Itineraries

8 DAYS ALBERTINE RIFT ENDEMICS TOUR-RWANDA

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Despite its small surface are Rwanda is a home to a wide variety of vegetation types due to the bio-geographic situation at the crossroad of the Afromontane, Guineo-Congolian, Zambezian and East-African Influence. With a variety of habitat ranging fromthe high altitude and montane rainforest, open dry and seasonal wet grasslands, Wetlands, Lakes and river, etc. Rwanda is a highly attractive birding destination in the worldwith today’s list of 709 bird species. On this 6 days tour, we visit Nyungwe NP and wetlands of Kigali and Bugesera to try in a short time maximum of bird species Endemics to the Albertine Rift combined with wetlands and savanna birds of Bugesera Nyungwe National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, with the Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. With 322 birds including,Nyungwe is the easiest place in the region to see 29 Albertine Rift Endemics like Handsome Francolin, Mountain Sooty and Willard’s Boubous, Stripe-breasted Tit, Grauer’s Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-throated Alethe, Equatorial Akalat, Purple-breasted and Regal Sunbirds, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, etc. Additional to Nyungwe NP, Wetlands and lakes of Kigali and Bugesera offer excellent birdlife and are probably some of the most easily accessible birding areas in Rwanda. Several sites offer good chances to observe waterbirds and savannah species like Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, White-winged Swamp Warbler, White-collared Oliveback, Carruther’s Cisiticola, Lesser Jacana, Ruhuaha Chat, Sooty Chat, Black and White Mannikin, Blue-naped Mousebird, etc. 

FULL DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival: Upon arrival, a representative from the hotel welcomes you and transfers you at Chez Lando Hotel, a short drive away from the airport 

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe NP: After an earlier breakfast, we drive to Nyungwe NP, a journey of about 5 hours, to reach Gisakura by lunch time. After lunch, we have a brief afternoon birding around the office of the park (Gisakura) and the lodge where we can to see Blue Malkoha, African Green-Pigeon, Black-billed Weaver, Blue-headed Sunbird, Great Blue Turaco, Collared Sunbird,, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and we can also try Rwenzori Nightjar in communities’ farm around the Lodge; accommodation at Ken Barhama Guest House. 

Day 3: Birding and photography in Nyungwe NP: We have the first full day to try Albertine Rift Endemics at Umuyove trail and Rangiro road where we can see endemics like Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Grauer's Warbler, Rwenzori Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Kungwe Apalis, Red-faced Woodland-Warbler, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing,Red-throated Alethe. We can also see other eye-catching species like Black-billed Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Gray Cuckoo-shrike, Black-tailed Oriole, Chinspot Batis, Lühder's Bush-shrike, Albertine Boubou, Doherty's Bush-shrike, Black-throated Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Banded Prinia, Chubb's Cisticola, Black Saw-wing, Shelley's Greenbul (Kakamega). We stop for a quick lunch at Uwinka reception and information center. After lunch we can see Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Abyssinian Thrush, African Dusky Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher, Olive Sunbird, Forest Weaver and at 5.30pm we drive at Ken Barham Guest House for dinner and overnight 

Day 4: Birding and photography in Nyungwe NP: Second full day birding in Nyungwe National Park to continue with photography and observation of mountain species and Albertine Rift Endemics; this time we take Ndambarare, a trail on the western side of Nyungwe NP. We can see Great Blue Turaco, Red-collared Mountain-Babbler, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Elliot's Woodpecker, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Fawn-breasted Waxbill, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye, Rwenzori Batis, Neumann's Warbler, Willard's Sooty Boubou, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, White-browed Crombec, Black-throated Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Gray Apalis, Black-faced Rufous-Warbler, Chubb's Cisticola, Black Saw-wing, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Waller's and Stuhlmann's Starlings, African Dusky Flycatcher, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Black-billed Weaver, Forest Weaver, Black-crowned Waxbill and Streaky Seedeater. At this trail we can also see the rare primates of the forest; Grey-checked Mangabay and Mona Monkey along with the Rwenzori Sun Squirrel. After a lunch break, we head to Karamba trail, a few minute driving from the western entrance of the forest and we can see White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Willard's Sooty Boubou, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Dusky Tit, White-browed Crombec, Black-faced Apalis, Archer's Robin-Chat, Northern Double-collared Sunbird and White-breasted Nigrita. We stop our day birding at 5.30pm and we head back to Ken Barham Guest Housefor dinner and accommodation. 

Day 5: Third full day birding in Nyungwe NP: This is a day to try Handsome Francolin at Pindura-Bweyeye road. We can also see Cassin's Hawk-Eagle, Strange and Forest Weavers, Abyssinian Thrush, Albertine Boubou, Doherty's Bush-shrike, Mackinnon's Shrike, White-necked Raven, Black-throated Apalis, Chubb's Cisticola, Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler, Eastern Mountain Greenbul, African Yellow White-eye, African Dusky Flycatcher, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher. During the migration period, we can also see raptors like European Honey-buzzard, Black Kite and Mountain Buzzard. After lunch we head back at Rangiro road to see Dwarf Honeyguide, Archer's Robin-Chat, Black-tailed Oriole, Northern Puffback, Albertine Boubou, Rwenzori Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler, Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, White-starred Robin, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbirds; our dinner and accommodation are at Ken Barham Guest House at 7pm. 

Day 6: Morning Birding and transfer to Kigali:We have a morning birding at Waterfall trail; this trail shows really how Nyungwe NP is an indigenous forest. At this trail we shall see Lemon Dove, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Many-colored Bush-shrike, Siffling Cisticola, White-bellied Crested-Flycatcher, African Green-Pigeon, Great Blue Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Rwenzori Batis, Northern Puffback, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Grauer's Warbler, Black-faced Rufous-Warbler, Rock Martin, Angola Swallow, Red-rumped, Swallow, Black Saw-wing, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul. After lunch we drive to Kigali and on the way we stop at Uwasenkoko wetlands to try Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) an endangered and endemic to the Albertine Rift species. We reach Kigali at dinner time and our accommodation is at Chez Lando Hotel. 

Day 7: Birding in Kigali and Bugesera Lodge: After breakfast, we drive to Umusambi Village and try the White-Collared Oliveback. We can also see Black-headed Gonolek, Winding Cisticola, Yellow-throated Leaf-love, Black and White Mannikin, Bronze Mannikin, Blue-headed Coucal, Meyer’s Parrot, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Fawn-breasted Waxbill, Green-headed Sunbird, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Holub's Golden Weaver, Red-cheeked Cordon-blue, Red-chested Cuckoo, Ross's Turaco, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Spot-flanked Barbet, Swamp Flycatcher, Grosbeak Weaver, Tropical Boubou, African Black-headed Oriole, African Paradise Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Grey-crowned Cranes. After lunch, at a local restaurant in Kigali, we drive to Bugesera Lodge. After checking in, we have an afternoon birding and we can see species of Chats; Ruhuaha and Sooty along with savannah species like Brown-backed Scrub-robin, Red-eyed Dove, Ring-necked Dove, Laughing Dove, White-browed Coucal, Klaas's Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Little Swift, African Harrier-Hawk, Long-crested Eagle, Wahlberg's Eagle, Yellow-billed Kit), Blue-naped Mousebird, European Bee-eater African Paradise-Flycatcher, Red-faced Crombec, Miombo Wren-Warbler, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Trilling Cisticola, Yellow-throated Greenbul, Arrow-marked Babbler, Violet-backed Starling, Rüppell's Starling, African Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, Brown-backed Scrub-Robin, White-browed Robin-Chat, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Red-chested Sunbird, Copper Sunbird, Holub's Golden-Weaver, Southern Red Bishop, Green-winged Pytilia, Red-billed Firefinch, Pin-tailed Whydah, Northern Gray-headed Sparrow, Yellow-fronted Canary, Western Citril, Brimstone Canary; Accommodation and dinner are offered at Bugesera Lodge. 

