An exceptional Valhalla full of fascinating yet outrightly eccentric features. Rwanda is famously known for Gorilla trekking, tracking chimpanzees, and upholding its historical significance by having the King Palace museum and also the Nyamata Genocide Memorial. The national parks are an incessant pit of wildlife. From the exceptional mountain gorillas, the bona fide golden monkeys, the chimpanzees and not forgetting Kigali the capital city of Rwanda being a phenomenal arts center.

This is a culminating yet an outrightly exceptional safari!

VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Without a doubt, the number one thing to do in Rwanda is gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park. Sharing a border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this national park in Rwanda is home to a growing number of critically endangered mountain gorillas. Experts estimate that there are about 600 gorillas in the park–a significant increase from around 240-250 individuals in 1981.

The trekking experience typically lasts between four and eight hours, most of which is spent hiking through mystical bamboo forests, wild meadows, and swampy areas. Guides from the national park service will eventually lead you to one of the habituated gorilla families. You'll spend an hour observing the creatures as they eat, care for their babies, and interact with one another.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is largely considered a safe activity. The gorillas are mostly apathetic to their human visitors. Armed guides, who use a bunch of clicking sounds to communicate with the gorillas, keep guests safe from potential dangers, making the experience one that you'll never forget.

Porters are available at the base of the trails in Volcanoes National Park. It's worth hiring one for the day–they'll carry your bags and help you avoid slipping down the muddy paths.

Want to learn more about mountain gorillas? After your trekking adventure, head to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Karisoke Research Center in the nearby town of Musanze. It contains a small, yet robust museum all about mountain gorillas and the work of conservationist Dian Fossey, whose efforts to protect gorillas were made famous by the 1988 drama, Gorillas in the Mist.

BISATE LODGE

Since opening in 2017, Bisate has racked up 34 awards and continues to inspire superlatives. Six en-suite Forest Villas embody Rwanda’s rich culture. Edifying cultural interactions, sophisticated, health-conscious dining, and exuberant hospitality all make your stay superior.

From your sumptuous villa on the slopes of an eroded volcanic crater, designed in the traditions of Rwandan royalty, gaze through a curtain of mist at two extinct volcanoes, Bisoke and Karisimbi. Where primatologist Dian Fossey ran her research station, Karisoke, dedicated to saving mountain gorillas from extinction. Hike through verdant rainforest, up to nearly 3,000 metres, to visit Karisoke’s haunting ruins and Fossey’s grave, next to her beloved gorilla, Digit. Here, gorillas, now numbering more than 1000 throughout the Virunga massif, await you. For one precious hour, your allocated family may deliver your life’s most astonishing encounter.

Gorilla trekking is the star attraction, but nearby Volcanoes National Park offers other adventures: golden monkey trekking; the Fossey hike; scaling Mount Bisoke. On lodge property, explore nature trails where birds proliferate and a camera trap recently recorded a first: a silverback gorilla lumbering along the path. Plant a tree towards Bisate’s reforestation project, helping to lure wildlife back to the area. Follow the hum rising from the local villages below, and meet some of the community whose lives are so integral to the lodge.

SABINYO SILVERBACK LODGE

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is Rwanda’s first ever community owned lodge. The lodge was built and is operated by Governors’ Camp Collection, but the ownership rests with a Community Trust, SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) which uses rentals and community fees from the lodge to drive socio-economic and conservation initiatives in the communities adjacent to the National Park.

The lodge is located close to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park from where clients trek on foot to see the gorillas. Situated in the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15,000 ft. volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sabyinyo offers wonderful views of the volcanoes and the surrounding countryside.  Guest cottages and the main lodge building have been beautifully constructed – the perfect base from which to explore this unique and fascinating corner of Africa.

Accommodation at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge comprises six cottages, two suites, one family cottage. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature large sitting areas, fireplaces, stylish en-suite bathrooms and a sheltered veranda.  Three large fireplaces provide warmth while two patio areas afford wonderful and dramatic views to the Virunga Volcanoes and the surrounding countryside.

KIND NOTE:

We have combined this Rwandan tour with some Kenyan properties

HEMINGWAYS NAIROBI

This 45-suite boutique hotel elevates the standard of luxury for travelers in the region. Beautiful in its symmetry and flooded with natural light, this property is airy and spacious. Service at the hotel is exceptionally personal and aptly sincere, offering a luxury experience from the moment you get to the hotel.

Feel at home once in the hotel. From the tranquility to the very assiduous staff who are in all ways ready to assist you, to your extremely dedicated butler who will know that you prefer Earl Grey to Assam with your scones, and will remember which trousers you like pressed flat and which ones need a central crease.

So while you are indulging in the spa, relaxing beside the pool or meandering through the gardens, back in your suite, your butler will have dimmed the lights, adjusted your personalized pillows, set out your nightcap and arranged the morning’s outing down to the finest detail.

GIRAFFE CENTRE

The Giraffe Centre has also become world-famous as a Nature Education Centre, educating thousands of Kenyan school children every year. In 1983, funds raised by A.F.E.W. USA helped build the Educational Centre on a 60-acre sanctuary. This with the extraordinary vision of creating an educational institution in conjunction with rescuing the giraffe. The Giraffe Centre opened its doors to the general public and students the same year, receiving over 800 excited students.

There are now over 300 Rothschild Giraffe safe and breeding well in various Kenyan national parks. Recent herds have been introduced to Soysambu Ranch by Lake Elementaita in the Great Rift Valley, Kigio Conservancy and the Sergoit Ranch in the Mount Elgon region.

MAASAI MARA NATIONAL PARK

This is the home to the 7th wonder of the world, the wildebeest migration. Maasai Mara National Reserve is fascinating. From the big 5,to the different flora and fauna, to the exhilarating plains, dramatic escarpments and ragged hills, valleys and landscapes, to the balloon safaris that enable one to have a clear view of the wildlife The altitude may vary from treetop heights or lower, which offers a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities. Sweep your eyes across the panoramic plains and discover the fantastic features unfolding before you, with an abundance of gentle undulating hills, sparkling rivers and verdant grasslands. Dotted in between this lush terrain you can spot the heads of gentle giraffe foraging from the top of leafy trees, slumbering elephants swaying in the cool breeze, graceful gazelles leaping through the vast expanse and pods of hippos splashing in the water. Probe further and you may see prowling predators stalking across the savanna. This is a once in a lifetime experience. Game drives offer the unforgettable opportunity to enjoy the diversity of animals and birds living permanently in the Maasai Mara, as well as many migratory species. Guests can also learn more about the Maasai people, proud pastoralists and warriors, many of whom still retain their traditional nomadic lifestyle.

GOVERNORS CAMP

Governors’ Camp occupies the best wildlife viewing location in the Reserve, nestled in the riverine forest along the winding banks of the Mara River, its waters teeming with bird-life, hippo and crocodile. It is perfect for couples, families and friends wanting to experience the best of what a safari in the Masai Mara has to offer.

The entire camp is under canvas with all of the comforts of a luxury hotel. Some of the 30 tents line the riverbank, tucked into the forest they enjoy uninterrupted views over the Mara River, others have views across the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara. The tents are big, bright and allow in lots of natural light. All tents are classic safari style each with en-suite bathrooms and a private verandah. There is a bar tent with a deck overlooking the Mara River and a dining tent with amazing views over the plains.

Governors’ Camp has been awarded a Silver Eco Rating from Eco – Tourism Kenya due to our sustainable tourism practices in place in camp.