Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to enchanting Rwanda – the land of the Big Five.

Arrive in Kigale, the capital & largest city city of Rwanda, located roughly in the center of the country.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Kigali International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys Rep (holding a placard with your Name) who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next few days

Kigali, the centre of political & commercial life and with a population of more than 1 million.

Spanning several ridges & valleys, Kigali, with its lush hillsides, flowering trees, winding boulevards & bustling streets, is arguably one of the most attractive capital cities in Africa, as well as one of the cleanest & safest.

The city is developing fast, and is very much a showpiece capital designed to impress visitors, from the humble tourist, to foreign investors & visiting dignitaries. The rebirth of the capital has seen a surprising measure of cosmopolitanism take hold; there is a slew of new skyscrapers, plenty of good places to eat, coffee shops, supermarkets & several international brand hotels, some lively night-time action, interesting & well-presented museums & a general buzz on the streets that leaves many a visitor picturing a very bright future for the city. Few people leave Kigali without being impressed by this plucky & charismatic survivor. And being right in the centre of the country, it is a great base from where to organise your trip around Rwanda.

It wasn’t always like this. Kigali exists as a testament to the peace & order that has defined Rwanda’s trajectory for more than two decades, though it bore the brunt of the genocide in 1994. As a clean, comfortable & ordered city, Kigali is very popular with long term expats, and the city is teeming with westerners, from young church or NGO volunteers having their first experience of Africa to career development workers enjoying a relaxed lifestyle where it is safe to bring up young children. Kigali’s modern design & popularity with foreigners is that it is easy to forget you are in Africa.

Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we would be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, Check-out & meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 am & proceed on a 3 hour sightseeing tour, visiting some of Kigali’s outstanding historical & cultural sites.

You will have a memorable visit to the 1994 Gisozi Genocide Memorial site, documenting the mass killings, associated with the country’s civil war. The Kigali Memorial is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, an emotional experience for most visitors as they encounter the horrid massacre that engulfed the entire country. The Center is a permanent memorial to the victims & serves as a place in which the bereaved could bury their family & friends, and a clear reminder of the cost of ignorance. In the Museum there, learn the history of Kigali & Rwanda’s pre-colonial & colonial period as well as the colonial masters in Rwanda

Check out the local arts & crafts shops, in the city’s Caplaki Crafts Village which has stalls selling traditional handicrafts, including woodcarvings & woven baskets.

Visit Juru Park - one of the highest points in Kigali to have fantastic views of the city and its surrounding hills & countryside.

After enjoying lunch in the city centre, depart for Akagera National Park driving through Rwanda’s phenomenal landscapes.

A stunning National Park where the past has been revived. Akagera National Park covers 1,200 km² in eastern Rwanda, along the Tanzanian border and it was founded in 1934 to protect animals & vegetation in three eco-regions: savannah, mountain & swamp.

It is named after the Akagera River that flows along its eastern boundary & feeds into a labyrinth of lakes, of which the largest is Lake Ihema. The forest fringed lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains & rolling highlands combine to make Akagera amongst the most scenic of reserves anywhere in Africa. It has exceptional levels of biodiversity and forms the largest protected wetland in central Africa.

Akagera combines well with Nyungwe & the Volcanoes NP to offer a great safari element as it is home to many large plains game species as well as species restricted to the papyrus swamps such as the Sitatunga and the sought-after Shoebill Stork. Notable plains game includes elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, waterbuck, roan antelope & eland. Other antelope are duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, bushbuck and impala. Of the primates, olive baboons, vervets & the secretive blue monkey are seen during the day, with bush-babies often seen on night drives.

Of the larger predators, leopard, hyena, side-striped jackal & lion, which was re-introduced last year are present. Plans are underway for the reintroduction of the black rhino too, & this will restore Akagera’s ‘Big 5’ status.

Due to its wide variety of habitats, Akagera is an important ornithological site with nearly 500 bird species. The rare & elusive shoebill shares the papyrus with other rarities such as the exquisite papyrus gonolek & countless other water birds that inhabit the wetlands in large numbers.

Arrive by early evening & Check-in.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax.

Early morning today, accompanied by the Naturalist, jump on an open 4×4 Land Rover & proceed for a full day game drive to witness nature’s greatest wildlife spectacles. The knowledgeable Ranger will introduce you to life in the savanna & share their infinite knowledge about African wildlife. Many of our Guides are also skilled photographers & can assist you in taking away amazing photographs.

Though this Park is small as compared to many other savannah parks in Africa, it is known as a gem of Rwanda. Home to a variety of game, it is an exciting reserve in which to spend a few days & an interesting contrast to the more mountainous central & western parts of Rwanda. 

