Overview

prix  De 5900$ à 6785$ CAD

type Private guided tours

durée 10D / 9N

prix 4/5 (Comfort level)

View all

FIND MORE TRIPS

Tailor made trip to Rwanda

Rwanda, lying on the eastern rim of the Albertine Rift and the watershed between Africa’s two largest river systems: the Nile and the Congo, is often called the "land of a thousand hills" and is unjustly overlooked, while this is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. This tailor made trip, stopping by a couple of must-see milestones, aims to present the most interesting human landmarks in the country, while allowing you to share incredible experiences in the heart of the rainforest. Small in size but immense by its wealthy and intact ecosystems, Rwanda is a dream come true for nature lovers who can enjoy their favourite passion in unprecedented conditions.
Come and meet a flora and fauna that are found only in this green setting made of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps and bog that man has become now respectful of. In incredible preserved environments such as national parks of Virunga and Nyungwe, and walk on the canopy of the forest of Nyungwe at leisure to observe butterflies, birds and monkeys that live in the heights, or track chimpanzees. However, during this tailor made trip you’ll make an invaluable encounter at the Parc des Volcans: the gorillas, which our experienced local guides will introduce you to.. In the midst of fabulous landscapes made of sapphire blue lakes, cloud-topped volcanoes by and rainforest decorated with extraordinary flowers, venture into the territories of animals with mysterious names such as golden monkeys, olive baboons, or blue monkeys of l’Hoest. As well as a journey into deep nature, these ten days you will leave an imperishable impression.

Feel free to contact our expert advisor Uniktour Central Africa to obtain more information on this tailor made trip to Rwanda!

Day 1| International flight

Day 2| Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative outside the airport arrivals section and transferred to your hotel. One of our directors will be at hand to give you a proper welcome, brief introduction to Rwanda as well as a briefing on your upcoming adventure. Dinner under own arrangements and overnight.

Day 3| Nyanza - Butare - Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, drive south to Nyanza, the historical seat of the Rwanda kingdom; visit the Royal Palace which has been restored, entirely of traditional materials, to its 19th century grandeur. Afterward, stop at the University town of Butare where National Museum houses perhaps one of the greatest ethnographical records in East and Central Africa. The exhibitions of turn-of-the-century photographs as well as the very absorbing displays of traditional artefacts provide invaluable insights into Rwanda’s pre-colonial history. Proceed to Nyungwe National Park arriving at your accommodation in time for dinner.
A true nature lovers’ paradise, Nyungwe Forest National Park’s glorious sense of expansiveness is among its most striking features. The 970 km² of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps and bogs in the majestic hills in southeast Rwanda is the largest remaining ‘island’ of montane forest in East and Central Africa. It is also home to a rich variety of flora and fauna; 200 types of trees, hundreds of flowering plants, over 100 species of orchids and sensational lobelias and 13 recorded species of primates, 25% of the African primate checklist, including the acrobatic Angola colobus that move in troops of several hundred and an estimated 500 chimpanzee (often seen from the forest trails during the rainy season) as well as L’Hoest’s monkey, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey. Bird enthusiasts will not be disappointed with the over 300 species of birds including 24 Albertine Rift endemics e.g. the spectacular Ruwenzori turaco and several iridescent birds. (B, L, D)

Day 4| National Park of Nyungwe
After breakfast, drive into the park for a Forest Hike/Nature Walk then return to lodge for lunch. Nyungwe enjoys a cool climate perfect for enjoying the extensive network of well-maintained forest hiking trails that lead to various waterfalls and viewing points; all said and done, it is the intimacy of the rainforest that most impresses: the closed canopy, towering trees and delicate ferns that line the steep gorges, the mysterious calling and rustling of birds and monkeys hidden in her depths. Back at the hotel for lunch then in the afternoon, tour a nearby tea plantation. An excellent way of interacting with the local farmers, to know them, hear their successes and challenges and make friends. (B, L, D)

Optional at extra charge: Chimpanzee tracking
It is possible to track Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest however this is in very hilly terrain with steep hills and deep valleys. Because these semi-habituated Chimpanzees move a lot, sometimes far, deep and high in the hills and valleys in dense forest, it is difficult to guarantee seeing them. Guests can enjoy Nyungwe’s rain forest by hiking in the well maintained trails and upcoming Canopy walk. One has a chance of seeing some of the primates who ‘call’ Nyungwe home including Angola colobus monkeys, Black and White Colobus, Greycheeked Mangaby, Blue Monkey, L'Hoest's Monkey, etc.

