8 Days, 7 Nights Kigali, Volcanoes N.P & Nyungwe N.P Tour by Helicopter
Kigali – Volcanoes National Park – Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Experience Timeless Luxury in Rwanda. Enjoy the most high-end experience with Helicopter Scenic flight above the most iconic places. This is where your dreams come true. Stay at Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Volcanoes & One & Only Nyungwe House. We invite you to lie back, relax and savour the moment. BOOK NOW
Day 1: The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali
Kigali
Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across undulating lush hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 metres above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants, and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is definitely worth a visit.
Day Itinerary
- TBA: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and transfer to the Retreat by Heaven Hotel
- TBA: Dinner and overnight stay
Overnight: The Retreat by Heaven
Town & Country and The New York Times call The Retreat in Rwanda one of the top new hotels in the world in 2019. The American owners of Heaven Restaurant created The Retreat, a 12-room luxury boutique hotel located on a tree-lined street steps from Kigali City Center and 20 minutes from the airport. 8 new luxury pool villas are under construction and will be open by October 2020. The Retreat is Kigali’s first eco-friendly resort and features solar electricity, organic toiletries, locally-crafted furniture from a Tanzanian sustainable teak farm, outdoor showers, private terraces, a yoga and meditation room, spa, large heated saltwater swimming pool with jacuzzi and diving rocks, and an open-air fitness center. Fusion Restaurant and its Swahili-inspired bar, located at The Retreat, offer delicious farm-to-table international cuisine, while Heaven Restaurant (reached through the Retreat’s “Stairway to Heaven”) offers an innovative modern African menu. The Retreat is the perfect choice to host guests for 1 night or several days as it offers innovative, curated cultural experiences and exciting activities in and around Kigali. From public health to hospitality, co-owners Alissa & Josh Ruxin created Heaven Restaurant in 2008 to provide jobs and vocational training in hospitality, to date, Heaven and The Retreat have trained over 1000 Rwandans in hospitality skills.
Basis
Half Board – Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast
Day 2: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience a face-to-face encounter with these intriguing creatures. The park is set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Highly regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, visiting the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey and the Karisoke Research Centre, and enjoying a beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke.
Day Itinerary
- 08h00: Breakfast at the hotel, check out and settle any extras
- 09h00: Visit the Kimironko local market, Inema Arts centre
- 13h00: Lunch at Heaven Restaurant
- 14h00: Visit Kimironko local market
- 15h00: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for a helicopter flight to Volcanoes N.P area
- 15h30: Land at Musanze Airstrip and transfer to Singita Kwitonda Lodge (if we use the Agusta 109 & Agusta 119 we shall land at the lodge helipad)
- 19h00: Dinner and overnight stay
Overnight: Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Boasting breath-taking views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura volcanoes and surrounded by high-altitude forests, Singita Kwitonda Lodge offers an experience unlike any of Singita’s other destinations. With its exceptional natural beauty, environmentally conscious luxury, and transformative, purpose-driven experiences, the lodge was designed in response to this remarkable location, and the eight contemporary suites (as well as the private four-bedroom villa – Kataza House) are linked by volcanic rock pathways to the central lodge.
The interiors emphasize local design and handcrafted details adorn the carefully planned spaces. Layered textures and colors enhance the reflective quality of this tranquil haven and an experiential enclave offers free-flowing indoor and outdoor areas. A convivial fire pit, interactive kitchen, bar-deli, and wine cellar complete the picture.
Activities
| Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum |
| Inema Arts Center |
| Kimironko Market |
Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum
Located just outside of Kigali City Centre in the Gasabo district, Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum was created by a joint partnership of the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust. The center is an extremely moving, challenging, educational and ultimately inspiring as well as a great place to understand the cause, tragedy and successful rebuilding post-genocide.
The memorial hosts a tour that is transparent and educational but very sombre and humbling when guests realize that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial.
Inema Arts Center
Located in the heart of Kigali City, Inema Art Center is one of East African’s major art galleries, housing a collection of artists from around the African Continent. Today, Inema Arts Center has become a beacon in Rwanda for cultivating creative expression. The centre provides space for 10 artists in residence to explore their creative talent by produce paintings, sculptures, and mixed media expressions.
Kimironko Market
Situated in the Kimironko neighborhood of Kigali, Rwanda, Kimirinko Market is one of the busiest markets in the town. Vendors at the market can be seen selling a variety of items from regions such as Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Visitors to the market will be able to buy fruit, vegetables, clothing, and general household necessities.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, and Lunch
All Drinks Included-
Day 3: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
Day Itinerary
- 06h00: Breakfast at the lodge
- 06h30: Transfer to park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing, allocation of families and park guides which starts at 07h00
- 08h00: Drive to the starting point
- Afternoon: Return to the lodge, lunch/relaxation
- 19h00: Dinner and overnight stay
Activities
| Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park |
Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers visitors the unique opportunity of discovering the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by a guide and two scouts who are well trained in emergency situations. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some taking the better part of the day.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, and Lunch
All Drinks Included
Day 4: Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
Day Itinerary
- 06h00: Breakfast at the lodge
- 06h40: Transfer to the Park headquarters for the golden monkey trek briefing at 07h00
- 08h00: Start the adventure
- TBA: Return to the lodge and have lunch
- 16h00: Visit the Gorilla Guardians village for a cultural experience
- 19h00: Dinner and overnight stay
Activities
| RDB Golden Monkey Tracking |
RDB Golden Monkey Tracking
Located in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, RDB Golden Monkey Tracking offers visitors a unique experience of catching a glimpse of the endangered Golden Monkey. These striking primates with their bright orange fur contrasting the green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains is a photographer’s dream. The Golden Monkey can be found in very few places outside of Volcanoes National Park, and their vibrant colours, energetic demeanour, and sizeable troupes of up to 30 individuals are indeed a sight to behold.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch
All Drinks Included
Day 5: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Situated in southwestern Rwanda, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity and its wide range of endemic species. The park is composed of lush tracts of rainforest set high up on fertile mountain slopes. It is one of Africa’s most ancient forests and the home of Rwanda’s sole remaining chimpanzee population, as well as 85 additional mammal species, 43 reptile species, nearly 300 bird species, and over 1000 plant species. Visitors can enjoy spotting Colobus monkeys and chimpanzees hiding in the trees, hiking on a well-maintained network of trails passing through lush equatorial rainforest, and catching a glimpse of a beautiful array of colorful birdlife. Don’t miss the thrilling Canopy Walk, it is one of its kind in Africa and offers impressive views of the forest.
