{"id":36776,"date":"2019-04-01T16:44:25","date_gmt":"2019-04-01T15:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flashpacknew.wpengine.com\/?post_type=trip&p=36776"},"modified":"2020-06-07T19:59:11","modified_gmt":"2020-06-07T18:59:11","slug":"rwanda-small-group-tour-solo-travellers","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/adventure-trips\/rwanda-small-group-tour-solo-travellers\/","title":{"rendered":"Gorilla trekking & wild adventure in Rwanda"},"content":{"rendered":"

Encounter majestic gorillas in their natural habitat, camp on a remote island on the shores of Lake Kivu and mountain-bike through a volcanic landscape<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":88675,"menu_order":237,"template":"","thumbnail_video":null,"checkout_hero_banner":null,"acf":[],"template_id":null,"duration":9,"trip_limit":8,"img_header":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Rwanda-Flash-Pack-01-1120x620.jpg","continent":"Africa","country":"Rwanda","countries":["Rwanda"],"prices_between":{"gbp":{"min":"\u00a33849","max":"\u00a33849"},"eur":{"min":"\u20ac4549","max":"\u20ac4549"},"usd":{"min":"$5199","max":"$5199"},"cad":{"min":"$7119","max":"$7119"},"aud":{"min":"$7079","max":"$7079"},"nzd":{"min":"$7889","max":"$7889"},"hkd":{"min":"$38679","max":"$38679"},"aed":{"min":"DH18169","max":"DH18169"}},"about":"

Breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife experiences and wild adventure combine to make this trip to Rwanda extra special.<\/strong><\/p>\n

On this 9-day adventure, you\u2019ll venture into thick forests in search of unique wildlife, turn your hand to traditional coffee-roasting, navigate a valley river by canoe and camp on a secluded island beneath the stars.<\/p>\n

You will, of course, visit Rwanda\u2019s most famous residents, the extraordinary mountain gorillas. But you\u2019ll also experience so much more: mountain-bike thrills through volcanic terrain, rugged adventure along the Congo Nile Trail, freshly-grilled dinner over an open fire \u2013 all alongside a group of like-minded solo travelers.<\/p>\n","highlights":[],"lang":"us","trip_type":[{"term_id":8457,"name":"Wildlife","slug":"safari-trips","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":8457,"taxonomy":"style","description":"There are few moments more magical than spotting exotic and indigenous creatures in their natural habitat for the first time. It\u2019s why we\u2019ve crafted a series of global adventures around safaris and wildlife interactions, so why not take your pick?","parent":0,"count":20,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"}],"hidden":true,"seasons":[],"scenery":[],"activities":[],"activity_level":[],"key_locations":"","itinerary":[{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Arrive at Kigali Airport (KGL) ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"TOUCH-DOWN IN KIGALI","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Flashpackers, welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival in Kigali, a private transfer will greet you off your flight, ready to take you to the hotel. After checking in, we\u2019ll gather at the hotel and head out together to explore the streets of this burgeoning global city. Weave through local markets, absorbing the sights and sounds of Rwandan daily life. Later this afternoon, we\u2019ll come face-to-face with the legacy of the past, as we pay a visit to the Genocide Museum. As we revisit the dark events of 1994, you\u2019ll learn just how much has been achieved in the last couple of decades. Come evening, we\u2019ll head out for dinner at a local rooftop restaurant. Get to know your fellow Flashpackers with a drink in hand, with Kigali unfolding around you.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"TOUCH-DOWN IN KIGALI","text":"

Flashpackers, welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival in Kigali, a private transfer will greet you off your flight, ready to take you to the hotel. After checking in, we\u2019ll gather at the hotel and head out together to explore the streets of this burgeoning global city. Weave through local markets, absorbing the sights and sounds of Rwandan daily life. Later this afternoon, we\u2019ll come face-to-face with the legacy of the past, as we pay a visit to the Genocide Museum. As we revisit the dark events of 1994, you\u2019ll learn just how much has been achieved in the last couple of decades. Come evening, we\u2019ll head out for dinner at a local rooftop restaurant. Get to know your fellow Flashpackers with a drink in hand, with Kigali unfolding around you.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Arrive at Kigali Airport (KGL) ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWAitinerary1-925x600.jpg"],"day":1},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Lunch at Kitabi Eco Center ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"TEA PLANTATIONS & FOREST STORIES","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

