Day 1: Welcome to Kigali – City of Culture and Peace

Your adventure begins in Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your dedicated Sauti Africa Explorers guide will meet you for a personalised transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, embark on an afternoon Kigali city tour:

📍 City Highlights:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial – A powerful and moving tribute to Rwanda’s resilience and healing.
• Kimironko Market – Discover Rwanda’s colours, spices, fabrics, and daily life.
• Inema Arts Centre – A modern art hub showcasing young Rwandan creatives.
• Optional: Local coffee tasting at a Kigali café or sunset view from Mount Kigali.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel / Heaven Boutique Hotel (based on package level)
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Journey to Volcanoes National Park – Gateway to the Gorillas

After breakfast, set out on a 2.5-hour drive northwest to Musanze, a vibrant town near the base of the Virunga Mountains. As you approach, the scenery transforms into lush hills, banana plantations, and misty volcanic peaks.

Check in to your lodge and enjoy the rest of your day exploring:

Optional Afternoon Activities:

• Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village – Engage in drumming, dancing, traditional hunting rituals, and storytelling.
• Take a canoe ride or hike around the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
• Enjoy a relaxed sundowner at the lodge with panoramic mountain views.

Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking – A Life-Changing Encounter

Rise early and head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing. After assignments, your ranger will lead you into the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

The trek can take 1–6 hours, depending on their location, but the reward is worth every step. You’ll spend one powerful hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, play, and interact, often just a few meters away.

Trekking Tips:

• Porters are available to assist with your backpack and walking stick.
• Sturdy hiking boots, gloves, and rain jackets are recommended.
• Camera flashes are prohibited; capture your memories respectfully.

After descending, return to the lodge for a warm meal and well-earned rest.

Optional evening activity: Enjoy a traditional Rwandan dance performance or visit the Dian Fossey Fundmuseum.

Overnight: Same lodge as the previous night
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (packed or hot), Dinner

Day 4: Scenic Transfer to Nyungwe Forest via Lake Kivu

Depart Musanze after breakfast and enjoy one of the most beautiful drives in Rwanda, tracing the shores of Lake Kivu. You’ll stop in Kibuye or Karongi, charming lakeside towns perfect for a stretch and lunch with views of fishing boats and islands.

Continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into your rainforest lodge nestled in the heart of one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse montane forests.

Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One&Only Nyungwe House (luxury upgrade)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Canopy Walk Adventure & Return to Kigali

Enjoy an early breakfast, then transfer to the Uwinka Visitor Centre for your canopy walk experience. Suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, the bridge offers panoramic views and a bird’s-eye look at monkeys, butterflies, and ancient trees, It’s thrilling but completely safe.

Optional Add-On (extra cost & early start):

• Chimpanzee trekking in the Cyamudongo section (requires 5:00 am departure)

After your activity, enjoy lunch before beginning your 5-6 hour drive back to Kigali for your evening flight or overnight stay (extension optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Package Inclusions:

• 4x4 private transport with an expert English-speaking guide
• All park entry fees and permits, including gorilla trekking
• Accommodation in luxury/mid-range eco-lodges and boutique hotels
• All meals as listed (B/L/D)
• Airport transfers and bottled water
• Cultural visits and activity coordination

Let us craft the safari you’ve always imagined.