.
   • Relax by the campfire and enjoy the silence of the lake as you wind down for the night.

9. Day 9: Continue kayaking along Lake Kivu - Kinunu by Boat

   • 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

10. Day 10: Hike Muhungwe Mountain & Transfer to Volcanoes NP

    • Travel from the ecolodge to the starting point of the hike, located in a small community to the east of the Congo Nile watershed.
    • Start your hike heading south on a route that ascends a wide ridge. Experience a few steep sections along the way, offering incredible views towards the Virunga Volcanoes.
    • Continue along the trail as it enters a forest, leading to a small secondary summit. Enjoy the picturesque scenery and the tranquil forest environment.
    • Follow the well-marked trail to a wide-open pasture where local people herd cattle. Admire the picturesque villages in the distance.
    • Proceed along the trail, passing a saddle and rising to the main summit of Muhungwe Mountain. On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of three of the Virunga volcanoes: Nyiragongo, Mikeno, and Karisimbi.
    • Explore the true rounded summit, which is enclosed in a forest. Begin descending on a northern spur through a stunningly beautiful mixed native forest.
    • Choose to extend your walk by exploring small trails in the forest or continue on the main trail to reach the road.

    Overnight at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.

11. Day 11: Mountain biking in Volcano & Mukungwa River canoe

    • 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.

12. Day 12: Mountain Bisoke Hike or Diana Fossey tomb Hike

    • 7:00 AM – Arrive at Volcanoes National Park and meet your park rangers for a briefing and preparation for the hike. Take a short drive to the trailhead, where your hike will begin.
    • Start your hike through the lush, native rainforest. Entering the forest feels like stepping into another world.
    • Begin the steep climb surrounded by vines and tall native trees. Enjoy the sight of birds soaring above the canopy. Be prepared for a muddy and potentially slippery trail, especially during the wet season.
    • As you ascend, observe the changes in vegetation, passing through stands of bamboo, giant lobelia, and hagenia, and eventually reaching alpine meadows.
    • Reach the summit where, weather permitting, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the crater lake on the border between Rwanda and the DRC. Also, gaze across to Mount Mikano, just over the border in DRC.

13. Day 13: Golden Monkey Trekking & Visit Twin Lakes

    • 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.

14. Day 14: Trekking with Mountain Gorillas - Departure

    • 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.