Rwanda was once the ‘Land of Eternal Spring’ and its capital Kigali still fits the bill. Sprawled over ridges, hills and valleys, it is a small, attractive city offering superb views over the intensively cultivated and terraced countryside beyond. There aren’t many sights in the city, but the Kigali Memorial Centre, documenting the Rwandan genocide, is a must for all visitors to Rwanda.

Day 2 Kigali to Parc National des Volcans

Depart Kigali for the 3 hour drive to the edge of Parc National Des Volcans to your accommodation – an ideal pleace to start your gorilla trekking.

A dramatic chain of seven volcanoes, this park is the definitive place to track the rare and captivating mountain gorillas. Forming a natural border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the area is one of the most beautiful in Africa. Dian Fossey’s account of her years with the gorillas and her battle with poachers and government officials is detailed in Gorillas in the Mist, a must-read before coming here.

Day 3 Gorilla Trekking (Parc National des Volcans)

Following a briefing on Gorilla etiquette, enter the park for Gorilla tracking. Your trek will commence at an altitude of 6,500 feet in the upper slopes of the Volcanoes. After locating your gorilla group, spend one hour in their company. If time permits, visit the nearby little known but compellingly beautiful twin lakes Bulera and Ruhondo. Return to the lodge for dinner.

There is no habitat more evocative of the gorillas than the densely forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Coming upon the Susa family of 35 on the slopes of Karisimbi is one of life’s unforgettable moments – no bars, no windows, three silverbacks eye the proceedings as infants and juveniles frolic on every side.

Day 4 Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Kigali

Today, re-enter the Park in search of a different gorilla family. In Rwanda there are four habituated gorilla groups that can be viewed by visitors. Return to the lodge before transferring back to Kigali for an overnight stay.

Day 5 Depart Kigali