Bishops House, Volcanoes National Park

Set in the town of Ruhengeri in the Virunga Mountains area of northwest Rwanda, 25 minutes from park heasdquarter, this comfortable, boutique hotel offers the perfect location for trekkers who desire high-end comfort coupled with the challenge of a gorilla trekking safari in the wilderness.

The nine-roomed Bishop’s House captures a colonial manor house feel that provides indulgent comfort with a splash of local culture. The rooms boast classic furnishings, rich fabrics, antique four-poster beds and modern en-suite bathrooms all designed to capture the feeling of a colonial manor house.

While staying, guests can enjoy the restaurant, bar and garden, complete with barbecue facilities, and there is high speed Wi-Fi throughout the entire property. Meals are a la carte, offering a few options to choose from, with lunch and dinner choices changing daily. The chef specializes in international-style food with an African influence, and a vegetarian option was always available.

Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Adventure

Kigali | Akagera National Park | Nyungwe Forest National Park | Volcanoes National Park

Tour Length: 9 days

From: $5895 per person

Daily departure and available as a Private Safari

Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Adventure offers gorilla trekking in Rwanda, the ultimate wildlife adventure in the heart of Africa and considered THE destination for viewing endangered mountain gorillas.

Combining this Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Adventure with chimpanzee trekking, with an optional golden monkey excursion, is highly recommended, for a true primate journey. Wildlife safari is equally impressive, and this tour offers land and boat safaris in Akagera National Park that is in process of becoming a world-class safari destination. Encounter lions, rhino, buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe with an incredible 490 bird species, plus much more.

This overland Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Adventure is the perfect tour for those seeking something different with a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Explore one of the most visited parks in Africa, Akagera National Park, central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. Situated in eastern Rwanda, hugging the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park covers 1,200 square kilometers and was founded in 1934. The park is named for the Kagera River which flows along its eastern boundary feeding into several lakes the largest of which is Lake Ihema. The complex system of lakes and linking papyrus swamps makes up over one-third of the park and is the largest protected wetland in central Africa.

Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Adventure Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Kigali (1 night)

On arrival at Kigali International Airport you will be met and assisted by a Great Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 Kigali / Akagera National Park (2 nights)

After breakfast, you will be taken a city tour of Kigali including the visit of the genocide memorial. Your journey will now continue with a 2.5 hours’ drive to Akagera National Park dominated by the labyrinth of swamps and lakes that follow the meandering Akagera River, the most remote source of River Nile.

Spend the afternoon at leisure whilst appreciating magnificent views over Lake Ihema. Ruzizi is a luxury eco-lodge located on the banks of Lake Ihema with its nine tents set back from Ihema’s serene shores and hidden among swaying palms and fruiting fig trees. With a 20-guest maximum, Ruzizi is an intimate retreat.

Day 3 Akagera National Park

Early morning your safari begins with a game drive in the park led by a trained and specialized guide. The perfect way to learn more about the bush, wildlife and how Akagera National Park has been transformed over the past 20-years.

After lunch you will take a boat trip on Lake Ihema, the biggest lake in the Park, and a highlight of the day! The lake’s rich biodiversity includes the endangered shoe bill stork, papyrus gonolek and many more beautiful species of bird. In the papyrus swamps surrounding the lakes be on the lookout for buffalo and hippopotamus.

Conclude the day with an early evening game drive where you may encounter lions, rhino, buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, and many incredible bird species.

Day 4 Akagera National Park / Kigali (1 night)

After breakfast, you will enjoy your last game drive safari in the park before heading onwards to Kigali for a relaxing afternoon reflecting on you experiences in the wild and preparing for the next leg of your journey filled with primates and forests.

Day 5 Kigali / Nyungwe Forest National Park (2 nights)

After breakfast you will be transferred to Nyungwe Forest National park and visit Nyanza and Butare, the kings historical Palace, the traditional seat of Rwanda’s kingdom. The ancient palace has been reconstructed to be explored by you. Learn about the evolution of farming and building through the centuries, and then venture into the grounds to meet the long-horned cows, known as Inyambo. They’re beautiful to look at, with a stately elegance you don’t generally expect from cows, until you learn they’re part of the royal heritage, used in many important ceremonies.

After this most interesting stop-over, carry on to Nyungwe Forest National Park with 970 km² of rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps and bogs in the majestic hills; it is the largest remaining ‘island’ of montagne forest in East and Central Africa. It is also home to a rich variety of flora and fauna; 200 types of trees, hundreds of flowering plants, over 100 species of orchids and sensational lobelias and 13 recorded species of primates, 25% of the African primate checklist, including the acrobatic Angola colobus that move in troops of several hundred and an estimated 500 chimpanzee.

