A once-in-a-lifetime experience in a class of its own
You breathe in the cool, damp morning air. The early morning mist slowly lifts. Your gaze sweeps over the lush green of the rainforest. Suddenly you spot him on a hill: a mighty mountain gorilla. The imposing silverback stares at you unblinkingly. Face to face with it, you stand in awe - and get goose bumps. An indescribable moment that only Rwanda can offer you. The "land of a thousand hills" in the heart of the African continent has a mild tropical climate with a unique diversity of flora and fauna due to its high altitude. This abundance guarantees you a series of impressive encounters - not only in the forests of the Virunga volcanoes, where the mountain gorillas live. In the dense tropical high mountain cloud forest of Nyungwe National Park, you will also feel the irrepressible power of nature: chimpanzees swing noisily from branch to branch and populate the fragrant vegetation together with numerous other primate species. Colourful birds chirp their exotic melodies, while slender antelopes move gracefully through the lush jungle. Rwanda is an incomparably intense experience that will appeal to all your senses.
030 / 69 80 21 91
gowin@select-luxury.travel
"The rainforest covers the gentle hilly landscape, the home of the mountain gorillas, like a beautiful carpet in an incredible array of green colours. Meeting these endearing creatures in their natural environment was an incomparably beautiful and peaceful moment that I will never forget."
Travelling to Kigali
You will travel to Kigali in comfort from Germany via Amsterdam. You will arrive in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, in the evening. A warm welcome! Immediately after your welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel. Relax after your journey, enjoy your first impressions of this vibrant country and recharge your batteries for the next few days.
1 overnight stay at the 4.5★ Kigali Marriott Hotel, City View Room incl. breakfast – Details about the hotel
or
1 overnight stay in the 5★ The Retreat, Superior King Suite incl. breakfast – Details about the hotel
Nyungwe National Park
Climb aboard and let your private driver-guide take you through Nyanza and Butare in the Nyungwe National Park one of the oldest and largest contiguous mountain forests in East Africa. On the way there, you will see the hospitable local people going about their daily business.
Once you arrive at the national park, you are immediately immersed in the overwhelming natural spectacle of over 1,000 square kilometres: 13 different primate species, including hundreds of chimpanzees and a 300-strong family of colobus monkeys, await you on your adventurous trip into the wilderness. During your stay, make the acquaintance of other rare monkey species such as mantled monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and full-bearded monkeys as well as a variety of mammals and alien-looking plant species.
During a hike in the treetops of the mountain rainforest, you can admire more than 200 tree species and many hundreds of species of flowering plants and ferns. Meanwhile, colourful birds fill the air with their song. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy excursions on a mountain bike or in a kayak in this magnificent and completely unspoilt nature. After your adventures, enjoy the marvellous view and the service of your luxury lodge or the exclusive spa treatments.
Nyungwe National Park invites you to experience even more special wildlife and nature: In the nearby Cyamudongo Forest, for example, you can go on an adventurous walk to see the chimpanzees that live here in the deep jungle. Observe the primates swinging wildly through the treetops at close range. On one of the tea plantations, you will learn how one of the world's best teas is produced here.
3 nights in the One & Only Nyungwe House, Luxury Room incl. full board and selected drinks – Details about the hotel
Volcanoes National Park
Today the journey takes you through the highlands and tropical deep green forests to the Volcanoes National Park. Five of the eight Virunga volcanoes are located in this beautiful park. But there is no trace of barren lava rock here. On the contrary: the fertile cinder and ash soil has allowed the vegetation to sprout over the millennia.
The park is also home to the impressive mountain gorillas. They are also known as the "gentle giants" because of their friendly and familiar nature. On the safari of a lifetime, you will have the unique opportunity to experience, observe and photograph these rare and protected apes up close in the company of an experienced ranger. Keep your camera handy at all times, because you might even catch a glimpse of one of the "silverbacks" - one of the dominant male heads of the gorilla family - weighing up to 200 kilograms. You may never get the chance to take photos like this again. The Virunga Volcanoes are one of the few places where the primates with the silky black fur still live in the wild. An unrivalled experience and certainly the highlight of your trip to Rwanda.
