Flights: Arrival – Fly into Kigali International Airport in Kigali by 18th July 2025
Departure – Fly out of Kigali International Airport on 28th July 2025 (after 5pm)
Group size: 6 + BSST Host (*Need a minimum of 4 people to run the trip)
SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS
PRICE: US$6990pp – SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS
Please note: If we need to change to Rwanda the rate will be US$7890pp
**30% deposit is required to book a spot within 14 days of confirming. The balance is to be paid 90 days (1st April 2025) before the departure date. Price quoted is US Dollars. T&C Apply. Contact carla@blueskysociety.co.za for sharing rate. (We only allow ladies to Share a room with a friend or family member – we don’t match travellers)
Designed to fulfil a traveler’s dream of gorilla trekking and exploring Rwanda’s culture and history, the 11-day Rwanda safari is what adventure dreams are made of. Offering life-altering connections and experiences with nature, culture, and wildlife, this safari will take you to some of the most important and beautiful places in Rwanda, including the Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Lake Kivu.
Unlike most safari tours, Journeys with Purpose (JWP) trips include exclusive behind-the-scenes access and insight, allowing you to learn about the conservation projects and meet the teams on the ground.
Known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’, Rwanda’s stunning scenery, vast biodiversity and warm, friendly people make this one of the most remarkable countries in the world. Our safari will take you through volcanoes and rainforests, across sweeping plains, and to one of Africa’s great lakes, Lake Kivu. The west of Rwanda forms a branch of the Great Rift Valley, known as the Albertine Rift, which has many unique, endemic species and is bursting with life.
This bucket-list expedition leads you into the heart of Rwanda and the DRC, inviting you to witness some of the greatest wildlife spectacles nature has to offer – from gorillas and grey cranes to chimpanzees, golden monkeys and other primates – all living alongside hundreds of brightly-coloured birds, orchids and butterflies.
Rwandans are the guardians of many iconic species and are entirely committed to safeguarding their existence within the four National Parks. The lands are amongst the cleanest in Africa thanks to efforts throughout every community. There is so much to see and experience … and it is against this backdrop that our 11-day journey, led by passionate African adventurer and humanitarian, Carla Geyser will take place.
Some of the extraordinary experiences you can look forward to as part of this group of eco-travellers:
This trip promises extraordinary wildlife encounters, meaningful conservation contributions, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of Africa.
Frequency: Bespoke, once-off annual trip
Fitness Ratings: Moderate to Fit
Tour Features: Wildlife Conservation, English-Spoken, Fundraising for Wildlife Conservation, Female Only Solo Travellers
Beneficiary: Pole Pole Foundation, African Parks
Accommodation: Single – combination rooms, chalets, tents and homes
Price range: Mid-range
Min: 4 eco-adventurers
Max: 6 eco-adventurers
*Please note that the itinerary and price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you updated if anything happens. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather-dependent and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary. In some areas, there will be minimal or no Wi-Fi signal (we do love a digital detox)!
JWP05 GORILLAS & CHIMPS 2025
| 1 | 18-Jul-25 | Friday | Rwanda | Kigali – GUESTS FLY IN Transfer to hotel | Welcome Dinner |
| 2 | 19-Jul-25 | Saturday | Rwanda | Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park | Motorbikes: Community projects + homestay |
| 3 | 20-Jul-25 | Sunday | Rwanda | Transfer Nyungwe National Park to Lake Kivu | |
| 4 | 21-Jul-25 | Monday | DRC | Cross into DRC Kahuzi Biega National Park | Cyangugu border |
| 5 | 22-Jul-25 | Tuesday | Rwanda | Travel back into Rwanda from DRC to Lake Kivu | Gorillas tracking – Kahuzi Biega National Park |
| 6 | 23-Jul-25 | Wednesday | Rwanda | Drive back to Nyungwe National Park | Chimpanzee trekking in Cymdongo Forest and canopy walk (3pm) |
| 7 | 24-Jul-25 | Thursday | Rwanda | Drive from Nyungwe NP to Kigali | Genocide Museum and Kigali City tour |
| 8 | 25-Jul-25 | Friday | Rwanda | Drive Kigali to Akagera National Park (2,5 hours) | Afternoon game drive |
| 9 | 26-Jul-25 | Saturday | Rwanda | Akagera NP | Day game drive from North of Park to South |
| 10 | 27-Jul-25 | Sunday | Rwanda | Akagera NP | Morning game drive and sunset boat cruise (Lake Iheme) and AP ‘behind-the-scenes’ |
| 11 | 28-Jul-25 | Monday | Rwanda | Akagera NP to Kigali | Drive to Kigali & Drop Guests at airport |
*Please note that the itinerary and price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you updated if anything happens. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather-dependent and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary. In some areas, there will be minimal or no Wi-Fi signal (we do love a digital detox)!
SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS / SINGLE OCCUPANCY
This itinerary provides a detailed plan for each day of the trip, including accommodations, meals, activities, and conservation efforts, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful eco-travel experience. The itinerary may change slightly but we will keep you posted.
DAY ONE: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel where you’ll have time to relax comfortably for the night. Our welcome and dinner will take place at the rooftop restaurant overlooking the city lights of Kigali.
Accommodation: Macchiato Suites (or similar): Basic, but clean accommodation
Meal Plan: Dinner at hotel
DAY TWO: Banda Eco-Village overnight experience
After breakfast, we head towards Nyungwe National Park. Your experience begins with a drive to nearby Banda village, in Southwest Rwanda. Adjacent to the Nyungwe Forest National Park, Banda village is home to more than 11,000 people. Nyungwe is the largest mid-altitude forest block in Africa and seventy percent of Rwandans rely on the Nyungwe Forest watershed for their clean water consumption. Here, you will jump on the back of a motorbike and head into the valley where you will be welcomed by your rural community hosts. Your day will include a variety of activities, and you will become part of the community for the day. You can opt to help prepare either your lunch or dinner, both of which you will eat with your hosts and members of the local community.
Your overnight experience, in your host’s home, is a unique opportunity to participate in the life of a rural artisan and her family with plenty of time to chat, laugh and learn about each other’s lives. After the fire embers die away, it’s time to start preparing for bed.
Accommodation: Banda Village family host
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Click to see more Rwanda — Kageno
DAY THREE: Lake Kivu
We will spend the morning visiting community projects in Banda village before transferring to Lake Kivu for the night. Situated on the Southern shores of Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, Emeraude Kivu Resort enjoys a fine hillside perch. From here, you can gaze across the lush lake islands and witness the industrious goings-on of the villagers’ fishing boats. The resort is a stone’s throw from the DRC border and an easy one-hour to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Accommodation: Hotel Emeraude Kivu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY FOUR:
We will catch a taxi to the Cyangugu border, where we cross into the DRC. Here we meet our host, John, from Pole Pole Foundation. We spend the night at our hotel and head off the next morning in search of gorillas!
Accommodation: Hotel Elisabeth or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY FIVE: Mountain Gorilla Tracking
This morning we will be Gorilla tracking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. It’s a short drive to the park. Thereafter, we cross back into Rwanda and check back into our hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Emeraude Kivu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY SIX: Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of montane forest in East Africa. The park uses a community-based management system to conserve the forest – a great example of African Parks collaborating with local communities to establish ways of conserving the beauty of Nyungwe forest.
Today (subject to there being availability for the whole group and starting at 4am), you’ll join a guided hike through the dense Cymdongo Forest inside the Nyungwe National Park area to track chimpanzees. This is a phenomenal wildlife experience that is on par with gorilla tracking. Whilst the trek is undoubtedly exciting, it can be challenging as the chimps are very mobile and always running around in the canopies, and on the move from one place to another. You will return to Top View Hotel for lunch and later, at 3pm that afternoon, you will do the canopy walk if you are feeling up to it.
Accommodation: Overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY SEVEN: Kigali
Today we leave Nyungwe National Park and head back to Kigali. But first, we will drive to Nyanza to visit the King’s Palace Museum. You will love the fascinating King’s Hut which is made as authentic as possible, as well as the sacred horned cows and several house items showcasing different aspects of life, allowing you to trace the evolution of traditional clothing and types of residences through the centuries.
Once in Kigali, we will do a city tour and then visit the Genocide Memorial where you will take a journey of quiet reflection on the country’s past. Sobering, moving and incredibly important, this is vital to understanding the remarkable journey Rwanda has undertaken in the 25 years since the genocide. We then head back to Macchiato Suites for the night.
Accommodation: Macchiato suites
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY EIGHT: Akagera National Park
Today after breakfast we will leave for Akagera National Park. We’ll drive about two-and-a-half hours through the beautiful landscape en route to the Northern section of the park. On arrival, you will check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Afternoon game drive included.