Day 8: Birding in Bugesera: After an earlier breakfast, we head to wetlands of Bugesera to see Papyrus Gonolek at Gashora Wetland where can also see Papyrus Canary, Levaillant's Cuckoo, Hottentot Teal, Winding and Carruthers's Cisticolas, White-winged Swamp Warbler, Banded Martin, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Eurasian Moorhen, Red-knobbed Coot, Black Crake, Long-toed Lapwing, Wattled Lapwing, African Jacana, Wood Sandpiper, Long-tailed Cormorant, Pink-backed Pelican, Little Bittern, Gray Heron, Black-headed Heron, Purple Heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Squacco Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, African Sacred Ibis, Long-crested Eagle, African Marsh-Harrier, Yellow-billed Kite, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Little Bee-eater, Lilac-breasted Roller, Eurasian Kestrel, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Swamp Flycatcher, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Red-chested Sunbird, Holub's Golden and Lesser Masked-Weavers, Red-billed Quelea, Southern Red Bishop, White-winged and Fan-tailed Widowbird, Grosbeak Weaver, Common Waxbill, Yellow-fronted Canary, Later afternoon we drive to the airport for the evening flight. END 

Cost 1 Pax (Solo): USD3,800 (Three Thousand Eight Hundred USD) 2 Pax (Single rooms): USD 2,600/pers (Two Thousand Six Hundred USD) 2 Pax (Couple): USD 2,500/Pers (Two Thousand Five Hundred USD) 3 Pax (single rooms): USD 2,200/pers (Two Thousand Two Hundred USD)

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

•Accommodations: There is a variety of budget and medium class accommodations around national parks and birding destinations. There are also Luxury lodges around Nyungwe and Akagera NPNP. Generally, our tours are for medium range, but the clients can indicate if he/she wants budget or luxury and we review the price accordingly.

 •Infrastructure: There is a good network of asphalted roads and Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is the cleanest city in Africa with safe roads and clean hotels.

 •Connecting to diverse destinations: All major attractions are located within 1-5 hour drive from Kigali. Volcanoes NP is in 2 hours, Akagera NP in 2.5 hours, Nyungwe NP is in 5 hours while Wetlands in Bugesera are in less than one hour drive from Kigali.

 •Safety: East Africa, especially Rwanda, is a thriving, safe with low crime rates in Africa. •A base to visit East African destinations: Rwanda is located in the heart of central and East Africa with easy access to bordering countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. •Visa: From 1st Jan 2018, Nationals of all countries receive visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Th one East African Tourist Visa will allow travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with the same multiple entry visa. Citizens of countries members to the African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie get visa upon arrival and are waived visa fees for a visit of 30 days

 •Climate: Rwanda has temperate tropical highland climate with 2 rainy and 2 dry seasons. At higher altitudes temperatures range from cool to warm.

•Travel airlines: Airlines servicing Kigali International Airport are: RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, •Walking: When birding in mountain forests, Nyungwe ,Volcanoes and Gishwati-Mukura NP, we walk on well maintained trails, In Akagera NP, birding is done inside the car (apart from pick nick and campsite); we use 4x4 open roof cars to allow a good sighting of hidden birds in savannah and acacia trees.

 •Cost: The cost includes full board accommodation in a medium range accommodation (meals include one carbonated drink), transport (car, fuel, driver-guide and mineral water), park entrance and other attractions (including guide), taxes and bank charges. It doesn’t cover flight and visa, tips and personal expenses (Laundry, alcohol drinks, telephone calls, etc.) 

•Period: The tour is open along the year

10 DAYS EXPLORING BIRDS OF SAVANNA AND ALEBRTINE RIFT ENDEMICS IN RWANDA 

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Despite its small surface are Rwanda is a home to a wide variety of vegetation types due to the bio-geographic situation at the crossroad of the Afromontane, Guineo-Congolian, Zambezian and East-African Influence. With a variety of habitat ranging fromthe high altitude and montane rainforest, open dry and seasonal wet grasslands, Wetlands, Lakes and river, etc. Rwanda is a highly attractive birding destination in the worldwith today’s list of 709 bird species. On this 10 days tour for Savanna and Albertine Rift endemics, we propose a trip to Nyungwe and Akagera National Parks and wetlands of Bugesera. Nyungwe National Park; is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, with the Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. With 322 birds including,Nyungwe is the easiest place in the region to see 29 Albertine Rift Endemics like Handsome Francolin, Mountain Sooty and Willard’s Boubous, Stripe-breasted Tit, Grauer’s Warbler, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-throated Alethe, Equatorial Akalat, Purple-breasted and Regal Sunbirds, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, etc. Akagera National Park; The relatively warm and low-lying plains and comprise savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes. The park hosts 490 bird species among them the rare Red-faced and Crested Barbets, Coqui and Ring-necked Francolins, African Finfoot, Ruhuaha Chat, etc. Additional to variety of birdlife, when visiting Akagera, you can hope to see the Big Five on safari drives (Lion, Leopard, Buffaloes, Elephants and Rhinos) and visitors can also encounter Roan Antelope, Zebra, Giraffe, Topi, etc. Wetlands and lakes of Bugesera; located to the south-east of Kigali, they offer excellent birding and are probably some of the most easily accessible birding areas in Rwanda. Several sites offer good chances to observe numerous waterbirds and savannah species like Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, White-winged Swamp Warbler, Carruther’s Cisiticola, Lesser Jacana,Red-chested Sunbird, Blue-naped Mousebird, African Fish Eagle, etc. Wetlands in Kigali; Kigali has great Urban Birding, Nyarutarama Lake at the edge of the Kigali golf course is always productive. Species include: Purple Swamphen, Black Cuckoo-Shrike, Yellow-breasted Apalis, etc. In addition, Umusambi Village is the ensured place to see the White-collared Oliveback, Black and White Mannikin, and offers close up views of rescued Grey-crowned Cranes and Spur-winged Goose. 

FULL DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival: Upon arrival, a representative from the hotel welcomes you and transfers you at Chez Lando Hotel, a short drive away from the airport 

Day 2: Birding in Kigali and transfer to Nyungwe NP: After breakfast, we drive to Umusambi Village and try the White-Collared Oliveback. We can also see Black-headed Gonolek, Winding Cisticola, Yellow-throated Leaflove, Black and White Mannikin, Bronze Mannikin, Blue-headed Coucal, Meyer’s Parrot, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Fawn-breasted Waxbill, Green-headed Sunbird, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Holub's Golden Weaver, Red-cheeked Cordon-blue, Red-chested Cuckoo, Ross's Turaco, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Spot-flanked Barbet, Swamp Flycatcher, Grosbeak Weaver, Tropical Boubou, African Black-headed Oriole, African Paradise Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Grey-crowned Cranes. After a cup of coffee at the village, around 10am, we drive to Nyungwe National Park (lunch is arranged on the way) to reach around dinner time; On the road we shall see Ruhuaha Chat, Black Kite, etc and when we enter Nyungwe NP, we shall see groups of L’Hoest’s Monkeys feeding along the road edge before we reach our accommodation, Ken Barhama Guest House. 

Day 3: Birding and photography in Nyungwe NP: We have the first full day to try Albertine Rift Endemics at Umuyove trail and Rangiro road where we can see endemics like Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Stripe-breasted Tit, Grauer's Warbler, Rwenzori Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Kungwe Apalis, Red-faced Woodland-Warbler, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing,Red-throated Alethe. We can also see other eye-catching species like Black-billed Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Gray Cuckoo-shrike, Black-tailed Oriole, Chinspot Batis, Lühder's Bush-shrike, Albertine Boubou, Doherty's Bush-shrike, Black-throated Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Banded Prinia, Chubb's Cisticola, Black Saw-wing, Shelley's Greenbul (Kakamega). We stop for a quick lunch at Uwinka reception and information center. After lunch we can see Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Abyssinian Thrush, African Dusky Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher, Olive Sunbird, Forest Weaver and at 5.30pm we drive at Ken Barham Guest House for dinner and overnight 

Day 4: Birding and photography in Nyungwe NP: Second full day birding in Nyungwe National Park to continue with photography and observation of Mountain species and Albertine Rift Endemics; we took Ndambarare, a trail on the western side of Nyungwe NP. We can see Great Blue Turaco, Red-collared Mountain-Babbler, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Elliot's Woodpecker, Northern Double-collared Sunbird,White-breasted Nigrita, Fawn-breasted Waxbill, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye, Rwenzori Batis, Neumann's Warbler, Willard's Sooty Boubou, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, White-browed Crombec, Black-throated Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Gray Apalis, Black-faced Rufous-Warbler, Chubb's Cisticola, Black Saw-wing, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Waller's and Stuhlmann's Starling, African Dusky Flycatcher, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Black-billed Weaver, Forest Weaver, Black-crowned Waxbill and Streaky Seedeater. At this trail we can also see the rare primates of the forest; Grey-checked Mangabay and Mona Monkey along with the Rwenzori Sun Squirrel. After a lunch break, we head to Karamba trail, a few minute driving from the western entrance of the forest and we can see Blue Malkoha, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Willard's Sooty Boubou, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Dusky Tit, White-browed Crombec, Black-faced Apalis, Archer's Robin-Chat, Northern Double-collared Sunbird and White-breasted Nigrita. We stop our day birding at 5.30pm and we head back to Ken Barham Guest House for dinner and accommodation. 