In the afternoon, you will be taken for a canopy walk in the forest, a most memorable experience. Descend the 40º slant via a zig-zag foot path to the first tower deep in the forest valley for the 1½ hour walk on the Canopy Walk’s suspension bridge. A must do activity!

Day 6 Nyungwe Forest National Park

Arise at dawn to start your chimpanzee trekking experience. These amazing primates are semi-habituated that gives you the opportunity to see them go by their natural activities in the heart of the Nyungwe rainforest; with hilly terrain, high ridges and deep valleys it is a true adventure and requires a good level of fitness. Be on the lookout for other primates including the L’Hoest’s monkey, olive baboon, grey-cheeked mangabey and red-tailed monkey.

In the afternoon, you will be taken for birding. Travel deep into the forest in search of the more than 300 species recorded, including 24 Albertine Rift endemics like the Ruwenzori Turaco among many.

Day 7 Nyungwe forest / Volcanoes National Park (2 nights)

After breakfast, you will be collected by your driver guide and transferred to your lodge that will be your base for Gorilla tracking for the next 2 nights. You will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure, overlooking the great forest that is home to the gorillas.

Day 8 Volcanoes National Park

Early morning you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing of your gorilla trekking experience and allocation of your trekking porters. Start your gorilla trekking adventure at the foothills of the Virungas with stirring views in all directions. Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for an hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing and resting. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife adventures!

Late afternoon, you will be taken for a community walk to see the lifestyle of the Rwanda people

Day 9 Volcanoes National Park / Kigali / Departure

To wrap up this amazing Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Adventure, an activity that is highly recommended is the Golden Monkey trekking adventure. An endangered species living in the Bamboo vegetation towards the base of the Virunga mountains. Return to the lodge for a quick freshening up and then depart for Kigali and on arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge, Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy the serenity of nature at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge located next to Volcanoes National Park. Set in the town of Ruhengeri in the Virunga Mountains area of northwest Rwanda, Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge offers guest accommodation in 22 rooms, with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. With a shared lounge, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property has evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with an electric tea pot. Every room has a flat-screen TV, and certain units at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge have a terrace. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental breakfast.

Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge loung and pool views

Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel, Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel’s main area consists of a large, two-tiered rondavel with a phenomenally high roof. Although a rondavel is usually a traditionally built round house, this building offers a rather more modern take on the theme. The ground floor, where you find the reception, is furnished with a few modern angular sofas and walls adorned with traditional Rwandan murals. Circular wicker lights hang from the ceiling and dark tiled stairs lead you up to a mezzanine balcony. The second level dining area and the bar set on a sweeping veranda with all-weather tables and chairs. The views from here are stunning; on clear days you can even see Lake Kivu and the volcanoes of far North Rwanda and the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The bar on this level is entirely decorated from bottle tops, giving it a bright but simple look.

Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel aerial view

Cottages have been built to fit the local environment with a mixture of Rwandese traditional art work, the modern interior design and furnishing rendering visitors to comfortably enjoying the beauty of the area. The design of the main building has been inspired by the Rwandese traditional circular housing type rendering the balcony, restaurant and bar suitable to enjoy 360-degrees panoramic view of the area.

As the names suggests Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel is built on the top of one of the hills positioning it to have the most beautiful views in the Nyungwe Forest area. Located five minutes’ drive off a main road, uphill, the hotel has 12 cottages arranged into two rows, one at the sunrise and the other at the sunset side. On each side, there is a row of six red-brick cottages ranged northward. Each of these double or twin cottages houses a lounge area at the front, with terracotta-tiled floors, sofa, chair and coffee table, and a fireplace which can be lit for you on cold evenings. The bedrooms are quite sparse, furnished with a bed, hanging space for clothes, hair dressing table and amazing well decorated spacious and clean bathroom.

Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel forest canopy walk

Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel has an incomparable location view. From East, the site enjoys the view of different parts of Nyungwe National Park forest canopy and a suite of gentle hills. Northwards, the site has the view of Lake Kivu and a chain of extinct and active volcanoes including Karisimbi, Mikeno, Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo. On West, the site has marvelous view of terraces from surrounding communities, Lake Kivu and a chain of mountain of Kahuzi Biega National Park. On South the site has the view of Nyungwe forest canopy and gentle hills of the park, tea estate plantations and terraces from neighboring community gardens.