Akagera lies on the Eastern border of Rwanda, making it easy to visit and admire the wildlife (from lion to rhino), that thrives in this beautiful savannah and wetland. Named for the area where the camp was first established, Karenge means ‘small footprint’ in Kinyarwanda. The word also conveys Karenge Bush Camp’s simple rustic charm and its commitment to leaving a light ecological footprint, allowing guests to be immersed in nature. The main area comprises a dining tent with a small lounge and outdoor firepit, where you can relax and enjoy the view of the vast Kilala Plains.
With a maximum of 12 guests, a stay here is a truly intimate wilderness experience. For more information of the park click on https://visitakagera.org/
Accommodation: Karenge Bush camp (Rustic)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY NINE: Akagera National Park game drive
This morning, after breakfast we depart from our bush camp and enjoy a full day’s game drive through the park with packed lunches, from North to South, in search of large mammals like elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelope and the recently re-introduced lions and rhinos. The park offers a varied habitat for wildlife and is a birders’ haven with over 500 bird species in the park.
Set on the shores of Akagera’s largest lake, Lake Ihema, Ruzizi Tented Lodge provides spectacular views over the lake and a variety of ways to explore the park.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY TEN: Day 2 in Akagera National Park
After an early morning game drive we will return to the lodge for lunch. Thereafter you will enjoy an innovative ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour, where you’ll meet and talk to rangers, antipoaching patrols and community-projects managers. The tour offers a fascinating insight into the world of modern wildlife conservation in East Africa and the day-to-day running of a protected zone. That afternoon we will do a boat trip on Lake Ihema, seeing hippos and crocodiles in the water or on the shore.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY ELEVEN: Akagera National Park to Kigali
After a morning game drive and breakfast, we will depart and head back to Kigali (approximately 4 hours’ drive). Transfers to the airport for departure (we will arrive at the airport around 3pmso departure flights should be booked from 5pm onwards).
*Please note this itinerary may change slightly but the expedition leader will keep you posted and updated. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. If we need to see Gorillas in Rwanda Day 4,5,6 will change accordingly
These driving adventures are organised and led by Carla Geyser, the founder of the Blue Sky Society Trust (BSST) and Blue Sky Expeditions who has, to date, led many successful trips into Africa. If you are an enthusiastic adventurer who is passionate about conservation and takes life as it comes, then this is for you! #JWP brings together like-minded people from around the world on trips that focus on visiting and raising funds for wildlife initiatives along the route.
Carla is always looking for well-rounded individuals of various skills and interests. If you are an enthusiastic adventurer passionate about conservation and taking life as it comes, then our next #JWP expedition could be for you.
These expeditions often involve driving long distances over bumpy, dusty roads, camping in remote areas, at times being without mobile phone service for days, and of course, loads of giving back through hands-on charity work. Sometimes our accommodation varies from camping to chalets/rooms. Each journey is unique. So make sure you read the itinerary carefully.
This is not a ‘normal’ tour but rather a team expedition, and every now and then, team member (s) are requested to pitch in, if required, with cooking, cleaning, camp set-up etc. It is the experience of a lifetime, and we would love to have exploratory fun-filled compassionate spirits along for the ride.
This is a LIMITED entry journey, which means only a few people get to experience this unforgettable never-to-be-repeated experience. The minimum enrollment for this trip is six people. If minimum enrollment is not met 90 days prior to the departure date, the trip may be cancelled or postponed in which case full payment, excluding the deposit, will be refunded. (Minus the non-refundable deposit of R5000pp).
Safety is always a priority. We have a satellite phone, SATIB Insurance 24-hour medivac and assistance on call, and access to doctors 24/7.
Unless you are purchasing the airline insurance, it is a good idea to wait until departure is confirmed before buying plane tickets.
Please ARRIVE at the designated airport on a specific date (see itinerary)
Please book your DEPARTURE from the designated airport on a specific date (see itinerary)
Traveling before or after the program is totally fine – just let Blue Sky Expeditions know your plans.
Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry and that you have at least two blank pages in your passport (the back page does not count).
The colourful currency in each country will be explained – please do your homework or ask.
South Africa – SA Rand
Namibia – Namibian Dollar
Botswana – Botswana Pula
Zambia – Zambian Kwacha
Mozambique – Mozambique Metical
Zimbabwe – US$ *Cash only
Eswatini – SA Rand
Rwanda – Rwandan Franc
Credit cards are widely accepted so this can be your main form of payment. Reliable ATM’s in banks are available in certain cities . You may also bring cash to exchange at banks and exchange offices.
