RWANDA PACKAGE – 8-days Wilderness Expedition

Day 1: Arrival and Kigali City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali Airport, our representative from Bakyala Safaris will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, we'll embark on a city tour of Kigali, exploring genocide memorial sites, vibrant art galleries, bustling markets, and the inspiring Nyamirambo Women's Centre. Relax and unwind at the luxurious The Retreat (High End) or Heaven Boutique Hotel (King room)

Meal Plan: Breakfast

The Retreat by Heaven, a 12 room (9 Superior King suite and 3 deluxe king suite ) 5 Star luxury boutique hotel is Kigali’s first entirely eco-friendly solar powered resort. It features locally crafted sustainable teak wood furniture, expansive custom built rooms with peaked ceilings, front and rear private patios, bathrooms with indoor and outdoor rain showers. Air conditioning too is fitted, custom made ceiling fans, minibar, tea/coffee set up, Large flat screen TVs with exclusive premium channels, and complimentary purified water. 2 of these room types have inter-connecting doors suitable for families with children.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Akagera National Park. Approx 2.5 hours’ drive

Breakfast at the lodge and check out of the Lodge, meet your private Safari Guide and embark on a City tour of Kigali (if not done on Day 1) Drive to Akagera National Park (2.5 hours) Stopovers for tea and coffee en route. Arrival and check-in at Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange) or Magashi Camp (High End) Relax at the lodge and later enjoy an evening game drive with sundowner.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Magashi Camp is situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse north-eastern corner of Akagera National Park, overlooking beautiful Lake Rwanyakazinga. Teeming with plains game, Akagera now also boasts a healthy population of lion, which were reintroduced into the park in 2015 after a 20-year absence, as well as black rhino which were reintroduced in 2017. Magashi – the only exclusive-use area in Akagera – also harbours a good density of leopard. Six spacious and airy tents offer uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga, while Magashi’s main area comprises a luxurious lounge, dining and bar area, pool, and expansive viewing deck with a convivial fire pit. The architecture and interiors pay homage to traditional Rwandan culture.

Day 3: Akagera National Park - Game Drive and Boat Cruise

Early morning game drive in Akagera National Park. Explore this transformed park, managed by Africa Parks, and witness the remarkable recovery of wildlife populations since the 1994 genocide you will spot an array of species, including lions, black rhinos, elephants, and giraffes
Afternoon boat trip on Lake Ihema, cruise along the lake's shores and catch sight of hippos, crocodiles, and animals quenching their thirst

Overnight at Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Midrange) or Magashi Camp (High End)

Day 4: Akagera National Park to Volcanoes National Park via Kigali.

Return to Kigali and drive to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 5 hours total journey time), upon arrival in Volcanoes National Park, home to the majestic mountain gorillas. In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla fund located just outside the Volcanoes National Park- to learn about the pioneering conservation work of Dr. Fossey and the ongoing efforts of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Relax over dinner and overnight at Bisate Lodge (High End) Five Volcanoes Lodge (Midrange)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Bisate Lodge, adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, combines the bucket-list gorilla trek with a pioneering vision of reforestation and community partnership. Bisate is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, with dramatic views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rearing up through Afro-alpine forests. Six opulent en-suite forest villas maximise comfort and views while adhering to environmentally responsible principles and reflecting the rich culture of rural Rwanda. Bisate is within easy driving distance of the Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. Walks on Bisate’s property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programme. Bisate is Rwanda’s first genuinely luxurious and eco-sensitive safari lodge, centred on Africa’s most immersive wild primate experience.

Day 5: Ultimate Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

Begin the day with an early breakfast, then head to the Volcanoes National Park offices by 7:00 AM. You'll be assigned to a gorilla tracking group and receive a comprehensive briefing from your expert trackers. Next, drive to the trailhead and embark on your thrilling trek. Once you encounter the majestic gorillas, spend a magical hour observing these incredible creatures up close.

Return to the base, where your driver will be waiting to transport you back to your lodge for lunch and a massage.

In the afternoon, visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village (formerly known as the Ex-Poacher's Village), where you'll gain insight into traditional Rwandan practices, including fire-making, archery, medicine, and vibrant cultural dances

Overnight at Bisate Lodge for High End and Five Volcanoes Lodge for Midrange

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Golden monkey – Gisenyi – Approx 2.5 hours

Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park is a truly rewarding experience, just like the Gorilla trek you will be accompanied by park ranger guide for the Golden Monkey trek experience, this will be a relatively easier trek than the Gorilla Trek. Upon sighting the habituated family you will spend the allowed one hour with them as they go about their daily life. Watch in awe as they swing from one tree branch to another, the best photography opportunities arise when they settle down to feed

Lunch and a refreshing shower at the Lodge and drive to Gisenyi (Lake Kivu) a perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking, the gisenyi waterfront is lined with fading old mansions, hotels and trendy bars on the lake shore, ideal for sundowner cocktails – Overnight at Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 7: Explore Lake Kivu and Gisenyi Town

Breakfast, then take a boat ride on Lake Kivu visiting the fishing villages. Have lunch at the lodge, and in the afternoon, explore Gisenyi town and interact with the locals. Spend your late afternoon at the beach, soaking in the African sun.

This day offers a relaxing and enriching experience, combining scenic beauty, cultural interaction, and leisure time by the lake. Enjoy your day on Lake Kivu! – Overnight at Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 8: Gisenyi to Kigali

Spend the morning relaxing at the beach, then check out and transfer back to Kigali (approx. 3 hours’ drive) for your departure flight.

End of Services

✅ Airport transfers
✅ Ground Transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser, with fuel
✅ Accommodation as shown based on per person sharing
✅ Activities as described in the itinerary
✅ Meals where mentioned as included in the itinerary.
✅ All park entrance fees
✅ English speaking Guide / driver
✅ Mineral water in the vehicle; 2 liters per person daily on safari
✅ Medical emergency evacuation cover

❌ International Airfares
❌ Optional activities unless specified as included
❌ Excessive baggage charges
❌ Gorilla permits
❌ Golden Monkey permits
❌ Entry Visa Fees; fees for International Travel Vaccinations and Inoculations
❌ Items of personal nature such us Room service, Beverage, Communication charges (telephone, fax, and internet). Laundry
❌ Postage fees
❌ Porterage fees
❌ Tips and gratuities for Guide/driver. and hotel staff
❌ Shopping Charges for Curios and Crafts

Ts & Cs Apply. Prices are correct at time of publishing. Prices are subject to change, currency fluctuations and availability. Price valid for dates as specified. E&OE.