There are plenty of animals around and the birdlife is quite exceptional. Amidst its stunning landscape, you can see many different animals within a short time. The wildlife in Akagera has also increased over time and the recent count is estimated that the park is now a home to over 8000 large animals.

Driving along Lake Ihema circuit expecting an encounter with animals such as Giraffes, Topis, the Zebras, Bush bucks, African Swallows, Cape Eland, the Vervet Monkeys, Warthogs, Baboons, Mongoose, the Hippos, the Crocodiles. There are over 120 Elephants in the park and the other mammals also include; the fefassa waterbuck, buffalos, the oribi, reedbucks, over 11 species of antelope, including the Impalas, Roan Antelopes &, the rare Sable Antelope & many more.

A picnic lunch would be set up for you at a scenic spot.

The lions were re- introduced recently & as such, provide a major boost to the wildlife that you can spot here.

By late afternoon, drive back to the Camp.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

You can relax at the poolside, or walk around the hotel where you can see various bird species or time permitting, even participate in day-to-day local pastoral lifestyle.

Early morning, Check-out & accompanied by the Tour-guide / Driver, proceed to the Pier to enjoy an hour long boat cruise along Lake Ihema whose eastern shore forms the border between Tanzania & Rwanda.

You will also be amazed by the views & the wildlife. The cruise will give you a chance to have a good view of more game which includes elephants, buffalos, and these will gather at the banks in order to drink water. You will see many hippos & crocodiles.

This lake is also rich in biodiversity except the fish and the lake is home to crocodiles & hippos. And for the birds, it has 550 species including, the shoebill stork & the papyrus ganolex. And the endemic species include; the jacanas, Ibis, plovers, herons, malachite kingfisher, hawk, fish eagles & many more.

Continue on to Kigali.

Stop for lunch.

Depart for Parc National de Volcans, via Kigali.

Arrive by late afternoon & Check-in at the Lodge.

“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat, are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet & nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas"  wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey.

Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park or Parc National de Volcans (or PNV as it is known by locals) along the magnificent Virunga Mountains, with 8 ancient volcanoes, which are shared by Rwanda, Uganda & Democratic Republic of Congo, is the home of the rare mountain gorilla & the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen & bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp & heath. This corner of northwestern Rwanda is a breath-taking unforgettable place where culture, adventure & conservation intersect and is a central location for exploring some distinctly Rwandan experiences.

We probably needn't remind you, but of all the extraordinary sights & attractions around the Virungas the one that really draws people here, are the mountain gorillas, which were first studied in depth by primatologist George Schaller & later thrust into the international spotlight during the life of Dian Fossey. Visitors can pay homage to the legendary scientist & gorilla advocate Dian Fossey with a hike to her tomb or a contribution to the Dian Fosse Gorilla Fund that continues her legacy of research & advocacy to this day.

The mysterious rainforest is alive with the calls of colourful birds & chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive populations of buffalo & elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible & among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.

Near the Park, the bustling & vibrant markets of Musanze are a place to immerse yourself into everyday Rwandan culture. Go deep into the earth with Musanze's Caves - one of the area's newest attractions.

While most tourists to the park are understandably driven by the desire to have a face-to-face encounter with real mountain gorillas in the mist, there is good reason to stay in the area once you have finished tracking: the gorillas share the park with the fascinating rare golden monkeys, a troop of which has also been habituated to human contact.

The Virungas, which tower over Rwanda, Uganda & the DRC, also present a variety of rewarding climbing & trekking options. To get the most from the Virungas, give yourself as much time as you possibly can. This is absolutely a park that rewards those who linger.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Early morning, meet the Ranger & proceed to the Park’s Kinigi Headquarters before 7.00 am for a Golden Monkey trekking briefing.

There are only 3 countries where you can see the endangered Golden Monkeys in the wild & Volcanoes National Park is one of the prime destinations. There are only about 5000 remaining in the Virunga Volcanoes Chain.

A rare primate species, they are small in size, get their name from the long golden hair on their backs & are found in the high altitude Bamboo Forests of the Park.

They have been declared an endangered species & even protected their number seems to be declining.

Like the Mountain Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, the habituated attractive looking monkeys with color, their playful ways, are used to human beings & will not scamper off when approached by visitors. Flitting around in the Bamboo Forest, they are a delight to those who have come to track & observe them.

Embark on a thrilling 4 hour trek to track the Monkeys. Once you come across a habituated family, you are allowed to spend the allowed 1 hour with them as they go about their daily life.

There are two habituated Golden Monkey Groups presently that can be tracked in Volcanoes National Park, ranging up to 100 members in each group, which is quite a sight to behold when you are up close to them (a bit of advice is in picture -taking - they move rather quickly & you will need to set your camera on fast shutter speed & due to the bamboo forest on low light setting).