This morning, we\u2019ll start our only long overland journey to the Nyungwe Forest. We\u2019ll pause for lunch at the Kitabi Eco Center; tuck into a traditional Rwandan communal lunch, from steamed plantain to fragrant rice dishes. In the early afternoon, we\u2019ll head off though a tea plantation to the forest buffer zone, an area designed to protect wildlife conservation efforts. Hear the stories of the forest from your guide, as you explore this area by foot. We\u2019ll then drive through the forest itself to our hotel, where the evening is yours to unwind.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"TEA PLANTATIONS & FOREST STORIES","text":"

This morning, we\u2019ll start our only long overland journey to the Nyungwe Forest. We\u2019ll pause for lunch at the Kitabi Eco Center; tuck into a traditional Rwandan communal lunch, from steamed plantain to fragrant rice dishes. In the early afternoon, we\u2019ll head off though a tea plantation to the forest buffer zone, an area designed to protect wildlife conservation efforts. Hear the stories of the forest from your guide, as you explore this area by foot. We\u2019ll then drive through the forest itself to our hotel, where the evening is yours to unwind.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Lunch at Kitabi Eco Center ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWAitinerary2-925x600.jpg"],"day":2},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Dawn trekking in Nyungwe Forest ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"NATURE WALKS & ADVENTURE TRAILS","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

We\u2019re off to a very early start this morning, setting off on a dawn trek to an a special part of Nyungwe Forest National Park. Here we\u2019ll trek through the dense tropical woodland, over steep slopes and gnarled roots, following wildlife trails through the jungle. Later in the afternoon, we\u2019ll head out on foot to explore part of the Congo Nile Trail. Following a rugged dirt tracks, a few small trails before arriving at the shores of Lake Kivu itself. On arrival at the hotel, we\u2019ll enjoy a good feast, as we look out at the lake and watch as the sun recedes over the water.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"NATURE WALKS & ADVENTURE TRAILS","text":"

We\u2019re off to a very early start this morning, setting off on a dawn trek to an a special part of Nyungwe Forest National Park. Here we\u2019ll trek through the dense tropical woodland, over steep slopes and gnarled roots, following wildlife trails through the jungle. Later in the afternoon, we\u2019ll head out on foot to explore part of the Congo Nile Trail. Following a rugged dirt tracks, a few small trails before arriving at the shores of Lake Kivu itself. On arrival at the hotel, we\u2019ll enjoy a good feast, as we look out at the lake and watch as the sun recedes over the water.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Dawn trekking in Nyungwe Forest ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWAitinerary3-925x600.jpg"],"day":3},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Kayaking and camping on Lake Kivu ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"KAYAKING & CAMPING IN LAKE KIVU","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

After breakfast at the hotel, we\u2019ll hop on a motorboat and cruise over to Amahoro Island. Absorb the remote beauty of this little island, amid the vast blue lake waters. We\u2019ll begin our kayaking adventure from here, weaving through the islands scattered around this region of the immense Lake Kivu. Pause along the way to encounter the cheeky primate inhabitants of these islands \u2013 have your bananas at the ready. Later in the afternoon, we\u2019ll arrive at Bishayu Island, which will be our final destination for the day. Tonight we\u2019ll be camping beneath the stars, so settle into the blissful tranquillity of the island with a drink in hand. Our chef will prepare freshly grilled tilapia and veggie delights over an open fire. After dinner, relax around the fire, or explore the hidden corners of this beautiful island under the moonlight. If curiosity takes hold, you can follow a quiet path up to a clearing on the summit to absorb the wild splendor of the night.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"KAYAKING & CAMPING IN LAKE KIVU","text":"

After breakfast at the hotel, we\u2019ll hop on a motorboat and cruise over to Amahoro Island. Absorb the remote beauty of this little island, amid the vast blue lake waters. We\u2019ll begin our kayaking adventure from here, weaving through the islands scattered around this region of the immense Lake Kivu. Pause along the way to encounter the cheeky primate inhabitants of these islands \u2013 have your bananas at the ready. Later in the afternoon, we\u2019ll arrive at Bishayu Island, which will be our final destination for the day. Tonight we\u2019ll be camping beneath the stars, so settle into the blissful tranquillity of the island with a drink in hand. Our chef will prepare freshly grilled tilapia and veggie delights over an open fire. After dinner, relax around the fire, or explore the hidden corners of this beautiful island under the moonlight. If curiosity takes hold, you can follow a quiet path up to a clearing on the summit to absorb the wild splendor of the night.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Kayaking and camping on Lake Kivu ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWAitinerary4-925x600.jpg"],"day":4},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Hand-roasted coffee on Lake Kivu ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"THE ART OF ROASTING COFFEE","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

