Start your day with a CityTour of Kigali including the Genocide Memorial site, a grim reminder of a senseless massacre of innocence’s lives in 1994. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide. Learn about other genocides in the world and how this country has dealt with that past. During the tour see the new developments in Rwanda, the recovery which has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience. Lunch will be served at Hotel des Mille Collines. Then depart for a scenic drive to North West and through the beautiful terraced hillsides that display Rwanda’s landscape. Arrive at Ruhengeri, the base for Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans. The town itself, located only 25km from Uganda boarder, is relatively a small city of about 70,000 people. The constant flow of humanity is quite remarkable. The Town has great views of the surrounding volcanoes. 

Overnight: Ruhengeri area

After breakfast drive to the National Park and register first where the park staff determines which group of gorillas you will visit. The park staff discusses your fitness level and advises you of the trekking times and conditions to the various groups based upon their location in the park the previous evening. There are a total of 80 gorilla permits available each day with a maximum of eight trekkers visiting any one group. Once the trekkers are put into groups, each group Lead Guide briefs the trekkers of the trekking procedures as well as the “do’s and don’ts” while in the presence of gorillas. After the briefing, trekkers return to their respective vehicles for the drive up  to the starting point. Trekking can take from two to six or more hours if the gorillas move before the park rangers locate them the next morning. The guides stop frequently to allow trekkers a chance to rest and take photos along the way. Have lunch at the lodge, afternoon free at leisure at the Lodge.

Overnight: Ruhengeri area

Have Breakfast at your lodge. Thereafter enjoy the scenic drive from the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes and drive south passing some banana plantations. Everything and everywhere, sheer green and hanging on the hills; Rwanda truly - land of a thousand fertile green hills. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport to connect for your departure flight.