On the first day after arrival, you will go mountain gorilla trekking, the highlight of your trip to Rwanda. The chances of seeing mountain gorillas up close are 100%. You will be divided into small trekking groups (easy, medium, difficult) on site depending on your physical condition and stamina. The next morning, you will go on an easy trek to the cute Golden Monkeys before travelling back to Kigali.
For a more intense experience, we recommend an extra night.
Hotel options:
2 nights at Bisate Lodge, Forest Villa incl. full board and selected drinks – Details about the lodge
or
2 nights at the 5★ One&Only Gorilla's Nest – Details about the hotel
or
2 nights at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda; suite, full board and selected drinks (excluding premium brands, imported brands and champagne) – Details about the lodge
or
2 nights at the Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (Governors' Camp Collection) – Details about the lodge
Volcanoes National Park - Kigali
In the morning, you will go on an easy trek to the cute Golden Monkeys before driving back to Kigali. After these impressive days, with unique memories and snapshots in your luggage, you drive back to Kigali. From there you will start your Return flight via Amsterdam to the home country.
Arrival in Germany in the morning.
Additional option: Kigali - Akagera National Park: Game drives & safari
Departure from the hotel in the morning after breakfast. Drive to Akagera National Park in the north-east
Rwanda, which forms the border with Tanzania.
The Akagera River feeds a whole series of larger and smaller lakes, which together form a kind of
delta of water surfaces, canals and flood plains. The western side of the national park
flanked by a mountain range with an altitude of up to 2,300 metres. Look forward to an abundance of wildlife
in the park.
Overnight stay in Magashi Camp, luxury tent, full board, non-alcoholic + alcoholic drinks
(excluding premium brands, imported brands, champagne), 2 activities per day – Details about the hotel
First game drives and excursions in Akagera National Park in the afternoon.
Game drives and excursions in Akagera National Park
The 100,000-hectare Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda on the border with Tanzania
and has been managed by African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board since 2010.
It encompasses some of the most beautiful savannahs in East Africa - open plains, forests, lakes, swamps and
grassy low mountain ranges.
On guided game drives, walks and boat trips, you will be able to observe a range of wild animals, including buffalo, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, hyenas and zebras.
The park is also home to almost 500 bird species such as the spectacular shoebill with its
massive beak and the almost extinct red-faced barbet. Akagera has in the last
eight years has undergone an incredible transformation in which poaching has essentially been eliminated.
and flora and fauna are now thriving. In 2015, African Parks reopened after 20 years
lions were introduced, followed by black rhinos in 2017.
Included in your trip:
Would you like more experiences that you will never forget? We will also be happy to inform you of the surcharges for Club rooms, suites and flights in Business or First Class.
On a second gorilla trekking tour, you have the opportunity to track down and observe another gorilla family.
Every encounter is different and completely new. Let yourself be surprised. Use the time on the second excursion to take more photos or simply linger in the magic of the moment. Give yourself a present and create even more lasting impressions of these sensitive and family-orientated jungle dwellers. You will not regret it! (Prices for the "Mountain Gorillas Intensive" experience are available on request)
Additional programme: Akagera National Park: Game drives & safaris to the Big5
The Akagera River feeds a whole series of larger and smaller lakes, which together form a kind of delta of water surfaces, channels and flood plains. The western side of the national park
flanked by a mountain range with an altitude of up to 2,300 metres. Look forward to an abundance of wildlife in the park. The 100,000-hectare Akagera National Park is located in the east of Rwanda on the border with Tanzania
and has been managed by African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board since 2010. It encompasses some of the most beautiful savannahs in East Africa - open plains, forests, lakes, swamps and grassy low mountain ranges.
The hotel offers upscale comfort and an excellent location in the heart of one of Africa's most fascinating cities.
Room
Modern and elegantly furnished with 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, tea/coffee making facilities, marble bathroom, Acca Kappa toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers. High-speed internet is freely accessible in the public areas (personal access in the room available at an extra charge).
