About us
We are BACKABUSH XPLORERS, the original and best hiking and outdoor activity Meetup group!!!
Who are we and how did it all begin?
Backabush Xplorers is London's longest established hiking and outdoor adventure Meetup group. Our group was originally created back in 2002 (actually before we were on Meetup) by a multinational group of friends who loved hiking and wanted to get more out of our weekends and holidays. We wanted to share our heartfelt passion for the great outdoors and enthusiasm with others. For some years Backabush was an informal, unincorporated association managed by the founders for the benefit of its members.
Our group grew rapidly in those early years and in 2008, following legal advice we decided it would be wise and prudent to become a registered company to protect our organisers and our members. Following this review and the formation of the limited company, our members can now pursue their legitimate activities and aims with complete peace of mind.
Why do we do it?
We love the outdoors! The primary motivation is fun (not profit) which means that our trips offer exceptional value for money. We continue as a group with the same ethos of organising events and trips for the benefit of our members. This is what we love and we are passionate about what we do. We will always endeavour to be budget conscious and price our activities only to cover necessary expenses.
What do we do?
Over the years we have hiked and explored the National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty in Britain and abroad. It may all have started years ago with a few hiking friends gathering for a weekend in a scruffy camping barn somewhere rural and pretty but it has developed a lot from there.
Backabush has been hiking and enjoying outdoor adventure for well over a decade now and over this time we have organised literally hundreds of hiking trips throughout Great Britain. We have enjoyed visits to the Lake District, Snowdonia, Scotland, the Brecon Beacons, the Pembrokeshire Coast, Cornwall, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Cambrian mountains, the Wye Valley, the Forest of Dean, the North York Moors, the New Forest, the South Downs, the Malvern Hills, the Shropshire Hills, the South Downs, the Cotswolds, the Chiltern Hills, the Jurassic Coast, the Gower Peninsula, the Pennines, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, Glen Coe, the Isle of Arran, Glen Shiel, Torridon etc, etc, etc.
National trails and long distance paths in Britain are another favourite of ours and to date we have completed the full length of Hadrian's Wall Path, the West Highland Way, the Cumbria Way, the Herriot Way and Wainwright's Coast to Coast. Although we have yet to complete the full length of many we have also enjoyed hiking sections of the Cotswold Way, Pennine Way, Offa's Dyke Path, Limestone Way, Allerdale Ramble, South West Coast Path, Great Glen Way, Monsal Trail, South Downs Way, Ridgeway, Thames Path and many, many others.
We were also trailblazers when it came to offering exciting outdoor adventures overseas. Back in 2009 we organised our very first foreign trip when we headed down into Africa to climb Mt Toubkal, the highest summit in Morocco. Next we trekked in Nepal, climbing over a 5000+ metre pass linking the Langtang and Helambu valleys. Since these early treks we went on to organise things like via ferrata holidays in the Italian Dolomites, or hiking trips to the French Alps and Jura mountains. We also love 'hut to hut' trekking and have so far completed every step of the Tour du Mt Blanc, summited Monte Perdido in the Ordessa National Park and trekked for days in the French Pyrenees to reach the awe inspiring Cirque de Gavarnie. More recently we even organised trips to Slovakia to seek out winter snowshoeing in the High Tatras and gorge scrambling in the Paradise National Park.
There are many other adventures we could mention. No other Meetup group offers adventure like this!
How do the logistics work?
We know our members are busy people so we do our best to provide a complete package for you. Backabush will research the locations, the hikes, book the accommodation and make a plan for all the meals. If you do not own a car we will help you to find transport or a lift share. You just need to communicate with the organiser who will help to co-ordinate things with you.
With a little co-operation from our members it all works very well and allows us to keep offering new locations and new hikes, year after year. Although we might return to some amazing National Parks quite regularly we always endeavour to find new venues and plan entirely new hikes. If you check out our past events you will see that we offer unrivalled variety in the locations we visit.
What are the hikes like?
On every Backabush trip we try to provide a choice of hikes each day. Obviously we will choose from the most beautiful and best loved hikes in any given area. These hikes tend to be of various length, duration and difficulty. The idea is that each person can choose the hike that best suits their fitness, experience and interests.
