This seven-night route runs from Kigali down to the mountainous south-west and back up to the volcanoes of the north. It opens in the capital, then reaches the Gisakura tea estate on the edge of Nyungwe rainforest, drops to a sand beach on Lake Kivu at Gisenyi, climbs to a ridge above the twin lakes for Volcanoes National Park, and closes with a last night in Kigali.
You travel by road and, where it suits, by air, with private driver-guides handling the transfers. The days hold chimpanzee tracking and forest walks, time on the lake, and gorilla trekking at altitude. The properties range from boutique city hotels to a rainforest lodge, a lakeside resort and an early eco-lodge on the ridge, each chosen for its position.
Begin in central Kigali at a boutique hotel of stone, teak and Rwandan craft in the leafy Kiyovu district, a short drive from the airport and the city's markets, galleries and memorials. It is a calm base to ease off a long-haul flight. Kigali sits at the centre of the country across a series of ridges, widely regarded as the cleanest city in Africa. If time allows, the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi makes for a quiet, essential few hours.
Move down to the Gisakura tea estate, where waist-high green tea runs to the treeline of Nyungwe National Park, one of the oldest and largest mountain rainforests in Africa. Mornings begin early for chimpanzee tracking on foot, with black-and-white colobus monkeys moving through the upper canopy. Days fill out with guided forest walks to the Kamiranzovu marsh and the waterfalls, birding across close to 300 recorded species, and the park's suspended canopy walkway strung high above the valley floor.
Drive to Gisenyi on Lake Kivu's northern shore, where a private sand beach runs down to water that holds no crocodiles, so guests swim off the sand. The Virunga volcanoes cut the skyline to the north and the green hills of the Congolese shore lie across the water. This is a place to sit still: a guided cruise to the coves and islands, a kayak off the sand, or dinner of crisp-fried isambaza and tilapia at the Ziwani Café as fishermen pass at dusk in three-hulled canoes.
Climb to a ridge high in northern Rwanda, with the Virunga volcanoes and the Musanze valley to the west and Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo to the east; six of the eight volcanoes in the chain are visible on a clear day. The lodge, one of Rwanda's first eco-lodges, is the base for gorilla trekking in the park. Between treks, walk the terraced gardens and the ridge trails, take in the long views from a private terrace, and use the volcanic-stone spa and sauna.
Return to Kigali for a final night on Boulevard de la Révolution, the city's established five-star address, roughly twenty minutes from the airport. Built around a polished granite atrium hung with Rwandese art and craft, it does the quiet work of departure well. Dining centres on the Milima Restaurant, with terrace seating over the gardens and pool.
Ed Charles, BBC Producer
Fitzroy are true specialists in accessing the wilderness. They know where to go and importantly, when to go there. Highly recommended.
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rwanda
Twelve nights across Rwanda, from Akagera's savannah to Nyungwe's rainforest, Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas.
01 of 14
rwanda & tanzania
Fifteen nights across Rwanda's parks and the Serengeti, from Akagera and the gorillas to the calving plains and cheetah country.
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rwanda & kenya
Seventeen nights from Rwanda's gorilla forests through Kenya's conservancies to a private house on Kilifi Creek.
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our approach
Every journey starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your vision before we start planning.
Whether by phone or in person, we work with you directly to shape something that is considered, personal, and expertly delivered.
Every journey starts with a conversation. We favour a direct, personal approach: understanding your vision before anything else.
Whether by phone or in person, we work with you directly to shape a journey that is both thoughtfully considered and expertly delivered.
Get in touch to start planning yours.
