Welcome to Rwanda. Your expedition begins in the clean, green capital of Kigali, a vibrant metropolis draped across rolling ridges. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel to settle in. Take this evening to unwind, unpack, and prepare for the profound cultural encounters and unforgettable wildlife discoveries that await you.
Gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers for a welcome gathering to set the stage for your exploration. Next, experience a moving private tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, gaining deep insight into the nation’s history before a powerful Q&A session with a survivor. This afternoon, sit down to a traditional community lunch at the Nyamirambo Women's Centre and experience the tangible impact of community tourism during a walking tour and hands-on weaving activity. Conclude this inspiring day with reflection at a welcome dinner.
After breakfast, leave the capital behind for a scenic drive through the breathtaking cultural corridor of Rwanda, where emerald tea plantations paint the hillsides. Stop along the Heritage Trail to visit the Nyanza Cultural Open Air Museum. Step into the past as you explore the beautifully reconstructed King’s Palace, learning about ancient royal traditions. After a flavourful local lunch in Nyanza, continue your drive through the spectacular changing landscapes. Arrive at your lodge bordering the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe, checking in just as the evening mist begins to blanket the canopy before a delicious dinner.
An early coffee wake-up call rouses your senses before you venture deep into the emerald wilderness of Nyungwe National Park, a protected sanctuary teeming with life. Trek beneath the ancient canopy in search of wild chimpanzees, listening to their echoing calls and watching them swing through the high branches. Enjoy a packed breakfast surrounded by the sounds of the forest, followed by a hot brunch back at the lodge. This afternoon, join your Expedition Leader for an interactive tea-picking experience and tasting at a community-focused estate, or choose to relax by the pool as the sun dips below the verdant horizon.
Travel north toward the dramatic peaks of Volcanoes National Park, tracing the scenic shores of Lake Kivu along the magnificent Congo-Nile trail. Marvel at the sparkling blue waters over a hot local lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a private meeting with dedicated scientists at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Gain a profound understanding of their ongoing conservation projects and the legacy of the pioneering researcher. Retreat to your lodge nestled in the Virunga Mountains for sundowner drinks, watching the peaks turn purple in the twilight before gathering for dinner.
The morning air is crisp as you prepare for an unforgettable encounter within the spectacular Virunga Mountains. After a safety briefing, trek into the misty rainforest of Volcanoes National Park to track majestic mountain gorillas in the very wilderness where National Geographic Grantee Dian Fossey dedicated eighteen years to research. Spend an idyllic hour quietly observing a gorilla family before returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. This evening, settle in for a performance by local Intore dancers then dinner in the historic Dian Fossey map room.
The primate exploration continues with another exhilarating morning in the national park. Set out on a hike through the bamboo forests to track rare golden monkeys, watching their playful antics as they leap through the branches. Savour a packed lunch en route back to the lodge to refresh before an extraordinary culinary evening. Gather at a premier culinary school on the shores of the Twin Lakes, where pioneer chef Dieuveil Malonga hosts you for a special eight-course African fusion food and wine pairing. Learn about his community work before returning to the lodge for final cocktails and reflections with your Expedition Expert.
Enjoy a well-deserved, relaxed morning at the lodge, watching the mist clear from the volcanic peaks one last time over breakfast. Return to Kigali, driving through the verdant countryside. Gather with your fellow travellers for a final group lunch at the hotel, sharing stories and memories of your time in Rwanda. With day rooms available to refresh before your onward travel, your profound exploration comes to a close with transfers to the airport.