TIPPING: There will be some situations where you may feel the need to tip, but as always, it is up to your discretion. Typically, it is customary to tip our local guides $5-$10 per day per guide. But you are welcome to tip more.
**PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING TO READ AND SIGN OUR INDEMNITY. Each person must have signed this before departure
Expedition Agreement – https://www.blueskysociety.org/expedition-agreement-form/
Indemnity Form – https://www.blueskysociety.org/indemnity-online-form/
JWP05 GORILLAS & CHIMPS 2025
| 1 | 18-Jul-25 | Friday | Rwanda | Kigali – GUESTS FLY IN Transfer to hotel | Welcome Dinner |
| 2 | 19-Jul-25 | Saturday | Rwanda | Transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park | Motorbikes: Community projects + homestay |
| 3 | 20-Jul-25 | Sunday | Rwanda | Transfer Nyungwe National Park to Lake Kivu | |
| 4 | 21-Jul-25 | Monday | DRC | Cross into DRC Kahuzi Biega National Park | Cyangugu border |
| 5 | 22-Jul-25 | Tuesday | Rwanda | Travel back into Rwanda from DRC to Lake Kivu | Gorillas tracking – Kahuzi Biega National Park |
| 6 | 23-Jul-25 | Wednesday | Rwanda | Drive back to Nyungwe National Park | Chimpanzee trekking in Cymdongo Forest and canopy walk (3pm) |
| 7 | 24-Jul-25 | Thursday | Rwanda | Drive from Nyungwe NP to Kigali | Genocide Museum and Kigali City tour |
| 8 | 25-Jul-25 | Friday | Rwanda | Drive Kigali to Akagera National Park (2,5 hours) | Afternoon game drive |
| 9 | 26-Jul-25 | Saturday | Rwanda | Akagera NP | Day game drive from North of Park to South |
| 10 | 27-Jul-25 | Sunday | Rwanda | Akagera NP | Morning game drive and sunset boat cruise (Lake Iheme) and AP ‘behind-the-scenes’ |
| 11 | 28-Jul-25 | Monday | Rwanda | Akagera NP to Kigali | Drive to Kigali & Drop Guests at airport |
*Please note that the itinerary and price may change slightly, but the expedition host will keep you updated if anything happens. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. Please note some activities are weather-dependent and we will do our best to accommodate them all in our itinerary. In some areas, there will be minimal or no Wi-Fi signal (we do love a digital detox)!
SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS / SINGLE OCCUPANCY
This itinerary provides a detailed plan for each day of the trip, including accommodations, meals, activities, and conservation efforts, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful eco-travel experience. The itinerary may change slightly but we will keep you posted.
DAY ONE: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met and transferred to the hotel where you’ll have time to relax comfortably for the night. Our welcome and dinner will take place at the rooftop restaurant overlooking the city lights of Kigali.
Accommodation: Macchiato Suites (or similar): Basic, but clean accommodation
Meal Plan: Dinner at hotel
DAY TWO: Banda Eco-Village overnight experience
After breakfast, we head towards Nyungwe National Park. Your experience begins with a drive to nearby Banda village, in Southwest Rwanda. Adjacent to the Nyungwe Forest National Park, Banda village is home to more than 11,000 people. Nyungwe is the largest mid-altitude forest block in Africa and seventy percent of Rwandans rely on the Nyungwe Forest watershed for their clean water consumption. Here, you will jump on the back of a motorbike and head into the valley where you will be welcomed by your rural community hosts. Your day will include a variety of activities, and you will become part of the community for the day. You can opt to help prepare either your lunch or dinner, both of which you will eat with your hosts and members of the local community.
Your overnight experience, in your host’s home, is a unique opportunity to participate in the life of a rural artisan and her family with plenty of time to chat, laugh and learn about each other’s lives. After the fire embers die away, it’s time to start preparing for bed.
