Quintessential Rwanda

This morning you will be driven to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only 'savannah park'. This scenic drive takes you through a variety of landscapes that start as rolling hills and gently lower down into the open plains that characterize the park. Check-in to your accommodation for a two- night stay.

Bordering Tanzania in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is central Africa's largest protected wetland and Rwanda's only Big-5 reserve. Its diverse landscapes range from rolling highlands and acacia groves to swamp-fringed lakes, providing a habitat for rare species like the swamp-dwelling sitatunga, along with elephants, giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, hippos, and hundreds of bird species.

Set out to explore the plains of Akagera National Park, the largest protected wetland in Central Africa. The park has made a magnificent comeback since the 1990s when this national treasure was on the brink of total disappearance. To protect its diverse ecosystem, the park joined forces with the organization African Parks and established rigorous conservation regulations. The initiative has since seen the reintroduction of lions and black rhinos, making the park home to the Big Five once again. You can also see buffalo, elephant, zebra, giraffes and an abundance of other African species. The landscape of the park is equally captivating, complete with the stunning Mutumba hills overlooking savannah plains, woodland, papyrus swamps and dozens of lakes.

This morning board your helicopter bound for Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel in the Nyungwe National Park. The flight time is approximately 45 minutes. On arrival check-in to your accommodation for a two-night stay.

Situated in southwestern 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.

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a plethora of extraordinary sites and activities, many of which you can experience today. With over 80 species of mammal, 13 species of primate, 1000 plant types and more than 300 kinds of bird - 27 of which are endemic -, it is little wonder that many hail this forest as Rwanda’s most important site for biodiversity. The chance to track chimpanzees is high up on the list of things to do, with over 400 of the creatures living beneath the forest’s dense canopy, some of which have been habituated to human contact. To add to the mystical beauty of this ancient rainforest, Nyungwe is home to the source of the world’s longest river – the Nile. With 130 kilometres of hiking trails, trekking through the rainforest is sublime, particularly the route which crosses East Africa’s highest canopy walk.

Today you will drive to one of Rwanda's lesser known, but simply beautiful areas - Lake Kivu. This scenic drive will take you along the lake shore from which you can take in the expanse of water, its surface dotted with islands and fishermen going about their day. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore. Overnight Lake Kivu.

One of Africa’s Great Lakes, Kivu is the sixth-largest lake in Africa and one of the deepest lakes in the world, covering a vast surface area of roughly 2,700 square kilometres and reaching to almost 500 metres at its maximum depth. The steep hills that surround it are webbed with a network of scenic hiking trails leading through lush forests and past cascading waterfalls. Water sports enthusiasts will have a field day at Lake Kivu, and bird watchers are likely to be equally thrilled by the lake’s variety of diverse avian species.

Set out for the Volcanoes National Park which lies on the northern border of Rwanda. This drive will take you through the farmlands and villages of Rwanda, giving you a glimpse into life in this wonderful country. As you near your destination look out for the soaring peaks of the Virunga Mountain Chain. Check-in to your accommodation for a 3-night stay.

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 drawcard, 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.

Two days to explore the Volcanoes National Park with a huge array of activities to choose from, the most famous of them being the gorilla tracking*. However there is also golden monkey tracking*, visits to the ex-poachers village, the Musanze caves to explore and the many lakes and boats to walk around and paddle on.
*Park fees are not included and are at extra cost

This morning board your vehicle for the drive back to the capital of the city, Kigali. This is a wonderfully scenic drive through the farmlands and rolling hills and gives you time to reflect on the wonderous adventures you have had during your stay in Rwanda.

• Airport meet and greet
• Transfers with English-speaking driver/guide
• 9-nghts' accommodation in Deluxe Class (Silver category) properties
• Excursions as specified in itinerary (Note: Gorilla permits quoted separately. These need to be prepaid to secure, and are non-refundable once purchased)
• Services of camp/lodge guides and staff
• Drinks in the safari lodges – house wine, beer, sodas and soft drinks
• Helicopter flight Mantis Akagera Game Lodge to Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
• Park fees and entrance fees as specified
• Accommodation taxes, applicable tourism levies and relevant VAT or Government Sales Tax (GST)
• Emergency Evacuation Service within Rwanda
• 24/7 service and full local backup throughout Rwanda
• Africa Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel

• International flights
• Meals not specified in itinerary such as lunch and dinner in city hotels
• Drinks not specified in itinerary
• Tours/excursions, park fees and entrance fees not specified in itinerary
• Gorilla permits quoted separately. These need to be prepaid to secure, and are non-refundable once purchased.
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Porterage
• Any new Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases
• Visas (clients are responsible for obtaining their own visa where appropriate and should check entry requirements)
• Departure taxes
• All items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, curio shop purchases
• Travel and Medical Insurance
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above