Day 5: Third full day birding in Nyungwe NP:This is a day to try Handsome Francolin at Pindura-Bweyeye road. We can also see Cassin's Hawk-Eagle, Strange and Forest Weavers,Abyssinian Thrush, Albertine Boubou, Doherty's Bush-shrike, Mackinnon's Shrike, White-necked Raven, Black-throated Apalis, Chubb's Cisticola, Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler, Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Common Bulbul (Dark-capped), African Yellow White-eye, African Dusky Flycatcher, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher, During the migration period, we can also see raptors like European Honey-buzzard, Black Kite and Mountain Buzzard. After lunch we head again at Rangiro road to seeDwarf Honeyguide, Archer's Robin-Chat, Black-tailed Oriole, Northern Puffback, Albertine Boubou, Rwenzori Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler, Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, African Yellow White-eye, White-starred Robin, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird. We will end up our day birding at the office of the park (Gisakura) where we stop for some minutes to seeAfrican Green-Pigeon, Black-billed Weaver, and we can also try Rwenzori Nightjar in communities’ farm around the Lodge. 

Day 6: Morning Birding and transfer to Kigali: We have a morning birding at Waterfall trail, this trail shows really how Nyungwe NP is an indigenous forest. At this trail we shall seeLemon Dove, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Many-colored Bush-shrike, Siffling Cisticola, White-bellied Crested-Flycatcher, African Green-Pigeon, Great Blue Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Rwenzori Batis, Northern Puffback, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Grauer's Warbler, Rwenzori Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Gray Apalis, Black-faced Rufous-Warbler, Rock Martin, Angola Swallow, Red-rumped, Swallow, Black Saw-wing, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul. After lunch we drive to Kigali and on the way we stop at Uwasenkoko wetlands to try Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) an endangered wetland species and endemic to the Albertine Rift region. We reach Kigali at dinner time and the accommodation is at Chez Lando Hotel. 

Day 7: Transfer to Akagera National Park: We leave Kigali by 6am to reach Akagera NP by 8am and on the way we can see Yellow-billed Stork, Grey Heron and Long-crested Eagle. After registration at the park reception, we start birding and game viewing in a savanna park and we can see Trilling, Croaking and Tabola Cisticolas, African Grey Hornbill, Greater Blue-eared and Long-tailed Starlings, Lilac-breasted Roller , Speckled and Blue-napped Mousebirds, Bateleur, Lizard Buzzard, Black-bellied Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, Collared Pratincole, Ring-necked Dove, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Sooty Chat, Blue-headed Coucal, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Pearl-spotted Owlet , Hildebrandt’s, Common Cuckoo, Flappet Lark, Rufous-naped Lark. We can also encounter herds of Buffaloes, dazzle of Zebra andImpala; accommodation at Akagera Game Lodge. 

Day 8: Day birding and sunset boat; We start birding in garden of Akagera Game Lodge to see Red-faced Barbet. After we continue on hills sides for a full day birding and animal viewing. We can see Coqui Francolins, Brubru, Bare-faced Go-away, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Red-chested Cuckoo, Striped Kingfisher, Woodland Kingfisher, European Bee-eater, Common Scimitarbill, Green Wood Hoopoe African Grey Hornbill, Grey Kestrel, Meyer’s Parrot, Black-headed Gonolek, Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, Black-crowned Tchagra, Brubru, Chinspot Batis, White-crested Helmet-shrike, Grey-Backed Fiscaland Crested Barbet, and we can see animals like Giraffe, Elephants, Cape Eland, etc. At 4.30pm we go for a sunset boat on Lake Ihema and we can see flocks of waterbirds at the breeding area including Great Cormorant, Striated Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Common Squacco Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Goliath Heron,Purple Heron, Reed Cormorant, African Darter, African Fish Eagle, Black Crake, Water Thick-knee, Spur-winged Lapwing,Common Sandpiper, Grey Crowned Crane; Accommodation at Akagera Game Lodge 

Day 9: Morning birding and transfer to Kigali: We have a morning game viewing on Lake Circuit and we can see Senegal Lapwing, African Jacana, Crowned Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, Broad-billed Roller, Saddle-billed Stork, African Palm Swift , Little Swift, African Green Pigeon, Ross’s Turaco, Little Bee-eater, African Hoopoe, Lesser Striped Swallow, Red-faced Crombec, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Spot-flanked Barbet, Cardinal Woodpecker, Bearded Woodpecker, Stout Cisticola, Short-winged Cisticola, Tabola (Long-tailed) Cisticola, Tawny-flanked Prinia, White-chinned Prinia, Miombo Wren-warbler, Green-capped Eremomela, after lunch we to Kigali to reach around 6pm for dinner and accommodation at Chez Lando Hotel 

Day 10: Birding in Bugesera: After an earlier breakfast, we head to wetlands of Bugesera to see Papyrus Gonolek at Gashora Wetland where can also see Papyrus Canary, Levaillant's Cuckoo, Hottentot Teal, Winding and Carruthers's Cisticolas, White-winged Swamp Warbler, Banded Martin, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Eurasian Moorhen, Red-knobbed Coot, Black Crake, Long-toed Lapwing, Wattled Lapwing, African Jacana, Wood Sandpiper, Long-tailed Cormorant, Pink-backed Pelican, Little Bittern, Gray Heron, Black-headed Heron, Purple Heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Squacco Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, African Sacred Ibis, Long-crested Eagle, African Marsh-Harrier, Yellow-billed Kite, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Little Bee-eater, Lilac-breasted Roller, Eurasian Kestrel, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Swamp Flycatcher, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Red-chested Sunbird, Holub's Golden and Lesser Masked-Weavers, Red-billed Quelea, Southern Red Bishop, White-winged and Fan-tailed Widowbird, Grosbeak Weaver, Common Waxbill, Yellow-fronted Canary, Later afternoon we drive to the airport for the evening flight. END 

Cost 1 Pax (Solo): USD5,400 (Five Thousand Four Hundred USD) 2 Pax (single rooms): USD 4,000/pers (Four Thousand USD) 2 Pax (Couple): USD 3,700/Pers (Three Thousand Seven Hundred USD) 3 Pax (single rooms): USD 3,400/pers (Three Thousand Four Hundred USD)

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION

•Accommodations: There is a variety of budget and medium class accommodations around national parks and birding destinations. There are also Luxury lodges around Nyungwe and Akagera NPNP. Generally, our tours are for medium range, but the clients can indicate if he/she wants budget or luxury and we review the price accordingly.

 •Infrastructure: There is a good network of asphalted roads and Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is the cleanest city in Africa with safe roads and clean hotels. 

•Connecting to diverse destinations: All major attractions are located within 1-5 hour drive from Kigali. Volcanoes NP is in 2 hours, Akagera NP in 2.5 hours, Nyungwe NP is in 5 hours while Wetlands in Bugesera are in less than one hour drive from Kigali. 

•Safety: East Africa, especially Rwanda, is a thriving, safe with low crime rates in Africa.

 •A base to visit East African destinations: Rwanda is located in the heart of central and East Africa with easy access to bordering countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. 

•Visa: From 1st Jan 2018, Nationals of all countries receive visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Th one East African Tourist Visa will allow travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with the same multiple entry visa. Citizens of countries members to the African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie get visa upon arrival and are waived visa fees for a visit of 30 days 

•Climate: Rwanda has temperate tropical highland climate with 2 rainy and 2 dry seasons. At higher altitudes temperatures range from cool to warm. 

•Travel airlines: Airlines servicing Kigali International Airport are: RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines,

 •Walking: When birding in mountain forests, Nyungwe ,Volcanoes and Gishwati-Mukura NP, we walk on well maintained trails, In Akagera NP, birding is done inside the car (apart from pick nick and campsite); we use 4x4 open roof cars to allow a good sighting of hidden birds in savannah and acacia trees. 

•Cost: The cost includes full board accommodation in a medium range accommodation (meals include one carbonated drink), transport (car, fuel, driver-guide and mineral water), park entrance and other attractions (including guide), taxes and bank charges. It doesn’t cover flight and visa, tips and personal expenses (Laundry, alcohol drinks, telephone calls, etc.) 

