Day 1: Arrival – overnight in Kgali.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our representative, transfer to Kigali for a briefing on your safari.
Depending on arrival time, you go for a short city tour including a visit to genocide memorial, handicraft shops.
Overnight accommodation on Bed & breakfast basis.
Day 2: Kigali – Virunga volcanoes/Kinigi. App. 3 hours.
Morning start for Parc des Volcans with views of the great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest. With stops at place of interest, proceed to Kinigi.
Meals and Accommodation included.
Day 3 & 4: Birding in and around Parc des Volcans (PNV) – Optional Gorilla tracking.
Volcanoes National Park or Parc des Volcans (PNV) is famous for her Mountain Gorillas and Volcano hiking. This forested park in the North of Rwanda has got over 200 bird species. Interestingly, 17 out of the 200 species are Albertine Rift endemics. You will have early morning starts in to the park, look out for Birds and no question, you will not miss out on a number of primates.
While at PNV, it’s possible that day 11 can be allocated to Gorilla tracking. This will be on payment of supplement. Advance payment and reservations are a must, so please let your consultant know if interested so that reservations can be made.
Gorilla tracking starts early in the morning and takes 3 to 6 hours (+/-). An exhilarating Gorilla trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas can be muddy and challenging but offers a Great experience. Alive with the calls of Gorillas you will spend an hour before sloping back to the base. As you slope, through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks, among the highest in Africa are glimpsed. Meals and overnight accommodation included.
Day 5: Birding in PNV – Afternoon Drive to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi).
Go Birding in Volcanoes National Park or Parc des Volcans (PNV).
After lunch, drive to Gisenyi arriving late afternoon. Relax by the lakes and enjoy birding as the sun deeps down in the horizon.
Meals and overnight accommodation included.
Day 6: Birding – Lake Kivu
Today, you will go for a boat ride on Lake Kivu (about 2 hours or more).
Birding on Lake Kivu gives birding specialists opportunities to see white-breasted Cormorants, Pied Kingfishers and Osprey might be seen fishing around during the migration period.
A walk by the lake shores is simply perfect for terrestrial species. Double-toothed Barbet, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Brown-throated Wattle-eye, and Spot-flanked Barbet can be seen in the area.
Meals and overnight accommodation included.
Day 7: Lake Kivu/Gisenyi – Kigali – Return flight. App. 3 hrs.
Morning visit to the Imbabazi Orphanage- Rosamond Halsey Carr (1912-2006) or simply explore the old town of Gisenyi, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the local market or wander through the leafy streets admiring the old colonial buildings.
Midmorning start for Kigali, time permitting, have a last-minute shopping and later transfer to airport in time for your return flight.
Breakfast and lunch included.