Experience the wildlife wonderment of Rwanda's captivating primates, from chimps to rare mountain gorillas, on this week-long African adventure.
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
- All accommodation with breakfast (some hotels may include further meals)
- All private ground transfers
- All tours specified in the itinerary description
- One chimpanzee tracking permit per person
- One canopy walk and one forest hike per person
- One gorilla tracking permit per person
- One golden monkey tracking permit per person
At a glance
Come face-to-face with the fascinating and elusive primates of Rwanda in their natural habitats on two truly bucket list-worthy wildlife experiences.
Following a night in the friendly capital of Kigali with a couple of museum stops for your culture fix, kick-start your monkey adventure in Nyungwe National Park. Your three days in this biodiverse haven can be spent exploring the only forest canopy walkway in East Africa and getting up-close with the resident primates of chimps, mangabeys and Black and White Angolan colobus monkeys.
Then, delve further into this ancient land with a stay at Volcanoes National Park. Expert naturalist guides will lead you through the tropical splendour of hills and dormant volcanoes to witness the rare mountain gorilla and endangered golden monkey for discreet, mesmerising and entirely magical encounters.
Example trip itinerary
Kigali
On arrival at Kigali airport clear Rwanda customs & immigration formalities and proceed to Arrivals where you will be met by your private transfer driver.
Accommodation in Kigali
Kigali
Highlights
- Entirely solar-powered
- 11 rooms with outdoor rain showers and private patios
- Indulge on international cuisine combined with Rwandan and African flavours
- Relax at the hotel's spa
- The Retreat supports and develops the local community through various programmes
Overview
The Retreat by Heaven is a charming and inviting small boutique hotel, recognised as Kigali’s first entirely solar-powered resort, as well as maintaining countless other eco-friendly credentials throughout its make up, including locally crafted sustainable teak wood furniture. The hotel enjoys a great location on a quiet and peaceful, tree-lined street in the Kiyovu neighbourhood of the city, and is just minutes from the city centre, ensuring it’s in a prime location for discovering Kigali.
At the centre of everything The Retreat does is its people, and support and development of the local community are important parts of its operation. Through various programmes they hope to help develop future leaders in Rwanda’s fast-growing hospitality industry.
Guests will have a choice of 11 expansive rooms, with features such as peaked ceilings, front and rear private patios, bathrooms with indoor and outdoor rain showers, and air conditioning. The interior of each room is light, airy and spacious, featuring plenty of wood for a natural vibe, as well as touches of local art and decoration to add an element of tradition.
There’s a fantastic on-site restaurant in which to indulge, known as Fusion. Blending international cuisine with local Rwandan and African flavours with a focus on quality local ingredients, the restaurant is set beside the hotel’s inviting saltwater swimming pool. Guests can find further relaxation in the shape of the hotel’s spa, giving them the chance to nurture themselves across a range of skincare or massage treatments, as well as relax in the Jacuzzi or sauna.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- The hotel is part of the Heaven portfolio, a purpose-driven social enterprise founded by Josh and Alissa Huxin, who, captivated by Rwanda during their honeymoon, envisioned contributing to the development of its most crucial resource: its people. Originating as a restaurant and hospitality training facility in 2008, they have since trained over 3000 Rwandans and expanded to include two hotels and restaurants, including The Retreat.
- Custom-built by local craftspeople, The Retreat showcases Rwandan arts, photography, experiences, and agriculture. Central to its operations is the empowerment of the local community, with a focus on sourcing locally.
- At present, The Retreat assists several staff members in ongoing education programs and offers crucial support to vulnerable youth, covering their education, food, and housing.
Kigali
Overview
A very comfortable business-style hotel in central Kigali and only ten kilometres from the city’s international airport, this is a good option for those passing through onto other destinations or to relax before your flight home.
A good and efficient level of facilities means you don’t have to go far for beverage, swim, stroll or meal and the staff are always very helpful here.
→ Find out moreEnjoy a night in Kigali, you'll have our list of recommended restaurants and attractions to make sure you make the most of your time here.
You will be met with your private guide and explore the city of Kigali, including the Genocide Museum.
Transfer
Private road transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park via Nyanza and Butare, with lunch.
Nyungwe National Park
Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park
Highlights
- Chimpanzee treks
- Mountain biking
- Cultural experiences
- Yoga
- Spa and fitness centre
- 22 rooms and suites
- Tea lounge, bar and restaurant
Overview
Low and wide amid the leaves of its very own tea plantation surrounded by ancient rainforest, Nyungwe House’s modern architecture is a wonderful contrast to its verdant setting.
There are 22 rooms and suites split between six wooden villas, with vast windows and private decks opening up into the forest. There are open fireplaces in each and every room and suite, with interiors and artwork inspired by the nature and traditions of Rwanda.
The main lodge building is home to lounge areas, bar and dining space where you can enjoy sun-rise breakfast (or, for late risers, all day à la carte brunches in your room) and mouth-watering, organic, garden-to-plate menus at dinner, with lunches usually enjoyed while out exploring.
Nyungwe Forest, an ancient place of majestic mahoganies, giant ferns and delicate orchids, is renowned for its wide diversity of animal species and the lodge has a variety of treks available for those wishing to see chimpanzees, white colobus, grey-cheeked, golden and rare Mangabey monkeys. You can also take to the heights of the nearby canopy walk, ride mountain bikes, take a day trip to the waters of Lake Kivu or immerse yourself in the local culture on a range of tailored experiences that will give you an insight into crafts, cuisine and more.
→ Find out moreSpend your days here at Nyungwe National Park on exciting safari tours, discovering this lush, ancient land. Explore the famous forest canopy, East Africa's only canopy walk, getting up-close to the impressive birdlife and myriad of resident primates as you wander above the treetops for a bird's eye view of forest life. Visit a tea plantation to learn about the world class tea made here and go chimp trekking in nearby Cyamudongo Forest. Then, delve deep into Nyungwe forest on hiking trails to discover the numerous Albertine Rift endemics and the largest troop of Black and White Colobus found anywhere in Africa.
This morning you will be collected from your lodge early for your chimp trekking tour nearby Cyamudongo Forest. After approximately an hour's journey, you will arrive at this small forest which was historically connected to Nyungwe. Here you will meet the resident habituated chimpanzee
group before visiting a tea plantation to learn about the world class tea made here.
Spend today hiking the forest trails in Nyungwe Forest. The park is home to various Albertine Rift endemics plus thirteen different primate species. This includes the largest troops of Black and White Colobus in Africa, with up to 400 individual members gathered together at one time.
Transfer
Transfer from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park, via Kigali
Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park
Highlights
- Six forest villas
- Dining area and bar
- Spa
- Tree nursery
- Gorilla treks
- Forest hikes and village walks
- Golden monkey treks
- Tree planting
- Visit Dian Fossey's research camp
Overview
Utterly unique in its design, six sumptuous forest villas are luxurious while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of the surrounding country. Each has a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and bathroom, heated by a central fireplace and a private deck looking out to Mount Bisoke.
The spherical stone and thatch architecture, said to be inspired by the Royal Palace of traditional monarchs, continues through to the communal areas such as the dining room, bar and spa, detailed with a variety of woven materials, local crafts and more modern touches.
Wilderness Bisate is a short drive to the national park’s headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily, and you can also embark upon forest hikes to see rare Golden Monkeys and other wildlife. Visit the site of Dian Fossey’s research camp and grave, meet the community on guided village walks, plant a tree as part of the Wilderness Bisate’s reforestation project or perhaps tag along with the chef to the local market to buy ingredients for dinner.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Originally spanning 28,000 hectares, Gishwati Forest dwindled to just 886 hectares, a 98% reduction post-genocide and refugee return. This loss led to a significant biodiversity decline. Wilderness Bisate encourages guests to join the reforestation programme, offering visits to the indigenous tree nursery and bamboo greenhouse. Guests learn about various tree species, ongoing reforestation, and can actively contribute by picking saplings and planting their own trees.
- The reforestation programme at Bisate has proven successful as mountain gorillas now explore the regenerated area beyond the park boundaries. A notable achievement occurred when the lodge realised it had hosted its first forest elephant. Further confirmation of the program’s impact on expanding wildlife habitat came from trail cameras capturing images of various species, including iconic golden monkeys, servals, buffalos, side-striped jackals, and numerous forest bird species. These animals, typically residents of the neighbouring Volcanoes National Park (VNP), have now established themselves on the recently reforested grounds.
- Wilderness Bisate Lodge fosters a strong connection with the Bisate Community Committee, employing a collaborative and participatory approach to decision-making. This ensures that their initiatives have the most significant and pertinent impact possible.
