Travel to Rwanda , 8 days

Expedition Details

Known as the “land of a thousand hills,” Rwanda has treasures that belie its tiny size. Set out on a journey that combines Rwanda’s incredible wildlife with its inspiring human story. Meet Rwanda’s resilient people, from wildlife researchers and artisans to schoolchildren and genocide survivors. Then journey to its jungle-clad volcanoes for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

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Trip Highlights

• Track mountain gorillas in the splendid Parc National des Volcans and learn about conservation efforts.
• Hike to the original site of National Geographic grantee Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Center.
• Get acquainted with Rwanda’s rich culture through music and dance performances.
• Visit a “reconciliation village” where survivors and perpetrators of the genocide live side by side.

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Itinerary - 8 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Kigali, Rwanda

Depart on an overnight flight to Kigali. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 3 — Kigali

Having spent the past 15 years rebuilding, Kigali is now one of the most thriving and progressive capital cities in Africa. Spend the morning discovering Kigali on a tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, where a poignant exhibition testifies to how far Rwanda has come since the dark days of the mid-1990s. Stop for lunch at the legendary Hotel des Mille Collines—featured in the movie Hotel Rwanda—where more than a thousand Rwandans found safe haven during the genocide. This afternoon, meet with development workers to learn about a variety of initiatives aimed at improving life for Rwandans. Kigali Serena Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Kigali/Parc National des Volcans

Journey into the lush hills that surround Kigali on an excursion that traces Rwanda’s path from despair to hope. Begin the day with a visit to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial, a sobering tribute to the thousands who lost their lives while seeking refuge during the genocide. Then head to a “reconciliation village” supported by the Millennium Villages project, a unique development approach conceived by Columbia University’s Earth Institute and the United Nations Development Project. Here, survivors and perpetrators live side by side in an effort to heal the wounds of the genocide and build a brighter future for Rwanda. Listen to the moving testimonies of both a perpetrator and a survivor, and discuss the challenges—and the promise—of former enemies living as one. Visit the village health center and the primary school, fruits of the Millennium Villages project. This afternoon, travel north through the beautiful countryside to Parc National des Volcans. Virunga Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Parc National des Volcans

Spend the day tracking mountain gorillas in the forested hills of Parc National des Volcans. Follow local guides through thick undergrowth and dangling vines in search of gorilla families. Once we find them, sit among these gentle giants, observing their interactions; listening to their distinctive grumbles; and viewing one of the planet’s most endangered creatures from an awe-inspiring, up close perspective. This afternoon, pay a visit to a local primary school. Virunga Lodge (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Parc National des Volcans

Venture back into the jungle for a second day of tracking the gorillas or an opportunity to track golden monkeys, a distinct species of primate often found in thick bamboo stands. Or hike to the original site of the Karisoke Research Center, where the late Dian Fossey, a National Geographic grantee, carried out mountain gorilla research for 18 years. In the afternoon, meet experts at the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project to learn about ongoing efforts to protect and care for the region’s gorillas. Tonight, toast your wildlife adventure at a farewell dinner. Virunga Lodge (B,L,D)

Days 7 & 8 — Parc National des Volcans/Kigali/U.S.

Experience Rwanda’s colorful culture at a nearby village that employs locals and former poachers who have been trained in regional arts such as basket weaving and woodworking. Watch drumming and dancing performances, meet with a traditional healer to learn about indigenous medicine, and try your hand at shooting a bow and arrow. Head to Kigali this afternoon for your flight home, arriving the next day. (B,L)