It is true that Backabush has a reputation within the Meetup community for offering longer and more challenging hikes but we always also offer more moderate options for those seeking a more relaxed day outdoors. Generally speaking we would say that anyone who can hike for 10 miles in hilly terrain should be fine on our trips. If you have any concerns please don't hesitate to contact us to ask questions.
What about safety?
Safety is always our number one priority. Although we can never make the outdoor environment entirely safe there are many steps that can be taken to minimise risk. Our team of outdoor activity leaders have many, many years of leadership experience and have received extensive outdoor training. Between all of our leaders we have years of military experience, ambulance work or mountain guiding.
Our principal leadership team are qualified Mountain Leaders trained at Plas-y-Brenin (the National Mountain Sports Centre) in North Wales and Winter Skills trained at Glenmore Lodge in Scotland. We regularly update our first aid qualifications and carry the required emergency aid equipment for wilderness situations. Some of us have taught or assisted on micro-navigation training courses and all have excellent route finding skills regardless of visibility or weather.
Additional our experience extends to high altitude mountaineering in several continents, be it summiting 6000+ metre peaks in the Andes, conquering the highest mountains in Africa or completing month long high altitude treks in the Himalayas.
We take our 'duty of care' of very seriously and are trained to deal with outdoor emergencies. Sometimes we hire in specific skills as necessary in the form of fully qualified instructors for things like rock climbing, caving, coasteering, kayaking, horse riding, ghyll scrambling or technical mountaineering. For some foreign trips we will either provide logistical support for safe self guided mountain trekking or hire International Mountain Leaders as deemed necessary.
Who joins our trips?
Although most people in the group are in their, 30s, 40s and 50s, age is not an issue to us - a fun loving and adventurous nature is more important. It is not uncommon to have over a dozen different nationalities represented in a single gathering.
Our groups of hikers and outdoor adventurers vary in size but on every trip some people will be regulars and some first timers. Its a great way to make new hiking friends and you need not worry about coming alone as you will always be made to feel welcome.
What we all have in common is a love of all kinds of outdoor activity including hiking, trekking, hill walking, mountaineering, scrambling, camping, canoeing, canyoning, kayaking, rock climbing, scuba diving, caving, coasteering, mountain biking and just about anything else that offers some outdoor adventure.
We are a very active bunch!
We hope YOU will join us sometime soon.
Positive vibes!
The Backabush Crew & Hiking Team
Contact Geoff & Nathan
backabushxplorers@yahoo.com
nathancapay@googlemail.com
BACKABUSH XPLORERS LTD
Company number 06741794
16 Tithe Barn Drive, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 2DG
Featured event
THE MULLERTHAL - LUXEMBOURG'S LITTLE SWITZERLAND (BANK HOLIDAY)
Backabush is heading off over the summer bank holiday weekend to hike the magical region of the Mullerthal, often referred to as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland!
Cost - £439 per person in single occupancy rooms with a shared bathroom. Group size - 15. Accommodation (4 nights) - Holiday cabins.
The Mullerthal region of Luxembourg is delightful landscape of ancient forests and rolling hills criss-crossed by fast flowing streams which cut deep and narrow gorges. The sandstone geology is peppered with caves, ravines and mysterious rock formations
ACCOMMODATION:
We will stay in comfortable 3 bedroom holiday cabins with self catering kitchens. Located in lovely little Berdorf village we are perfectly located to explore this magical region.
Our accommodation is situated only 6km from the medieval town of Echternach, on a vast plateaux above the valleys of the Black Ernz, the Sure and the Aesbach forest.
Don't miss the chance to hike this little know wonder of Luxembourg!
ITINERARY:
Friday 27 August - We will meet at the accommodation and can check in from anytime from 3PM.
Saturday 28 August - Section of the Mullerthal Trail Route 1.
This hike interweaves various elements of the beautiful landscape. Rocks, forests, sweeping views and meadows will offer us a delightful outdoor experience.
Sunday 29 August - Section of the Mullerthal Trail Route 2.
Today's hike leads us deep into the heart of Luxembourg's Little Switzerland and presents spectacular rock formations that fire the imagination.
Monday 30 August - Section of the Mullerthal Trail Route 3.
Our final hiking day reveals enormous rock formations and enchants with picturesque stream valleys and romantic castles.
Tuesday 31 August - We need to check out of the cabins by 10AM.
DIFFICULTY:
A moderate level of hiking fitness is required to cross terrain that will be uneven and rocky in places but mostly on good paths. We may be hiking up to 12 miles with over 600m of cumulative ascent.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 4 nights single occupancy accommodation in holiday cabins shared between 3 people in each cabin.
- A full itinerary of hikes.
- Trip organiser. Mountain Leader and outdoor first aid certified.
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 2018.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights (see below).
- Meals. Our holiday cabins have self catering kitchens plus there are also restaurants, cafes and a supermarket in the area.
- Entry fees.
- Travel Insurance.
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:
There are numerous convenient flights to Luxembourg from multiple London airports (Heathrow, City and Stansted) with British Airways, Luxair and Ryanair. Please use Skyscanner to find the most suitable flights for you.
Public transport is free in Luxembourg and it will be easy to take the bus from Luxembourg Airport to our accommodation in Berdorf (we will share detailed travel information closer to the date).
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use Mullerthal as your payment reference. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622
The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Please email nathancapay@googlemail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you.
Upcoming events
31
- £499.00
THE TATRA MOUNTAINS (POLAND)
Location not specified yetBackabush is going to THE TATRA MOUNTAINS of POLAND!
Group size - 30. Nights - 4. Accommodation - comfortable hotel in Zakopane.
Cost - £499 twin share or £612 single occupancy. Group size - 30. Nights - 4. Accommodation - 3 star hotel and breakfast.
The craggy peaks of the High Tatras are a truly dramatic and beautiful sight. Soaring abruptly to the sky these mountains form a gigantic barrier along the border with Slovakia and is a paradise for energetic hikers. Our plan is to explore this incredible corner of Poland tackling 3 of the classic mountain trails.
The Tatra Mountains are part of the Carpathian mountain chain in eastern Europe. Both the Slovak and Polish sides are protected as national parkland with a network of trails giving access to this spectacular mountain range. The Tatras are also home to wildlife including the Tatra chamois, marmot, lynx and bears.
We will stay in a comfortable hotel in the resort town of Zakopane in southern Poland, at the base of the Tatras Mountains. Zakopane is a popular departure point for hiking and is blessed with wonderful mountain views, numerous affordable restaurants and lovely thermal baths.
***We will be guided by a local certified Mountain Guide.***
Classic hiking routes of the Polish Tatras include:
Five Lakes Valley through Roztoki Valley and visiting Siklawa waterfall. The route is around 7-8hrs long and is suitable for fit hikers but has no technical difficulties on the way.
Siwa Polana - Schronisko Chocholowska - Wolowiec. This route is a good one but long and physically challenging. It is a long day (approx 26 km) typically taking around 11 hrs with over 1200m of ascent and descent.
Giewont is the iconic mountain of Zakopane. This hike is not as long as the other two (approx 16km) but the last part of the mountain is supported by chains and requires a head for heights. We ascend around 900m and descent about 1100m.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 4 nights in a comfortable hotel near bars and restaurants in Zakopane.
- Breakfast.
- Three guided hikes by a certified local Mountain Guide.
- Backabush trip organiser. Qualified Mountain Leader and first aider.
- Transport to and from the hike trailheads.
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 2018.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Dinner. Our accommodation in the heart of Zakopane will have plenty of local restaurants nearby.
- Lunch. We can pick up picnic supplies at the supermarket.
- Flights to Krakow.
- Transport to and from Zakopane. There are regular bus services and trains from Krakow to Zakopane.
- Travel Insurance.
MEETING DETAILS:
We will meet at our hotel in Zakopane. More details will be provided later.
Several airlines fly to Krakow from UK airports and I have chosen the following:
Outbound - Thursday 17 September
British Airways BA0872
London Heathrow Terminal 3
Departs 15:20
Arrives Krakow 18:55My plan is to spend a couple of nights in Krakow so I can explore the city before travelling down to Zakopane.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To book onto this trip send full payment to the Backabush account. Please also **email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com** and use TATRA as your payment reference.
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/Your RSVP alone is NOT enough to secure your place. Payment is needed to make a reservation.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.
30 attendees - £499.00
TREK THE GTE - THE GRAND TRAVERSE OF ELBA - ITALY
Location not specified yetElba is the biggest island on the Tuscan Archipelago, a place where the Italians holiday and the GTE trail crosses the island from coast to coast linking the mountain ridgelines on the island's spine.
This cluster of 7 islands will surely become a prime destination for international tourism very soon but so far it survives as a lesser visited gem whilst the nearby Cinque Terre hogs the limelight.
Backabush is planning an adventurous thru-hike completing the GTE trail in full, from coast to coast on foot in 3 hiking days. This is a tough route that takes in the island's highest summits following a trail with ocean views out to Corsica and the Tuscan hills.
On this trip we will also need to pack light and carry our luggage with us 'hut-to-hut' style as there is no luggage transfer service yet on the island.
ITINERARY
Saturday 19 - We will meet in the port town of Piombino, a 90 minute train ride from Pisa, ready to catch the ferry to Elba the next day. Guesthouse accommodation in twin and triple rooms. Breakfast included.
Sunday 20 - Day 1 on the GTE. Cavo to Porto Azzurro - 23km 900m ascent. We catch the 8.40 ferry Cavo and hike up to a striking ridge before following the winding trail down to Porto Azzurro. Hotel accommodation in Twin rooms, breakfast included.
Monday 21 - Day 2 on the GTE. Porto Azzurro to Procchio - 20km 750m ascent. A day with many peaks crossing the central hills of the island with frequent sea views. Hotel accommodation in twin rooms, breakfast included.
Tuesday 22 - Day 3 on the GTE. Procchio to Pomonte - 16kms, 900m ascent, 950m descent. Today we cross the highest peaks on the island, then it's downhill for a celebratory swim. Hotel accommodation in twin rooms, breakfast included.
Wednesday 23 - Home time, we will catch a bus back to the ferry terminal for the 11am crossing and then it's back to the airport or on to another adventure. Pisa is reachable on the train by 17.30pm so evening flights can be booked for 19.30 departures or later.
DIFFICULTY
This trip has 3 long days of hiking, 20 kms/12 miles or more each day and considerable up and down so a good level of hiking fitness is required. There will be some minor exposure encountered on our rocky ridgeline trails with occasional use of some fixed cables on steeper sections so some surefootedness will also be required.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- A 3 day itinerary of guided hikes led by qualified Mountain Leader and certified first aider
- 4 nights guesthouse or hotel accommodation in twin or triple rooms
- 4 breakfasts
- Return ferry tickets to the island of Elba
- Financial protection in line with the Package Travel Regulations 2018
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Flights to Italy
- Trains to Piombino
- Local bus transfers on our final day
- Lunches and evening meals - We will be eating out at local restaurants and picking up lunch supplies from the shops each day.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are many flights from the UK Pisa everyday. The last trains run to Piombino from central Pisa at around 17.00 so please plan to land in Pisa at around 15.00 at the lastest to allow time to reach the station. Trains can be booked in advance on Trainline or at the station in Pisa.
Return - We will aim to catch a late morning ferry and stop for lunch afterwards. The next train back to Pisa Airport is at 15.31 arriving at 17.08. I would recommend booking a flight home departing any time from around 19.30 to allow for some delays.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THE TRIP
The trip cost is £499. To confirm your place payment in full is required.
Please send all payments through online banking, using ELBA as the payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/
Please email nathancapay@googlemail.com when you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.
13 attendees - £899.00
THE HIDDEN VALLEY TREK - ALBANIA
Tirana Airport, Airport Rd Rinas, 1504 Albania, Tirana, ALBackabush is heading back to the Balkans for a pioneering trek in Southern Albania's Zagoria Valley!
Nights - 7. - Cost £899. Maximum group size - 13.
Join us to discover the beauty of the hidden Zagoria Valley where we will trek between secluded stone villages, meet friendly hosts, enjoy home cooked meals and hike to the mighty north face of Nemercka. There will also be the chance to swim in thermal waters of Benje and visit the UNESCO city of Gjirokaster.
Trekking here is a very special adventure as we journey into remote mountains which have escaped much of the rapid development occurring in other parts of Albania. Here we can experience the honest hospitality of the rural people and gain authentic insights into local village life while staying in homestays.
This is a trip for people who enjoy discovering places untouched by mass tourism and who are happy to embrace experiencing rural life where accommodation can be basic but is always comfortable. We will sleep in homestays where rooms are shared with others in our group.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
☆ Trek through little visited villages of the hidden Zagoria Valley.
☆ Enjoy views of snow capped mountains and the sweet harvest season in the valley.
☆ Feel warm hospitality and taste home cooked meals in authentic homestays.
☆ Visit the UNESCO listed stone city of Gjirokaster.This 8 day trip includes four nights in simple, clean and welcoming homestays with shared rooms and limited facilities in the Zagoria Valley followed by three centrally located hotel ensuite private rooms overnights in Permet, Gjirokaster and Tirana.
We recommend this trip for reasonably fit hikers, preferably with some previous trekking experience as our route involves three moderate walks of 4-6 hours in the lower mountain ranges culminating in a fourth longer day when we cross the Dhembel Pass. There are two optional shorter walks to the Sopot Waterfall and in Gjirokaster at the end. Autumn weather is generally mild and we hike in altitudes from 400 to 1450 meters. Most of our hiking is inside the protected valley where the weather is rarely harsh.
TRIP OUTLINE:
DAY 1. The group transfer departs Tirana for Southern Albania on a picturesque 3.5 hours drive to a quaint village nearby the trailhead where we're accommodated at a family-run guesthouse surrounded by nature. (-/-/D)
DAY 2. Our 5-day trek begins at the edge of the Zagoria River Valley, a pristine tributary within Europe's first Wild River National Park. This secluded landscape is shielded by four imposing mountains ranges, creating a hidden world preserved from modern influence. Village homestay. Hike 11km - 750m ascent - 425m descent. (B/LP/D)
DAY 3. This route follows foothpaths with views of towering mountains above and the Zagoria River winding below. The trail links the remote villages of Leskaj and Doshnica and Hoshteve. Village homestay. Hike 14.5km - 725m ascent - 575m descent. (B/LP/D)
DAY 4. Today’s shorter and easier route invites a more relaxed walking experience, dominated by views of Mt. Cajupi (2.145 m). We'll traverse the hamets Vithuq, Koncka, Nivan, to reach Sheper. Simple guesthouse. Hike 12.5km - 600m ascent - 550m descent. (B/LP/D)
DAY 5. The crossing of the Dhembel-Nemercke Range over the 1450m pass marks the longest and most demanding stage and leads us out of the valley and back into the modern world. Our luggage is transported by horse and route remains vital for locals to this day. Hotel accommodation. Hike 13km - 625m ascent - 1250m descent. (B/LP/D)
DAY 6. A short lift alongside the turquoise waters of the Vjosa takes us into the countryside. We then hike the Lengarica Gorge, Benja Thermal Springs and Gjirokaster. Today is our chance to soak in the warm thermal springs, believed to have a healing properties for many ailments. Hotel accommodation. Hike 12km - 675m ascent - 650m descent. (B/LP/D)
DAY 7. Gjirokaster is renowned not only known for its fortress-like Ottoman mansions but also as the birthplace of former dictator Enver Hoxha. Designated as a "museum town", Gjirokaster survived socialist modernization campaigns, earning its place on UNESCO's world heritage list. After exploring the extensive castle that towers over the oldtown, you can join your guide for a short semi-urban walk through the upper quarters and visit a final Ottoman bridge, or you may choose to wander the maze of narrow, cobbled streets on your own. In the afternoon, we'll regroup for a four hour drive to Tirana, the vibrant modern capital that strives to embrace a contemporary European identity. Hotel accommodation. Hike 6km - 250m ascent - 250m descent. (B/-/D)
DAY 8. Tirana - Tirana Airport. Farewell Albania! (B/-/-)
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- 7 nights accommodation. This varies with 3 nights in hotels but also 4 nights in local guesthouses/homestays.
- All breakfasts, 5 lunch packs and 7 dinners.
- An itinerary of 6 days of guided trekking.
- Transfers as foreseen by the itinerary including airport pick-up/drop-off.
- A Backabush trip leader and a local English-speaking Albanian hiking guide.
- Luggage transport: one piece up to 15 kg in soft bags only (duffel or rucksack, hard cases not suitable).
- Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Any meals not specified
- Flights
- Travel Insurance
RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers (included) are timed to meet the below recommended flights to/from Tirana:
Outbound - Saturday 26 September:
Ryanair FR8288 London Stansted STN 08:10 - Tirana TIA 12:05Inbound - Saturday 3 October:
Ryanair FR8321 Tirana TIA 21:25 - London Stansted STN 23:30
Wizz Air W95003 Tirana TIA 19:30 - London Luton LTN 21:50Tirana is a fascinating city so it is very worthwhile flying a day or two earlier to explore. Our transfer can include a 12:00 pickup in the city centre and then the 13:00 pickup at the airport.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
To confirm your place on this trip use internet banking. Only payment secures your place. Please use HVT your payment reference.
The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment. Thanks. :)
VISA: Please check with the Albanian embassy if you need a visa to travel to Albania. Albania is not a part of the Schengen Zone or the European Union, but if you have a valid Schengen visa you can enter Albania visa-free for 90 days.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.
13 attendees - £1,599.00
RWANDA - LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS
Kigali Airport, Kigali, Rwanda, Kigali, RWExperience an unforgettable Backabush journey through Rwanda’s lush rainforests, scenic lakes, and dramatic volcanic landscapes!
An optional mountain gorilla trekking experience is available for those who want a truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
We’re collaborating with a well-established and highly regarded local operator known for providing outstanding outdoor adventure experiences in Rwanda.
Nights - 8. Cost - £1599 (twin share accommodation). Maximum group size - 17.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Hiking through the mist on rainforest trails through wildlife rich Nyungwe National Park.
- Kayaking and boating on lovely Lake Kivu.
- Searching on foot along jungle trails for rare golden monkeys or alternatively a once in a lifetime primate encounter with mountain gorillas (additional fee applies).
- Hiking the slopes of Mt Bisoke to reach the 3711m summit for spectacular views down to the crater lake. Volcanoes National Park.
- Canoeing adventure on the beautiful Mukugwa river. These beautiful waters eventually join the Nile and flow through Egypt!
Enjoy extensive views across rural Rwanda while hiking up Mt Remera and tour the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza.
Uncover the magic of Rwanda — the Land of a Thousand Hills — on an unforgettable journey through verdant rainforests, shimmering lakes, and striking volcanic terrain.After time in the lively capital of Kigali, we travel to Nyanza to hike Mount Remera for panoramic countryside views. You’ll also have the option to visit the historic King’s Palace Museum and see the famous royal Inyambo cattle, offering a meaningful connection to Rwanda’s royal past before we venture deeper into the wild.
Next, we take a scenic drive to the incredibly biodiverse Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Here, rewarding hikes guide us along misty trails filled with birds, butterflies, and primates.
Leaving the forest behind, we cross the emerald waters of Lake Kivu by boat to reach Napoleon’s Island, where we hike to the summit for sweeping views over the lake and surrounding hills — often with thousands of fruit bats soaring overhead.
The adventure continues with a kayaking excursion along the lake’s picturesque shoreline, paddling past traditional fishing boats and lush hillsides while soaking in the calm beauty of this remarkable setting. We then enjoy an immersive coffee experience that brings Rwanda’s renowned coffee culture to life.
Our journey culminates in the dramatic volcanic scenery of Volcanoes National Park, where we summit Mount Bisoke (3,711m) and track lively golden monkeys through the forest.
For those seeking a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, there is the option to trek endangered mountain gorillas and witness one of the world’s most iconic species up close.Join us for an action-filled blend of hiking, paddling, culture, and wildlife — the ultimate Rwandan adventure!
HIKING AND ACTIVITIES:
The hikes on this trip are demanding, featuring notable elevation gains along with steep ascents and descents. It is therefore best suited to fit, experienced hikers. While the trails are non-technical, you should feel confident navigating rough, rocky, muddy, slippery, and uneven ground. Alongside the hiking, the itinerary also includes both kayaking and canoeing activities.
TRIP OUTLINE:
Saturday 16 Jan – Airport pickup from Kigali (single transfer provided for the direct RwandAir flight — see details below) and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the vibrant capital city.
Sunday 17 Jan (B/D) – Early pickup in Kigali followed by a scenic transfer to Nyungwe. En route, stop in Nyanza to hike the Big View Trail (8km, approx. 3 hours). Optional visit to the King’s Palace Museum and the royal cattle.
Monday 18 Jan (B/D) – Hike the adventurous Imbaraga Trail in Nyungwe National Park (10km, +600m / -600m). Optional canopy walkway experience available afterwards.
Tuesday 19 Jan (B/D) – Enjoy another spectacular hike in Nyungwe National Park (final trail to be confirmed — several exciting options available). Afterwards, transfer to Lake Kivu.
Wednesday 20 Jan (B/D) – Boat excursion to Napoleon Island, followed by a hike to the summit. End the day with a relaxing sundowner boat cruise.
Thursday 21 Jan (B/LP/D) – Sea kayaking on Lake Kivu (approx. 2 hours), followed by a coffee plantation tour. Later, transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Friday 22 Jan (B/D) – Golden monkey trekking (or optional mountain gorilla trek). In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic sunset canoe trip.
Saturday 23 Jan (B/LP/D) – Summit hike of Mount Bisoke (3,711m) — 13km with +1000m / -1000m elevation. Afterwards, transfer back to Kigali.
Sunday 24 Jan (B) – Free day in Kigali. Single airport transfer provided for the direct RwandAir departure (details to follow).It is important to note that while every effort will be made to follow the above itinerary, things are always subject to change due to various unpredictable factors like weather, road conditions and trail closures etc. This is real adventure travel into the wild heart of Africa!
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Accommodation: 8 nights in twin-share rooms (limited single occupancy available)
- Meals - 8 breakfasts, 2 packed lunches, and 5 dinners
- Refreshments - Snacks and drinking water provided during the tour
- Guiding - Local English-speaking guide from Day 2 to Day 8
- Park Fees - All National Park entry fees included
- Hiking Support - Certified park guides for all national park hikes
- Backabush Support - trip organiser (qualified Mountain Leader and Outdoor First Aid Certified)
- Transport - All in-country transportation (including airport transfers for our recommended flights)
- Financial Protection - Covered in accordance with the Package Travel Law 2018
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- International flights and airport transfers if not choosing our recommended flights with RwandAir (see below)
- Any meals not specifically listed
- Entry fee for the King’s Palace Museum and royal Inyambo cattle (optional)
- Nyungwe canopy walkway fee (optional)
- Travel insurance
- Mountain gorilla trekking permit if selected instead of golden monkey trekking (approx. $1000 USD, subject to confirmation)
MOUNTAIN GORILLAS:
Gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll trek through the lush, bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains for an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
Travellers who select this option can take advantage of an exceptional 30% low-season discount on the gorilla permit. Because the itinerary includes two days in Nyungwe National Park, the additional cost is expected to be $1000 USD (TBC) — representing a significant saving.
Participants are assigned to small groups and a specific gorilla family to track. The trek can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4+ hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and movements on the day. Based on the gorilla family assigned, the hike may range from moderate to challenging in difficulty.RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:
Our Rwanda adventure officially starts on Saturday 16 January but we would definitely recommend booking the direct overnight RwandAir flight departing from Heathrow in the evening on Friday 15 January.
Airport transfers are timed to meet the recommended flights from Heathrow.
Outbound - Friday 15 January
RwandAir WB711 London Heathrow LHR 20:30 - Kigali KGL 07:00 (+1)Inbound - Sunday 24 January
RwandAir WB710 Kigali KGL 23:35 - London Heathrow LHR 06:20 (+1)Anyone preferring to buy alternative flights can meet the group at our accommodation in Kigali at any time on Saturday 16 January. Airport taxis are affordable if choosing flights other than those recommended above.
HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:
The total cost for this trip is £1,599 per person, this payment is non refundable and is payable in full or in instalments with a deposit to secure your reservation, then as follows:
- £533 due on booking
- £533 due by Saturday 1 August 2026
- £533 due by Saturday 24 October 2026
To confirm your place on this trip use online banking. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. Please use RWANDA as your payment reference.
The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/Only payment secures your place. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.
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