You land at Kigali International Airport – in the clean, modern and surprisingly calm capital of Rwanda. This is where your journey through the heart of Africa begins. On arrival you receive a warm welcome and are taken to your comfortable hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you have the opportunity to explore Kigali a little – perhaps a visit to the Genocide Memorial or a stroll through the colourful Kimironko Market. Nestled among gentle hills, Kigali delights with its relaxed atmosphere, well-kept streets and growing art scene. In the evening you relax at the historic Hôtel des Mille Collines, which became known through the film Hotel Rwanda and is a symbol of hope and hospitality.

1 night · double room The Hôtel des Mille Collines is centrally located in Kigali and is one of Rwanda's best-known hotels. Surrounded by tropical gardens and with beautiful views over the hilly capital, the hotel offers a calm atmosphere in the middle of the city. The rooms are comfortably and modernly furnished, with large windows, cosy seating areas and contemporary amenities. The complex also includes a pool, several restaurants and lovely terraces that invite you to relax after an eventful day in Kigali. The hotel became internationally known for its special role during the 1994 genocide, when many people sought refuge there and survived. Many travellers also know the hotel from the film Hotel Rwanda . Today the Hôtel des Mille Collines combines this historical background with modern comfort and is a good base for getting to know Kigali and modern Rwanda.

After breakfast your scenic drive begins through Rwanda's hilly landscape, past tea plantations, small villages and volcanic mountains, towards the Ugandan border. Your destination: the fabulous Lake Mutanda, one of the most beautiful places in East Africa. If time allows, a stop along the way at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is well worthwhile – an impressive centre for gorilla research and conservation that combines modern education with nature conservation (admission by donation). After crossing the border you reach Lake Mutanda – a volcanic lake with small islands, surrounded by the majestic Virunga volcanoes. Here, at the cosy Mutanda Lake Resort, you enjoy spectacular views, fresh air and the tranquillity of nature.

3 nights · double room · full board The Mutanda Lake Resort sits on a hill right on Lake Mutanda in south-western Uganda and offers an impressive view of the Virunga volcanoes. The lodge consists of cosy rustic cottages on wooden platforms, each with its own small terrace overlooking the lake. Its quiet location makes the resort a pleasant retreat and at the same time a good base for activities in the region. From the resort, guests can go gorilla tracking, take boat trips, paddle or hike in the surrounding area. After an excursion, the restaurant with its panoramic view invites you to relax. Overall, the Mutanda Lake Resort is particularly suitable for travellers who appreciate impressive landscapes and want to combine nature experiences with pleasant, relaxed accommodation.

Today one of the most emotional experiences of your trip awaits you – gorilla tracking in the legendary Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. This dense, ancient rainforest is home to almost half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Early in the morning your driver takes you to the park entrance. After a briefing by experienced rangers, the exciting hike through the dense greenery begins. The duration varies depending on where the gorillas are – but every minute is part of the adventure. And then it happens: the moment you come face to face with a gorilla family. For one hour you may observe these fascinating animals at close range – a quiet, awe-inspiring moment that touches you deeply. Back at the lodge, you can process your impressions over dinner – with a view of the sunset over the lake.

This day is at your leisure – just as you like. If you want to immerse yourself in nature once more, you can optionally join a golden monkey tracking (not included). The energetic and curious golden monkeys are a special experience – nimble, playful and very photogenic! In the afternoon an included boat trip on Lake Mutanda awaits you. The peaceful ride across the glittering water, framed by volcanoes and green hills, is an unforgettable nature experience. Keep your eyes open – you often see cormorants, herons or even otters.

After breakfast it's time to say goodbye to picturesque Lake Mutanda. Your return journey takes you once again through the impressive landscape of the Virunga massif and back across the border to Kigali. We recommend an afternoon return flight (from approx. 4 pm) so that you can enjoy the drive in a relaxed way. In your luggage: countless memories that will stay deep in your heart – of a fascinating country, moving encounters and the majestic gorillas of Uganda. This trip is perfect for an extension in Kenya or Tanzania. How about, for example, following it with our safari "Tanzania & Zanzibar – Safari and Beach"? TRAVEL MODULE: 5 DAYS UGANDA INCL. GORILLA TRACKING.