Gorillas & Game: A Rwanda Retreat
Known as “The Land of a Thousand Hills”, Rwanda supports impressive diversity and endemism which is conserved by its national parks, including Volcanoes and Akagera national parks. This itinerary encompasses a rewarding safari in the “little piece of heaven ” that is the savannah and wetland wonderland of Akagera in the country’s north east, as well as gorilla and other primate trekking in the Virunga Mountains.
Highlights
- Considered the best place in East Africa to track gorillas, with easy access to twelve habituated gorilla groups
- View East African bird- and wildlife specials from expertly-guided game drives, walks and boating trips
Days 1-4: Kigali to Magashi
Transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park. Spend 3 nights at Magashi. Perched on Magashi Peninsula, Magashi Camp looks out over scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga towards the Mutumba Mountains in the west. On the peninsula’s western side, waterbuck, impala and warthog can often be seen grazing, while on the eastern flank, eland frequent the lakeshore. The shore itself offers views of hippo, large crocodiles and a chance of elephant bulls, while the core of the Amahoro lion pride is encapsulated by this spit of land.
Magashi has been established in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and African Parks, demonstrating our commitment to pioneering sustainable and authentic ecotourism in Rwanda. Our core Purpose here is to help conserve Rwanda’s last protected savannah ecosystem, and species like black rhino and the rare and elusive shoebill; furthermore, our presence in Akagera National Park will contribute towards enabling it to become economically self-sufficient for the first time.
Six spacious and airy tented guest rooms offer uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga while Magashi’s main area comprises a luxurious lounge and dining area, bar and pool, as well as an expansive viewing deck with convivial fire pit. The architecture and interiors pay homage to traditional Rwandan culture.
Days 4-6: Bisate
Return to Kigali by road transfer or helicopter and then transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Stay 3 nights at Bisate Lodge with 2 days of gorillas tracking! Bisate Lodge has dramatic views of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcano peaks rising through the forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. It is within easy driving distance of Park Headquarters, from where once-in-a-lifetime gorilla treks depart daily. Exploring around Bisate includes community visits, birding, golden monkey tracking, and helping reforest the area, Gorilla Guardian Village, the Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, as well as Dian Fossey’s burial site.
The vision of Bisate is to be a model of sustainable ecotourism in Rwanda. Its reforestation and rehabilitation projects has each guest partnering with us in contributing to biodiversity conservation and local community upliftment, making a far-reaching positive impact on an iconic endangered species: the mountain gorilla.
Six opulent en-suite Forest Villas are warmed by a central fireplace and have breathtaking views from the deck. The main area comprises a lounge, dining and bar area, wine cellar and viewing deck. Both the architecture and interiors are rooted in Rwandan cultural traditions. An alternative is to stay at Sabinyo Lodge.
Day 7: Return to Kigali for onward travels.
* Contact us for customized itinerary, availability of gorillas permits and lodgings as well as pricing. (WS)
