en
- Signature
- 6-day trip
- From €20,495 p.p.
Rwanda trip | Luxury tour of Rwanda: the land of a thousand hills
Discover breathtaking Rwanda on this exclusive roundtrip, where the splendour of nature and luxury accommodation come together perfectly. Your adventure through Rwanda kicks off with a spectacular helicopter flight over the scenic hills to Nyungwe Forest National Park. You will stay at the very luxurious One&Only Nyungwe House, which is built among the tea plantations and thus blends perfectly into its surroundings. Here, a special encounter with the chimpanzees, who live in the forests of Nyungwe, awaits. Besides the chimpanzees, a visit to the famous mountain gorillas is not to be missed! You will stay a few days at the exclusive Singita Kwitonda, overlooking the impressive volcanoes. You will experience not one, but two gorilla treks - each trek is completely different and each gorilla family has its own dynamics, making each gorilla trek very special. This exclusive trip offers a perfect mix of adventure, luxury and cultural depth, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Rwanda's impressive beauty.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Rwanda
- Day 2 Helicopter flight to Nyungwe Forest
- Day 3 Chimpanzee trekking
- Day 4 Helicopter flight to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5 Meet the legendary mountain gorillas
- Day 6 Departure from Rwanda
Air travel to Rwanda
You will travel by intercontinental flight to Rwanda! Upon arrival in the capital Kigali, you will be warmly welcomed to 'the land of thousand hills' by your private driver. You will be met as soon as you step off the plane and guided through the immigration process. Everything will be arranged for you while you wait quietly in the lounge. Once everything is settled, you will be taken by your driver to your hotel in the city. You will stay at a beautiful hotel in a quiet area.
Included:
• VIP Meet & Greet on arrival
• Private transfer to your accommodation
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Exclusive:
• Intercontinental flight to Kigali
Helicopter flight to Nyungwe Forest
After a well-deserved night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast, your driver will be waiting for you again. You will be taken to Kigali Airport, where your helicopter will already be waiting for you. You’ll fly over the hilly landscape to the far south-west of Rwanda – to Nyungwe Forest National Park, to be precise. You’ll land near the lodge, where you’ll receive a warm welcome from the staff. After this warm welcome, you can relax and unwind from your journey whilst enjoying the facilities. A delicious lunch will then be served at the lodge.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore the park on a lovely walk, during which you might spot various species of butterfly, for example. You may also spot a few primates along the way. The highlight of the walk is the Canopy Walk! This is a large suspension bridge, suspended some 60 metres above the ground. From this bridge, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the forest. A wonderful experience! After the walk, you’ll return to the lodge for dinner.
Included:
• Private transfer to Kigali Airport
• Helicopter flight to Nyungwe Forest
• Guided Canopy Walk experience
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Chimpanzee trekking
After a very early breakfast, it’s time for one of the highlights of your trip: the chimpanzee trek! You’ll be transferred to the starting point of the trek. You’ll then set off on the trek accompanied by an experienced guide. It’s a truly special experience when you see the chimpanzees for the first time! You’ll see them moving swiftly from tree to tree and often making a lot of noise. It’s an unforgettable experience! After this marvellous encounter with the chimpanzees, you’ll return to your lodge for a lovely lunch.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. You can choose to relax at your accommodation, or you could take part in one of the optional activities on offer. For example, you could learn more about tea production during a Tea Experience or treat yourself to some pampering at the spa.
Includes:
• Chimpanzee trekking excursion
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Helicopter flight to Volcanoes National Park
You’ll start your final day in Nyungwe with a delicious breakfast. Then it’s really time to say goodbye to the staff. You’ll be escorted to the helipad, where your helicopter is already waiting. You’ll then fly north to Rwanda for around 45 minutes, with Volcanoes National Park as your final destination. On the way, enjoy the breathtaking views of the glistening Lake Kivu and the rolling hills for which Rwanda is so renowned. Upon arrival, you’ll of course be given a warm welcome once again and escorted to the lodge. You’ll be staying at the exclusive Singita Kwitonda Lodge for the next few days – one of Africa’s finest lodges. After your welcome, you’ll have time to relax for a while before an exquisite lunch is served. The lodge’s grounds border directly on Volcanoes National Park, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views of the imposing volcanoes every morning, which greet you as soon as you wake up.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus. This research centre and campus are dedicated to the conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas, inspired by the legendary Dian Fossey. You’ll have the chance to learn more about conservation efforts through an interactive 3D experience and other fun activities, giving you a deeper understanding of the majestic mountain gorillas.
You will then return to your lodge, where a delicious dinner awaits you.
Included:
• Helicopter flight to Volcanoes National Park
• Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
• Overnight stay on a full-board basis
Meet the legendary mountain gorillas
After an early breakfast, you will be driven to Volcanoes National Park, where you will take part in a group briefing at 7.00 am to prepare for your gorilla trek. After the briefing, you will be taken to the starting point of the trek, where porters may be available to assist you with your luggage.
