Gorillas and Migration Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Gorillas and Migration Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Kigali International Airport
Road transfer from Kigali Airport
Having cleared customs at the airport, you'll be met by a driver for the short transfer to the Kigali Marriott, in the heart of the Rwandan capital.
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit
You'll be driven around Kigali to see the highlights of the city, with a main stop at the Genocide Memorial and museum. This will give you a fascinating, though sobering, insight into Rwanda's modern history. It is remarkable to learn just how far Rwanda has come in such a short period of time and it certainly adds a deeper understanding about the Rwandan people. Read all about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
Kigali Marriott Hotel
Located in the heart of Rwanda’s capital city, the Kigali Marriott is a smart international hotel with comfortable rooms and plenty of facilities. The hotel is part of the Marriott chain of hotels and provides the same comparably high standards of accommodation, food and service as can be found at their other properties.
Located in the heart of Rwanda’s capital city, the Kigali Marriott is a smart international hotel with comfortable rooms and plenty of facilities. The hotel is part of the Marriott chain of hotels and provides the same comparably high standards of accommodation, food and service as can be found at their other properties.
"Large new international hotel...excellent for a night after or before flying."
Mr F & familyfromBelgiumArrived 31 Jan 2019, 1 night
The Kigali Marriott Hotel is certainly one of the better accommodation options in Kigali. With 254 rooms it is a large hotel with a somewhat impersonal feel. However, its contemporary design, range of restaurants, lovely views and good central location make it a great choice for a short stay in Kigali. See our full report on Kigali Marriott Hotel
Activities
Cultural excursion
Kigali to Volcanoes NP by private vehicle
From central Kigali, it takes around three hours on a scenic, winding highway to reach the foothills below Volcanoes National Park. With a private guide and your own vehicle, you have the option to stop on the way, perhaps to explore a village or to take a look at a roadside shop, so do talk this through with your guide. Depending on any stops you make en route, you should arrive at the exclusive Bisate Lodge in time for lunch.
Bisate Lodge
Bisate Lodge, is a luxury lodge nestled close to the Volcanoes National Park, providing a high-end base to visit the famous mountain gorillas as well as the lesser-known, but very beautiful, golden monkeys.
Bisate Lodge, is a luxury lodge nestled close to the Volcanoes National Park, providing a high-end base to visit the famous mountain gorillas as well as the lesser-known, but very beautiful, golden monkeys.
"The Lodge fits in very well...luxurious and comfortable...meals were outstanding"
Pete & NancyfromStocktonArrived 3 Feb 2022, 3 nights
Bisate Lodge is an exclusive place to stay near the Volcanoes National Park, conveniently close to the park's HQ and with beautiful views. The engaging and impressive managers are focused on a high level of personalised service. Our high expectations for Bisate have certainly been met: it is clearly one of Rwanda’s top lodges. See our full report on Bisate Lodge
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Golden Monkey Trekking
Spend a morning trekking to find the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. These endangered monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift area and are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo and hunker down to chew bamboo leaves, curiously watching you, as you watch them.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Golden Monkey Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes NP to Kigali by private vehicle
Your return to Kigali today gives you another opportunity to enjoy Rwanda's spectacular mountain scenery on this scenic drive. Typically it's a three-hour journey, but should you wish to stop en route, have a chat with your guide beforehand as this is very much your trip. Otherwise, you can expect to be in Kigali around midday.
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images.
Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide. Read all about Gorilla Trekking
Kigali Marriott Hotel
Located in the heart of Rwanda’s capital city, the Kigali Marriott is a smart international hotel with comfortable rooms and plenty of facilities. The hotel is part of the Marriott chain of hotels and provides the same comparably high standards of accommodation, food and service as can be found at their other properties.
Located in the heart of Rwanda’s capital city, the Kigali Marriott is a smart international hotel with comfortable rooms and plenty of facilities. The hotel is part of the Marriott chain of hotels and provides the same comparably high standards of accommodation, food and service as can be found at their other properties.
"Large new international hotel...excellent for a night after or before flying."
Mr F & familyfromBelgiumArrived 31 Jan 2019, 1 night
The Kigali Marriott Hotel is certainly one of the better accommodation options in Kigali. With 254 rooms it is a large hotel with a somewhat impersonal feel. However, its contemporary design, range of restaurants, lovely views and good central location make it a great choice for a short stay in Kigali. See our full report on Kigali Marriott Hotel
Activities
Cultural excursion
Kigali to the Serengeti by road & light aircraft
Today you'll be collected from the Marriott mid-morning in time for your light-aircraft flight from Kigali to the Serengeti, touching down en route for border controls and perhaps for other passengers to board or alight. A guide from Lamai Serengeti will be waiting for you at Kogatende Airstrip ready for the half-hour game drive to camp, usually arriving late afternoon.
Lamai Serengeti
Nomad Lamai Serengeti lies in the far north of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, just south of the border with Kenya. It's set high up in the beautiful Kogakuria Kopjes, with views out towards the Mara River Valley and the Lamai Wedge. Between July and October the camp has a prime position for the great wildebeest migration, and is close enough to the Mara River for guests to witness river crossings.
Nomad Lamai Serengeti lies in the far north of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, just south of the border with Kenya. It's set high up in the beautiful Kogakuria Kopjes, with views out towards the Mara River Valley and the Lamai Wedge. Between July and October the camp has a prime position for the great wildebeest migration, and is close enough to the Mara River for guests to witness river crossings.
"Lamai is absolutely outstanding"
J+GfromPortstewartArrived 6 Dec 2023, 3 nights
Lamai Serengeti has a superb location and very good pedigree; there is little doubt that it is following in the footsteps of its high-quality sister camps. It may not appeal to purists seeking more elemental bushcamps with campfires and simple rooms; it's too substantial and well-appointed. That said, there is no air-con or satellite TV here either, and the beautiful interior design is unique yet rustic. It really suits those looking for great guiding and service, superb views and a touch of understated luxury. See our full report on Lamai Serengeti
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Serengeti to Kilimanjaro by 4WD & light aircraft
Following a final hour's game drive in the Serengeti, board your light aircraft for Kilimanjaro. During the flight, which may stop for other passengers to board or alight, do take in the views of the Ngorongoro Highlands, or even one of the crater's volcanoes, before landing after around 2–3 hours.
Ends: Kilimanjaro International Airport
You'll arrive at Kilimanjaro in time to catch your onward flight.
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.
King’s Palace & Museum Visit
Half day
If your trip in Rwanda incorporates travelling south from Kigali, a visit to the King’s Palace and Museum gives an interesting insight into Rwanda’s cultural history and monarchy. It's also ideally placed to break up the long journey to Nyungwe Forest.
More about King’s Palace
Balloon Safari over the Serengeti
Three hours - approx. one hour flight
As the sun rises over the Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania, climb aboard for an extraordinary adventure. For an hour you’ll float in a hot air balloon over beautiful savannah and woodland and a diversity of plains wildlife.
More about Balloon Safari
Canoeing in Rwanda
Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water
This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.
More about Canoeing
Mount Bisoke Trek
Full day
For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.
More about Mount Bisoke Trek
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek
Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi
Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.
More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave
Half day, usually five hours
Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.
More about Dian Fossey Trek