Rwanda in Style with One&Only

Enjoy complimentary airport lounge access before boarding your daytime flight to Rwanda. A private transfer will take you from your hotel to the centre of Kigali, the country’s capital and cultural hub. Extending across the hills and valleys of central Rwanda, it’s a haven of verdant open spaces and broad, clean streets. Tonight, perhaps dine in one of the hotel’s international restaurants, or enjoy a drink al fresco on the terrace, surrounded by the lush greenery of the hotel grounds. 

Stay: Marriott Kigali Hotel (Deluxe)

After a scenic drive through remote villages, working tea plantations and eucalyptus forests, you’ll arrive in Nyungwe National Park. On the way, enjoy an included stop at the replica of the 18th century King’s Palace, home to the resident royal inyambo – sacred cows with giant horns. The next two days will be spent in the rainforests of Nyungwe, among 300 species of bird and 85 species of animal. Track chimpanzees as they swing through the canopy, or take an optional walk along the highest – and longest – canopy trail in Africa. One&Only Nywunge House is nestled in the jungle, its wooden villas looking out across the treetops, where colobus monkeys play. Each evening, enjoy farm-to-table dining in the restaurant, or even on your terrace, by candlelight.

After breakfast today you’ll head to Lake Kivu, one of a string of huge freshwater lakes lying along Africa's Great Rift Valley. Against a backdrop of sandy beaches and leafy hills, you’ll have the chance for everything from refreshing lake swims to an included kayak paddle among the fishing boats. With views of the misty red Nyiragongo volcano, it’s a truly breath-taking place. 

Stay: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Superior) 

A private transfer will see you to the Volcanoes National Park, where the stunning One&Only Gorilla's Nest features a collection of ultra-chic Forest Lodges with private decks and outdoor showers, dotted amid verdant grounds. You’re perfectly placed for the next day's gorilla tracking adventure. Tonight, dine at Nest, where authentic Rwandan cuisine is brought to life by local ingredients and ultra-talented chefs.

The highlight of the holiday has arrived, as you set off into the misty Virunga Mountains with the help of an expert guide. You’ll stop first at the Kinigi Gorilla Headquarters, where you’ll be grouped by fitness level and given a safety briefing. After a short drive to the edge of the national park, you’ll trek into the bush to find one of the region’s mountain gorilla troops. And, once they’re located, there’s nothing more to do but watch in wonder, as babies and mothers play and hulking silverbacks sit eating nettles. The following day leads to even more wild encounters, as you take an included golden monkey trek and perhaps one of many optional excursions – think hiking in the mountains or canoeing on a gentle river. You can even visit the Karisoke Exhibit, run by the world-renowned Dian Fossey international gorilla conservation organisation.

After breakfast, you’ll say farewell to the jungle as an included transfer brings you back to Kigali. An included private tour showcases the city sights, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which tells the story of the 1994 genocide. Since then, Rwanda’s community service policies have transformed the country. Later, you’ll head back to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK, arriving on day nine. Alternatively, we highly recommend continuing your journey with an all-inclusive Big Five safari at the new Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park. Enjoy guided bush walks and game drives alongside gourmet dining and a pool, staying in one of just six stylish tented suites.