Rwanda's Luxury Lodges and Extraordinary Wildlife

DAY 1 Kick Back in Kigali

After flying through the night you will land into Kigali early this morning to be met by a representative from our friendly Rwanda team. They will help you with your bags and then transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the city, where you can freshen up and have lunch. This afternoon is then yours to spend as you please, perhaps relaxing after the long flight, or stretching your legs on a little wander around the city.

DAY 2 Arrive at Akagera National Park

Today you head out of Kigali and to your first Rwandan luxury lodge, in the beautiful and lesser known Akagera National Park. To get there you will be transferred north-east for four-and-a-half hours by car. This drive will take you through a wonderful variety of landscapes from the bustling city of Kigali into the savannah plains of the park, and offers some great views.

When you arrive it should be just about lunch time, so settle into your room and then spend a few hours over a leisurely meal. Later this afternoon, set off on the evening game drive to get your first glimpse of some of Rwanda's extraordinary wildlife. Look out for giraffes, leopards, lions, black rhinos, hyenas and zebras, among more.

DAY 3 Back to Kigali

After breakfast this morning it's sadly time to leave Akagera behind and head back to Kigali. Ideally there should be time for one last morning game drive or walk before you go. When you arrive in Kigali you will be taken to your hotel to check in and have lunch. This afternoon we then suggest spending some time exploring the city with an expert local guide. As well as visiting the lively local markets and interesting museums, your guide will also make sure you spend time at the Genocide Memorial. This is a stark reminder of Rwanda's sad and troubled past, and highlights how far it has come as a country now.

DAY 4 To Nyungwe

After your stopover back in Kigali, today you head for another of Rwanda's beautiful National Parks - Nyungwe - showcasing the country's incredible natural beauty. After breakfast you will be transferred to Kigali airport in time for a domestic flight to Kamembe airport. The flight time should be less than an hour so you'll be there before you know it. At Kamembe, a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your lodge in the heart of the park.

Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy lunch. This afternoon we have arranged for you to get your first proper experience of the rainforest, on a guided canopy walk. Built nearly 200 feet up in the treetops, this hanging wooden bridge offers a unique and spectacular viewpoint of the rainforest's flora and fauna, and your guide will be able to introduce you to different species as you walk. Afterwards, head back to the lodge for dinner.

DAY 5 To Volcanoes National Park

The last leg of your Rwandan tour begins today as you travel north from Nyungwe to the stunning Volcanoes National Park. To get there you will fly back to Kigali where you will be met by a friendly driver who will transfer you by car to the mountainous Volcanoes National Park, which should take around two-and-a-half hours.

When you arrive at your lodge, you should just be in time for a gentle stroll around the lodge grounds to get accustomed to your new home before you tuck into some dinner.