Volcanoes National Park
Highlights
- Community-owned lodge
- Cottage with views over the volcanoes
- Direct access to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking
- In-room massage
- Local village visits
- Organic vegetable garden on-site
- Traditional cuisine served throughout your stay
Overview
Views of the Virunga Massif will have you spellbound here, as this cosy lodge sits within the foothills of some of Rwanda’s highest mountains. With just six stone cottages, each with bright airy decor that complements the natural surroundings, this lodge is an intimate place to hide away between adventures in the surrounding jungles.
Whether it’s gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking, or perhaps a cultural visit to nearby villages, your days here will always be enthralling. Return to the lodge and you can opt for a soothing massage to repair aching muscles after long hikes, or relax in the comfort of your cottage by the warming fire. If you prefer to stay put, you can wander the beautiful gardens and see endemic Rwandan birdlife within the lodge’s grounds.
With low-impact food on the agenda, you’ll dine on fine food made with vegetables from the lodge’s own gardens. Expect traditional Rwandan meals with sweet potato and plantain at its heart, each with its own modern twist invented by the creative chefs. And you’ll rest easy at night knowing this lodge is a community-owned endeavour, empowering locals to engage with the country’s popular gorilla tourism industry.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Wilderness Sabyinyo, Rwanda’s inaugural community-owned lodge, partners closely with the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association to drive social empowerment and conservation in the surrounding areas. Employing local staff and sourcing crafts locally, the lodge is dedicated to enhancing the region’s economic sustainability.
- Situated near Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda, Sabyinyo Lodge rests in the foothills of the Virunga Massif – a chain of eight volcanoes housing endangered mountain gorillas. Through a gorilla habitat expansion and reforestation project, Wilderness Sabyinyo plays a vital role in revitalising the indigenous landscape, promoting the resurgence of gorilla populations in the region.
- In collaboration with Rushubi Primary & Secondary School near Sabyinyo and Volcanoes National Park, Wilderness has initiated successful eco-club programmes. These initiatives provide students a platform to deepen their environmental knowledge, while the partnership improves the school’s learning environment through initiatives like solar electricity, vegetable gardens, libraries, rainwater harvesting systems, and essential repairs and maintenance.
Volcanoes National Park
Highlights
- 8 stone cottages
- Restaurant
- Bar & lounge
- Gorilla trekking and tracking
- Dian Fossey hike
- Golden Monkey tracking
- Climb Karisimbi and Visoke volcanoes
- Cultural visits
- Walk to Lake Bulera
- Hike the Crater View Trail
- Visit Lake Kivu
Overview
The lodge sits atop a 2,300-metre hilltop with panoramas of the ‘twin lakes’ of Ruhondo and Bulera and the string of Virunga volcanoes laid out in front of you.
Eight ‘naturally’ stylish banda cottages (4 double, 4 twin) are set out in this property’s beautiful terraced gardens, affording each a share of the superb views and a good helping of privacy too. En suite bathrooms and running solar hot water allow you to enjoy luxurious comfort with always a minimal environmental impact too. Paved pathways converge on the property’s main lodge for dining, massages, the curio shop, bar and lounge, and all with stunning views.
Apart from the truly personable level of luxury and staff hospitality here at Virunga the lodge also excels in a wonderfully diverse and extensive menu of daily activities and local cultural excursions.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Designed with a focus on sustainability and community support, the lodge was built by an in-house team using local materials. Solar power provides energy, rainwater is harvested, and waste is recycled and upcycled. The lodge’s kitchen exclusively uses local ingredients and supplies, while hydroponic systems on the premises aid food cultivation. Ingredients sourced from local producers reduce plastic packaging and transport distances, contributing to the economic well-being of the local community.
- Virunga Lodge stands as a crucial partner in the fight to protect the endangered mountain gorilla. Agricultural and livestock activities have threatened the habitat, putting gorillas at risk of extinction. Through the revenue generated from your stay, Virunga Lodge supports the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, actively involved in safeguarding mountain gorillas and their natural habitat through research and action.
- Volcanoes Safaris created the Virunga Lodge Community Projects to enhance the lives of local communities near Virunga Lodge. The funded initiatives include donating solar panels to 25 families, providing 200 water tanks, implementing a microfinance savings scheme, gifting sheep to local families, and supporting a local dance troupe.