Gastronomy
Wellness, spa, sport, activities
The charming boutique hotel The Retreat by Heaven is the perfect place to start your journey in Rwanda. The small private hotel is focused on sustainability and invites you to explore Kigali from a fresh perspective with its spectacular wildlife and the warmth of its local communities.
At The Retreat, you can get to know the locals in the Nyamirambo Women's Centre, do yoga, pamper yourself in the spa or work out in the gym. Relax by the pool with a cocktail and enjoy the sounds of birdlife from the lush gardens.
Room
The hotel has eleven rooms and you have the choice of staying in either the Retreat Superior King Suites or the Retreat Deluxe King rooms.
Gastronomy
Indulge in culinary delights in the Fusion Restaurant, where the experienced chefs use ingredients from the hotel's own organic garden.
The small and extremely personal luxury lodge in the heart of a tea plantation was completely renovated in 2017 and gives you direct access to Africa's fascinating flora and fauna in Nyungwe National Park. The 22 rooms and suites in the six wooden villas have all been designed to blend seamlessly into the surroundings. For you, this means that even in your luxurious accommodation, you are in constant contact with the natural surroundings during your stay. Thanks to the spacious balconies, you immediately become part of the lush vegetation as soon as you step inside and enjoy a fabulous view over the rainforest and the tea plantation.
Room
Shortly after you have been gently awoken by a variety of jungle sounds, an incomparable sight awaits you: the deep green hills of the rainforest directly in front of you, shrouded in a mystical veil of mist. Your room is luxurious, spacious and architecturally generously furnished in typical African style. Air conditioning, an open fireplace, a modern bathroom, minibar and private terrace ensure that you are guaranteed to feel at home right from the start.
Gastronomy
The restaurant offers a wide selection of local and international cuisine. Savour culinary delights of the highest standard in an extraordinary ambience or in the privacy of your own terrace.
Wellness, spa, sport, activities
Special features/notes
Nyungwe House is strongly committed to the environment, local projects and products. During your stay, you make a personal contribution to the preservation of this unique environment. You can even lend a hand yourself if you wish: Help build fences or in local agriculture. Donate items and medicine that are no longer needed to local aid projects or simply pass on valuable knowledge. Children are very welcome at the lodge and childcare is available for a fee.
Architecturally, the impressive complex was modelled on the royal palace of Butare and blends harmoniously into the untouched jungle landscape. The organic shapes, curved lines, warm colours and natural materials make this lodge a remarkable architectural wonder, where you will feel in harmony with nature and completely at ease at all times. This small, exclusive premium lodge consists of only six villas. Personal and exclusive care is therefore guaranteed. At the same time, the lodge offers luxurious comfort in every respect and its location makes it the perfect starting point for your excursions into the Volcanoes National Park. A special appreciation of sustainability and respect for nature and culture are a matter of course at Bisate Eco Lodge.
Room
Enjoy a stay in one of six luxury villas with thatched domed roofs and huge window fronts, designed in warm earthy and natural colours. Equipped with solid, high-quality furniture, each of the cocoon-like villas has a lounge area with fireplace, bedroom with king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom with double washbasin, shower and bathtub. On the private terrace you can watch the animals undisturbed and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
Gastronomy
Wellness, spa, sport, activities
Relax with massages and let the friendly and courteous staff at the lodge spoil you with freshly prepared food and drinks. Go on trekking tours, gorilla safaris and excursions to local coffee and tea plantations. When visiting a tree nursery, you can plant a tree - your own personal contribution to the preservation of this unique natural habitat.
Surrounded by swaying eucalyptus trees, One&Only Gorilla's Nest awakens the wild spirit of adventure. A special place for poignant and up-close encounters with majestic mountain gorillas that you will never forget.
The new, unique luxury lodge One & Only Gorilla's Nest offers modern, bright, airy rooms and suites in a beautiful lush garden with rare plants and dense eucalyptus forest. The bar and restaurants are located in the central main lodge and there is a spa with pool, saunas, massage rooms and fitness room. The lodge exudes a mix of modern and rural atmosphere.
