Day by day program
Day 1: Arrive Kigali
Arriving in Kigali, you will be welcomed by your expert guide who will provide knowledge and assistance throughout your safari. Set off for the Volcanoes Mount Gahinga Lodge and cross the border into Uganda. Enjoy your pre-dinner drinks on the terrace with stunning views of the Volcanoes or warm yourself inside by the roaring fire.
Day 2: Mt Gahinga
Visit the Gahinga Batwa Village, experience the culture and history of one of Africa’s oldest tribes. On your tour, you will visit their new home and will participate in the Batwa Heritage Tour to gain insight into their traditional life in the forest and even have lessons in hunting and gathering of medicinal plants. Other exciting activities for those interested in the culture and natural history of Mgahinga include hiking the Muhavura, Sabinyo or Gahinga volcanoes, enjoying the Batwa Dance Group performance, visiting the Batwa Vocational Center and tracking gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Day 3: Mt Gahinga - Virunga
A relaxed morning during which you will be accompanied by a ranger to track the golden monkeys through the bamboo forests in the mountains. Return to the lodge and after lunch drive across the border into Rwanda. The magnificent Volcanoes Virunga Lodge is perched on the top of a hill with 360° panoramic views of the chain of volcanoes and Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo. From the terrace you can take in the sunset over the lakes and – weather permitting – enjoy an exhilarating performance from the colourful Intore Dance troupe that showcases the unique Rwandese culture.
Dag 4: Virunga - Gorilla Trekking
It is an early start for gorilla tracking in Parc National des Volcans, through the enchanting bamboo forest on the slopes of the Virunga range of volcanoes. After a gentle climb of between one and three hours, you will spend one hour in the company of these gentle apes before returning to base in time for a late lunch. Some gorilla families can be more elusive, and tracking can take a full day, especially if it is wet and muddy.
Day 5: Virunga
Today choose from one of the optional activities: go for a second gorilla trek (additional permits required) Trek to the grave of pioneer primatologist Dian Fossey and visit the gorilla cemetery, the final resting place of her favorite gorilla, Digit and many other gorillas. Visit Lake Kivu, location of the finest inland beaches in Africa. Take a guided walk to Lake Bulera, to experience village life. Tour the former Imbabazi Orphanage and beautiful English cottage gardens.
Dag 6: Virunga - Zanzibar
Drive to Kigali, and time permitting, enjoy a city tour and a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial before your international flight. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is a moving testimony to these countries past that it has courageously overcome. Transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and chauffeured to your hotel in Zanzibar.
Day 8 - 12: Zanzibar
Spend your days enjoying all that this idyllic property has to offer; walk on the white sand beaches, kayak, stand up paddle board or snorkel in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Relax in your private pavilion style villa with private plunge pool and sensational Indian Ocean views, unwind with a spa treatment or explore on a sunset dhow cruise.
Day: 13 Departure
Enjoy breakfast in your villa before your transfer to Zanzibar Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in time for your flight home.