Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are met by an A&K representative and transferred to Kigali Serena Hotel for overnight (20 minutes’ drive). Dinner is under your own arrangements.
The Retreat is Kigali’s only true boutique hotel will just 11 luxury rooms divided into superior and deluxe rooms. The hotel is entirely solar powered and features a beautiful pool, spa and The Fusion restaurant which offers fresh farm to table cuisine, refreshing cocktails and wellness menus. Each of the rooms have a private balcony where you can sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of Kigali and the superior rooms also feature a private back patio. The décor is simple but features strong Rwandan elements highlighting the countries love of colors and patterns.
After breakfast you will be met by your A&K driver guide and visit the Genocide Memorial Centre – this is a very moving experience that will give you an in-depth insight into the history of Rwanda and how the genocide started, peaked and the recovery process that the country has been going through ever since.
Once you have completed your morning tours you will have lunch at a local restaurant where you will also go over your safari itinerary with your A&K driver guide. Afternoon, you will drive 2h30 to Musanze, check-in at Bishop House then dinner and overnight.
Situated at the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes, only minutes from the Volcanoes National Park HQs, the 5* Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge provides exclusive accommodation and first-class service amidst extraordinary views of the Virunga’s and surrounding countryside making it the perfect base from which to explore this unique and fascinating corner of Africa – home of the rare Mountain Gorillas.
All the eight secluded guest cottages are very spacious and private with en-suite bathrooms, a sitting area and fireplace for the chilly evenings as well as a sheltered verandah. The property was refurbished in 2017 and the décor has a warm English country cottage feel to it in the midst of the mountains. Be prepared for the 90+ steps up from the carpark to the lounge area which provide excellent practice for your gorilla tracking adventure.
After an early breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park HQs to be allocated a gorilla tracking group. (25 Min)
0700 hrs.: Briefing by your trackers then drive to the trail head for the start of an amazing adventure.
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 880 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 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.
Lunch is at the lodge.
The afternoon drive back to Kigali and check-in at The retreat by Heaven.
Dinner on own account.
Morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