Volcanoes National Park
Highlights
- 21 guest lodges and suites
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Spa and wellness centre
- Coffee tasting
- Guided nature walks
- Gorilla treks
Overview
Embraced by a warren of eucalyptus trees and resting at the base of the Virunga Volcano Range, this secluded pocket of exceptional bliss and natural beauty is set in the depths of a protected haven – one where the majestic mountain gorilla still resides.
An outstanding addition to One&Only’s collection, this cradle of meticulously curated design blends into the ethereal backcloth of mist-laden jungle and blue-hued peaks, presenting 21 lodges and suites. The luxurious accommodation, balanced on wooden poles above the botanical garden, places you in the midst of the Virunga rainforest, with sprawling viewing decks, outdoor tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Tasteful interiors draw on varied wooden features, warm colour schemes, patterned materials, and some options offer fire-pits and private pools.
Maintaining the same soothing theme and merging the peripheral environment with the internal, the on-site restaurant, Nest, draws on seasonal, local produce from the surrounding organic gardens to create Rwandan-inspired dishes. The connected bar features a charming lounge, looking out onto the grounds, complete with a fireplace for the cooler months.
Witnessing an endangered Rwandan mountain gorilla during your stay is the ultimate highlight, and Gorilla’s Nest can arrange permits and guided treks to see them amidst bamboo forests along with endemic golden monkeys and an affluence of bird species. Additionally, you can gain insight into the local culture, with visits to nearby villages, sample coffee from the region and dabble in a restoring treatment, yoga class or meditation session at the sublime spa and wellness centre.
→ Find out moreSpend your days here in the magnificent Volcanoes National Park tracking the rare and endangered Mountain Gorillas with expert guides and trackers. In Rwanda there are 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, with a maximum of 8 tracking permits per group per day. Other activities to enjoy whilst in this magical terrain are; trekking to volcano craters, tracking golden monkeys, cultural tours and the Dian Fossey Hike. Speak to your travel designer about how you wish to spend your time here.
The endangered Golden monkey enjoys a territory of highland forests, especially bamboo, living in groups of up to thirty individuals. A handful of troops in Volcanoes National Park have been habituated and can be tracked in a similar way to the gorillas. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor towards the base of the volcanoes and have overcome their initial shyness to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists.
In Rwanda there are 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, with a maximum of 8 tracking permits per group per day. The groups in Volcanoes National Park include: Kwitonda, Hirwa, Agashya, Umubano, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Susa, Karisimbi, Ugenda and Bwenge. They inhabit gentler slopes and more open bush compared to their Ugandan counterparts. However, the altitude here is much greater (2,500-3,000 metres or 8,200-9,800 feet).
For up to five years, each gorilla group has undergone an extremely delicate process which has gradually accustomed them used to the presence of humans, allowing a few privileged visitors to interact with them in the wild. However, the gorillas are by no means tame! You will be accompanied by an experienced guide on your trek who will carry out a pre-departure brief at the start of the tracking point, informing you of ‘gorilla etiquette’. In Rwanda, the meeting time at the park headquarters is at the earlier time of 7:00am.
The gorillas cover large distances overnight, and they are never constantly in one area. The guides will use their knowledge of the gorillas’ habits and information from the previous day to locate the group’s whereabouts. For this reason, one group cannot be said to be easier to track than another.
The time taken to track the gorillas varies enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours before returning to camp. The terrain can be extremely difficult, with steep slopes, and dense vegetation. In addition, the altitude means participants do need to be physically fit in order to enjoy the hike.
Once the gorillas are located, your group will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. This is to avoid causing the animals any undue stress or getting them overly used to human interactions. After this, you will return to the park headquarters and your camp.
Transfer
Private road transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali Airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Luxury Rwandan Primate Adventure
How we work
Come face-to-face with the fascinating and elusive primates of Rwanda in their natural habitats on two truly bucket list-worthy wildlife experiences. Following a night in the friendly capital of Kigali with a couple of museum stops for your culture fix, kick-start your monkey adventure in Nyungwe National Park. Your three days in this biodiverse haven can be spent exploring the only forest canopy walkway in East Africa and getting up-close with the resident primates of chimps, mangabeys and Black and White Angolan colobus monkeys. Then, delve further into this ancient land with a stay at Volcanoes National Park. Expert naturalist guides will lead you through the tropical splendour of hills and dormant volcanoes to witness the rare mountain gorilla and endangered golden monkey for discreet, mesmerising and entirely magical encounters. | Whats included?
