The Best of Both Worlds
This unforgettable itinerary begins in the heart of Rwanda, where you’ll trek through lush rainforest to encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and golden monkeys in their natural habitat. You’ll also explore Kigali, a city that balances vibrant modern life with deeply moving history, and spend time soaking up Rwanda’s striking landscapes and rich biodiversity.
After your adventure-filled days in the mountains, unwind on the serene island of Zanzibar. With its white-sand beaches, spice-scented breezes, and charming stone towns, this is the perfect place to relax and reflect. Whether you’re looking to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, explore the island’s culture, or simply bask in barefoot luxury, Zanzibar offers the ideal end to this incredible twin-centre journey.
All the things you need to know
Start your holiday with an overnight flight to Kigali.
On arrival in Kigali, you will be met by your guide and assisted with your bags. You will depart Kigali and drive through the winding countryside to Ruhengeri where you will settle into your lodge.
The next day you will set off early after breakfast for the park headquarters, where you will register for the gorilla trekking. Your trek will take anywhere from an hour to five hours to reach the gorillas, depending on which group you’ve been assigned. Once you’ve found the group you will have one hour to watch these incredible creatures and take photos.
The the third day you will visit the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. This will be a completely different but just as rewarding experience to tracking the gorillas. You will search for the monkeys with your guide through the forest of the Volcanoes National Park.
After breakfast, you will head back to Kigali with your driver-guide, a journey of around two hours. There will be time to do a short city tour of Kigali if you wish — the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Museum is well worth visiting if you want to learn more about the country’s history. You will then fly out to Zanzibar via Nairobi. You will be met on arrival and driven across the colourful island to the palm-fringed east coast, where you can relax after your Rwandan adventures.
We highly recommend heading out on a snorkelling trip at some point during your stay — you will sail in a traditional dhow to one of the reefs, and can spend an hour or two watching the colourful marine life living in the corals off Zanzibar. This is a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon and a good opportunity to sail on a dhow as well.
For something completely different to the beach, you could head into Stone Town one day for a day trip — the town is located on the west coast and is a busy and bustling town. You can hire a guide to help you explore the narrow alleyways and cobbled streets, learning about the town’s fascinating past with a rich and dramatic history as a centre of colonial exploration and of the East African slave trade. It’s also a great opportunity to pick up any souvenirs.
You will check out of your hotel today and will be driven across the island back to Zanzibar Airport for your onward flights.
UK Flights & Transfers: Return flights from the UK to South Africa, including all necessary transfers from airports to accommodation and between destinations.
All Accommodation: Enjoy a variety of accommodation options throughout your journey. Choose from guesthouse-style accommodations for a more intimate experience, or opt for premium hotels for a luxurious stay, depending on your preferences and budget.
Select Meals Included: Enjoy a mix of dining options throughout your journey, with some accommodations offering bed & breakfast and others providing full board—depending on the style and category of hotel you choose.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: Experience the awe-inspiring opportunity to trek through lush forests and encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Primate Encounters in Nyungwe Forest: Discover Rwanda’s biodiversity with an intimate experience of chimpanzees and other primates in the lush rainforest of Nyungwe.
Cultural Immersion in Kigali: Explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital city, Kigali, with visits to local markets, museums, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering a deeper understanding of the country’s history and culture.
Beach Bliss in Zanzibar: Unwind on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, enjoy turquoise waters, and explore the historic Stone Town, offering a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
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We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.
Let's Chat
We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.
