Magical Virunga Rwanda Itinerary

Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL). Upon arrival, transfer to The Retreat.

Kigali, Rwanda is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub. It stretches across undulating lush hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 meters above sea level. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa.

Travel overland to the Virunga Mountains (± 3 hours).

Time permitting, tour the city of Kigali to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Nyamirambo Women’s Center, The Inema Arts Center, Kimironko Market, Kandt House Museum and/or Caplaki Craft Village before setting off for the Virunga Mountains after lunch. Virunga is located at the base of the Muhabura Volcano in northern Rwanda, the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, picturesque blue water masses surrounded by the Virunga high hills, and separated by a one-kilometer strip of land.

Today, enjoy Golden Monkey tracking in Parc National des Volcans. Permits are required.

Golden Monkeys are listed as endangered and are only found among the Albertine Rift within Parc National des Volcans. These adorable creatures are exhilarating to watch due to their small size, fast and nimble nature, and preference to hanging in the bamboo thicket. There are two habituated groups of the Golden Monkey in Parc National des Volcans and guides are very knowledgeable about where to lead the tracking group to find them. Treks take place in the morning, and once the monkeys are located and followed successfully, visitors are permitted one hour with these playful primates.

Today, enjoy Gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans (PNV). A permit is required. The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15.

Visitors gather at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am to be briefed on protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas and are allocated a family group according to fitness levels. Hikes up to their various locations can last from 30 minutes to four or more hours, reaching an altitude between 2,500m and 4,000m. Porters are available to carry backpacks and cameras, as well as to offer a helping hand along the route.

For those interested in tracing the footsteps of Dian Fossey, her tomb is a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters and a two or three hour hike through the forest to an altitude above 3,000m.

Travel overland to Kigali International Airport (KGL) (± 3 hours) for your departure flight.