Sample 8: Highlights of East Africa

Day 1

Arrive Kigali International Airport under your own arrangements.

You will be met by a representative of our local partners who will assist with immigration and customs formalities (including securing your Rwanda visa) while you enjoy coffee in the VIP lounge. You will then be assisted to your driver who will transfer you by private vehicle to The Retreat Hotel.

Days 1-2

Spend one night at The Retreat in a Superior King Suite, with breakfast included.

Day 2

This morning, after breakfast, your private guide will collect you and will stay with you for the duration of your time in Rwanda. Your exploration of this beautiful and fascinating country begins with a tour of Kigali city, including the Genocide Memorial Centre and craft market.

The history of Rwanda dates back centuries, and Kigali has been a key part of it for a hundred years. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. Since then, the city has seen major economic development resulting in what it is today: a vibrant (and remarkably orderly!) African city of 1 million with wide boulevards, an international airport, world-class hotels and restaurants, and a lively, cosmopolitan population.

The highlight of the morning is a visit to the moving Genocide Memorial, where you learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the unimaginable 1994 genocide, as well as the country's impressive subsequent efforts to reconcile and rebuild; the recovery has been incredible, a true testament to humankind’s resilience.

After stopping for lunch at a local restaurant, you will drive (roughly 2 hours 30 minutes) north to Ruhengeri at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, arriving at Bisate Lodge in time for cocktails followed by dinner.

Days 2-5

Spend three nights at Bisate Lodge in one Forest Villa, on a fully inclusive basis (including Accommodation, All meals, All local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excludes premium imported brands and champagne), Lodge activities on property, Laundry, Complimentary in-room welcome massage, “Gym in a bag” per guest, Wireless internet connection in room only, and Local Government taxes).

Day 3

After an early breakfast, drive to Volcanoes National Park Headquarters to be allocated a gorilla tracking group. At 7:00am you will be briefed by your trackers and then drive to the trail head for the start of an amazing adventure.

Our exhilarating trek, in the footsteps of the rare and critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, the largest living primate on earth, starts in the cultivated foothills of the Virungas with stirring views in all directions. Upon entering the National Park, her paths littered with fresh spoor of the mountains’ elusive buffalo and elephant, trekkers will be immersed in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with colorful bird calls, butterflies, etc. Through gaps in the canopy, the magnificent Virunga peaks, among the highest in Africa yet easily accessible, are glimpsed, beckoning an ascent.

Weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia and giant lobelias that thrive in the tropical climate, our experienced trackers who have spent their entire lives in or close to this forest, soon bring us up close with the family.

Upon sighting the gorillas, you will stay with them for a magical hour as they go about their daily life, feeding, playing, resting; raising their young. Coming face to face with a giant silverback must truly be one of the greatest wildlife experiences on earth!

Afterwards, you trek back to base where your driver will be waiting to take you back to the lodge for lunch.

Day 4

Rise early and return to the Park Headquarters for your second gorilla tracking experience. You will have the opportunity to visit a different gorilla family today.

Afterwards, trek back to base and drive to the lodge for lunch.

Day 5

Today, after breakfast, your private guide will drive you back to Kigali International Airport, where you will bid him farewell.

Check in for your Rwandair flight to Nairobi, departing at 5:40pm and arriving at 8:20pm. You will be met off your flight by a representative of our local partners who will assist you through immigration and customs, and to your waiting transfer driver.

Transfer by private vehicle to Hemingway's Nairobi.

Days 5-6

Spend one night at Hemingway's Nairobi in one Deluxe Room, with breakfast included.

Day 6

Today you will be collected and transferred by private vehicle to Wilson Airport.

From where you will be transferred by shared charter aircraft to Mara Plains Camp (roughly one hour).

Days 6-9

Spend three nights at Mara Plains Camp in one Tented Room, on a fully inclusive basis (including accommodation, scheduled wildlife viewing activities (including an excursion into the Maasai Mara Reserve), all meals, laundry, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages (excluding champagne), and all conservation/park fees).

Day 9

Today you will be collected and transferred by shared charter aircraft to Migori, departing at 12:15pm and arriving at 12:45pm. Transfer by vehicle across the border to Tarime (roughly one hour, including customs and immigration formalities). Transfer by shared charter aircraft to Singita Sasakwa Lodge, departing at 1:50pm arriving at 4:00pm.

Days 9-12

Spend three nights at Singita Sasakwa Lodge in one Cottage, on a fully inclusive basis (including accommodation, three meals per day, all drinks, including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs (excluding champagne and vintage wines on the connoisseurs wine list), laundry, telephone calls, open Land Rover safaris accompanied by an experienced guide, walking and mountain biking safaris accompanied by an experienced guide).

Day 12

Today you will be collected and transferred by shared charter aircraft to Kilimanjaro International Airport, departing at 4:00pm and arriving sat 6:00pm.

You will be met and assisted with checking in for your onward flight.

From this point you will depart under your own arrangements.

Rough Cost - 2024

From around $29,130 to around $39,010 per person sharing.

Rate Includes

Accommodation as specified, Meals and drinks as specified, Ground transportation and excursions as noted, Park and entrance fees for lodges/camps inside national parks, Conservation levies and camping fees, Laundry as specified, Intra-Africa flights as specified, All government and airline taxes.

Rate Excludes

International flights to and from Africa; Drinks (unless otherwise specified), Items of a personal nature, Gratuities, Laundry (unless otherwise specified), Meals other than specified, Excursions other than specified, Flights other than specified, Medical, cancellation and baggage insurance, Visa fees.

** PLEASE NOTE: These rates are given as guidelines, and will differ depending on factors such as the time of the year that guests travel, the number of guests travelling, and the class of airline seats available. All rates are subject to change at the discretion of the properties/operators, and due to currency fluctuations, unforeseen increases in fuel prices, increased airline prices, or any future government imposed taxes.

Let us help you plan your dream safari. call toll-free: 888.227.8311    or email us today

  |    |   Share