Accommodation: Banda Village family host
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Click to see more Rwanda — Kageno
DAY THREE: Lake Kivu
We will spend the morning visiting community projects in Banda village before transferring to Lake Kivu for the night. Situated on the Southern shores of Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, Emeraude Kivu Resort enjoys a fine hillside perch. From here, you can gaze across the lush lake islands and witness the industrious goings-on of the villagers’ fishing boats. The resort is a stone’s throw from the DRC border and an easy one-hour to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Accommodation: Hotel Emeraude Kivu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY FOUR:
We will catch a taxi to the Cyangugu border, where we cross into the DRC. Here we meet our host, John, from Pole Pole Foundation. We spend the night at our hotel and head off the next morning in search of gorillas!
Accommodation: Hotel Elisabeth or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY FIVE: Mountain Gorilla Tracking
This morning we will be Gorilla tracking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. It’s a short drive to the park. Thereafter, we cross back into Rwanda and check back into our hotel for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Emeraude Kivu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY SIX: Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is the largest block of montane forest in East Africa. The park uses a community-based management system to conserve the forest – a great example of African Parks collaborating with local communities to establish ways of conserving the beauty of Nyungwe forest.
Today (subject to there being availability for the whole group and starting at 4am), you’ll join a guided hike through the dense Cymdongo Forest inside the Nyungwe National Park area to track chimpanzees. This is a phenomenal wildlife experience that is on par with gorilla tracking. Whilst the trek is undoubtedly exciting, it can be challenging as the chimps are very mobile and always running around in the canopies, and on the move from one place to another. You will return to Top View Hotel for lunch and later, at 3pm that afternoon, you will do the canopy walk if you are feeling up to it.
Accommodation: Overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY SEVEN: Kigali
Today we leave Nyungwe National Park and head back to Kigali. But first, we will drive to Nyanza to visit the King’s Palace Museum. You will love the fascinating King’s Hut which is made as authentic as possible, as well as the sacred horned cows and several house items showcasing different aspects of life, allowing you to trace the evolution of traditional clothing and types of residences through the centuries.
Once in Kigali, we will do a city tour and then visit the Genocide Memorial where you will take a journey of quiet reflection on the country’s past. Sobering, moving and incredibly important, this is vital to understanding the remarkable journey Rwanda has undertaken in the 25 years since the genocide. We then head back to Macchiato Suites for the night.
Accommodation: Macchiato suites
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY EIGHT: Akagera National Park
Today after breakfast we will leave for Akagera National Park. We’ll drive about two-and-a-half hours through the beautiful landscape en route to the Northern section of the park. On arrival, you will check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Afternoon game drive included.
Akagera lies on the Eastern border of Rwanda, making it easy to visit and admire the wildlife (from lion to rhino), that thrives in this beautiful savannah and wetland. Named for the area where the camp was first established, Karenge means ‘small footprint’ in Kinyarwanda. The word also conveys Karenge Bush Camp’s simple rustic charm and its commitment to leaving a light ecological footprint, allowing guests to be immersed in nature. The main area comprises a dining tent with a small lounge and outdoor firepit, where you can relax and enjoy the view of the vast Kilala Plains.
With a maximum of 12 guests, a stay here is a truly intimate wilderness experience. For more information of the park click on https://visitakagera.org/
Accommodation: Karenge Bush camp (Rustic)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY NINE: Akagera National Park game drive
This morning, after breakfast we depart from our bush camp and enjoy a full day’s game drive through the park with packed lunches, from North to South, in search of large mammals like elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelope and the recently re-introduced lions and rhinos. The park offers a varied habitat for wildlife and is a birders’ haven with over 500 bird species in the park.
Set on the shores of Akagera’s largest lake, Lake Ihema, Ruzizi Tented Lodge provides spectacular views over the lake and a variety of ways to explore the park.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY TEN: Day 2 in Akagera National Park
After an early morning game drive we will return to the lodge for lunch. Thereafter you will enjoy an innovative ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour, where you’ll meet and talk to rangers, antipoaching patrols and community-projects managers. The tour offers a fascinating insight into the world of modern wildlife conservation in East Africa and the day-to-day running of a protected zone. That afternoon we will do a boat trip on Lake Ihema, seeing hippos and crocodiles in the water or on the shore.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY ELEVEN: Akagera National Park to Kigali
After a morning game drive and breakfast, we will depart and head back to Kigali (approximately 4 hours’ drive). Transfers to the airport for departure (we will arrive at the airport around 3pmso departure flights should be booked from 5pm onwards).
*Please note this itinerary may change slightly but the expedition leader will keep you posted and updated. Terms and conditions apply due to availability. If we need to see Gorillas in Rwanda Day 4,5,6 will change accordingly
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