Room
The 43 guest rooms and suites, built from natural materials and decorated in beige tones, are bright and comfortable. The bedrooms are furnished with cosy chairs, sofas, a coffee table and a king-size bed. Tall glass windows lead directly onto a veranda with a private seating area to admire the surrounding forest, while the bathrooms have a free-standing bath and shower. The Virunga Suite is a self-contained holiday home, while the Forest Lodge is ideal for families.
The charming Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers its guests the unique Singita atmosphere and quick and easy access to gorilla trekking with exceptional photographic opportunities and an unobstructed view of the Volcanoes National Park.
Room
The accommodation, luxuriously designed with a variety of handcrafted accents, is a special experience. 7 suites with one bedroom for 2 people each, a living room with seating, a kitchenette, dressing room, minibar, heated private pool on the terrace, indoor and outdoor showers, a bathtub and a massage area. 1 two-bedroom suite for 4 people with indoor bathroom and shower, central indoor and outdoor fireplace, sitting/relaxation area, dressing room, minibar, covered veranda, heated plunge pool, outdoor shower and indoor and outdoor massage and treatment areas. 1 4 bedroom villa (Kataza House) for 8 people with indoor bath and shower, central indoor and outdoor fireplace, media room, office, informal living and dining area, kitchen, covered veranda, heated plunge pool, outdoor shower, indoor and outdoor spa treatment areas and a gym. The villa includes a house manager, chef and house staff.
All accommodation is equipped with cosmetics, bathroom accessories and hairdryers. Laundry service is free of charge. Illuminated walkways connect all accommodation with the central lodge, and you will be accompanied by the staff after dark.
Singita Kwitonda Lodge is improving the ecological buffer zone between
the agricultural land and the habitat of the remaining mountain gorillas. The buildings are constructed with local materials such as volcanic rock and river stone by local craftsmen. Handmade ceramic tiles and mud bricks are produced in the surrounding communities.
The charming Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is the first community-owned lodge in Rwanda. The lodge was built and is operated by Governors' Camp Collection, but ownership is held by a community trust, SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association), which uses the rents and fees from the lodge to support socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities neighbouring the national park.
The lodge is located near the headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park, from where guests walk to the gorillas. Sabyinyo lies in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, a chain of 15,000-foot-high volcanoes that run through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and offers wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding landscape.
Room
The charming guest cottages and the main lodge building are beautifully constructed - the perfect base from which to explore this unique and fascinating corner of Africa. Accommodation at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge consists of six cottages, two suites and a family cottage. All are stone cottages with Rwandan terracotta tiled roofs and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda. Three large fireplaces provide warmth, while two patio areas offer wonderful and dramatic views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding landscape.
Magashi Camp is located in the northern part of the national park in north-east Rwanda and was only established in December 2018 with six tents on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazina, home to one of the highest hippo densities in Africa.
The area of open savannah is home to the Big 5, as well as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, elephants, numerous bird species and other animals that you can discover.
Surrounded by Rwanda's last protected savannah landscape, six luxury tents for twelve people are located on the Magashi peninsula, with a beautiful view of Lake Rwanyakazinga.
German citizens can enter the country with their passport, which must be valid for six months after travelling. A visa is required. Applications can be made at the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Berlin or at the international airport on arrival in Rwanda.
We will be happy to obtain your visa for you for a service fee.
Although Rwanda is located almost directly on the equator, the climate is very mild due to the altitude, making the country suitable for travelling all year round. The best time to visit is from June to September and from the end of November to January. The rainy season is from February to May and from mid-September to November.
No special vaccinations are required. However, standard immunisations are recommended. Proof of valid yellow fever immunisation is required when entering the country from yellow fever-endemic areas.
Important note:
This trip is partially suitable for travellers with reduced mobility, depending on their impairment.
Please contact us for detailed advice and handling of flights, transfers and accommodation.
Thank you for your interest in our holidays. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can call us directly at + 49 30 69 80 21 90.
Please fill in all fields marked with an * carefully. Many thanks in advance!
030 / 69 80 21 91
gowin@select-luxury.travel
"The rainforest covers the gentle hilly landscape, the home of the mountain gorillas, like a beautiful carpet in an incredible array of green colours. Meeting these endearing creatures in their natural environment was an incomparably beautiful and peaceful moment that I will never forget."
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