The Nyungwe National Park is home to various primates including chimpanzees, black and white colobus, mangabey, and unique plant species including orchids. It is also home for endangered bird species making it a suitable destination for bird lovers. Waterfalls and a canopy walk way, various hike trails and interpretation center are also some of the key attractions.

Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera National Park

Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge located on the banks of Lake Ihema. Its nine tents are set back from Ihema’s serene shores and hidden among swaying palms and fruiting fig trees. They flank a thatched reception and dining area, and wooden walkways lead to a stunning deck that hangs over the lake. It contains a central fire pit and is the perfect spot for a morning cup of coffee or post-dinner digestif.

Ruzizi Tented Lodge

With a 20-guest maximum, Ruzizi Tented Lodge is an intimate retreat. Each tent boasts an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, a bathtub or outdoor shower, a dressing area, and a cozy queen bed (alternatively, guests can request two twin beds, and camp beds can be added for children 15 and under). All of Ruzizi’s tents enjoy shaded verandas containing campaign chairs, a tree-trunk table, and a hammock.

The lodge was designed to blend in with its surroundings to ensure guests connect with nature. During construction, trees and vegetation were left undisturbed when possible. Some natural elements have been incorporated into the structure, and many of Ruzizi’s decorations and furniture were hand-crafted by local artisans and cooperatives. The lodge is powered by solar energy and prides itself on being environmentally conscious.

Rwanda Safari & Gorilla Trekking, 9 days

Singita Kwitonda Lodge

Set in Rwanda’s northwestern reaches, right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, Singita Kwitonda Lodge’s unparalleled position puts life-changing gorilla-trekking experiences within easy reach. Singita Kwitonda Lodge is located on a breathtaking, isolated but contained 178-acre piece of land right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Set within a landscape of wetlands and lush meadows, with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes. Designed around local materials, the buildings have been crafted using volcanic rock, river stone, handmade ceramic tiles and oven-red clay bricks made by surrounding communities; connecting the structure to the landscape and its culture. These influences, interpreted in a contemporary style come together in a current, authentic and entirely unique architectural layout that is sensitive to its context and enjoys the privilege of remarkable view.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge embodies the spirit of Rwanda and offer a tribute to the lodge’s namesake – Kwitonda – a great silverback gorilla whose legend lives on in Rwanda and was known for his humility and gentleness.

In response to its exquisite location, each of the lodge’s eight luxurious suites features a private heated plunge pool, in-and outdoor fireplaces and large timber-framed windows that welcome the breathtaking scenery and volcano views inside. Elements like woven ceilings and hand-fired terracotta brickwork crafted by local artisans highlight the authentic East African appeal of this remarkable lodge.

Further raising the bar on sustainable luxury ecotourism, Kwitonda’s farm-to-table food journey celebrates Rwandese cuisine and fresh produce from the on-site garden, while the Akarabo Nursery is a fundamental part of Singita’s ambitious undertaking to contribute to the long-term conservation of endangered mountain gorillas by increasing their habitat through reforestation.

Gorilla & Wildlife – Big 5 Safari – 7 Days

Gorilla & Wildlife - Big 5 Safari - 7 Days Gorilla & Wildlife – Big 5 Safari – 7 Days is an all-in-one destination safari exploring primates, carnivores, antelope, birds and the diverse habitats of Rwanda in Akagera National Park. Quite frankly, this safari is not to be missed!

Rwanda is a world famous primate paradise internationally known for Gorilla trekking; which is complemented by Chimpanzee trekking, viewing Golden and Colobus monkeys and more primate-related activities on our Gorilla & Wildlife – Big 5 Safari.

The park is characterized by woodland, marshlands, papyrus swamps, low mountains, valleys, hills, savannah and a series of lakes. The varied terrain shelters wildlife including zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and more than 500 bird species, such as the rare shoebill stork. In the southern part of the park, vast Lake Ihema is home to hippos and crocodiles.

Gorilla & Wildlife – Big 5 Safari – 7 Days is a never-to-be-forgotten safari experience.

Gorilla & Wildlife - Big 5 Safari - 7 Days

Amakoro Songa Lodge

Amakoro Songa Lodge boma Amakoro Songa Lodge provides luxury accommodation for ecotourists, particularly those visiting the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda for gorilla trekking, birding, and mountain climbing. Amakoro Songa Lodge is an exclusive sustainable, luxury nature lodge, constructed with the latest energy efficient technology and operated in the most sustainable manner with a focus on the conservation of nature and surrounding communities.

