Day 1 - Kigali
Arrive in Kigali and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore. Overnight tourist class hotel.
Day 2 - Kigali - Goma
Spend this morning exploring Kigali. On a walking tour organised by the Nyamirambo Women's Centre we meet local people and learn about their everyday lives - a good opportunity to see beneath the surface of Kigali. After lunch we cross into the Democratic Republic of Congo and continue to the city of Goma. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 3 - Goma - Bukima]
Explore Goma, visiting the Turunga Cave for panoramic views over the city, as well as a centre for former child soldiers. We then continue to Bukima, our base for visiting the mountain gorillas. Overnight tented camp. (BLD)
Day 4 - Virunga National Park - Gorilla trackingd]
Accompanied by trackers, we head out into the forests to meet a family of mountain gorillas - one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences that Africa can offer. After time spent observing these gentle giants, we continue to the Rumangabo area of the park. Stay tonight at a forest lodge which offers great opportunities for spotting primate species. (BLD)
Day 5 - Virunga National Park - Chimpanzee tracking
This morning we venture into the forest to search for chimpanzees, with excellent chances of spotting the family that lives here. After breakfast we visit a gorilla rehabilitation programme and learn more about the work of the rangers that protect the area from poachers. Return to Goma in the afternoon. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Days 6-7 - Nyiragongo
Transfer to the base of the active Nyiragongo volcano. Climb up to the summit to see its breathtaking lava crater, and spend the night here for stunning views as the night falls. In the morning of Day 7, watch the sun rise between the Karisimbi and Visoke volcanoes, then return to the base. From here transfer to Goma and continue to Tchegera Island. Overnight simple chalets and tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 8 - Goma
After a relaxing morning in the tranquil setting of Tchegera, return to Goma. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Days 9-10 - Idjwi Island
Travel to Idjwi, the largest island on Lake Kivu with its traditional pygmy villages and laid back atmosphere. We spend our time here visiting local settlements and sailing out on the lake with fishermen. Overnight local guesthouse. (BLD)
Day 11 - Bukavu
Travel by boat on Lake Kivu to the town of Bukavu, with impressive views along the way. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 12 - Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Venture into Kahuzi Biega National Park, one of the last strongholds for the endangered eastern lowland gorilla. Trek through the rainforest to observe one of the families in their natural habitat. Return to Bukavu in the afternoon. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 13 - Nyungwe
Cross the border back into Rwanda and continue to Nyungwe, an area of primary rainforest rich in primate species. In the afternoon we walk into the forest to look for colobus, one of the most striking primates in this region, with groups up to 50 strong residing here. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 14 - Nyungwe
Return to the forest, this time to track chimpanzees - our final primate encounter of the tour. After lunch we explore the rainforest further on its canopy walkway for a different view of this incredible region. Overnight tourist class hotel. (BLD)
Day 15 - Butare - Kigali
Return to the capital, stopping at Butare on the way to visit the National Museum. This afternoon visit the Genocide Memorial, a harrowing reminder of the troubles Rwanda has faced. Later transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (BL)
What's included:
Airport transfers - We include arrival and departure transfers regardless of whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you. If you're booking them yourself, then please let us know the details so that we can arrange the transfers. Please note though that if you arrive earlier than Day 1 of the tour, and leave after the final day, we may need to make an additional charge for an airport transfer.
Accommodation - Accommodation as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we'll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you're used to elsewhere.
Guides - You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide from start to finish.
Meals - As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). These will vary from trip to trip - in some areas it makes sense to include all meals while in others there is a good choice of restaurants and we feel people might like to 'do their own thing' now and again.
Entrance fees - Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you'd like to see, these would be at your own expense.
What's Not included:
Visas - We don't arrange visas for our travellers, but if an invitation letter is necessary then we will arrange this for you. If you need any advice with visas then let us know.
Airport taxes - If there are any departure taxes to pay that are not included within the cost of your ticket, you'll need to pay these yourself.
International flights - Many of our travellers arrive from different destinations and so we don't include international flights in the cost of our tours. If however you would like us to book flights for you, then just let us know and we'll be happy to discuss your options.
Travel Insurance - If you need any assistance with this, then let us know - although we can't arrange it ourselves we can point you in the direction of a reputable provider that can assist.