•Period: The tour is open along the year

TWO WEEKS ALBERTINE ENDEMIC AND GORILLA TREKKING HOLIDAYS IN RWANDA

 INTRODUCTION 

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. Located in Central-East Africa, Rwanda is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest, sweeping plains, rolling savannah, lakes and wetlands. Today, 4 national parks are gazetted and the country has an extraordinary culture and many traditions and rich history. 

Volcanoes National Park “In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat,” wrote the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey, “are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest - the Virungas.” In this majestic park, tracking the endangered Mountain Gorillas through the mysterious is the intimacy of the rain forest.The groups, or troops, of Mountain Gorillas consist of at least one silverback along with several females and youngsters. They alive with the calls of 200 species of colorful birds (including Albetine Rift Endemics) and chattering of the rare Golden Monkey, is only one of the truly unique experiences in the area. Nyungwe National Park; is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, with the Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. The park is also a regional biodiversity hotspot, supporting 1,068 recorded plant species and 13 different primates species. The birdwatching is among the best in Africa with 322 birds including 29 Albertine Rift Endemics. 

Nyungwe is the easiest place in the region to see the Albertine Rift endemics likeHandsome Francolin, Mountain Sooty and Willard’s Boubous, Stripe-breasted Tit, Grauer’s Warblers, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Red-collared Mountain Babbler, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, Red-throated Alethe, Equatorial Akalat, Purple-breasted and Regal Sunbirds, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing, etc. 

Akagera National Park; The relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera NP comprise of savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes. When visiting Akagera, you can hope to see the Big Five on safari drives (Lion, Leopard, Buffaloes, Elephants and Rhinos). On the birding and wildlife game viewing, visitors can also encounter Roan Antelope, Zebra, Giraffe, Topi, an incredible 490 bird species among them the rare Red-faced Barbet and Ruhuaha Chat, plus much more. 

Gishwati Mukura National Park; it is made up of two separate forests - the larger Gishwati and small Mukura. Gishwati is home to Chimpanzees which live alongside Golden Monkeys. Birds are well represented too, 232 species have been seen at Gishwati and 163 at Mukura, among them Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists. 

Wetlands and lakes of Bugesera; located to the south-east of Kigali, they offer excellent birding and are probably some of the most easily accessible birding areas in Rwanda. Several sites offer good chances to observe numerous waterbirds and savannah species like Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, White-winged Swamp Warbler, Lesser Jacana,Red-chested Sunbird, Blue-naped Mousebird, African Fish Eagle, etc. 

Lake Kivu; Lake Kivu offers a very relaxing stop over during a birding tour and is not without its highlights. The lake supports huge numbers of White-breasted Cormorants, Pied Kingfishers and Osprey can be seen fishing during its migration. Double-tooth Barbet is regularly seen in this region along with species such as Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Familiar Chat, Brown-throated Wattle-eye and Spot-flanked Barbet. The area is also a migratory corridor to the Palearctic migrants like Grey-headed Gull and the Intra-African migrants (Red-headed Robin-chat, Common Sandpiper). 

Wetlands in Kigali; Kigali has great Urban Birding, Nyarutarama Lake or “Lover’s Lake” at the edge of the Kigali golf course is always productive. Species include: Purple Swamphen, Black Cuckoo-Shrike, Red-chested and Bronzy Sunbirds, Yellow-breasted Apalis, etc. In addition, Umusambi Village is the ensured place to see the White-collared Oliveback and offers close up views of rescued Grey-crowned Cranesand Spur-winged Goose. Additional to nature attractions, Rwanda has a rich culture and history not to miss when you visit this country including the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and Museums. 

Genocide Memorials; there is in a number of Genocide memorials found throughout the country and they are moving testimonies in memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi (Kigali) is where 250,000 victims have been buried. Museums;there is seven galleries display historical, ethnographic, artistic and archaeological artefacts accompanied by visual aides, giving visitors a rich insight into the Rwandan culture. The famous museum is the Ethnographic Museum in Huye/Butare which houses one of Africa’s finest ethnographic collections. 

Cultural Village; With community, you have chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of the Rwandan culture and traditions. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR 

•Endemics birds to the Albertine Rift bird species 

•Birds in the dry savannah, moist savanna and arable land 

•Mountain Gorillas 

•Chimpanzees 

•Golden Monkeys 

•Cultural village, Museum and Genocide Memorial 

FULL DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival: Upon arrival, a representative from the hotel will welcome you and transfer you to Chez Lando Hotel for accommodation and diner, a short drive away from the airport. 

Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial and transfer to Musanze After the breakfast, we have a quick introduction on the two weeks ahead of exploring the natural beauty and nice people of Rwanda. We have a brief tour of Kigali City, the cleanest City in Africa, and we visit Kigali Genocide Memorial until lunch time. At the memorial, you will understand the events leading up to the genocide of 1994. After lunch we drive northwards to Musanze, a Town of Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. On the way, we can see some bird species like Yellow-billed Kite, Hooded Vulture, Common Kestrel, Sacred Ibis, Northern Gray-headed Sparrow, Angola Swallow. We have a brief stop at Mukungwa river where we can see common and widespread African birds as well as some migrants, such as seen Barn Swallow, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Red-billed Firefinch, Common Sandpiper, Chubb's Cisticola, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Black-headed Weaver, African Yellow Warbler, Speckled Mousebird, Chin-spot Batis, Gray-crowned Crane, Bronze Sunbird, Western Citril, Yellow-fronted Canary, Dusky Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Augur Buzzard. The accommodation is at DAVINCI Gorilla Lodge, a medium tourist accommodation around on the foothill of Sabyinyo Volcanoes. 

Day 3: Trekking Mountain Gorilla and afternoon birding: The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures. There are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, which are fully habituated, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research. The groups, or troops, consist of at least one silverback along with several females and youngsters. After breakfast, we drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am (as it is required), and were allocated a family group according to fitness levels, as well as being briefed on protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas. After trekking, which can go until lunch time, we drive to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon we have 2 hours birding around the HQ of Volcanoes NP, 20 minutes drive from our lodge, where we can see common birds around the mountain areas including Speckled Pigeon, Red-eyed Dove, Hadada Ibis, Yellow-billed kite (Black Kite), Augur Buzzard, Northern Fiscal, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, Chubb's Cisticola, Mountain Yellow-Warbler, Plain Martin, Rock Martin, Red-rumped Swallow, Black Saw-wing, Abyssinian Thrush, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher, Cape Robin-Chat, White-browed Robin-Chat, African Stonechat, Collared Sunbird, Bronze Sunbird, Baglafecht Weaver, Holub's Golden-Weaver, Yellow Bishop (with many Juveniles), Black-crowned Waxbill, Bronze Mannikin, Pin-tailed Whydah, Northern Gray-headed Sparrow, Cape Wagtail, African Pied Wagtail, African Pipit, Yellow-fronted Canary and Streaky Seedeater; accommodation and dinner at Davinci Gorilla Lodge. 

Day 4: Tracking Golden Monkey and transfer to Nyungwe: All activities at Volcanoes NP start at 7am with reporting at the office where a warming tea or coffee and brief introduction to the attraction is offered. As previous day, we report at the office at 7am; after briefing on tracking of Golden Monkeys we drive the foot hill of Sabyinyo Volcano, at Kabatwa Hill, which give the name of this group of Golden Monkey. The monkeys are easily found where they are swinging from the bamboo trees in the forest while others are collecting the remaining of Irish potatoes in the recently harvested farms. You stay 1 hour taking pictures, learning the family behaviours and ecology of these endemics primates to the Albertine Rift, from guides. The trekking ends between 11am and 12am when we start our drive to Nyungwe NP. On our drive, we have a brief stop at Nyirakiguhu Pond to try Hottentot Teal (Annashotentota). We spend one hour at this place and we can seeYellow-billed Duck, Little Grebe, Red-knobbed Coot, Three-banded Plover, Common Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Great Cormorant, Pink-backed Pelican, Hamerkop, Gray Heron, African Sacred Ibis, African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Kite (Black Kite), Pied Kingfisher and Mackinnon's Shrike. We have a brief stop for lunch in Rubavu before we proceed to Nyungwe NP via KIVU Belt road and we reach Ken Barham Guest House around 6pm. 

