OVERVIEW
Hige Safaris Limited, your Rwanda-based Destination Management Company, presents a 5-day “Thousand Hills Revealed” tour, designed for intimate small groups (max.12). On this immersive journey through Rwanda’s rolling landscapes, from the historical depths of Kigali to the awe-inspiring heights of Volcanoes National Park, culminating in leisurely shore-side time on Lake Kivu.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Book Today – Save on premium accommodations, activities, and guiding.
- Small‐Group Experience – Up to 12 guests, fully guided by expert driver-guides and local rangers.
- Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP – One-hour permit (US $1,500) to observe habituated mountain gorillas in their misty rainforest home.
- Cultural & Historical Immersion – Explore Kigali’s Genocide Memorial, old-town sites, and vibrant markets.
- Lake Kivu Retreat – Two nights at Palm Beach Resort with panoramic bungalows overlooking the lake.
- Seamless Logistics – All transfers in 4×4 safari vehicles, hotel porterage, and park fees included.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
- Meet & Greet: Arrival transfer from Kigali International Airport to Gloria Hotel in downtown Kigali.
Accommodation: Gloria Hotel—established in 1981, fully renovated to blend colonial charm with modern comfort, centrally located amid cafes and shops.
Meals: Dinner only.
Accommodation: Gloria Hotel Rwanda.
Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes NP
- Morning: Breakfast at Gloria Hotel, then guided Kigali city tour—visit original colonial sites, the Parliamentary building, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which commemorates over 250,000 lives.
- Lunch: Local restaurant in Kigali.
- Afternoon: Scenic 105 km (≈2 hours) drive northwest to Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
- Evening: Check-in at Amahoro Guest House—a 2-star lodge 14 minutes from the park, with gardens, a lounge area, and warm hospitality
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3: Mountain Gorilla Trek
- Pre-Dawn: Early breakfast, then 30-minute transfer to park headquarters for briefing.
- Gorilla Trek: Hike 2–4 hours through rugged terrain at 7,000–9,000 ft; spend up to one hour with a habituated gorilla family (strict health protocols apply).
- Afternoon: Return to Amahoro Guest House for lunch and optional visit to twin lakes Burera & Ruhondo or a community walk featuring traditional dances.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4: Lake Kivu Leisure & Boat Cruise
- Morning: Transfer (≈1.5 hours) to Gisenyi, check in at Palm Beach Resort—10 lakefront bungalows with 270° views, private terraces, and on-site spa.
- Afternoon: Optional boat cruise on Lake Kivu (30 min–full day, from US $40) to discover fishing villages and bird-life.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5: Return to Kigali & Departure
- Morning: Breakfast, check out, and drive back to Kigali.
- Midday: Last-minute shopping at Kimironko Market or visit Serena Art Gallery.
- Afternoon: Lunch at Kigali Serena Hotel—enjoy 5-star amenities including spa, sundeck, and The Milima Restaurant. Transfer to airport for onward flight.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Inclusions & Pricing
- Accommodations:
- 1 Night Gloria Hotel, Kigali
- 1 Night Amahoro Guest House, Musanze
- 2 Nights Palm Beach Resort, Lake Kivu
Transport: All airport, inter-site, and park transfers in 4×4 with pop-up roof for game viewing.
Guiding & Fees: English-speaking driver-guides, park entry, gorilla permits, and ranger fees.
Meals: As listed per day; bottled water provided (other beverages extra).
Practical Information
Group Size & Age: Maximum 12 guests; ages 15–99.
Fitness: Moderate; trekking at high altitudes on uneven terrain.
Packing List: Waterproof hiking boots, lightweight long-sleeves, gloves, sunhat, insect repellent, refillable water bottle, camera with zoom.
Health & Safety: Minimum age for gorilla trek is 15; guests must be in good health and free of contagious illness.
Experience Rwanda’s iconic “Thousand Hills” with Hige Safaris Limited—where every detail is designed for comfort, authenticity, and unforgettable memories.