The enchanting experience comes to an end & you return to the Lodge.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Today is your big day – the raison d'etre – of coming to Rwanda.

Meet the Ranger at 06.00 am & proceed (with packed water & other relevant accessories) to the Headquarter again for Registration - a simple process where the Park staff asses your fitness level to determine which Gorilla Family you will visit. Treks vary in duration depending on which Gorilla group you are assigned to.

Then you sit down for a comprehensive & mandatory 30 minute briefing introducing travelers to trekking rules & regulations, which ensure smooth gorilla encounters and safety of mountain gorillas in the presence of tourists. No traveler is allowed to proceed further if he / she do not show up at the briefing point. Visitors & Rangers are also informed about locations of the various groups in the previous evening.

After travelers have been introduced to the dos & don’ts with the gorillas, they are put together in groups of 8 people. There are a total of 80 gorilla permits available each day with a maximum of 8 trekkers visiting any one group. Guests are expected to disclose their hiking ability, based on age & the physical fitness, to their Guide so as to be assigned to a specific Gorilla family. The hikes are categorized as short, medium & long depending on the ease and difficulty of finding mountain gorillas. Travelers with limited physical fitness are given short treks to avoid any difficulties in hiking while the adventurous ones are given long treks which help them to discover & enjoy more.

Travelers are offered a cup of coffee to keep them warm in the early cold mornings. Also, there is a traditional dance during the briefing, which rewards them with extensive cultural knowledge making the whole safari a memorable experience.

Travelers are checked thoroughly to ensure that they are in a fit condition to see these endangered species. Gorilla Permits & Passports are strictly checked to accurately verify name, date of birth, nationality & other relevant information to ensure there is no forgery. Travelers are therefore reminded to bring all relevant documents, including medical, that provide detailed information about them.

And, now you are ready to roll. Accompanied by the Park staff & your new partners, you are driven to the Trailheads where the hiking & trekking up the hills to the bamboo zone begins.

Tracking Gorillas is very strenuous & tiresome but meeting & staying with these giant apes is worth the effort. Tacking may take 2-7 hours, depending on their movements.

Once your assigned Gorilla family is located, you are allowed to stay with these gentle gorillas for 1 hour to observe & photograph before heading back down the volcano slopes.

Return to your lodge in time for lunch.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

You can take a walk to Ruhengeri Market, providing you with an opportunity to interact with the local people. Check out the local Rwandan fabrics, foods, arts & handicrafts. Or enjoy an (optional – extra payment) guided visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.

Morning after breakfast, depart for Gisenyi, a wonderful place to relax, having a captivating feel of a tropical beach resort and a great place to unwind before or after your trekking adventures.

Check-in on arrival.

If you are surprised that Rwanda has a beach – you are not alone. Gisenyi (also known as Rubavu) is a waterfront town located on the shores of Lake Kivu, one Africa's great bodies of water, right on the border with the DRC, one of Rwanda's loveliest spots & the closest this landlocked country has to a beach resort.

With some attractive stretches of sand fringed with all manner of tropical vegetation along Lake Kivu's long shore, Gisenyi is unsurprisingly a popular destination for wealthy Rwandans, expats & independent travellers alike. The town itself projects a languid air of some forgotten upcountry backwater & that is part of its appeal. Beach resorts line the lake’s sandy waterfront & kayaks ply its clear waters.

From Gisenyi, the long-distance, lakeside Congo Nile Trail winds through hilly terrain, passing villages, waterfalls and tea and coffee plantations. If crave some more adventure, you may go on a  boat tour, take a kayak excursion on majestic Lake Kivu or hit the Congo Nile Trail on foot or bicycle.

Gisenyi is also known for its Agro tourism experiences, with many Tea & Coffee plantations nearby. Coffee enthusiasts can see how coffee is grown & made in to a delicious cup of famous Rwandan coffee.

And not far, is Rwanda’s own ‘Bay of Islands’ where many uninhabited islands are covered with natural woodland and even a remarkable colony of bats. East of town, Gishwati-Mukura National Park’s rainforests are home to chimpanzees & monkeys.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or for independent exploration (we will be happy to offer suggestions .or make arrangements).

Morning, meet The Journeys rep & walk to the lakeshore to enjoy a kayak sail.

Come back to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

In time, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, driving through lush forests & un-ending green tea fields with stunning views.

Check-in on arrival.

Quite simply, Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity & covers one of the oldest rainforests in Africa.