Day 5| Kibuye - Gisenyi - Lake Kivu
After breakfast, drive along the lake to Kibuye arriving at your resort for lunch. Afternoon continue to Gisenyi, northern tip of the lake arriving at Lake Kivu Serena for dinner. You have time to relax and enjoy some of the hotels facilities. Dinner is under own arrangements. Together with her 7,000 km2 catchment area, multiple islands and surrounding hills, Lake Kivu is just plain gorgeous. Lying in the Albertine Rift and covering most of Rwanda’s western border with DR Congo, Lake Kivu, the largest water body is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and the 6th largest in Africa. 89 kms long by 48 km wide, the lake’s 480m maximum depth makes it the fifteenth deepest in the world! Lake Kivu empties into the Rusizi River which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. It is also one of the world’s only 3 known exploding lakes; it’s not going to happen today though, so no need to worry. Further economic importance derives from the lake’s estimated 65 billion m3 of dissolved methane gas which is extracted to run boilers at the Bralirwa brewery in Gisenyi. (B)

Day 6| Gisenyi
Full day spent at leisure in Gisenyi. Lunch and dinner under own arrangements. (B)

Day 7| Gisenyi - Volcanoes National Park
Morning spent at leisure at your hotel with lunch on own account. After lunch, take a leisurely drive through more Rwandan countryside to Kinigi town-ship on the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes arriving at your next accommodation in the late afternoon .If time allows, enjoy sightseeing around the Twin Lakes, Burera and Ruhondo, deep blue waters ringed by steep hills and tall waterfalls in the spectacular backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes.
"In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat," wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, "are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas". Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range - home of the rare mountain gorilla - and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, embracing evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp & heath. (B, L, D)

Day 8| Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, drive to the Volcanoes National Park HQs where you will be allocated a gorilla tracking group. 0700 hrs: Briefing by your trackers then drive to the trail head for the start of your amazing Gorilla Tracking adventure. Our exhilarating trek starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offering stirring views in all directions. When it enters the national park, trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the colourful bird calls, chattering golden monkeys, littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, beckon an ascent.Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia trees and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, our experienced trackers, who have spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring us up close with one of the Gorilla Families.Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting; raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth! In the afternoon, you tour to the nearby ex-poacher’s village. Part of overall conservation efforts, former poachers renounced their old ways and became conservation activists. Together with their families, they founded this little village where they now participate in eco-tourism showcasing Rwandan culture. Visitors can learn about traditional skills like fire-making, archery, traditional medicine, architectural design (grass thatched huts that were used for the kings), traditional medicine, cultural dances among other attractions. (B, L, D)

Day 9| Volcanoes National Park
Spend a final morning tracking, tracking the Golden Monkeys. The very beautiful Golden Monkey has a golden body, cheeks and tail with contrasting black limbs, crown, and tail-end. Sharing the Virungas with their big brother the Mountain Gorilla, they face the same threats; snares, human encroachment etc. and are listed on the IUCN Red List of critically endangered species. Little is known about the golden monkey’s behaviour. They live in social groups of up to 30 individuals. Adult monkeys frolic in plain view, feeding on bamboo leaves and leaping from perch to perch while females carry their young, completely oblivious of on-lookers. Viewing is limited to one hour but visitors can also see the monkeys in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you drive back to Kigali proceeding to your hotel for overnight. Dinner is under own arrangements. (B, L)

Day 10| Kigali - International flight
After breakfast, enjoy a City Tour of Kigali: The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, Kigali has been a part of it for 100 years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. Visit the Kandt museum, see old Kigali and the craft centres then visit the genocide memorial site. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide; learn about other genocides in the world and how this country has dealt with that past. Tour more and see the new developments in Rwanda, the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience. Lunch is under own arrangements. In the mid afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

 

Fares (on-site)
Price per person 5900$CAD

** Budgets displayed on this website are provided for information purpose only and do not have any contractual value, Uniktour cannot be held responsible for any consequences related to this information (departure dates are not indicated). Fares are led to change on a regular basis, depending on exchange rates and the fluctuation in the hospitality industry. For a precise quotation, you may click here.

