DAY 1

Unwind in Rwanda’s Capital

STAY AT Kigali Serena Hotel

GETTING THERE Fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Here you will be met and driven to Kigali Serena Hotel, which is a short drive away.

EXPERIENCE Kigali Serena is a great place to rejuvenate after travelling and gather your energy for your upcoming Rwanda gorilla tours. Enjoy poolside dining and a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Get your blood pumping with a workout in the fully-equipped gym and fitness studio, followed by a relaxing swim or treatment in the Moroccan inspired spa

DAY 2 and 3

STAY AT Kibumba Tented Camp for your Gorilla tracking adventure

GETTING THERE You will be transferred to Kibumba Tented Camp from Kigali Serena Hotel by road. It is an easy three-hour drive on good roads with great scenery. Upon reaching the Grande Barriere border crossing into the Democratic Republic of Congo at Goma, you will stop to pick up gorilla and volcano trekking permits, before continuing to Kibumba Tented Camp which is one hour from Goma.

EXPERIENCE Gorilla tracking is probably the best way to meet your closest living relatives on earth. Spend the afternoon settling in and soaking up the spectacular green wilderness setting of the camp which is situated in lush volcanic forest inside Virunga National Park. Enjoy spotting the abundant birdlife and monkeys from your private deck, or take a guided nature walk through the surrounding forest. After an early breakfast on your second morning, you will meet your ranger for a briefing on gorilla tracking. Tracking the gorillas usually takes around one to two-and-a-half hours of hiking each way, depending on the location of the gorilla family being trekked and the difficulty of the terrain. Spend one magical hour with the gorillas, observing, photographing, and marvelling at these majestic giant primates, before making your way back to camp for a well-earned rest. Enjoy a late lunch and restful afternoon of leisure, with the option for nature walks and bird watching if desired. Relax with a drink around an open fire in the evening and share your gorilla adventures from the day.

DAY 4

Today your desire for intrepid adventure safari will be met as you trek and spend the night on the rim of the world’s largest lava lake.

STAY AT Nyiragongo Summit Huts

GETTING THERE After breakfast you will be transferred by road to Kibati Ranger Post, the departure point for your trek up Nyiragongo Volcano. The adventure safari begins with a climb usually takes between four and six hours, depending on the fitness level of the group.

EXPERIENCE The hike up the volcanic slopes is not far – only eight kilometres – but it is steep. Porters will help you to carry everything you will need for the night. Wind your way up through beautiful mountain forest, stopping to admire the endless views behind and spot wildlife (and perhaps also to catch your breath!). The last few hundred metres are the steepest, but the most incredible sight awaits you at the top: a bubbling crater of fiery molten lava. Spend as much time as you like taking photographs and marvelling at the inner depths of the earth, before enjoying a hearty and warming campfire supper. You will spend the night in a simple wooden hut on the edge of the crater and awaken to the most breathtaking panoramic views in the morning. Leave the crater rim early the next morning to make your descent back to Kibati.

DAY 5

Lakeside lunch followed by dinner overlooking Nairobi’s iconic National Park

STAY AT Lake Kivu Serena Hotel and Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport

GETTING THERE Upon reaching the bottom of Nyiragongo Volcano, you will be transferred by road back to the border crossing at Goma, before continuing to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda for your flight back to Kenya. Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a shuttle service from Four Points by Sheraton will transfer you to the nearby airport hotel which is less than five minutes away.

EXPERIENCE After crossing the border back into Rwanda enjoy a lunch stop at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, which boasts a spectacular waterfront position. Take a cooling dip in the pool or in the lake, (which is perfectly safe for swimming), before continuing your journey to Kigali for your return flight to Kenya. After a long journey, relish the serenity and comfort on offer at Four Points by Sheraton hotel. Enjoy cosy robes, bathtubs and a deep sleep in the soundproof rooms. A fabulous rooftop pool and restaurant overlooks the Nairobi National Park and the spa offers an extensive range of indulgent treatments.

DAY 6, 7 and 8

The wildlife is easy to view, with large numbers of all plains game, rhino and lion

STAY AT Solio Lodge

GETTING THERE After a breakfast we will take you to Nairobi Wilson Airport for a short flight to Nanyuki. You will be met at Nanyuki and transferred to Solio Lodge (a short drive away) in time for lunch.

EXPERIENCE Solio Lodge, in the north of Kenya, offers plenty of exciting activities. You’ll find horse riding, trekking and trout fishing in the Aberdare National Park and fantastic views of Mount Kenya from the lodge or a helicopter. Large numbers of black and white rhinoceros are found on the Game Conservancy along with the big cats, other wildlife and indigenous exotic birds.

DAY 9, 10 and 11

A heavenly oasis to relax and enjoy

STAY AT Sasaab

GETTING THERE From the Solio airstrip it is a 20min private charter flight to Sasaab. On arrival we will take you to the lodge in time for lunch.

EXPERIENCE The hilly terrain in Samburu land in the north of Kenya, is different to other parts of the country. Here you’ll find the Samburu Special Five – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and Beisa oryx. During your stay at Sasaab guests are offered a glimpse into Samburu life, learning about their traditions and culture. Here you can explore the wild, embark on a fly camping adventure, take a ride on a camel through the wilderness or relax at the luxurious spa.

DAY 12

Meet the resident Rothschild’s giraffes

STAY AT Giraffe Manor

GETTING THERE After breakfast at Sasaab you’ll catch a flight from Samburu to Nairobi Wilson Airport. We will meet you at Wilson Airport and transfer you to Giraffe Manor in time for a late lunch.

EXPERIENCE On arrival you will be met by our resident Rothschild’s Giraffe who roam the grounds of the sanctuary surrounding this classic manor house. The giraffes are completely wild, but enjoy being fed by our guests*, making this an experience unlike any other in the world. After lunch you can visit the Giraffe Centre located within the Manor’s grounds or take a trip to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and see orphaned elephants and rhinoceros. The nearby Karen Blixen Museum offers a glimpse into the life of the author of the infamous book “Out of Africa” and en-route you will have a chance to purchase gifts from local designers and artisans.

* The giraffe at Giraffe Manor are wild and therefore we cannot guarantee interaction with them at any given time.

DAY 13

Farewell Kenya

EXPERIENCE: After an enchanting breakfast with the giraffes at Giraffe Manor, you will be transferred to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international flight home.

* Depending on the time your international flight departs Nairobi, you may wish to spend some time relaxing in the tranquil surrounds of The Retreat at Giraffe Manor, where you can enjoy a wonderful range of spa facilities and first class hospitality. Day rooms and day passes are available to book in advance.