Nyungwe’s strongest draw is the chance to track chimpanzees, which have been habituated over the years to human visits. Hiking through equatorial rainforest in search of our closest genetic cousin is an unparalleled experience that more than a few people rate above tracking the mountain gorillas. However, compared to the other big-name chimpanzee parks, the apes of Nyungwe are far & away the most timid.

While chimps tend to garner most of the spotlight in Nyungwe, sightings of habituated troops of other monkeys - Angolan colobus (troops of which number up to 400), Dent’s monkey (a local race of blue monkey) & grey-cheeked Mangabeys (the last two often seen together) - are virtually guaranteed on guided walks.

Other monkey possibilities from 12 species of primate, include l’Hoest’s & diademed monkeys, which sometimes associate with colobus & Blue Monkeys. Olive baboons & Vervet Monkeys loiter near the park’s eastern edge, while owl-faced monkeys & possibly golden monkeys live in the extensive bamboo stands in the southeastern part of the reserve. Nocturnal prosimian attractions include needle-clawed & greater Galagos as well as the Potto.

In addition to primates, you also have a fairly good chance of spotting some of the 75 different species of mammals, particularly in and around Kamiranzovu Marsh. Marsh mongooses & Congo clawless otters stick to the water’s edge, while giant forest hogs, bush pigs & duikers are sometimes startled along the trails. Rainforest squirrels are also commonly spotted, and include giant forest, montane sun and Boehm’s bush squirrels.

Nocturnal mammals are a bit tricky to spot, but you do have a chance of running across jackals, civets & genets.

But for many, though, the real highlight of Nyungwe turns out to be the simple pleasure of hiking for hours along well-maintained trails over the lush, green valleys of the rainforest & passing through enormous stands of hardwoods, up to waterfalls & through large marshes.

Check-in on arrival, by afternoon in time for lunch.

Later in the afternoon, accompanied by a Ranger-guide, proceed for tracking the Black & White Colobus Monkey. The Reserve is also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species, including 16 endemics.

Come back to the lodge.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Early morning around 04:00 am, accompanied by a Ranger, embark on a game drive, tracking the chimpanzee & other primates most likely to be seen early in the morning. 

The home of roughly 400 species of chimpanzees, Nyungwe is one of East Africa's last intact populations & boasts two wild chimp communities that welcome guests (one in Cyamdungo & other around Uwinka).

Thus, it is not surprising that Chimpanzee tracking is a popular activity in Nyungwe (especially when the park's trees are in full bloom during the summer) as well-trained Guides often lead visitors through the Park's forests. And while actually viewing chimpanzees is not guaranteed, you will enjoy learning about these creatures & their natural habitats from your Guides.. 

Return to the lodge in time for lunch.

Later in the afternoon, embark on yet another adventure.

Accompanied by a Journeys Rep, proceed to the Forest to enjoy a 2 hour Canopy Walk, 60m above the forest floor, which offers a splendid view over the lush forest with its magnificent biodiversity. Hard wood trees dominate the upper canopy while the lower part is beautified with a large selection of orchids, flora & fauna that flourish better in the higher altitudes. In addition, the beautiful scenery large, centuries old trees and the added thick forest, and this extra ordinary tropical forest is also shelter to a 200m canopy walk way that will give you an excitement that can hardly be compared by anything else.

The forest is on a mountain & the hike is also slippery due to the mere fact that the ground on which the guests trek is wet. Viewing the canopy on arrival, most especially for those that are fear heights, this could also be described as the endless walk to hell.

Apart from the freshness in the air & the wonderful aerial view of the trees, you will also enjoy the sights of the fantastic birds that fly across as you enjoy the walk.

This 90m long canopy walk is the only one of its kind in east Africa & the third on the African continent. It hangs across a steep valley that is filled with thick forest. The Walk gives breathtaking views across the misty forest & the sightings at the eye level of the variety of wildlife that live in the canopy.

You first walk 200m along the forest trail under the thick canopies for an opportunity of viewing ‘nature’ at the ground level before reaching the commencing point for the Canopy Walk. The prominent sightings here include; the monkeys, including the blue monkeys, L’Hoest monkeys, black & white colobus, the red tailed monkeys and the birds.

For people who do not want to go up, The Park offers many trails into the different parts of the forest for the hikers & the walkers, with different ‘difficulty’ levels. There is also a network of the ten mud trails that takes you deep into the heart of the forest.

Return to the lodge in time for lunch.

Balance of the day is at leisure.  We suggest a cultural walk among the local communities where you will get to know more about the local cultures & be entertained with local dances & music.

The experience comes to an end & you depart for Kigali.

On arrival in town, proceed straight to a Restaurant to enjoy lunch.

Then, you would be transferred to the hotel if you are staying longer or to the Airport to continue on your onward journey.   B L

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