This morning we will embark on a city tour of Kigali including the Genocide Memorial site a grim reminder of a senseless massacre of innocent’s lives in 1994. Learn about Rwanda’s history from pre-colonial times to the 1994 genocide; learn about other genocides in the world and how this country has dealt with that past. Tour more and see the new developments in Rwanda; the recovery has been incredible, a testament to humankind’s resilience.

After this we depart on scenic drive northwestwards through the beautiful terraced hillsides that display Rwanda’s landscape. Arrive at Ruhengeri, the base for Gorilla trekking at the Parc National des Volcans where we will check into Bishop’s House Boutique Hotel with the rest of the day to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area and prepare for your Gorilla trek.

Nestled in the serene suburbs of Musanze, The Bishop’s House, with its colonial-style architecture and luxurious furnishings, stands as a distinguished retreat for travelers eager to explore the Volcanoes National Park. This boutique hotel boasts nine elegantly appointed rooms, each a testament to comfort and grandeur, featuring handcrafted four-poster beds and en-suite bathrooms equipped with hot showers and plush bathrobes. Surrounded by the rich biodiversity of Rwanda, The Bishop’s House offers a tranquil haven amidst the natural beauty and tranquility of the “land of a thousand hills,” providing guests with an unparalleled experience of warmth and luxury.

After your morning wake-up call and breakfast transfer by road in a 4WD Land Cruiser and report to the park headquarters, for gorilla trekking formalities and briefing by the Volcanoes National Park’s guides on the gorillas’ etiquette. The gorilla group that you will visit will depend on the assignment of travellers to the habituated gorilla groups. Park rangers have already left to locate the habituated Gorilla groups that are accessible to visitors. You will be assigned to a specific group of gorillas. Groups of trekkers will have a maximum of eight visitors per gorilla family. Your trek will vary in length depending on which gorilla group you have been assigned to and will commence at about 7,000 feet of altitude in the upper terraced slopes of the volcano.

Soon you will enter the forest of bamboo and thick undergrowth. You follow paths and the walking is steep but not overly strenuous. Nothing can prepare one for the impact of encountering a fully grown silverback gorilla: up to three times as bulky as the average man, yet remarkably peaceful and tolerant of human visitors. There are no words to describe the thrill of recognition attached to staring deep into the liquid brown eyes of these gentle giants, which share some 97% of their genes with humans. After locating your assigned Gorilla group you will spend one hour in their company before retracing your steps back down the volcano slopes.

You’ll return to the lodge for lunch before we pay a visit to The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Ruhengeri, Rwanda, is a pioneering conservation initiative dedicated to the preservation of endangered mountain gorillas. Established through a significant contribution by Ellen DeGeneres, the campus serves as a hub for research, education, and conservation efforts. It features state-of-the-art facilities for scientists and students, aiming to foster a deep connection with nature and ensure the survival of gorillas in their natural habitat, while promoting sustainable practices and community engagement in conservation efforts.

As morning unfolds, indulge in a leisurely breakfast, each bite echoing the memories of your adventures. Today, the road beckons again, winding back to the vibrant heart of Kigali, with the vast horizon pointing towards Kigali International Airport and the next chapter of your journey.

Yet, the whispers of the wilderness might entice you to linger a little longer. Consider an encore—a second day immersed in the park’s embrace, a chance to forge another profound connection with a different gorilla family.