Highlights of Rwanda: Gorillas and Chimpanzees

Begin your trip in style with VIP airport lounge access before your daytime flight to Rwanda. Then, enjoy a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in the centre of buzzing Kigali, surrounded by verdant hills and valleys. Both recommended hotels offer exquisite dining options, with the likes of farm-to-table cuisine and a range of Rwandan and international dishes on the menu.

Stay: Park Inn by Radisson (Superior) or Kigali Serena Hotel (Deluxe)

This morning you'll head out on the fascinating drive from Kigali to Nyungwe, a region dotted with tiny rural villages set against a landscape dominated by verdant hills, tea plantations and eucalyptus trees. We've included a stop at the replica of the 18th century King’s Palace and 1930s royal residence, where you'll find the resident royal ‘inyambo’ – sacred cows with super-sized horns. The dramatic rainforest of Nyungwe National Park will be your home for the next two days – a verdant jungle home to 300 bird species and 85 animal species, including chimpanzees. The next day will be spent trekking through the dense rainforest, waiting for the screech of the chimpanzees swinging joyously in the trees as you track them along paths with your expert guide. There's also the option to walk along the longest and highest canopy trail in Africa, crossing deep ravines shaded by leafy verdure. On our Deluxe option, you'll stay at the luxurious One & Only Nywunge House, hidden deep in the jungle. Immerse yourself in nature in a wooden villa among the treetops, relaxing by the roaring fire or on your private deck, with spectacular canopy views. In the evenings, dinner is served by candlelight to the sounds of the jungle.

Stay: Nyungwe Top View Lodge (Superior), One&Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda (Deluxe)

After breakfast, you'll transfer to Lake Kivu, dotted with hundreds of inlets edged by terraced, leafy slopes and sandy beaches. Spend the day swimming and marvelling at the views of the nearby Nyiragongo volcano and its dramatic red ash cloud, before an included kayaking tour across the lake.

Stay: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Superior)

This morning, a private transfer will take you to Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and your chosen accommodation – Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, a traditional Rwandese-style lodge overlooking the Virunga mountain range. Alternatively, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge features elegant rooms, a superb restaurant and dramatic views over Bisake volcano, perfectly placed for the next day's gorilla tracking adventure. Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, you'll sleep to the sounds of the animals in the surrounding jungle. Alternatively, an upgrade is available to the spectacular One&Only Gorilla's Nest, the ultimate in luxury African lodges.

Enjoy the undisputed highlight of your holiday today, as you join an expert guide for a visit to one of the region's mountain gorilla troops, living on the slopes of five extinct volcanoes. At the Kinigi Gorilla Headquarters, you'll be welcomed with tea and coffee before splitting into small groups according to your fitness level – walks can take anywhere from and hour and a half to a full day. After a safety briefing, you’ll drive to the park boundaries, then trek through the light bamboo forest along the slopes of the volcanoes and into thick bush, shrubs and stinging nettles. Once the gorillas are located and you reach your designated gorilla family, you have an hour to witness these magical creatures up close; an awe-inspiring experience as you stand metres away from gorillas and their babies. The following day, there's the chance to see more wildlife with an included golden monkey trek, while a host of optional activities from canoeing to hiking further showcase the region's spectacular natural world. There's also the chance to visit the Karisoke Exhibit, run by Dian Fossey's international gorilla conservation organisation.

After breakfast, transfer to Kigali, with time to explore the city on a private tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial site to learn more about the country’s harrowing history – the genocide against the Tutsis in 1994 is one of the most shocking events in modern history. Finally, head to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day nine. Alternatively, we'd highly recommend continuing your journey to Akagera National Park for an all-inclusive Big Five safari at the new Magashi Camp for included game drives, gourmet dining and a base in a stylish tented camp.