Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits you. Your guide will greet you and provide an introduction to your upcoming adventure. Enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel and take in the vibrant streets of Kigali, known for its clean, organised atmosphere and rolling hills. Check in at your hotel and enjoy a refreshing lunch. Take this time to rest after your journey or go for a little swim in the pool. If time allows and you're eager to start exploring, Kigali offers various rich cultural and historical sites, including local markets and museums. This is an opportunity to soak in Rwanda's urban charm before heading into the wild landscapes in the days ahead. Return to the hotel for a delightful dinner, where you can sample some local Rwandan flavours or enjoy international cuisine. As the night settles in, unwind in the comfort of your accommodation, preparing for the journey ahead.

• Accommodation: Cozy Safari Kigali
• Meals: Full board basis

After an early breakfast, set out on a breathtaking drive through Rwanda's famous "Land of a Thousand Hills", heading south toward Nyungwe Forest National Park. The scenic road winds through lush green landscapes, offering incredible views of valleys and villages. En route, stop in Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum, the oldest museum in the country. Its fascinating exhibits are a must-see for those interested in Rwanda's deep-rooted history, traditions, culture, and heritage. Furthermore, if time allows, explore the remarkable Ruhande Arboretum, a 200-hectare expanse of botanical garden that serves as a living museum of over 500 species of native and exotic trees and shrubs, making it a haven for biodiversity. Proceed through lush landscapes toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa's oldest rainforests. As you approach, the landscape shifts into a dense jungle, teeming with life. Arrive at your lodge, perched on the hills overlooking the forest. Settle in for a delicious dinner while surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the forest. Spend the evening relaxing and recuperating from the long trip with a soothing drink at the lodge's lounge/bar, enjoying the cool mountain air before retiring to your cosy accommodation.

• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Lodge
• Meals: Full board basis

Wake up to the gentle sounds of the forest and enjoy an energising breakfast before heading into Nyungwe's dense jungle for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Listen as the forest comes alive with the sounds of primates, birds, and rustling leaves, and observe the fascinating social interactions of chimpanzee troops swinging through the trees, interacting, and foraging in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge and enjoy a well-earned lunch, taking time to rest and share stories of the morning's adventure. Relax with a cup of Rwandan coffee while soaking in the tranquillity of the surrounding landscapes and admiring the forest views from your lodge's terrace. In the afternoon, set out for Nyungwe's famous and exhilarating canopy walk, where suspended bridges high above the forest floor offer breathtaking views of the forest from above. Spot L'Hoest and Owl-faced monkeys swinging from branch to branch, semi-wild colobus monkeys feeding on wild figs, and exotic birds nesting upon treetops. As the night approaches, head back to the lodge and unwind by a serene campfire as the sun sets over the forest. Enjoy a hearty dinner and reflect on the incredible primate encounters of the day before settling in for a restful night.

• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Lodge
• Meals: Full board basis

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out for Karongi. Take in the picturesque landscapes with spectacular views of Lake Kivu, Africa's highest lake, and its rugged shoreline. As you approach, the sparkling blue waters stretch out before you, framed by rolling hills and quaint fishing villages. Around noon, check in to your lakeside lodge and feast upon a delicious meal on the terrace overlooking the pristine water. Spend some time soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and recharging after the morning journey. Stroll the beautiful campgrounds or go for a traditional massage session to recuperate from the previous days' trekking. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. Kayak across the lake, try your hand at fishing, or set out on a trek through the surrounding hills, where Rwanda's renowned, celebrated, and source of national pride coffee plantations thrive. Walk among neatly lined rows of coffee trees, where the rich volcanic soil nurtures some of the finest Arabica beans in the world. Engage with local farmers to learn about the meticulous process of harvesting, drying, and roasting, all done by hand using traditional methods. Savour the aroma of freshly roasted beans and enjoy a tasting session where you can experience the deep, complex flavours that make Rwandan coffee a favourite among connoisseurs. As the sun dips below the horizon, return to camp for a tranquil dinner with breathtaking lakeside sunset views. End the night with a luscious cocktail in the rustic lounge bar by the warm fireplace before retreating to your room for a restful sleep.