Wake up to spectacular views of dawn breaking over the lake waters. After breakfast at the campsite, we\u2019ll navigate our way to Cyimbili by motorboat. This small village on the shores of Lake Kivu is a thriving hub of coffee production. Learn the art of hand-roasting coffee over an open fire, a process which leads to wonderfully rich results. Come midday, we\u2019ll take a motorboat to our next destination \u2013 then the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. In the evening, head out to explore the area for foodie options, taking your pick from the local array of bars and restaurants.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"THE ART OF ROASTING COFFEE","text":"

Wake up to spectacular views of dawn breaking over the lake waters. After breakfast at the campsite, we\u2019ll navigate our way to Cyimbili by motorboat. This small village on the shores of Lake Kivu is a thriving hub of coffee production. Learn the art of hand-roasting coffee over an open fire, a process which leads to wonderfully rich results. Come midday, we\u2019ll take a motorboat to our next destination \u2013 then the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. In the evening, head out to explore the area for foodie options, taking your pick from the local array of bars and restaurants.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Hand-roasted coffee on Lake Kivu ","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWAitinerary5-925x600.jpg"],"day":5},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Volcano biking in Virunga","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"VOLCANIC BIKING IN VIRUNGA ","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

This morning, we\u2019ll head to our next destination in the Virunga Mountains. After a morning of traveling, tuck into lunch at a local lodge, where you\u2019ll have a couple of hours to unwind in the gardens and enjoy a dip in the pool before our biking extravaganza. Then it\u2019s time to embrace adrenaline thrills as we glide downhill on a fleet of hardtail mountain bikes, passing through local villages along the way. After an action-packed afternoon, we\u2019ll head to our lodge for the night, where we\u2019ll enjoy a hearty feast rounded off with a few drinks at the bar.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"VOLCANIC BIKING IN VIRUNGA ","text":"

This morning, we\u2019ll head to our next destination in the Virunga Mountains. After a morning of traveling, tuck into lunch at a local lodge, where you\u2019ll have a couple of hours to unwind in the gardens and enjoy a dip in the pool before our biking extravaganza. Then it\u2019s time to embrace adrenaline thrills as we glide downhill on a fleet of hardtail mountain bikes, passing through local villages along the way. After an action-packed afternoon, we\u2019ll head to our lodge for the night, where we\u2019ll enjoy a hearty feast rounded off with a few drinks at the bar.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Volcano biking in Virunga","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWAitinerary6-925x600.jpg"],"day":6},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Canoeing on the river","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"CANOE ADVENTURES ON THE RIVER","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

After breakfast at the lodge, the morning is yours to take at leisure. Relax in the lodge gardens, absorbing magnificent views of the surrounding landscape, or head out to explore the area at your own pace \u2013 it\u2019s completely up to you. Then, come early afternoon, we\u2019ll take to the river to embark on our canoe adventure. Drift downstream along gentle currents, alongside an enchanting variety of birds \u2013 and keep an eye out for curious otters. As we journey deep into the valley, you\u2019ll encounter the communities and vast array of wildlife who have made a home of these lush environs. After an afternoon of river adventures, retire to the lodge in anticipation of what the following day will bring\u2026.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"CANOE ADVENTURES ON THE RIVER","text":"

After breakfast at the lodge, the morning is yours to take at leisure. Relax in the lodge gardens, absorbing magnificent views of the surrounding landscape, or head out to explore the area at your own pace \u2013 it\u2019s completely up to you. Then, come early afternoon, we\u2019ll take to the river to embark on our canoe adventure. Drift downstream along gentle currents, alongside an enchanting variety of birds \u2013 and keep an eye out for curious otters. As we journey deep into the valley, you\u2019ll encounter the communities and vast array of wildlife who have made a home of these lush environs. After an afternoon of river adventures, retire to the lodge in anticipation of what the following day will bring\u2026.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Canoeing on the river","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWAitinerary7-925x600.jpg"],"day":7},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Gorilla trekking in Virunga","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"WALKING WITH GORILLAS","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

We\u2019re off to an early start this morning, as we prepare for a very special experience. Trek into the mountains of Virunga to encounter the region\u2019s majestic gorillas in the flesh \u2013 it\u2019s a wildlife encounter unlike any other on Earth. You\u2019ll come face to face with these incredible animals in their natural habitat, observing their gentle human-like nature and family interaction. From the playful mischief of young gorillas to the watchful concern of their mothers, the boisterous energy of adolescents to the authority of the imposing silverback, encountering these creatures is a special experience. We\u2019ll pause to enjoy our packed lunch in the forest, then it\u2019s time to head back to Kigali. In the evening, we\u2019ll head out for our farewell feast, toasting to the wonderful adventure we\u2019ve had.<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"WALKING WITH GORILLAS","text":"

