Quintessential Rwanda

This morning you will be transferred to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only 'savannah park' (distance 110kms/travelling time approx. 2.5hrs). 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 (flight time approx. 45 minutes). On arrival check-in to your accommodation for a two-night stay.

Nestled in southwestern Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is celebrated for its remarkable biodiversity and high number of endemic species. This ancient rainforest, perched on fertile mountain slopes, is one of Africa’s oldest and shelters Rwanda’s only remaining chimpanzee population. The park also supports 85 other mammal species, 43 types of reptiles, nearly 300 bird species, and over 1,000 plant species. Adding to its mystique, Nyungwe is home to the source of the Nile—the world’s longest river. With 130 kilometres of scenic hiking trails, including East Africa’s highest canopy walkway, exploring this breathtaking landscape is an unforgettable experience. The park is especially renowned for its primates, boasting 13 species, including chimpanzees and black-and-white colobus monkeys.

After settling into your accommodation head into the park to experience the thrill of walking above the treetops on the Canopy Walkway. Suspended 60 meters high, this breathtaking bridge offers panoramic views of lush rainforest, diverse wildlife, and unique bird species—an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike in Rwanda’s oldest rainforest.

Today begin your day early, around 5am, by entering the park for an exciting experience tracking Chimpanzees. You will receive a briefing from the park’s head ranger and be divided into hiking groups, each with a maximum of eight participants. Only two chimpanzee groups are habituated for tracking and depending on the chimps' movements and their location within the park, tracking can last between 2 and 6 hours. Tracking requires a good level of fitness due to the chimpanzees' mobility and the challenging terrain of thick forest areas. Once a group is located, visitors have one hour to observe their behaviours and social interactions.
Please note, as this is a natural wildlife experience, chimpanzee viewing cannot be guaranteed, however due to the expert skills of the trackers and guides there is a high chance of locating them.

Today you will be transferred to one of Rwanda's lesser known, but simply beautiful areas - Lake Kivu (distance 117 kms/travelling time approx. 2.5hrs). 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 (distance 155kms/travelling time approx. 3.5hrs). 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.

After an early breakfast you will be driven to the Gorilla Tracking HQ to meet the guide, porter and the other people tracking your gorilla family.  

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 1,000 gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment. Gorillas make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Trek to see them and you’ll be introduced by your expert trackers and guides to one of the fully habituated families of mountain gorillas and you can stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.

Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours+ depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel at seeing the gorillas!

Expert guides give a pre-trek briefing on specific protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas that live within an altitude of 2500 and 4000m. Porters (supplement applies) are available to help carry backpacks and cameras, as well as helping you with your footing along your hike which can be hard work, but well worth it.  

Today you have the day at leisure with a huge array of optional activities (supplements may apply): to choose from including: a Kinigi community walk (included); golden monkey tracking, visits to the ex-poachers village, the Musanze caves to explore, boats to paddle on and many lakes to walk around. Prebooking for Gorilla and Monkey tracking is essential.

This morning board your vehicle for the drive back to the capital of the city, Kigali (distance 120kms/travelling time approx. 2hrs 45mins). 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
• One Chimpanzee track (tracking permit included)
• One Gorilla track (tracking permit included)
• Tree Canopy Walkway adventure
• Kinigi community walk
• 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/Chimpanzee 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