The trek can take between 1 and 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you have found the gorillas, you will have an hour to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat. You’ll see the silverback, who takes charge, whilst the mother looks after the little ones and the younger gorillas challenge one another. This is a unique experience that you’ll certainly never forget.
After your encounter with the gorillas, you’ll return to base, where your driver will take you back to the lodge for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you have the choice of exploring an optional cultural experience in a nearby village or relaxing at the lodge with a luxurious spa and massage treatment.
Includes:
• Gorilla trekking
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Accommodations
The Retreat by Heaven
With two different accommodation options, the Superior King Suites and Deluxe King Rooms, the hotel offers luxury amenities in the form of expansive, customised rooms, private terraces at the front and back, bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, a heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, spa and...
With two different accommodation options, the Superior King Suites and Deluxe King Rooms, the hotel offers luxury amenities in the form of expansive, customised rooms, private terraces at the front and back, bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, a heated swimming pool, a hot tub, a sauna, a spa and a fully equipped gym.
Your stay: 1 night
One & Only Nyungwe House
One & Only Nyungwe House is located amid the rich tea plantations of Gisakura, in southwestern Rwanda, just south of Lake Kivu on the border with Burundi. The accommodation is on the edge of the iconic Nyungwe National Park, which covers about 1020 square kilometres of rainforest, bamboo and...
One & Only Nyungwe House is located amid the rich tea plantations of Gisakura, in southwestern Rwanda, just south of Lake Kivu on the border with Burundi. The accommodation lies on the edge of the iconic Nyungwe National Park, which covers about 1020 square kilometres of rainforest, bamboo and swamps. Accommodations at this lodge offer a sense of tranquillity with a fireplace and a picturesque private terrace. All rooms include breakfast, lunch and dinner and come with tea and coffee making facilities and a private bathroom with a shower and a freestanding bathtub.
The One & Only Spa offers relaxing treatments, while the gym offers space and equipment for a refreshing workout. In addition, you can relax in the pool while enjoying a snack and a drink and enjoy a meal at a picnic or in the elegant restaurant.
Your stay: 2 nights
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers breathtaking views of Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and is surrounded by high-altitude forests. It offers an experience unlike any other. With its exceptional natural beauty, environmentally conscious luxury and transformative, purposeful experiences, the...
Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers breathtaking views of Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and is surrounded by high-altitude forests. It offers an experience unlike any other. With its exceptional natural beauty, environmentally conscious luxury and transformative, purposeful experiences, the lodge is designed to perfectly complement this stunning setting. The eight modern suites (as well as the private four-bedroom villa - Kataza House) are connected by volcanic rock paths to the central lodge.
The interiors emphasise local design and handmade details adorn the carefully decorated rooms. Layered textures and colours enhance the reflective quality of this oasis of calm. A cosy fire pit, interactive kitchen, bar-deli and wine cellar complete the picture.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers breathtaking views of Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and is surrounded by high-altitude forests. It offers an experience unlike any other. With its exceptional natural beauty, environmentally conscious luxury and transformative, purposeful experiences, the...
Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers breathtaking views of Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes and is surrounded by high-altitude forests. It offers an experience unlike any other. With its exceptional natural beauty, environmentally conscious luxury and transformative, purposeful experiences, the lodge is designed to perfectly complement this stunning setting. The eight modern suites (as well as the private four-bedroom villa - Kataza House) are connected by volcanic rock paths to the central lodge.
The interiors emphasise local design and handmade details adorn the carefully decorated rooms. Layered textures and colours enhance the reflective quality of this oasis of calm. A cosy fire pit, interactive kitchen, bar-deli and wine cellar complete the picture.
Your stay: 2 nights
Experiences
Canopy Walk
Suspended amid lush vegetation and above the forests of Ngungwe National Park, the Canopy Walk Experience offers you a stunning perspective above the ancient treetops of Nyungwe. The 160-metre-long rope bridge can be accessed as part of a guided walk. During the walk, you will also have...
Suspended amid lush vegetation and above the forests of Ngungwe National Park, the Canopy Walk Experience offers you a stunning perspective above the ancient treetops of Nyungwe. The 160-metre-long rope bridge can be accessed as part of a guided walk. During the walk, you will also have the chance to already meet the primates of Nyungwe Forest.
One & Only Nyungwe House Chimpanzee Trekking
Offered by the One&Only Ngungwe House, Chimpanzee Trekking is an exciting activity whereby guests will dash through the flora to encounter the chimpanzees playing in the wild within the Ngungwe National Park. With a maximum of 8 people per tour, the Chimpanzee trekking is a popular and challenging adventure, but due...
Offered by the One&Only Ngungwe House, Chimpanzee Trekking is an exciting activity whereby guests will dash through the flora to encounter the chimpanzees playing in the wild within the Ngungwe National Park. With a maximum of 8 people per tour, the Chimpanzee trekking is a popular and challenging adventure, but due to the authentic nature of the experience, chimpanzee viewing is not a guarantee.
Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park
Only 650 mountain gorillas remain living in their natural habitat. These habitats are in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. The habitat in Rwanda is the easiest to visit mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains (a range of volcanoes with altitudes from 3500 metres to 2507 metres. Currently living here...
Only 650 mountain gorillas remain living in their natural habitat. These habitats are in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. The habitat in Rwanda is the easiest to visit mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains (a range of volcanoes with altitudes ranging from 3,500 metres to 2,507 metres. There are currently seven gorilla families living here that can be visited and two golden meerkat (Golden Monkey) families. To minimise the impact on the gorillas' behaviour, only eight people per group are allowed and you will not stay with the gorilla family for more than an hour.
Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park
Only 650 mountain gorillas remain living in their natural habitat. These habitats are in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. The habitat in Rwanda is the easiest to visit mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains (a range of volcanoes with altitudes from 3500 metres to 2507 metres. Currently living here...
Only 650 mountain gorillas remain living in their natural habitat. These habitats are in Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. The habitat in Rwanda is the easiest to visit mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains (a range of volcanoes with altitudes ranging from 3,500 metres to 2,507 metres. There are currently seven gorilla families living here that can be visited and two golden meerkat (Golden Monkey) families. To minimise the impact on the gorillas' behaviour, only eight people per group are allowed and you will not stay with the gorilla family for more than an hour.
Destinations
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is Africa’s oldest national park and covers an area of 160 square kilometres in the north of the country. Initially, the park covered a small area around the Karisimbi, Mikeno and Visoke volcanoes, which had been set aside to protect the mountain gorillas that were threatened with extinction by poachers. In 1929, the park was expanded and, together with a large section of the Belgian Congo, formed Albert National Park, administered by the Belgian colonial authorities (both countries were Belgian colonies at the time). The combined park covered 8,090 square kilometres. In the early 1960s, the park was split up again as Rwanda and the Congo gained their independence, and its size was reduced in response to overpopulation.
In 1967, Dian Fossey founded the Karisoke Research Centre in this area. It was a remote jungle camp from which she would carry out much of her research into mountain gorillas. Fossey is celebrated worldwide for her dedication; thanks to her work, the mountain gorillas have been saved from extinction. She was buried at the research centre next to the grave of her favourite gorilla, named Digit.
In the early 1990s, the park became a battleground in the Rwandan civil war, which paralysed tourism activities until 1999. In 2005, in an effort to promote gorilla conservation and guided tours in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda introduced the annual ‘Kwita Iziina’ ceremony for baby gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park is home to mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei); golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti), spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta), buffalo (Syncerus caffer), elephants, black duiker (Cephalophus niger) and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus). The park is also home to 178 bird species, including at least 29 endemic species.
Kigali
Rwanda’s capital (and largest city) is spread across rolling hills and surrounded by higher mountain peaks. The highest mountain is Mount Kigali, standing at 1,850 metres above sea level.
Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural centre and is also easily accessible via the international airport. The city offers a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and attractions, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, a lively market and numerous craft shops.
Rwanda
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Rwanda is its turbulent political history, which peaked with the fighting between the Tutsi and Hutu extremists. But today's Rwanda is far from the violent nation of the 1990s. The country has risen from the shadow of genocide and has much beauty to offer! Notably, the tracking of the endangered mountain gorillas in the lush Virunga Nationals Park, which stretches across the jungle-covered hills of the Virunga Mountains. Other beautiful areas include the vast Lake Kivu, the ancient Nyungwe forest with a rich population of animals and the savannah landscapes of Akagera National Park with plenty of wildlife.
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwest Rwanda, is known for its exceptional biodiversity and wide range of endemic species. The park consists of lush tracts of rainforest, perched high on fertile mountain slopes. It is one of Africa's oldest forests and home to Rwanda's only remaining chimpanzee population. Moreover, it is also home to 85 other mammals, 43 reptile species, nearly 300 bird species and more than 1,000 plant species. Visitors can enjoy spotting colobus monkeys and chimpanzees hiding in the trees, walk on a well-maintained network of trails running through the rainforest and catch a glimpse of some beautiful colourful birds. Also, don't miss the exciting Canopy Walk, as it is unique in Africa and also offers impressive views of the forest.
Rwanda trip | Luxury tour of Rwanda: the land of a thousand hills
We offer the described trip from €20,495 per person.
The price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Private helicopter flights between the lodges
• Luggage transport
• Accommodation in excellent and unique lodges, tented camps and hotels
• All meals, as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All private transfers, as mentioned in ‘itinerary’
• All excursions, as listed in the ‘programme’, including gorilla trekking
• National park entrance fees (camp fees, concession fees, park fees)
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• VIP Meet & Greet on arrival
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• Contribution of €100 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Gorilla trekking
• Chimpanzee trekking
• Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus
Not included
• Intercontinental flights to and from Rwanda
• Rwanda visa fees
• Room type upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Personal expenses/tips
• All meals en route and in towns
• Meals and excursions not mentioned
• Contribution to the emergency fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)