Treasures of a Thousand Hills

Destination

Rwanda: Kigali, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest

Duration

11 Days / 10 Nights

Price

From $14,300 per person

This unforgettable journey through Uganda combines exhilarating primate encounters and diverse landscapes—from lush rainforests to expansive savannahs. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and come face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi. Enjoy classic game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park and relax at Lake Mburo before returning to Entebbe.

Destination Map

Safari Highlights

  • Chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest
  • Game drives and boat safaris in Queen Elizabeth National Park
  • Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
  • Leisurely walks and wildlife encounters at Lake Mburo
  • Carefully selected luxury lodges and camps throughout your journey

Accommodation Overview

Destination Nights Accommodation Meal Plan
Kigali 2 Kigali Serena Hotel Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
Volcanoes National Park 3 Singita Kwitonda Lodge Full Board
Lake Kivu 2 Cleo Lake Kivu Full Board
Nyungwe Forest 3 One & Only Nyungwe House Full Board
Kigali Day Room Kigali Serena Hotel

Included

  • All meals and beverages as specified
  • Gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits
  • All ground transfers in private 4×4 vehicle
  • Expert local English-speaking guide throughout
  • National park entry fees and activities
  • Accommodation in top-tier eco lodges
  • 24/7 support from Lamlav Safaris team

Excluded & Optional

  • International flights and visas
  • Travel, health, and baggage insurance
  • Optional tours and personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and staff
  • Alcoholic beverages unless stated

Itinerary

Kigali Arrival

Upon arrival in Kigali you will be recieved by your Lamlav Safari Director, who will brief you on your safari as you transfer to the luxurious Kigali Serena Hotel.

Accomodation: Kigali Serena Hotel.

Kigali Exploration

Today, you'll embark on a meaningful journey by visiting the Genocide Memorial Site, where you'll discover Rwanda's powerful approach to addressing its past and becoming a beacon of human strength. Following a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant, continue your day with a tour of Kigali, exploring various attractions, including a visit to a coffee farm where you'll gain insights into coffee cultivation, from harvesting to roasting and brewing.

Accomodation: Kigali Serena Hotel.

Volcanoes National Park

This morning, embark on a journey towards Volcanoes National Park, situated on a vast volcanic massif containing six active and three dormant volcanoes. Here, you'll have the incredible chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas of Parc Nationale des Volcanes.

Arrive punctually and get comfortable at the stunning Singita Kwitonda Lodge, where you'll be spending three thrilling nights! Afterward, delight in a delectable lunch, and the remainder of the afternoon is yours to unwind and make the most of the camp's facilities while admiring the distant, towering volcanic cones. Conclude your adventure with a picturesque sundowner on the riverbank, watching the sun gracefully disappear behind the majestic peaks as sipping your preferred beverage.

Accomodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge.

Gorilla Trekking

Over the next two days, you'll journey through the dense forest accompanied by a skilled park guide, until you have the incredible opportunity to encounter both golden monkeys and a local gorilla family. Witness these remarkable creatures as they engage in playful activities, search for food, and find respite in the shade of the trees. The time it takes to reach the gorillas can vary from as little as 45 minutes to a few hours, depending on their location, which may be in bamboo thickets or within the dense forest. This is undeniably one of the most memorable and awe-inspiring wildlife encounters one can ever experience – words truly cannot capture its sheer magnificence.

Additionally, there's a plethora of other activities to explore, such as visiting the Karisoke Research Center of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, hiking, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and canoeing along the Mukungwa River.

Accomodation: Singita Kwitonda Lodge.

Lake Kivu

This morning, embark on a picturesque journey to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, where you'll find your peaceful retreat for an unforgettable two-night stay at the delightful Cleo Lake Kivu - Renowned for its captivating beauty and air of mystery, teeming with traders and fishermen navigating its waters in traditional dugout canoes.

Dedicate the rest of the day to discovering a wide range of activities both on the property and in its vicinity. You have the opportunity to embark on adventures right at the resort, such as enjoying the pristine blue swimming pool, indulging in spa treatments, kayaking, and taking exhilarating rides on speedboats.

Accomodation: Cleo Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu Activities

This day you will explore the nearby islands, venture along safe and unexplored trails, hike to the bird's nest with its enchanting views in Kibuye, go on biking expeditions, visit national parks, immerse yourself in cultural tours, experience sunset or nighttime fishing, and even join local fishermen in traditional songs.

Accomodation: Cleo Lake Kivu

Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, you will embark on a journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, an untouched and biologically diverse rainforest teeming with captivating wildlife. You will head southward to Nyanza, a place steeped in Rwandan history as the former seat of the Rwandan kingdom. Here, you'll explore the King's Palace Museum. Upon arrival at One & Only Nyungwe House, a tranquil retreat nestled on the fringes of the forest within a tea plantation, you will savor a delicious on-site lunch. The rest of your day is yours to unwind or partake in the various activities available for your enjoyment.

Accomodation: One & Only Nyungwe House

Nyungwe Forest Activities

Use these days to fully explore the park and take advantage of the camp's amenities and activities. You can engage in a range of experiences, including guided chimpanzee tracking expeditions, guided canopy walks in Nyungwe Forest, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and cultural visits, among other options. Nyungwe Forest is an exceptional location for observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The park's primary attractions include its diverse monkey species, with chimpanzees being the highlight. Additionally, you'll have the chance to encounter various primates such as the abundant l'Hoest's monkeys, Grey-cheeked mangabeys, and the largest known group of Rwenzori colobus monkeys.

Accomodation: One & Only Nyungwe House

Kigali Departure

As your Rwanda journey concludes, you'll be chauffeured back to Kigali, with opportunities to visit Butare and Nyanza along the way. These stops provide additional insights into Rwandan culture and daily life before reaching the airport for your evening departure flight. You will have a day room at the Kigali Serena Hotel or any other convenient hotel.

Accomodation: Kigali Serena Hotel

Camps & Lodges