Day by day itinerary
1. ARRIVAL IN KIGALI: YOUR LUXURY RWANDAN WELCOME
Your Rwandan adventure begins with a personalised welcome at Kigali International Airport. Upon arrival, a representative of CONTINENTAL TRAVEL AND TOURS LTD will meet you, assist with your luggage and introduce you to your private driver-guide.
Enjoy a comfortable transfer through Kigali's beautifully landscaped neighbourhoods to The Retreat Kigali, an exclusive boutique luxury property known for its personalised hospitality, elegant accommodation and peaceful atmosphere.
After check-in, enjoy time to relax and recover from your international journey. Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, an optional introductory Kigali experience can be arranged, including a visit to selected art galleries, local lifestyle destinations or scenic city viewpoints.
In the evening, enjoy a refined dining experience and a private safari briefing outlining the exciting journey ahead.
2. AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK: INTO RWANDA'S WILDERNESS
After an early breakfast, depart Kigali and travel east towards Akagera National Park, Rwanda's spectacular savannah wilderness.
The journey introduces you to a different side of Rwanda, characterised by open countryside, rolling hills, traditional settlements and expansive agricultural landscapes.
Upon reaching the park, enter its diverse ecosystems of savannah plains, woodland, lakes and wetlands. Continue towards the exclusive northern section of the park, where Wilderness Magashi Camp is situated overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga.
Depending on arrival time and wildlife movements, enjoy an introductory game-viewing experience before checking into your luxury tented accommodation.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the camp's beautiful surroundings, followed by an evening dining experience and the sounds of the African wilderness.
3. AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK: THE BIG FIVE SAFARI EXPERIENCE
Wake up to the sounds of the African wilderness and enjoy an early morning safari experience in Akagera National Park.
Accompanied by an experienced safari guide, explore the park's remarkable habitats in search of its famous wildlife. Akagera is home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinoceroses, alongside giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife.
Return to camp for a relaxed breakfast or brunch, depending on the safari schedule.
Later, enjoy a guided boat safari on Lake Rwanyakazinga, offering a different perspective of the park's aquatic ecosystem. Look out for hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds and other wildlife along the shoreline.
The afternoon can be devoted to additional wildlife exploration, birdwatching or photography before returning to camp for a memorable evening.
4. JOURNEY TO THE VIRUNGA MOUNTAINS: A LANDSCAPE OF WONDER
Following breakfast, depart Akagera and begin a scenic cross-country journey towards north-western Rwanda.
As you travel, observe the dramatic transformation of the landscape, from the eastern savannah to Rwanda's characteristic rolling green hills, terraced countryside and volcanic mountain scenery.
Arrive in the Musanze region, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park and one of Africa's most celebrated mountain gorilla destinations.
Check into Singita Kwitonda Lodge, an exceptional luxury property set close to the national park and surrounded by beautiful volcanic landscapes.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the lodge's facilities, private suite and spectacular mountain views. Depending on the arrangements, enjoy a personalised introduction to local conservation initiatives and the cultural heritage of the region.
In the evening, enjoy a memorable dining experience and a preparatory briefing for the following day's gorilla trekking adventure.
5. MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING: AN EXTRAORDINARY ENCOUNTER
Today is dedicated to one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife encounters: mountain gorilla trekking.
Following an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for the official briefing and allocation of your trekking group.
Accompanied by authorised park guides and trackers, proceed towards the designated trailhead and enter the lush montane forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trekking experience can involve walking through bamboo vegetation, steep slopes, muddy trails and dense forest terrain. The duration varies according to the location and movements of the gorillas.
Once the gorilla family is located, enjoy the permitted observation period, generally one hour, while observing their natural behaviour, social interactions and family dynamics.
This is a rare opportunity to appreciate the importance of wildlife conservation and Rwanda's internationally recognised gorilla protection initiatives.
After returning from the forest, transfer back to the lodge for lunch, relaxation and wellness experiences.