Day 5: Chimpanzees: Nyungwe NP is a home to over 13 species of primates including Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). We start our journey to trek chimpanzees at 5am with our packed breakfast and trekking can go up to lunch time. We spend only one hour with the Chimpanzees and also get another opportunity of observing them very closely in the treetops. Afternoon transfer we have a brief birding around the guest house and we can seeAfrican Golden Breasted Bunting, Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill, Mackinnon's Fiscal, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher, etc; Accommodation and dinner at Ken Barham Guest House. 

Day 6: Birding and photography in Nyungwe NP: We have the first full day to try Albertine Rift Endemics at Umuyove trail and Rangiro road where we can see endemics like Rwenzori Turaco, Rwenzori Batis,Stripe-breasted Tit, Grauer's Warbler, Rwenzori Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Kungwe Apalis, Red-faced Woodland-Warbler, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, , Purple-breasted Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Strange Weaver, Dusky Crimsonwing. We can also see other eye-catching species like Black-billed Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Gray Cuckoo-shrike, Black-tailed Oriole, Chinspot Batis, Lühder'sBushshrike, Albertine Boubou, Doherty's Bush-shrike, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Black-throated Apalis, , Chestnut-throated Apalis, Banded Prinia, Chubb's Cisticola, Black Saw-wing, Shelley's Greenbul (Kakamega), Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Common Bulbul (Dark-capped), Abyssinian Thrush, African Dusky Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher, Red-throated Alethe, Collared Sunbird, Blue-headed Sunbird, Olive Sunbird, Forest Weaver, we continue after lunch and at 5pm when we drive at Ken Barham Guest House for dinner and overnight 

Day 7: Birding and photography in Nyungwe NP: Second full day birding in Nyungwe National Park to continue with photography and observation of Mountain species and Albertine Rift Endemics; we take Ndambarare, a trail on the western side of Nyungwe NP. We can see Great Blue Turaco, Red-collared Mountain-Babbler, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill, Elliot's Woodpecker, Northern Double-collared Sunbird,White-breasted Nigrita, Fawn-breasted Waxbill, Blue-headed Sunbird, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye, Rwenzori Batis, Neumann's Warbler, Willard's Sooty Boubou, White-tailed Blue Flycatcher, White-browed Crombec, Black-throated Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Gray Apalis, Black-faced Rufous-Warbler, Chubb's Cisticola, Black Saw-wing, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Waller's and Stuhlmann's Starling, African Dusky Flycatcher, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Black-billed Weaver, Forest Weaver, Black-crowned Waxbill and Streaky Seedeater. At this trail we can also see the rare primates of the forest; Grey-checked Mangabay and Mona Monkey along with the Rwenzori Sun Squirrel. After a lunch break, we head to Karamba trail, a few minute driving from the western entrance of the forest and we can see Blue Malkoha, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Willard's Sooty Boubou, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Dusky Tit, White-browed Crombec, Black-faced Apalis, Archer's Robin-Chat, Northern Double-collared Sunbird and White-breasted Nigrita. We stop our day birding at 5.30pm and we head back to Ken Barham Guest Housefor dinner and accommodation. 

Day 8: Third full day birding in Nyungwe NP: This is a day to try Handsome Francolin at Pindura-Bweyeye road. We can also see Cassin's Hawk-Eagle, Strange and Forest Weavers, Abyssinian Thrush, Albertine Boubou, Doherty's Bush-shrike, Mackinnon's Shrike, White-necked Raven, Black-throated Apalis, Chubb's Cisticola, Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler, Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Common Bulbul (Dark-capped), African Yellow White-eye, African Dusky Flycatcher, Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher, During the migration period, we can also see raptors like European Honey-buzzard, Black Kite and Mountain Buzzard. After lunch we head again at Rangiro road to see Dwarf Honeyguide, Archer's Robin-Chat, Black-tailed Oriole, Northern Puffback, Albertine Boubou, Rwenzori Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler, Eastern Mountain Greenbul, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul, African Yellow White-eye, White-starred Robin, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird. We will end up our day birding at the office of the park (Gisakura) where we stop for some minutes to seeAfrican Green-Pigeon, Black-billed Weaver, and we can also try Rwenzori Nightjar in communities’ farm around the Lodge. 

Day 9: Morning Birding and transfer to Huye (Butare): We have a morning birding at Waterfall trail, this trail shows really how Nyungwe NP is an indigenous forest. At this trail we shall seeLemon Dove, White-bellied Robin-Chat, Many-colored Bush-shrike, Siffling Cisticola, White-bellied Crested-Flycatcher, African Green-Pigeon, Great Blue Turaco, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Rwenzori Batis, Northern Puffback, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Grauer's Warbler, Rwenzori Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, Gray Apalis, Black-faced Rufous-Warbler, Rock Martin, Angola Swallow, Red-rumped, Swallow, Black Saw-wing, Yellow-whiskered Greenbul. After lunch we head to Kigali and on the way we stop at Uwasenkoko Swamp to try Grauer’s Swamp Warbler (Bradypterus graueri) and wetland species endemic to the Albertine Rift region. After lunch we drive to Huye and our accommodation is at Gallileo Hotel 

Day 10: Museums, Coffee processing and Transfer to Akagera via Kigali: After the morning breakfast, we have an experience of coffee processing at Maraba Coffee washing station. We learn how coffee is planted and other process until the final product ready to be consumed. After coffee, we visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about Rwandan culture and general life before, during and after colonial period. After lunch we drive to Akagera NP, via Kigali. We have our accommodation at Akagera Rhino Lodge. 

Day 11: Birding and game driving in Akagera NP to Akagera National Park:We enter the park at 6am and after registration at the park reception, we start birding and game viewing in a savanna park and we can see Ruhuaha Chat and Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Trilling, Croaking and Tabola Cisticolas, African Grey Hornbill, Greater Blue-eared and Long-tailed Starlings, Lilac-breasted Roller , Speckled and Blue-napped Mousebirds, Bateleur, Lizard Buzzard, Black-bellied Bustard, Temminck’s Courser, Collared Pratincole, Ring-necked Dove, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Sooty Chat, Blue-headed Coucal, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Pearl-spotted Owlet , Hildebrandt’s, Common Cuckoo, Flappet Lark, Rufous-naped Lark. We can also encounter herds of Buffaloes, dazzle of Zebra andImpala; accommodation at Akagera Game Lodge. 

Day 12: Day birding and sunset boat :We start birding in garden of Akagera Game Lodge to see Red-faced Barbet. After we continue on hills sides for a full day birding and animal viewing. We can see Coqui Francolins, Brubru, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Red-chested Cuckoo, Striped Kingfisher, Woodland Kingfisher, Common Scimitarbill, Green Wood Hoopoe African Grey Hornbill, Grey Kestrel, Meyer’s Parrot, Black-headed Gonolek Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, Black-crowned Tchagra, Chinspot Batis, White-crested Helmet-shrike, Grey-Backed Fiscal and Crested Barbet, and we can see many animals like Giraffe, Elephants, Cape Eland, etc. At 4.30pm to 6pm we go for a sunset boat on Lake Ihema and we can see flocks of waterbirds at the breeding area including Great Cormorant, Striated Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Common Squacco Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Reed Cormorant, African Darter, African Fish Eagle, Black Crake, Water Thick-knee, Spur-winged Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Grey Crowned CraneAccommodation and dinner at Akagera Game Lodge 

Day 13:Morning birding and transfer to Kigali: We have a morning birding and game viewing on Lake Circuit and we can see Senegal Lapwing, African Jacana, Crowned Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, Broad-billed Roller, Saddle-billed Stork, African Palm Swift , Little Swift, African Green Pigeon, Ross’s Turaco, Little Bee-eater, African Hoopoe, Lesser Striped Swallow, Red-faced Crombec, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Spot-flanked Barbet, Cardinal Woodpecker, Bearded Woodpecker, Stout Cisticola, Short-winged Cisticola, Tabola (Long-tailed) Cisticola, Tawny-flanked Prinia, White-chinned Prinia, MiomboWren-warbler, Green-capped Eremomela, after lunch we drive to Kigali; accommodation at Chez Lando Hotel.

