AN EXAMPLE 10 DAY HOLIDAY TO RWANDA
Explore Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for chimpanzee, and experience gorilla trekking in Virunga, where you can see these iconic primates in their natural habitat. Rwanda is a leader in conservation, with an abundance of breath taking scenery and filled with warm and friendly locals, eager to show you their beautiful home.
The below is just a taster, let our experts tailor make the perfect holiday to Rwanda. Read on to find out more.
EXPLORE: Kigali - Day 1 to 3
The capital city of Rwanda is a clean, pretty and peaceful, cosmopolitan hotspot. Despite it’s turbulent past it is a safe and clean city where the whole communities come together to clip hedges, collect rubbish and work to keep their city tidy. And then there’s the remarkable picturesque surroundings, with sweeping valleys and rolling green hills.
It’s more than just a pit stop on route to your gorilla trek, make the most of this wonderfully vibrant capital, visit the aromatic food markets and cafes, explore the jacaranda-ed boulevards and discover the sensitive memorials to a past, the city has worked hard to put behind it.
STAY: The Retreat by Heaven
Relax at this very chilled and sophisticated boutique hotel. It’s been built with sustainability and comfort in mind and achieves both with aplomb. A respite from the many big chain hotel groups that dominate the city, there are only 20 luxury rooms set in bountiful gardens, with a wellness centre, restaurant, views across the city and an abundance of that famous Rwandan hospitality.
GORILLA TREK: Volcanoes National Park - Day 4 to 7
The Parc National des Volcans, or Volcanoes National Park, is the Rwandan side of the Virungas, the luscious and utterly spellbinding home of 480 mountain gorillas, although sadly this is more than half the world’s remaining population. Named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: the park is the place to go to make all your wildlife dreams come true and experience face-to-face encounters with these wonderful primates.
But why stop there, the Virungas are also offer a variety of trekking and climbing options as well as being the home to the rare golden monkey, which are endemic to this region.
STAY: Virunga Lodge
Perched high on a hilltop and overlooking the Volcanoes National Park is Virunga Lodge. Undoubtedly the accommodation of choice when going gorilla trekking, this community focused and ecologically conscious property is home to exceptional hospitality (with your own private butler), sensational views and locally inspired food. The location is phenomenal and with the ever-present layer of iridescent, swirling mist, the lodge is every bit as magical as the wildlife.
STOPOVER: Kigali - Day 7 to 8
You’ll return to the wonderful city of Kigali for a quick stay on route to your next destination. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit those places you didn’t have time to see previously or possibly return to some of your favourite spots.
STAY: Hotel des Mille Collines
Hotel des Milles Collines is a local landmark, the inspiration from the film Hotel Rwanda and is one of Kigali’s most popular inns. It has a unique history and fabulous sights of the buzzing city. It sits on a hill outside of the bustle of the streets of downtown, providing a calm, leafy escape to relax in. The views are breath taking, the accommodation and dining are very good.
DISCOVER: Nyungwe National Park - Day 8 to 10
One of Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity, Nyungwe National Park is currently the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa. The vast rainforest is truly enchanting: dense stands of mahoganies tangled with ancient ferns tower overhead; herbaceous plants and cornucopias of colourful orchids and butterflies charm every sense.
More than a quarter of Africa’s primates live here with chimpanzee trekking being the main attraction, but the troops of monkeys, baboon, mongoose, otter, bushpig, civet and genet also deserve your attention. Don’t miss East Africa’s highest canopy walk – a metal bridge suspended 50 metres above the forest floor, offering vertiginous views of the enchanting scenery.
STAY: One&Only Nyungwe House
Nyungwe House is a sophisticated, homestead-style hotel on an expansive working tea plantation, it’s the first five-star property in the area and an ideal base from which to explore. Situated in five striking wooden villa clusters, the luxury treetops and villas are honour Rwanda’s beauty and heritage.
Explore the region with chimpanzee trekking, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking before returning to the hotel for some well earned R&R in the One&Only jungle spa using eco-friendly Africology products. In the evening dine on delicious, comforting dishes served on the terrace, inspired by Africa’s diverse culinary culture and enjoy your favourite tipple on the al fresco deck of the Tea Lounge Bar.