Tailor Made Rwanda: Volcanoes National Park

Arrive in Kigali, capital of Rwanda, where you are met by an Abercrombie & Kent representative and transferred to your hotel.

This morning, set out to explore the city and pay a moving visit to the Genocide Memorial Site, and learn how the country has dealt with its past and recovered to stand today as a testament to humankind’s resilience. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Volcanoes National Park, set on a great volcanic massif that encompasses six active and three extinct volcanoes. The park is the residence of around 400 endangered mountain gorillas, about half of the world’s total wild population, and served as the base for the groundbreaking work of primatologist Dian Fossey, portrayed in the evocative book and film Gorillas in the Mist. Later, relax and cool off on an Hidaya Africa Tours & Travel-exclusive canoe trip accompanied by an experienced guide, gliding down the gently flowing Mukungwa River, which runs through the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Take in impressive views of the soaring volcanic cones in the distance, spot abundant birds, look out for the otters and meet some friendly locals along the way. To cap off your adventure, pull up on a bank for a refreshing sundowner, watching the sun slip behind the majestic peaks, your favorite drink in hand.

After breakfast, begin your trek through the park’s dense vegetation in search of families of mountain gorilla. Your experienced trackers use their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits to locate their whereabouts. Upon sighting the gorillas, you stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily lives feeding, playing, resting and raising their young. Afterward, drive back to your lodge for lunch and the remainder of the day at leisure.

In the morning, set out again on a trek to observe a different gorilla family group, to marvel at the familiar behaviors of these magnificent primates. Following lunch at your lodge, return to Kigali. Relax in a comfortable dayroom before transferring to the airport for your departing flight.