Day 14: Birding in Bugesera and airport transfer: After an earlier breakfast, we head to wetlands of Bugesera to see Papyrus Gonolek at Gashora Wetland where can also see easily Papyrus Canary, Levaillant's Cuckoo, Hottentot Teal, White-winged Swamp Warbler, Banded Martin, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Eurasian Moorhen, Red-knobbed Coot, Black Crake, Long-toed Lapwing, Wattled Lapwing, African Jacana, Wood Sandpiper, Long-tailed Cormorant, Pink-backed Pelican, Little Bittern, Gray Heron, Black-headed Heron, Purple Heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, Squacco Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, African Sacred Ibis, Long-crested Eagle, African Marsh-Harrier, Black Kite (Yellow-billed), Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Little Bee-eater, European Bee-eater, Lilac-breasted Roller, Eurasian Kestrel, Papyrus Gonolek, Winding Cisticola, Carruthers's Cisticola, Eurasian Reed Warbler, Common Bulbul (Dark-capped), Swamp Flycatcher, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Red-chested Sunbird, Holub's Golden-Weaver, Lesser Masked-Weaver, Red-billed Quelea, Southern Red Bishop, White-winged Widowbird, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Grosbeak Weaver, Common Waxbill, Red-billed Firefinch, Western Yellow Wagtail, African Pied Wagtail, Yellow-fronted Canary, later afternoon we drive to the airport for the evening flight. END 

Cost 1 Pax (Solo): USD9,600 (Nine Thousand Six Hundred USD) 2 Pax (single rooms): USD 7,600/pers (Seven Thousand Six Hundred USD) 2 Pax (Couple): USD 7,200/Pers (Seven Thousand Two Hundred USD) 3 Pax (single rooms): USD 6,700/pers (Six Thousand Seven Hundred USD)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW

•Accommodations:There is a variety of budget and medium class accommodations around national parks and birding detonations. You can also find Luxury lodges around Nyungwe and Volcanoes NP. 

•Infrastructure:There is a good network of asphalted roads and Kigali, the capital of Rwanda is the cleanest city in Africa with safe roads and clean hotels.

 •Connecting to diverse destinations: All major attractions are located within 1-5 hour drive from Kigali. Volcanoes NP is in 2 hours, Akagera NP in 2.5 hours, Nyungwe NP is in 5 hours while Wetlands in Bugesera are in less than one hour drive from Kigali.

 •Safety: East Africa, especially Rwanda, is a thriving, safe with low crime rates in Africa. 

•A base to visit East African destinations: Rwanda is located in the heart of central and East Africa with easy access to bordering countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo.

 •Visa: From 1st Jan 2018, Nationals of all countries receive visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Th one East African Tourist Visa will allow travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with the same multiple entry visa. Citizens of countries members to the following international organizations; African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie get visa upon arrival and are waived visa fees for a visit of 30 days

 •Climate: Rwanda has temperate tropical highland climate with 2 rainy and 2 dry seasons. At higher altitudes temperatures range from cool to warm. 

•Travel airlines: Airlines servicing Kigali International Airport are: RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines

 •Walking:When birding in mountain forests, Nyungwe ,Volcanoes and Gishwati-Mukura NP, we walk on well maintained trails, In Akagera NP, birding is done inside the car (apart from pick nick and campsite); we use 4x4 open roof cars to allow a good sighting of hidden birds in savannah and acacia trees. 

•Cost: The cost includes full board accommodation in a medium range accommodation (meals include one carbonated drink), transport (car, fuel, driver-guide and mineral water), park entrance and other attractions (including guide), taxes and bank charges. It doesn’t cover flight and visa, tips and personal expenses (Laundry, alcohol drinks, telephone calls, etc.) 

•Period: The tour is open along the year

EDUCATIONAL TOURS: HISTORY, CULTURE AND NATURE WILDLIFE OF RWANDA 

•Client Category: Adult people (High school, Universities and families) 

•Number of people: 10 and more 

•Accommodation: Medium 

Referred to as Land of Thousand Hills (le Pays Des Mille Collines), Rwanda is a small land-locked country in Central East Africa known for its breathtaking scenery, unique culture and history. Rwanda is mountainous, with grassy uplands, steep hills and deep valleys. In 1994, the country suffered the Tutsi Genocide which took the life of over 1 million people in 100 days and left the country really devastated. After the Genocide, the government put lot efforts to build social and human capitals, empowering the unity and reconciliation and recovering the national’s economy. Today, Rwanda has made much progress in terms of its development and is a good example of economic booming and promising standard life of its citizen. The 10 days education tour, visitors understand the events which led to 1994 Tutsi Genocide, how the country was destroyed and recovery process. They meet communities and visit museums to understand the Rwanda culture and will visit different development activities. After, they visit the unique natural attractions of the country including mountain and savannah wildlife.

Detailed Educational Tour

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Kigali for accommodation and dinner.

Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial and Kigali City Tour: The educational visit to Rwanda starts at Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance & learning about the 1994 Tutsi Genocide. This memorial also serves to educate about how the Genocide against the Tutsi took shape and examines genocide in the 20th century. At this place, visitors understand the events leading up to the genocide and how it was perpetrated. The Memorial is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi while gardens provide a place for quiet contemplation about the history of the Genocide. The place allows visitors to reflect on how we all have a personal responsibility to prevent discrimination and mass atrocity. After the visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial, we meet one of the Protector of Friendship Pact, people who helped thousands of Rwandans to survive the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi/Alternatively, we have testimonies from members of Unit and reconciliation groups. After lunch we visit the Campaign Against Genocide; the museum Museum depicts in details how RPA (currently RDF) forces who were in the war of liberation took the unilateral decision to stop Genocide, rescue victims of Genocide and defeat the Genocidal forces. This CAG Museum also has its outer part comprised of monuments including that of the 12.7mm Machine Gun that helped in containing the advancing genocidal forces. After a short city tour to see Kigali during the night, we go to the hotel for dinner and accommodation. 

Day 3: Kigali City Tour, industrial Zone and Transfer to Akagera NP: The day 2 starts with learning how Rwanda recovered from the 1994 genocide against Tutsi to be a booming and one of quick developing countries in Africa. We have a quick tour of Kigali City, the cleanest city in Africa, and then we visit the Kigali Industrial Zone until lunch time. We have our lunch at a restaurant with local dish before we drive to Akagera NP. This park lying in eastern Rwanda, is hugging the border with Tanzania. It's characterized by woodland, swamp-fringed lakes, low mountains and savannah. The varied terrain shelters wildlife including Zebras, Giraffes, Elephants, Buffaloes, Lions and hundreds of bird species and the vast lakes home to hippos and crocodiles; we reach at the lodge at dinner time. 

Day 4: Game drive and sunset boat: We have a full day game drive on different sides of the park, savannah, rolling hills, along wetlands and lakes. Akagera NP is the only Big Five Reserve in Rwanda and on our morning safaris we can some of them among other Elephants, Buffaloes and many more like Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Waterbuck, etc. the morning drive takes us at lunch time at Akagera Game Lodge. The lunch is organized on terrace where visitors have meals at the same time exploring the conservation treasures of Akagera National Park and hills of Western Tanzania. After a lunch break, we drive to Lake Ihema, the biggest lake of the park and second biggest in Rwanda after Lake Kivu. The lake offers a relaxation time with varieties of wildlife among others Crocodiles, Hippopotamus and Elephant coming for watering; The sunset boat goes up to 6pm and we drive back to the hotel for dinner.

Day 5: Game driving and transfer to Kigali: Our second day in a savannah park will be on the lake circuits, along the Akagera River, the physical border with the Republic of Tanzania. Along this circuit we have the good scenery of the park as well as the western side of Tanzania and learn different stories of the park, ecology and behaviours of different animals. We will see different wildlife among others Topi, Waterbuck, Olive Baboons, Velvet Monkeys, Bushbuck and we can see lions and Rhino. We stop for our packed lunch at Mihindi, Hippo Beach picnic area; after lunch we drive to reach at dinner time 

Day 6: Transfer to Musanze and visit to Gorilla Guardians Village: After breakfast, we drive to Musanze and we pass through hills and mountains and you understand why Rwanda is called a Country of 1000 hills. Our first stop is at Nyirangarama, an oriented towards agro-processing industry/enterprise. At this site, we learn more about the Rwanda modern farming of pigs, timber making, bakery making, spice making, etc. Luckily we learn from the owner, (Sina Gerard) a local entrepreneur, on his commitment to local development through job creation, mentoring and promotion of modern education. After a delicious lunch at this site we proceed to Musanze, a town of Volcanoes. After checking in at the hotel, we drive to Gorilla Guardian Village and we entertain with the reformed poachers. We will learn more about the traditional life in Rwanda including traditional wedding, traditional healing, local banana beer making, etc. Later afternoon, we drive to the hotel for dinner and accommodation. 