** Fares applying to the on-site itinerary are not subject to applicable GST (TPS) & QST (TVQ). The displayed budget does not include 0.1% FICAV contribution (The Compensation fund for customers of travel agents)



Other fees
International Flight Contact us
Deluxe travel insurance (estimated cost) 448 $
Deposit required for land portion 1776 $
Gorillas tracking permit 735 $

The land portion budget includes:
- Meet and greet with airport transfers,
- Meals as shown (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch and D-Dinner),
- Day trip to Akagera National Park,
- City tour of Kigali,
- Park entrance fees,
- Exclusive use of 4WD vehicle and bottled mineral water in the vehicle,
- Services of a professional guide,
- Flying doctors medical evacuation cover,
- Gorilla tracking permits (once),
- Golden Monkeys tracking permits (once),
- Professional trackers guidance during Gorilla and Golden Monkey tracking.

The land portion budget doesn’t include:
- Airline tickets,
- Entry visa fees,
- Optional extras whilst in Kigali,
- Drinks,
- Tips,
- Personal expenses,
- Travel insurance,
- Anything not mentioned in the “The land portion budget includes” section.

Next departure dates for this travel

Gorillas tracking guidelines

General:
Mountain Gorillas live at high altitude in Virunga Volcanoes National Park. There are 7 habituated families. Each family can be visited by a maximum 8 visitors per day. Viewing time is limited to maximum one hour. Gorilla tracking involves walking long distances through thick vegetation, up steep, wet and muddy terrain. This may cause difficulties for some visitors. We recommend you pace yourself; walk slowly and drink plenty of water. No one should feel deterred from making this trip. Children under 15 yrs of age are not allowed on gorilla tracking.

What to Bring/Wear and Take:
The climate in Volcanoes NP is changeable. One can generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day. At 1,700m above sea level, it is generally quite cold, especially in the mornings and evenings. Bring sturdy walking shoes/hiking boots. Warm clothing is recommended and a light raincoat for the gorilla tracking trip. We recommend long trousers (thick) and a long-sleeved top to protect against stinging nettles. A pair of gardening gloves is helpful when you are grabbing for holds in thorny vegetating. If you feel safer with a walking-stick, pack a folding one. On the track, carry as little as possible in a waterproof bag: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, your Camera, etc.

Health & Safety:
To minimize possible transmission of human diseases, maintain a distance of 7m from the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas. Spitting or peeing in the park is strictly prohibited. Should you need to cough please cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas. Do not litter. Eating and drinking near the gorillas and smoking anywhere within the park is forbidden. Photography is permitted, but you may NOT use flash. When with gorillas, please keep your voice low. Do not make rapid movements that may frighten them. Should a gorilla charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions. The safety of our visitors is our highest priority. There is no need for concern about your personal security.

To enhance your enjoyment:
Certainly carry enough bottled mineral water- at least one liter, and you may also feel like a snack during the long hike so bring a small one. Porters are available to help you carry your daypack for a small charge.

Fees for Mountain Gorilla permits:
Fees for Mountain Gorilla permits are US$500 per person for non-nationals, US $250 for foreign residents and 20,000 FRw for Rwandan citizens. This is inclusive of park entrance fees.
Tracking starts at the ORTPN offices in Musanze at 7:00 AM. ORTPN currently has a team of 80 trackers and anti-poachers, many of whom speak French or English.

Kinigi Guest House
Kinigi Guest House

Kinigi

Star
LAICO Umubano Hotel
LAICO Umubano Hotel

Kigali

Star
équipe uniktour
Most Recent
équipe uniktour
Most Recent
View all

Our Country Specialists

Thierry Uniktour representative

Thierry Menoux

Each travel consultant is specialized in the country or geographical area for which he is responsible for.