We\u2019re off to an early start this morning, as we prepare for a very special experience. Trek into the mountains of Virunga to encounter the region\u2019s majestic gorillas in the flesh \u2013 it\u2019s a wildlife encounter unlike any other on Earth. You\u2019ll come face to face with these incredible animals in their natural habitat, observing their gentle human-like nature and family interaction. From the playful mischief of young gorillas to the watchful concern of their mothers, the boisterous energy of adolescents to the authority of the imposing silverback, encountering these creatures is a special experience. We\u2019ll pause to enjoy our packed lunch in the forest, then it\u2019s time to head back to Kigali. In the evening, we\u2019ll head out for our farewell feast, toasting to the wonderful adventure we\u2019ve had.<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Gorilla trekking in Virunga","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWAitinerary8-925x600.jpg"],"day":8},{"local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-snapshot":"Depart from Kigali Airport (KGL)","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-header":"UNTIL NEXT TIME, RWANDA!","local-trip-detailed-itinerary-day-text":"

After breakfast at the hotel, it\u2019s time to say goodbye! It\u2019s now over to you to make your own way to your next destination. You\u2019ve explored the city sights of Kigali; stayed on a beautiful secluded island in Lake Kivu; explored the Volcanoes National Park by mountain-bike; and you\u2019ve encountered curious gorillas in their natural habitat. From wildlife wonders to rugged outdoor adventure, it\u2019s been an incredible journey. Not quite done with East Africa? Check out our trip to neighboring Tanzania<\/a>. Wherever you\u2019re heading next, bon voyage!<\/p>\n","campaign_id":"","trip_highlight":false,"trip_highlight_strapline":"","quote":{"text":"","author":"","authorSocialUrl":"","date":null},"header":"UNTIL NEXT TIME, RWANDA!","text":"

After breakfast at the hotel, it\u2019s time to say goodbye! It\u2019s now over to you to make your own way to your next destination. You\u2019ve explored the city sights of Kigali; stayed on a beautiful secluded island in Lake Kivu; explored the Volcanoes National Park by mountain-bike; and you\u2019ve encountered curious gorillas in their natural habitat. From wildlife wonders to rugged outdoor adventure, it\u2019s been an incredible journey. Not quite done with East Africa? Check out our trip to neighboring Tanzania<\/a>. Wherever you\u2019re heading next, bon voyage!<\/p>\n","snapshot":"Depart from Kigali Airport (KGL)","images":["https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWAitinerary9-925x600.jpg"],"day":9}],"alternative_itinerary":null,"theme":null,"gallery_uris":[],"trip_highlights":[],"included_highlights":[],"included":["a","e","g","t","m","b","l","t","Max. 14 people per trip","Everyone at a similar life stage","90% travel solo, 80% stay in touch"],"videos":[],"faqs":[{"question":"","answer":"Fly in and out of Kigali International Airport (KGL).\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Please try to arrive before 9am on day 1 (most international flights into Kigali arrive before this time), although we will arrange an airport transfer for you at whichever time you arrive.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Feel free to depart at your own leisure on day 9.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"The deposit for this trip costs more than the usual price for our other adventures due to the permits required for the gorilla trekking. The gorilla permit can cost up to $1500.\n"},{"question":"","answer":"Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control. From time to time we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh.\n"}],"hotels":[{"name":"Lake Kivu Lodge","short_description":"Modestly charming lodge located on the shores of lake Kivu","description":"The rooms are decorated in a simple style with traditional Rwandan undertones, and the location is unbeatable.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWALakeKivuLodge1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi","short_description":"Rustic lodge in the Volcanoes National Park","description":"With wooden furnishings and thatched roofing, this charming lodge is decked out with traditional Rwandan decor.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWADaVinciGorillaLodge1.jpg","is_alternative":false},{"name":"Nyungwe Top View Hotel","short_description":"Simple but cosy, this hilltop hotel is an ideal nature retreat","description":"Comfortable and spacious, with a touch of vibrant Rwandan design, this is a great place to put your feet up after a day of activity.\n","image_url":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/RWANyungweTopView1.jpg","is_alternative":false}],"wellness_rooms":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip\/36776"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/trip"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/trip"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88675"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandbox.flashpack.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}