Day Itinerary
- 09h00: Relaxed breakfast, check out, and settlement of any extras
- 11h00: Transfer to Musanze Airstrip for your heli-flight to Nyungwe N.P area
- 11h45: Land at One & Only Nyungwe House Helipad, you will be welcomed by the lodge staff and assisted with check-in
- 12h30: Lunch
- Afternoon: Relaxation
- 19h00: Dinner and overnight stay
Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House
One&Only Nyungwe House is set amongst the rich tea-plantations of Gisakura, In Southwest Rwanda, just south of Lake Kivu on the Burundi border. The property is set on the edge of the iconic Nyungwe National Park, which covers approximately 1020 square kilometers of rainforest, bamboo, and swamps. The accommodations at this lodge provide a sense of tranquillity with a fireplace and picturesque private deck. All rooms include breakfast, lunch, and dinner while featuring tea and coffee facilities and an en-suite bathroom with an indoor shower, wilderness-view shower, and stand-alone bath.
The One&Only Spa provides relaxing treatments, while the One&Only Gym allows guests space and equipment for a refreshing workout. Additionally, guests can relax in the infinity pool while having a snack and drink and enjoy a meal by the trees with a picnic or at the elegant restaurant.
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, and Lunch
All Drinks Included
Day 6: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day Itinerary
- 05h00: Depart the lodge with a packed breakfast and head to the park offices for your Chimpanzee trekking briefing
- 06h00: Transfer to the start point for your Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda
- TBA: Return to the lodge
- 12h00: Lunch
- 13h40: Transfer to Uwinka RDB offices
- 14h30: Canopy walk briefing
- 15h00: Start the Canopy walk experience
- 18h00: Return to the lodge
- 19h00: Dinner and overnight stay
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, and Lunch
All Drinks Included
Day 7: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day Itinerary
- 06h30: Breakfast at the lodge
- 07h15: Transfer to the park offices for your waterfall experience briefing
- 08h00: Your experience begins
- 12h00: Return to the lodge followed by your lunch
- 15h30: Visit the Gisakura tea factory
- 18h00 – 20h00: Tea ceremony and dinner
Basis
Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, and Lunch
All Drinks Included
Day 8: End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
- 08h00: Breakfast at the lodge
- 11h00: Check out and settlement of any extras
- 11h00 – 12h30: You may decide to take a walk around the tea plantation or just relax. Lunch
- 14h00: Transfer to the lodge helipad for your helicopter flight back to Kigali
- 14h45: Land at Kigali International Airport, depending on your flight schedule, you will be assisted to check in for your outbound flight.
Note: If you have a late flight, there’s an option of exploring more of Kigali and shopping (there will be an extra cost for the transfers)
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Included
- Meet and greet on arrival in Kigali
- Airport and inter-hotel/lodge transfers from day 1 to the last day
- Accommodation at the Hotels/Lodges mentioned in the itinerary
- 1 Gorilla permit per person (US$ 1,500.- This includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek) NOTE: Once the permit is purchased, it’s non-refundable
- Meals as shown (FB-Full board-Lunch, dinner, Bed and breakfast & HB– Half Board, Dinner, Bed and breakfast)
- Exclusive use of a Safari land cruiser vehicle with WI-FI where receptive
- Helicopter transfers i.e Kigali – Musanze – Nyungwe – Kigali using an Agusta 109 or Agusta 119 depending on weight limits
- For 2 persons we shall use an Agusta 119, Kigali – Musanze = 380 kgs, Musanze – Nyungwe = 350 kgs & Nyungwe – Kigali = 350 kgs maximum weight inclusive of luggage
- For 4 persons we shall use an Agusta 119, Kigali – Musanze = 380 kgs, Musanze – Nyungwe = 350 kgs & Nyungwe – Kigali = 350 kgs AND 1 Robinson, Kigali – Musanze = 180 kgs, Musanze – Nyungwe = 160 kgs & Nyungwe – Kigali = 180 kgs maximum weight inclusive of luggage
- For 6 persons we shall use 2 Agusta 119, Kigali – Musanze = 380 kgs, Musanze – Nyungwe = 350 kgs & Nyungwe – Kigali = 350 kgs maximum weight inclusive of luggage
- Terms and Conditions for helicopters:
- Helicopters don’t fly after 16h30
- The maximum weight allowed will change depending on your destination altitude, the higher the altitude the lighter the weight
- We will need the precise weight of passengers beforehand and will advise the weight that is permitted for their journey
- There can be cancellations and changes in flight times due to adverse weather conditions.
- Chimpanzee, Canopy permits, waterfall hike, golden monkey permits
- Services of a professional, experienced English speaking driver-guide
- Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
- All activities and mentioned in the itinerary
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Services
- Our assistance
Excluded
- International and domestic airline tickets unless where indicated,
- Entry visa fees,
- Extra lunches not mentioned in the program
- Optional extras whilst in Kigali
- Drinks throughout the trip,
- Porters
- Tips and gratuities,
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc
