Day 1 | Kigali
The Rwandan capital, Kigali, is a wonderfully vibrant city with open markets and bustling streets, full of colour. Before venturing into the beautiful countryside of Rwanda, a visit to the Genocide Memorial is a poignant reminder of how far this country has come since 1994 and the end of its civil war.
Day 2 – 5 | Akagera National Park
3 hours from Kigali, Akagera National Park is one of few virgin safari territories in East Africa. Encompassing 1,122sq kms of grassy lowland mountains, acacia woodland, savannah plains and papyrus swamps, this is an ideal habitat for a wide and flourishing wildlife population, including the Big Five.
Day 6 – 9 | Nyungwe National Park
In the southwest lies Nyungwe National Park, with ancient montane rainforest neighbouring rich tea plantations. A prime habitat for charismatic chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, many of them rare including: mona, silver, secretive owl-faced colobus and L’Hoest’s. Explore the butterfly lined jungle trails on foot, bike the higher paths or step onto the canopy walk spanning the treetops.
Day 10 – 13 | Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a cunulative success story of the protection and rehabilitation of mountain gorilla, to which Dian Fossey dedicated her life. The demanding hike to the gorillas provides great rewards and, if you you are keen for more walking, there is the opportunity to go in search of the elusive golden monkey, one of the most endangered primates in Africa.