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Days 1-2 |
Kigali |
Arrival at Kigali Airport On arrival at Kigali airport clear Rwanda customs & immigration formalities and proceed to Arrivals where you will be met by your private transfer driver. |
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Accommodation in Kigali
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The Retreat by Heaven - $$$$$
The Retreat by Heaven is a charming and inviting small boutique hotel, recognised as...
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Kigali Serena Hotel - $$$$$
A very comfortable business-style hotel in central Kigali and only ten kilometres from the...
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Overnight in Kigali Enjoy a night in Kigali, you'll have our list of recommended restaurants and attractions to make sure you make the most of your time here. |
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Kigali City Tour You will be met with your private guide and explore the city of Kigali, including the Genocide Museum. |
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Flights & transfers
Private road transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park via Nyanza and Butare, with lunch. |
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Days 2-5 |
Nyungwe National Park |
Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park
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One&Only Nyungwe House - $$$$$
Low and wide amid the leaves of its very own tea plantation surrounded by ancient rainforest,...
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Three days on safari at Nyungwe National Park Spend your days here at Nyungwe National Park on exciting safari tours, discovering this lush, ancient land. Explore the famous forest canopy, East Africa's only canopy walk, getting up-close to the impressive birdlife and myriad of resident primates as you wander above the treetops for a bird's eye view of forest life. Visit a tea plantation to learn about the world class tea made here and go chimp trekking in nearby Cyamudongo Forest. Then, delve deep into Nyungwe forest on hiking trails to discover the numerous Albertine Rift endemics and the largest troop of Black and White Colobus found anywhere in Africa. |
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Chimp Trekking Tour in Nyungwe This morning you will be collected from your lodge early for your chimp trekking tour nearby Cyamudongo Forest. After approximately an hour's journey, you will arrive at this small forest which was historically connected to Nyungwe. Here you will meet the resident habituated chimpanzee
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Canopy Walk and Hiking in Nyungwe Forest Spend today hiking the forest trails in Nyungwe Forest. The park is home to various Albertine Rift endemics plus thirteen different primate species. This includes the largest troops of Black and White Colobus in Africa, with up to 400 individual members gathered together at one time. |
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Flights & transfers
Transfer from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park, via Kigali |
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Days 5-8 |
Volcanoes National Park |
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
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Wilderness Bisate Lodge - $$$$$
The spectacular Wilderness Bisate Lodge is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded...
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Wilderness Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge - $$$$$
Seated in the foothills of the Virunga mountains there are three things to look forward to...
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Virunga Lodge - $$$$$
Sitting atop a 2,300-metre hilltop with panoramas of the ‘twin lakes’ of Ruhondo and...
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One&Only Gorilla’s Nest - $$$$$
Embraced by a warren of eucalyptus trees and resting at the base of the Virunga Volcano Range,...
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Three days exploring Volcanoes National Park Spend your days here in the magnificent Volcanoes National Park tracking the rare and endangered Mountain Gorillas with expert guides and trackers. In Rwanda there are 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, with a maximum of 8 tracking permits per group per day. Other activities to enjoy whilst in this magical terrain are; trekking to volcano craters, tracking golden monkeys, cultural tours and the Dian Fossey Hike. Speak to your travel designer about how you wish to spend your time here. |
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Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park The endangered Golden monkey enjoys a territory of highland forests, especially bamboo, living in groups of up to thirty individuals. A handful of troops in Volcanoes National Park have been habituated and can be tracked in a similar way to the gorillas. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches or frolicking on the forest floor towards the base of the volcanoes and have overcome their initial shyness to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists. |
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Full day hiking and tracking to observe Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park In Rwanda there are 10 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, with a maximum of 8 tracking permits per group per day. The groups in Volcanoes National Park include: Kwitonda, Hirwa, Agashya, Umubano, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Susa, Karisimbi, Ugenda and Bwenge. They inhabit gentler slopes and more open bush compared to their Ugandan counterparts. However, the altitude here is much greater (2,500-3,000 metres or 8,200-9,800 feet).
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Flights & transfers
Private road transfer from Volcanoes National Park to Kigali Airport |