• Accommodation: Paradise Kivu Hotel
• Meals: Full board basis

Wake up to the soothing sounds of Lake Kivu, enjoy your breakfast, and launch your morning with a refreshing swim or a peaceful boat cruise, gliding across the mirror-like waters as the mist lifts from the surrounding hills. Watch fishermen in their traditional boats singing as they return with their early morning catch, adding to the lake's serene atmosphere. After soaking in the tranquillity, return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch, taking in the breathtaking views one last time before departing for Kinigi, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The drive offers spectacular scenery, passing through lush tea and banana plantations and the rolling hills Rwanda is famous for. Arrive at your lodge in the shadow of the Virunga Volcanoes, where you'll check in and take some time to unwind before the upcoming cultural experience. In the late afternoon, head to the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village for an enriching encounter with Rwanda's traditions. Engage with the local community as they showcase vibrant dances, traditional drumming, and storytelling that offer a glimpse into their way of life. Learn about ancient hunting techniques and traditional medicine, and even try your hand at grinding sorghum to make local beer. Return to the lodge in the evening for a delightful dinner, surrounded by the peaceful ambience of the mountains. Sip on a warm cup of Rwandan tea as the crisp mountain air sets in, then retreat to your cosy room, resting up for the next day's journey into Uganda.

• Accommodation: Davinci Gorilla Lodge
• Meals: Full board basis

Rise early and, if you choose, set off for an optional golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park ($100 per person). These playful primates, endemic to the Virunga region, dart through the bamboo forests, offering an exciting wildlife encounter. After the trek, we begin your journey to Uganda. For those skipping the trek, enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge before setting out on the scenic drive toward the Cyanika Border to complete immigration formalities and enter Uganda, where rolling terraced hills give way to the wild, untouched forests of Bwindi. As you make your way deeper into southwestern Uganda, arrive at your lodge nestled on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Check in and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Take in the breathtaking views and serene ambience of the dense, mist-covered rainforest stretching into the horizon. Relax at the lounge bar with your favourite drink and by a cosy fireplace. You may even take a quick plunge in the pool if that tickles your fancy. Or, get an early night's rest, as tomorrow promises to be one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters of your life.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Meals: Full board basis

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. Meet your expert guides and rangers, who will provide an essential briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. Then, we set off into the dense jungle, navigating through thick vegetation, climbing rugged terrain, and following fresh tracks left by these magnificent primates. The trek can take from 1 to 6 hours and climb to altitudes in excess of 7,500 feet. Furthermore, the terrain is rough and, at times, muddy, making the hike physically demanding. Still, the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking special, and once you spot these majestic creatures, every step will feel worth it. Lastly, it can rain at a few minutes notice; hence, waterproof clothing and zip-lock bags for water-vulnerable items are helpful essentials. After an exhilarating trek, the moment arrives—you come face to face with a family of mountain gorillas. Watch in awe as they forage, play, feed, care for their young, and interact just meters away from you. Observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an experience that words can hardly describe. After spending a magical moment with them, enjoy a well-earned picnic lunch before returning to the lodge. In the evening, celebrate the day's unforgettable adventure with a delicious dinner. Share stories with fellow trekkers around the lodge's campfire, reminiscing about the moments that made your trek so special. The sounds of the jungle will be your lullaby as you drift into a deep and satisfied sleep.

• Accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Meals: Full board basis

Wake up to your final morning in the heart of Bwindi's misty forests. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast while soaking in the last views of the breathtaking jungle landscape. Once ready, set off for the return journey to Kigali, crossing back into Rwanda through the Gatuna Border. The scenic drive winds through rolling hills and picturesque valleys, offering one last chance to admire East Africa's natural beauty. Arriving in Kigali, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a profoundly moving tribute to Rwanda's history and resilience. Walk through the exhibits, learning about the past while gaining insight into the country's remarkable recovery and progress. After the visit, enjoy a final lunch in the city and be dropped off at Kigali International Airport or your hotel. Say your goodbyes, taking with you unforgettable memories of primate encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural experiences that have made this safari one for the books. We hope to see you again soon and that you'll allow us to take you on yet another extraordinary safari through East Africa.

• Accommodation:
• Meals: