5 Days Rwanda Safari

Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to the Kigali Serena Hotel, the city’s most exclusive private retreat perfectly situated on a charming boulevard in central Kigali offering every convenience to pamper your stay. The sophisticated rooms will ensure you have a good night’s sleep after a long-haul flight, leaving you rejuvenated and ready to tackle the slopes and jungles of Volcanoes National Park in search of elusive mountain gorillas.

Spend the next four days at the intimate Wilderness Bisate Lodge, an exclusive gorilla lodge, perched on the crest of a forested slope. It offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of six distinct volcanic peaks within the Virunga Mountains.

First gazetted in 1925 as Africa’s first national park, Volcanoes National Park has been instrumental in protecting the remaining gorillas from poachers. Today, it is one of the best places in the world to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. These gentle creatures are critically endangered, with only a few hundred left; however, at Bisate Lodge, you are almost guaranteed a sighting.

While gorilla trekking is the highlight of your adventure, there is much more to do. Try a post-trek massage treatment to ease your muscles and prepare for your next hike, perhaps to see the mischievous golden monkeys in the same forest. Experienced Bisate Lodge staff can assist with the settings on your camera and point you in the right direction for some excellent shots.

After your explorations each day, curl up with a warm drink to reminisce about the treks, or sip a cool cocktail outside while taking in the dramatic views of the forest-clad mountains. You can also take advantage of the library and games room for those relaxed moments in the day.

Take a hike to the Dian Fossey Research Camp or the volcanic peaks: Mounts Bisoke, Muhabura or Gahinga for stunning views. Visit Buhanga Sacred Forest, Gishwati Forest, or any of the many scenic lakes; you can take a cruise on Lake Burera. Those feeling energetic can grab a mountain bike for a fun way to explore this beautiful region.

On an intimate cultural experience, you can visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village where you can talk to ex-poachers who have abandoned their former way of life. Village walks are a great way to fully understand the ancient rhythms of the mountain forests.

Explore the traditional house of a local king, watch a medicine man prepare herbal mixtures, try your hand at bow and arrow shooting, or listen to folklore and the drums of Africa. If your visit coincides with the Kwita Izina, the baby gorilla naming ceremony which takes place every year during the month of June, it’s a great bonus for you.

Now that you have explored this remarkable forest park and its world-famous inhabitants, it’s time to bid farewell and take your leave. The time spent here may be short but it is long enough to build memories to treasure.