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On this once-in-a-lifetime tailor-made Rwanda itinerary from One&Only Resorts, discover this captivating country’s natural and cultural delights in serious style. After a day exploring the capital of Kigali, head to One&Only Gorilla’s Nest in the breathtaking Volcanoes National Park, known for its population of endangered mountain gorillas, which you can spot on unforgettable treks with expert rangers. After yet more wildlife treks and cultural encounters, you’ll be whisked south to the jungles of Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to One&Only Nyungwe House. From here, hike in search of cheeky chimps and traverse the treetops by rope bridge.
Discover some of Rwanda’s most enchanting destinations – from the characterful capital of Kigali to two wildlife-rich national parks.
Stay at two outstanding One&Only hotels, each one combining an authentic Rwandan experience with unrivalled luxury and hospitality.
Learn more about the country’s culture through a guided itinerary of Kigali and a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, which shares an insight into Rwandan culture to create income for local people.
Transferring between the two national parks is an experience in itself, as you soar over mountains and jungle by helicopter.
Most people visit Rwanda for the country’s incredible wildlife, particularly its primates. Along with chimpanzees and golden monkeys, you will encounter endangered and elusive mountain gorillas. With your gorilla permits included and arranged with this itinerary, all you have to do is get ready for the experience of a lifetime.
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After a night to refresh after your flight, it’s time to explore the super clean, green and friendly capital Kigali on an illuminating guided tour. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving, must-visit tribute to Rwanda’s painful past. It acts as a humbling reminder of what happened during this horrific time, while honouring those who lost their lives. Another stop on the tour is the Inema Arts Gallery, a vibrant and colourful hub that encourages personal, social and economic growth for local people and communities through creative expression and arts. You’ll no doubt be hungry after all that exploring, so lunch will be served at the Pili Pili restaurant, where you can sample Rwandan barbecue cuisine created using a selection of produce grown in their gardens.
Take a private transfer to One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
A spacious, modern hotel in Rwanda's capital
Breakfast
After an evening settling into your jungle hideaway, your first full day here will be spent on an unforgettable trek in search of golden monkeys, coming across these amazing primates swinging high in the trees. You can also learn more about the Rwandan way of life on a guided visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, a site dedicated to changing the traditional perception of tourism by sharing various aspects of rural culture and livelihoods, creating income for locals. Wake up refreshed and ready for the big day ahead… gorilla day! With only an estimated 880 gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at your leisure. You may choose from the complimentary nature walks, Rwandan coffee tasting and local music performances. If you’d rather relax, indulge in a spa treatment that embraces the heritage of Africa.
Take a private transfer to One&Only Nyungwe House.
Full board plus
Lush green hillsides shrouded with a cooling mist and ancient mountain rainforests await in Nyungwe Forest National Park. After your first afternoon spent enjoying the complimentary activities on offer at One&Only Nyungwe House – including spear throwing, a conservation walks, tea tasting and bicycle tours – your first full day will begin with a thrilling trek in search of the park’s chimpanzees alongside an expert guide. Alongside the famous chimps, you are likely to spot a wide variety of bird life. After all, the park is home to 275 recorded bird species of which 27 are endemic! The next day, head out to experience the exciting Canopy Walk, made up of three suspension bridges that reach up to 100-metres above the ground. Though not for the faint-hearted, the walk offers a unique perspective of the forest and, on the trails nearby, there is the chance to spot yet more of Nyungwe's rare birds and primates. On your final day, enjoy the incredible hotel facilities before your return flight to the UK.
Take a private transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight to the UK.
The Golden Monkey is a local subspecies of the widespread Sykes Monkey, also known as the “Blue Monkey” and is endemic to the high altitude forests. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor. There are two habituated groups of Golden Monkey in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, one of which comprises around 80 - 100 members. From the park headquarters, head out with an expert tracker on a trek in search of these wonderful primates, spotting them in their natural habitat and marvelling at the beauty of the park.
Be taken away by the spirited sound of drumming and joyful dancing at this traditional Rwandan village, located just outside Volcanoes National Park. Learn about the transformative vision of founder Edwin Sabuhoro, who realised that the best way to stop wildlife poaching and hunting is to help people find alternative livelihoods to support their families. Try your hand at a range of local activities, including archery, while the tour is brought to life throughout with poetry and songs performed to traditional instruments, culminating in a dance and drum performance.
With only an estimated 880 gorillas left in the wild worldwide, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment. Gorillas make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains, in the Volcanoes National Park of northern Rwanda. After a trek into the mountains, you’ll be introduced by your expert trackers to a fully-habituated families of mountain gorillas. You can stay with these animals for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.
Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the gorilla family allocated to your group, and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel at seeing the gorillas! Expert guides give a pre-trek briefing on specific protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas, that live within an altitude of 2500 and 4000m. Porters are available to help carry backpacks and cameras, as well as helping you with your footing along your hike, which can be hard work - but well, well worth it!
Incredible chimpanzees can be found and tracked in Rwanda's beautiful Nyungwe National Forest. A scenic guided hike through the forest will lead you to these fascinating creatures, where you can watch them play and interact up close. Chimpanzee tracking can be done year-round in Nyungwe Forest, whether rain or shine. While it is never 100% guaranteed that you will see them, sightings are very common here, and guides are ultra-skillful in tracking them. The experience differs from gorilla tracking as the chimps are much quicker and move around more. There are three reception centers for Nyungwe National Park in Kitabi, Uwinka and Gisakura, at which visitors can meet their expert guides.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the greatest allures of visitors to breathtaking Rwanda. This is not only the place for relaxation, but also one for adventure and a true insight into Rwanda‘s natural beauty. The park houses the largest protected mountain forest in Africa, covering between 1600 and 2000 sq. meters and home to an array of incredible wildlife - including its famed chimpanzees. The long drive to remote Nyungwe also gives you the opportunity to drink in the country’s diverse scenery and the imposing landscape, as you approach the main attraction. Once you get to the park you will embark on a true adventure, the unmissable canopy walk. Experience the rainforest from a new perspective as you walk 60 metres above the floor between giant trees, spotting the amazing creatures that call Nyungwe home.
While Rwanda can be enjoyed during any month, there are two distinct rainy seasons, between March and May and October to November, making the best time to visit between June and September.
8 NIGHTS - PRICES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Pricing based upon economy flights from London. Transfers, UK airport lounge passes and meals and excursions As specified.
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