MY GORILLAS, RWANDA SAFARI - 3 nts

Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Stay at Hôtel des Mille Collines
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met by a private guide and transferred to the iconic Hôtel des Mille Collines.

Hôtel des Mille Collines:
This historic hotel is one of Kigali’s most renowned landmarks, gaining global recognition as the setting for the 2004 film Hotel Rwanda. The hotel exudes classic charm with modern updates, offering 112 elegant rooms and suites designed for comfort. Rooms feature contemporary décor, spacious layouts, air conditioning, and stunning views of Kigali's cityscape or gardens.

Dining:
The on-site restaurant, Le Panorama, serves an array of international and African-inspired dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Enjoy al fresco dining on the terrace while taking in breathtaking views of the city. Guests can also relax at the poolside bar or the sophisticated rooftop lounge.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum, a somber and moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide. This insightful experience provides a deep understanding of Rwanda's history and resilience.

Following the museum visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Kigali before driving to Kinigi, near Volcanoes National Park.

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel:
Nestled amidst lush greenery and volcanic landscapes, this intimate hotel offers a blend of luxury and authenticity. The property features 13 cozy rooms and suites, each adorned with Rwandan-inspired décor, modern amenities, and private terraces overlooking the picturesque surroundings.

Dining:
The hotel's restaurant serves delicious meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Guests can savor a variety of Rwandan and international dishes, all prepared with attention to flavor and presentation. The serene dining area opens onto beautiful gardens, creating a peaceful ambiance for every meal.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rise early for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. After breakfast, you’ll head to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters, where you’ll meet your trekking group and guides. After a briefing, embark on a hike through the park's misty rainforest to observe the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Spend a magical hour with these incredible creatures, observing their behavior and interactions.

Return to Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel in the afternoon to relax. Unwind by the pool or enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment before savoring a delightful dinner.

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trek and Departure
After breakfast, venture back to Volcanoes National Park for a morning trek to visit the playful Golden Monkeys. This experience offers a lighter hike and a chance to marvel at these rare primates known for their vibrant golden-orange fur.

After the trek, return to the hotel for a fresh lunch before heading back to Kigali. Your private guide will ensure a timely arrival at Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Inclusions:

• All meals
• Private guide and transportation
• Park permits for gorilla and Golden Monkey treks
• Luxury accommodations and amenities

This safari combines luxury, adventure, and cultural immersion, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Rwanda.

Gorilla Trekking Permits prices are indicated

Accommodation on a full board, shared basis

Transfers from and back to Kigali and park headquarters

Accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant VAT

International Flights

Visas 

Compulsory comprehensive insurance 

Gratuities 

All personal purchases (including curios, spirit liquors, telephone calls, etc.) 

Optional extra activities 

Pre and post safari tours 

Any new Government taxes 

Fuel or industry increases which are beyond our control

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel is a mid-range addition to the hotels in Ruhengeri. Just a 15-minute drive from the headquarters of Rwanda’s renowned Volcanoes National Park, it is in a prime location for guests wishing to trek to see the mountain gorillas, and offers great views of the surrounding volcanoes and countryside.

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, commonly known as Five Volcanoes, is on the main road to Kinigi, closer to the town than most of the other accommodation options in this area, though set back far enough from the village to not be bothered by too much noise.

The hotel’s main thatched building houses a tiny reception area downstairs, which gives the impression of quite a cramped property. Stairs leading upstairs soon dispel this idea, as the first floor houses a spacious restaurant and lounge area. With a contemporary but comfortable feel, with some striking photographs of Rwandese life adorning the walls, there are also comfy sofas facing a large television and with windows all around. One side overlooks the hotel’s large swimming pool, and the others offer vistas of the surrounding volcanoes.

Away from the main area, set in large and well-maintained gardens, Five Volcanoes has 13 rooms: four ‘standard’ rooms, seven ‘deluxe’, and two cottages. Single storey, and spread in smaller blocks throughout the gardens, all are clean and tidy, if lacking in character, and gentle uplighting gives a more homely feel than you might expect.

Every room has either a large double or twin four-poster beds, with mosquito nets, small bedside tables with lamps, and a solar lamp in case of power cuts. Across the room you will find a personal safe, minibar (at extra cost) and tea- and coffee-making facilities. The rooms are fitted with American plug sockets, but international adaptors are provided, and the reception has extras should you need them.

The en-suite bathrooms have flush toilets and hot showers, with toiletries, dressing gown and slippers provided for guests’ use. Each room has a small patio out front, with a couple of chairs, while some also have a hammock.

The seven ‘deluxe’ rooms are larger than the standard ones, and also have a heating/AC unit and DSTV. These rooms have incredibly spacious bathrooms, too, with both double sinks and double showers.

Five Volcanoes is well placed for those wishing to visit the mountain gorillas. It’s not as characterful as some of the other lodges in the area, but the rooms are clean and tidy, and there is a good range of amenities. For those who prefer a more ‘hotel’ style of accommodation, rather than a lodge, this will suit perfectly.