Welcome to Rwanda! On arrival into Kigali International Airport, make your way through passport control and collect your luggage.

All of your luggage will be scanned through an x-ray machine before you head to the arrivals hall. Please note that the following items are strictly prohibited: plastic bags, drones and any form of radio / walkie talkie equipment. 

We recommend that your draw some local currency at the airport before you head to your hotel. Many local businesses around Rwanda prefer to process Rwandan Franks rather than US Dollars, so it is important that you draw some local currency from an ATM before leaving the airport. There is also a small charge as you depart the airport that will need to be settled in the local currency. There are a number of ATM's near your hotel and along your journey and we are very happy to make recommendations of the best places to draw money during the rest of your trip. 

Once you have reached the arrivals hall, you will be met by a representative who will help you with your luggage and take you to your rental vehicle in the car park. They will meet you in the arrivals hall holding a board with your name displayed. 

You will spen a night at Heaven Boutique Hotel which is a popular four star hotel with 30 rooms located on two separate properties in a peaceful, residential area of Kigali. Heaven Boutique Hotel features local Rwandan décor, warm hospitality, delicious breakfasts at Heaven Restaurant, and access to a solar-heated salt water swimming pool, outdoor yoga deck and fitness center.

Set off early to find the best wildlife and explore the low-lying plains, savannah, woodlands, wetlands and some of the dozen lakes that comprise this special place. 

With common sightings of zebra, giraffe, buffalo, topi, and lots of impala, you'll also be keeping a lookout for elephants, rhinoceros, defassa waterbuck, roan antelope, eland, duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer and bushbuck. 

On a shorter drive in the southern part of Akagera, we recommend taking the Giraffe Area Loop or Rurama Loop. Passing Lake Birengero, you can visit either the Kageyo Peninsular or, if you make an early start, the Nyampiki Peninsular on an out and back trip. It is also possible to complete the full Rwisirabo, Kitabili & Kajumbura circuit in under 3 hours but it is quite a long drive and so for the best wildlife viewing we recommend it is done as a full-day trip.

Drinking water is not available outside of the lodges, so make sure you bring sufficient for your drive.

Follow all park rules and regulations and do not leave your vehicle unless inside a designated campsite or picnic area. Afternoon boat ride in Lake Ihema which is a superb way to experience the abundant wildlife of Akagera. Led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide, the motorboat will take you to a nearby island and along the forest-fringed shores where you are certain to see many species of birds.

Sightings of the iconic African fish eagle crowned cranes, raucous colonies of cormorants along with hippos, crocodiles are common and occasionally there are also sightings of elephants, antelope and other herbivores. 

The longer trip at sunset is the perfect way to end the day as the sun dips behind the hills. Overnight at Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Set off early to find the best wildlife and explore the low-lying plains, savannah, woodlands, wetlands and some of the dozen lakes that comprise this special place. 

With common sightings of zebra, giraffe, buffalo, topi, and lots of impala, you'll also be keeping a lookout for elephants, rhinoceros, defassa waterbuck, roan antelope, eland, duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer and bushbuck. 

On the plains, you'll probably find spotted hyaenas and may see lions. Leopards are usually seen in the scrub and woodlands, whilst serval - a wild cat, side-striped jackal and several species of mongoose may also be spotted - if you're lucky.

The best loop drive is to take the Rwisirabo, Kitabili & Kajumbura circuit during which you can also visit the Kageyo Peninsular and Nyampiki Peninsular, which often have good wildlife viewing. It is also possible to drive as far as the Mohana Plain, where groups of herbivores can be seen in the open, however, take care to leave enough time for your return journey. Often the best wildlife is seen when waiting patiently.

Follow all park rules and regulations and do not leave your vehicle unless inside a designated campsite or picnic area.

Make sure to take a packed lunch and stop at one of the designated picnic sites around the park. Toilets are available in a few locations. Drinking water is not available outside of the lodges, so make sure you bring sufficient for your drive.

You will also enjoy a night drive takes you on a journey to discover the nocturnal wildlife that is hidden in the day. You'll likely to see birds and small primates in the trees however, if you're lucky you may also find some of Akagera's preditors as they are often more active at night.   

Nigh drives operate from from Ruzizi Lodge and Akagaka Game Lodge using an official Park Vehicle - Self-drive and other guided safari options are not allowed. You will be picked up at 5.30pm and returned to your lodge around 8 – 8.30pm. 

Set off early to find the best wildlife and explore the low-lying plains, savannah, woodlands, wetlands and some of the dozen lakes that comprise this special place. 

With common sightings of zebra, giraffe, buffalo, topi, and lots of impala, you'll also be keeping a lookout for elephants, rhinoceros, defassa waterbuck, roan antelope, eland, duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer and bushbuck. 

Drinking water is not available outside of the lodges, so make sure you bring sufficient for your drive.

You will stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel which is a quality, and really friendly lodge with 8 deluxe double/twin rooms, a Family Suite, and its Volcano Manor house. Complete with its own restaurant, a pool, and a beautiful garden the friendly staff will make your stay here an incredibly memorable occasion.

Today you will head out into the forest to track an endangered species of monkey known as the Golden Monkey. Spend 1 hour watching the monkey families play in the forest! This is a wonderful wildlife encounter as the proceeds fr om tourists visiting goes towards the research into the protection of this species and how to preserve their environment so that they do not become extinct.  And if you're into birds then make sure to ask your guides to point out the species that you may find on the trails, which if you're really lucky may include the rather impressive Blue Turaco!

Meet at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters at 07:00 and at 08:00 you will begin hiking through the forests to spend an hour with a troop of 40-100 playful golden monkeys who are jumping and running all around.  This rare species is listed as endangered and there are currently two troops of monkeys of around 80 members, that have been habituated to visits by tourists in the park. You will trek to find the golden monkeys in a similar way to the gorilla trek, in a small group of no more than six people, spending one hour with the monkeys once you have found them. They are very sprightly creatures, leaping from tree to tree which is really entertaining to watch as they get on with their daily activities.

Afternoon by being Guided by an experienced Kingfisher Journey’s activity leader, you can enjoy a flat, gentle and relaxing walk along the shores of this stunning lake. Include a motorboat trip to a local restaurant or visit a small island for a picnic lunch - wh ere you can see the best views of all five of the Virunga Volcanoes in Rwanda. Along the way you will spot aquatic birds, see local fishermen on the lake, maybe find some local beehives and pass a few small, friendly communities. 

After your guided walk, we'll join the motorboat to explore different islands of the Lake Ruhondo. Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

On arrival, everyone will be split into groups of up to 8 people – and maybe joined with other tourists – before being allocated a ranger. You will then drive a short distance to the start of the trail, from where you will trek in the forest for around 1-3 hours or so to meet the gorillas. When you find them, the hour you spend with these incredible primates is a true lifetime experience that you will never forget. To see – and walk amongst – a family of mountain gorillas is a wildlife encounter unlike any other on Earth. You’ll be so close to the individual gorillas. Boisterous adolescents will be misbehaving whilst playful children are constantly demanding the attention of their parents as aunts and uncles wander together in an extended family group under the watchful eye of the silverback. You may only be a visitor, but you will briefly be part of their family in a really remarkable way.

Once you have returned to the Head Quaters, head back to your hotel for a celebration lunch, followed by an afternoon at leisure to relax or visit the local community projects in the area.  Afternoon community walk experience. Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel