RWANDA - LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS

Experience 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 - 16.

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 6 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: 22440622

The 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](mailto:backabushxplorers@yahoo.com) as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)