Day 7: Tracking Golden Monkeys/or Hiking Volcanoes Bisoke and transfer to Gisenyi: All activities at Volcanoes NP start at 7am with reporting at the park headquarter where a warming tea or coffee and brief introductions to the attraction are organized. After briefing on tracking of Golden Monkeys we drive the foot hill of Sabyinyo Volcano, at Kabatwa Hill, which give the name of this group of Golden Monkey. The monkeys are easily found where they are swinging from the bamboo trees in the forest while others are collecting the remaining of Irish potatoes in the recently harvested farms. Visitors stay 1 hour taking pictures, learning the family behaviours and ecology of these endemics primates to the Albertine Rift, from guides. Alternatively, we can hike Volcanoes Bisoke to experience the hike of Mountains in volcanoes massif. The trekking ends between 11am and 12am and after a quick lunch we drive to Gisenyi/Rubavu, a colonial town with a brief visit to the border with DRC. We have a dinner on the beach of Lake Kivu, the biggest Lake in Rwanda.

Day 8: Hiking Mount Rubavu and transfer to Nyungwe: After breakfast, we hike Mount Rubavu for a better view of the twin towns, Goma and Rubavu, with stunning observation of Lake Kivu. At 10 we visit Pfunda Tea Factory where visitors will learn how tea is planted, harvested and processed how the final product is packed to be consumed/exported. After lunch, we drive along lake Kivu to Cyangugu/Rusizi, the southern border between Rwanda and DRC, we reach Cyangugu at dinner time.

Day 9: Tracking Chimpanzees and canopy walk: Nyungwe National Park is a home to over 13 species of primates including Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). We start our journey to trek chimpanzees at 5am with our packed breakfast and trekking can go up to lunch time. We spend only one hour with the Chimpanzees and also get another opportunity of observing them very closely in the treetops. After tracking, we have our arranged lunch in surrounding of the forest where the lunch is offered feeling the fresh breeze of the forest. At 1pm we have a canopy walk way, the unique bridge in East Africa. Later afternoon we drive to Butare, a town of Museums, and on the way we can easily see the L’Hoest Monkey, another primate endemic to the Albertine Rift Mountain Forest; we reach Huyeat dinner time.

Day 10: Visiting Museum and transfer to Kigali: After breakfast, we visit the National Ethnographic Museum. This Museum brings to light the development of Rwandan culture throughout history. From the outside of the Museum to each gallery, you will see outrageous beautiful details. It is very educational and is comprised of 7 display galleries with art, archaeological artifacts through visual tools and well-written descriptions. After the Museum, we drive to Kigali with a stop lunch in Muhanga town. We have an afternoon souvenirs shopping and later evening we drive to the airport to catch with the evening flight. END 

Prices 10 Pax (Single room) : USD2,400 (Two Thousand Four Hundred USD) per person or 15 Pax (single rooms): USD2,200 (Two thousand Two hundred) per person 20 Pax (single rooms): USD2,000 (Two thousand) per person IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Accommodations: There is a variety of budget and medium class accommodations around national parks and birding destinations. There are also Luxury lodges around Nyungwe and Akagera NPNP. Generally, our tours are for medium range, but the clients can indicate if he/she wants budget or luxury and we review the price accordingly. 

•Infrastructure: There is a good network of asphalted roads and Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is the cleanest city in Africa with safe roads and clean hotels. 

•Connecting to diverse destinations: All major attractions are located within 1-5 hour drive from Kigali. Volcanoes NP is in 2 hours, Akagera NP in 2.5 hours, Nyungwe NP is in 5 hours while Wetlands in Bugesera are in less than one hour drive from Kigali. 

•Safety: East Africa, especially Rwanda, is a thriving, safe with low crime rates in Africa. 

•A base to visit East African destinations: Rwanda is located in the heart of central and East Africa with easy access to bordering countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. 

•Visa: From 1st Jan 2018, Nationals of all countries receive visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Th one East African Tourist Visa will allow travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with the same multiple entry visa. Citizens of countries members to the African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie get visa upon arrival and are waived visa fees for a visit of 30 days

 •Climate: Rwanda has temperate tropical highland climate with 2 rainy and 2 dry seasons. At higher altitudes temperatures range from cool to warm. 

•Travel airlines: Airlines servicing Kigali International Airport are: RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, 

•Walking: When birding in mountain forests, Nyungwe ,Volcanoes and Gishwati-Mukura NP, we walk on well maintained trails, In Akagera NP, birding is done inside the car (apart from pick nick and campsite); we use 4x4 open roof cars to allow a good sighting of hidden birds in savannah and acacia trees.

•Cost: The cost includes full board accommodation in a medium range accommodation (meals include one carbonated drink), transport (car, fuel, driver-guide and mineral water), park entry and other attractions (including guide), taxes and bank charges. It doesn’t cover flight and visa, tips and personal expenses (Laundry, alcohol drinks, telephone calls, etc.) 

•Period: The tour is open along the year

 

INTRODUCTION 

Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda’s stunning scenery and warm, friendly people offer unique experiences in one of the most remarkable countries in the world. Located in Central-East Africa, Rwanda is blessed with extraordinary biodiversity, with incredible wildlife living throughout its volcanoes, montane rainforest, sweeping plains, rolling savannah, lakes and wetlands. Today, 4 national parks are gazetted and the country has an extraordinary culture and rich history. 

Volcanoes National Park; In this majestic park, tracking the endangered Mountain Gorillas through the mysterious is the intimacy of the rain forest. The groups, or troops, of Mountain Gorillas consist of at least one silverback with several females and youngsters. They live with the calls of 200 species of colorful birds (including Albetine Rift Endemics) and chattering of the rare Golden Monkey. 

Nyungwe National Park; is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, with the Afromontane forests, bamboo-covered slopes, grasslands and wetlands. The park is also supports 1,068 plant species, 13 different primates and 322 birds including 29 Albertine Rift Endemics. 

Akagera National Park; it comprises mixed habitat of savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes. Clients can hope to see the Big Five on safari drives (Lion, Leopard, Buffaloes, Elephants and Rhinos), Roan Antelope, Zebra, Giraffe, Topi, and the park has an incredible 490 bird species among them the rare Red-faced Barbet and Ruhuaha Chat, plus much more.

Gishwati Mukura National Park; it is made up of two separate forests - the larger Gishwati and small Mukura. Gishwati is home to Chimpanzees, the rare Golden Monkeys. Birds are well represented too, 232 species have been seen at Gishwati and 163 at Mukura, among them Albertine Rift Endemic species and forest specialists. 

Lake Kivu; Lake Kivu offers a very relaxing stop over during a birding tour and is not without its highlights. The lake supports huge numbers of White-breasted Cormorants, Pied Kingfishers and Osprey can be seen fishing during its migration. Double-tooth Barbet is regularly seen in this region along with species such as Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Familiar Chat, Brown-throated Wattle-eye and Spot-flanked Barbet. The area is also a migratory corridor to the Palearctic migrants like Grey-headed Gull and the Intra-African migrants (Red-headed Robin-chat, Common Sandpiper). Additional to nature attractions, Rwanda has a rich culture and history not to miss when you visit this country including the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and Museums. 

Genocide Memorials; there is in a number of Genocide memorials found throughout the country and they are moving testimonies in memory of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi (Kigali) is where 250,000 victims have been buried. 

Museums; there is seven galleries display historical, ethnographic, artistic and archaeological artefacts accompanied by visual aides, giving visitors a rich insight into the Rwandan culture. The famous museum is the Ethnographic Museum in Huye/Butare which houses one of Africa’s finest ethnographic collections. 

Cultural Village; With community, you have chance to meet local people, in their environment, with a taste of the Rwandan culture and traditions. 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR

 •Mountain Gorillas 

•Chimpanzees 

•Golden Monkeys 

•Game drive in savanna park

 •Waterfall and nature walk 

•Birds in the dry savannah, moist savanna and arable land

 •Cultural village, Museum and Genocide Memorial 

FULL DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival: Upon arrival, a representative from the hotel will welcome you and transfer you to Mille Collines Hotel for accommodation and diner, a short drive away from the airport.

 Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial and transfer to Musanze After the breakfast, we have a quick introduction on the two weeks ahead of exploring the natural beauty and nice people of Rwanda. We have a brief tour of Kigali City, the cleanest City in Africa, and we visit Kigali Genocide Memorial until lunch time. At the memorial, clients will understand the events leading up to the genocide of 1994. After lunch we drive northwards to Musanze, a Town of Mountain Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. On the way, we have a brief stop at NYIRANGARAMA Enterprises to stretch our legs and toilets; The accommodation is at DAVINCI Gorilla Lodge, a medium tourist accommodation around on the foothill of Sabyinyo Volcanoes. 

Day 3: Trekking Mountain Gorilla and afternoon cultural village The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable, some even say life changing. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious and awe-inspiring hour just a few feet away from the gentle creatures. There are twelve gorilla families living in the Volcanoes National Park, which are fully habituated, with a few others habituated solely for scientific research. The groups, or troops, consist of at least one silverback along with several females and youngsters. After breakfast, we drive to Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi at 7am (as it is required), and were allocated a family group according to fitness levels, as well as being briefed on protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas. After trekking, which can go until lunch time, we drive to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we have a brief break and at 4pm we drive to Gorilla Guardian Village and we entertain with the reformed poachers. We will learn more about the traditional life in Rwanda including traditional wedding, traditional healing, local banana beer making, etc. Later afternoon, we drive to the hotel for dinner and accommodation. 

Day 4: Tracking Golden Monkey and transfer to Nyungwe All activities at Volcanoes NP start at 7am with reporting at the office where a warming tea or coffee and brief introduction to the attraction is offered. As previous day, we report at the office at 7am; after briefing on tracking of Golden Monkeys we drive the foot hill of Sabyinyo Volcano, at Kabatwa Hill, which give the name of this group of Golden Monkey. The monkeys are easily found where they are swinging from the bamboo trees in the forest while others are collecting the remaining of Irish potatoes in the recently harvested farms. You stay 1 hour taking pictures, learning the family behaviours and ecology of these endemics primates to the Albertine Rift, from guides. The trekking ends between 11am and 12am when we start our drive to Nyungwe NP. On our drive, we have a brief stop in Rubavu (1 hour and 30 minute drive), a colonial town bordering DRC for lunch. Afternoon we proceed to Nyungwe NP via KIVU Belt road and we reach Ken Barham Guest House around 6pm. 

Day 5: Chimpanzees trekking and canopy walk: Nyungwe NP is a home to over 13 species of primates including Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). We start our journey to trek chimpanzees at 5am with our packed breakfast and trekking can go up to lunch time. We spend only one hour with the Chimpanzees and also get another opportunity of observing them very closely in the treetops. Afternoon (at 3pm) we go for canopy walk, the unique bridge in East Africa and we can feel the fresh breeze of nature forest and we can see some primates jumping from trees to trees and canopy birds like colorful birds like Rwenzori, Black-billed and Greater Blue Turacos; at 5pm we drive to Ken Barham Guest House for dinner and accommodation. 

Day 6: Morning walk in natural forest and transfer to Huye (Butare): We have a morning nature walk up to the Isumo (Waterfall). From the car parking, clients have a relaxing walk within the tea plantation before entering the most densely vegetated and steepest rainforest ravines on any trail at Nyungwe. The walk is about 2.3 km trail descend into one of the cool moist air and the murmur of a river rise from below, mingled with calls of birds, tree frogs and insects. Ferns, mosses, lichens and flowers are exceptionally abundant in the high humidity. On this trail we can also encounter Black and White Colobus Monkeys with movement parades in treetops. After lunch we drive to Huye and our accommodation is at Gallileo Hotel 

Day 7: Museums, Coffee processing and Transfer to Akagera via Kigali: After the morning breakfast, we have an experience of coffee processing at Maraba Coffee washing station. We learn how coffee is planted and other process until the final product ready to be consumed. After coffee, we visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about Rwandan culture and general life before, during and after colonial period. After lunch we drive to Akagera NP, via Kigali. We have our accommodation at Akagera Rhino Lodge. 

Day 8: Game driving and Birding in Akagera National Park We have a full day game drive on different sides of the park, savannah, rolling hills, along wetlands and lakes. Akagera NP is the only Big Five Reserve in Rwanda and on our morning safaris we can some of them among other Elephants, Buffaloes and many more like Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Waterbuck, etc. We will also see different species of birds like Black-bellied Bustard, Grey Crowned Crane, Ross’s Turaco, etc. The morning drive takes us at lunch time which is organized on terrace where visitors have meals at the same time exploring the conservation treasures of Akagera National Park and hills of Western Tanzania. After a lunch break, we drive to Lake Ihema, the biggest lake of the park and second biggest in Rwanda after Lake Kivu. The lake offers a relaxation time with varieties of wildlife among others Crocodiles, Hippopotamus, Elephant coming for watering and flocks of Waterbirds i.e Great and Long-tailed Cormorants, African Darter, Cattle Egret, etc; The sunset boat goes up to 6pm and we drive back to Akagera Game Lodge for dinner and accommodation. 

Day 9: Game driving and transfer to Kigali: Our second day in a savannah park will be on the lake circuits, along the Akagera River, the physical border with the Republic of Tanzania. Along this circuit we have the good scenery of the park as well as the western side of Tanzania and learn different stories of the park, ecology and behaviours of different animals. We will see different wildlife among others Topi, Waterbuck, Olive Baboons, Velvet Monkeys, Bushbuck and we can see lions and Rhino and after lunch we drive to Kigali; accommodation at Mille Collines Hotel 

Day 10: A day in Kigali, craft shop and departure: After breakfast in the morning, we visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This memorial also serves to educate about how the Genocide against the Tutsi took shape and examines genocide in the 20th century. At this place, visitors understand the events leading up to the genocide and how it was perpetrated. The Memorial is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi while gardens provide a place for quiet contemplation about the history of the Genocide. The place allows visitors to reflect on how we all have a personal responsibility to prevent discrimination and mass atrocity. After lunch, we go to the craft shops before heading to the airport for the evening flight. END 

Cost 1 Pax (Solo): USD 7,300 (single bed room) 2 Pax in single room each: USD5,980/Pers 2 Pax sharing a room (Couple): USD 5,400/pers 3 Pax in single room each: USD 5,700/Pers 4 Pax in single room each: USD 5,350/Pers 5 Pax in single room each: USD 5,200/pers 6 Pax in single room each: USD 5,050/pers TOUR LEADER: USD3,900

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW

•Accommodations: There is a variety of budget and medium class accommodations around national parks and birding detonations. You can also find Luxury lodges around Nyungwe and Volcanoes NP. Our accommodation are at medium range but we can cost for luxury or budget range on the request of clients 

•Infrastructure: There is a good network of asphalted roads and Kigali, the capital of Rwanda is the cleanest city in Africa with safe roads and clean hotels. 

•Connecting to diverse destinations: All major attractions are located within 1-5 hour drive from Kigali. Volcanoes NP is in 2 hours, Akagera NP in 2.5 hours, Nyungwe NP is in 5 hours while Wetlands in Bugesera are in less than one hour drive from Kigali. 

•Safety: East Africa, especially Rwanda, is a thriving, safe with low crime rates in Africa. 

•Neighboring destinations: Rwanda is located in the heart of central and East Africa with easy access to bordering countries: Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. 

•Visa: From 1st Jan 2018, Nationals of all countries receive visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport and all land borders. Th one East African Tourist Visa will allow travel between Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda with the same multiple entry visa. Citizens of countries members to the following international organizations; African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie get visa upon arrival and are waived visa fees for a visit of 30 days 

•Climate: Rwanda has temperate tropical highland climate with 2 rainy and 2 dry seasons. At higher altitudes temperatures range from cool to warm.

 •Travel airlines: Airlines servicing Kigali International Airport are: RwandAir, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, 

•Walking: When birding in mountain forests, Nyungwe ,Volcanoes and Gishwati-Mukura NP, we walk on well maintained trails, In Akagera NP, birding is done inside the car (apart from pick nick and campsite); we use 4x4 open roof cars to allow a good sighting of hidden birds in savannah and acacia trees. 

•Cost: The cost includes full board accommodation in a medium range accommodation (meals include one carbonated drink), transport (car, fuel, driver-guide and mineral water), park entrance and other attractions (including guide), taxes and bank charges. It doesn’t cover flight and visa, tips and personal expenses (Laundry, alcohol drinks, telephone calls, etc.) 

•Period: The tour is open along the year but better in dry seasons: June-July-August-September and December-January-February