Amakoro Songa Lodge provides of luxury hospitality services for environmentally conscious travelers while contributing to the social-economic transformation of the local and neighboring community.

The Bishop’s House, Musanze

The Bishop's House superior twin The Bishop’s House is a nine-room boutique hotel designed to capture the feeling of a colonial manor house and located in the suburbs of Musanze, only 17 KMs and 25 minutes drive to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters. The House boasts of its location; as the main access point for travelers wanting to explore Volcanoes National Park, yet with the ultimate comfort of modern boutique hotel facilities.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Sabyinyo

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is located in the foothills of Mount Sabyinyo within Parc National des Volcans, overlooking forest and farmland and close to the headquarters of the Parc National des Volcans from where clients trek on foot to see the magnificent Mountain Gorilla. Affording wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside, the guest cottages and the main lodge building have been beautifully constructed and appointed.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge interior Accommodation at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge comprise six cottages, two suites, one family cottage. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms, a dressing room and a sheltered veranda. The family cottage comprises two independent en-suite rooms connected by a shared verandah. The main lodge building comprises reception, sitting room with snug area, dining room, library / games room, a responsible tourism / community awareness room, shop and bathrooms. Three large fireplaces provide warmth and all rooms are finished with a polished wooden floor. Two patio areas afford wonderful and dramatic views to the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding lowland farmland.

Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali

Ideally located on one of Kigali’s most charming boulevards, the five-star Kigali Serena Hotel is built around a polished granite atrium, which showcases the very best of Rwandese cultural art.

Virunga Lodge

The magnificent Virunga Lodge, set on a stunning hillside, has eight bandas with a panoramic view of the Virunga volcanoes and the lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. The well-established terraced gardens on this high ridge offer a tranquil vista to contemplate the magical sunken paradise garden as their focal point.

Virunga Lodge is inviting yet intimate, with just 8 cottages or bandas of stone and tile; the lodge is an eco-lodge, powered by solar power to have a minimal impact on the the spectacular environment of this special place.

Aside from gorilla tracking, clients can climb a volcano, track the golden monkey, visit Dian Fossey’s grave or go for gentle strolls around the picturesque villages near the lakes. Three hours’ drive from Kigali or a long day’s drive from Kampala.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking – 4 Days

Kigali | Volcanoes National Park

This 4 day gorilla trek extension includes: 3 nights accommodation, Kigali city tour, one gorilla trek, 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and transfers.

Tour length: 4 days

From $ 2,495 per person

Rwanda gorilla trekking – 4 days is the ultimate wildlife adventure in the heart of Africa and considered THE destination for viewing endangered mountain gorillas. These gentle giants, which share 98% of our DNA, are found in Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorilla, golden monkeys, spotted hyena, buffaloes, elephants, black-fronted duiker, and bushbuck; the park also harbors 178 bird species.

The mountain gorillas are reached after a trek of three to eight hours up and through the rain forest. Participants should be in good health and able to sustain a slow climbing pace. The effort, however, earns amazing rewards!

An optional Golden monkey excursion on Day 4 before your departure is highly recommended.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Kigali (1 night)

On arrival at Kigali International Airport you will be met and assisted by our guide, and transferred to your hotel for an overnight.

Day 2 Kigali / Volcanoes National Park (2 nights)

After breakfast, you will be taken on a city tour of Kigali including the Kandt Museum, tour old Kigali and the Craft centers, visit the genocide memorial site where you learn about Rwanda’s history. An experience that will touch you deeply, and that shows the resilience of the Rwanda people to rise and became the preferred destination for gorilla trekking amongst other great achievements. Continue your journey to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park to rest and prepare for the exciting day ahead.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking - 4 Days Volcanoes National Park

Day 3 Volcanoes National Park

Early morning you will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing of your gorilla tracking experience and allocation of your trekking porters. Start your gorilla trekking adventure at the foothills of the Virungas with stirring views in all directions. Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for an hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing and resting. Coming face to face with a giant silverback is one of the greatest wildlife WOW moments!

Late afternoon, you will be taken for a community walk to see the lifestyle of the Rwanda people.

Day 4 Volcanoes National Park / Kigali / Departure

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking - 4 Days golden monkey After breakfast and taking the last photos of magnificent forest and mountains, you will be transferred to Kigali arriving on time for your departure flight.




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