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Join an exclusive small group, private safari to Rwanda under the guidance of Micato Safaris!
Imagine a safari that is sophisticated and exclusive, offering privacy, flexibility and the undivided attention of each camp owner, manager, and safari director who are the consummate hosts, your personal guides to the bush, as well as dinner companions around a great table every evening. (But only if that is your desire, of course.)
On a Micato Safari you will live the life of the landed locals on their ranches and private game reserves. You will have a home and a place in Africa. This experience is quite different from a typical safari.
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Kigali, Rwanda
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Kigali
Monday, January 30, 2023
Drive to Nyungue National Park
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Nyungwe National Park
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Nyungwe National Park
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Nyungwe National Park
Friday, February 3, 2023
Drive to Parc National des Volcans
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Parc National des Volcans
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Parc National des Volcans
Monday, February 6, 2023
Parc National des Volcans
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Drive to Kigali, Depart
Touch down Africa. Kigali International Airport. The journey begins! By special arrangement, you are met by a Micato representative immediately as you deplane and are personally escorted through baggage claim and customs procedures. Rwanda’s revitalized capital provides a warm welcome to this splendid country. Founded in 1907 as a German settlement, Kigali did not become the capital until Rwanda’s independence in 1962 when it replaced the colonial seat of power in Butare. Today, the city offers a remarkable mix of rural and urban town overflowing on contrasting hilly terrain and is home to about one million dwellers.
On Monday, we drive to Nyungwe forest, a primatologist’s dream destination with 13 different species of primates recorded, making 25% of Africa’s primates of which the forest’s prime attraction is the chimpanzee; a delightful ape whose evocative pant-hoot call defines the real sound of African rainforests. It’s a home to more than 500 Chimpanzees. The birds in Nyungwe forests are abundant, with 310 species recorded making the forest a birder’s paradise. Activities Abound Two groups of chimps have been habituated, with the group in Nyungwe numbering approximately 60 chimpanzees. As you might anticipate tracking may go for more than seven hours and a high level of physical ability is required. Once the group is found, you may spend up to an hour watching them play, swing and groom themselves in the trees. The chimps are much more active than the gorillas, and you may be on the move, even after having found them. A wide-ranging network of hiking trails has been developed, allowing the visitor a chance to view the forest from a different perspective. As this is a rain forest, you should expect to get wet, and expect to see lush beautiful flowers, butterflies, purple orchids and birds that inhabit the upper parts of the forest. From the top of the canopy, on clear days, you can see Lake Kivu across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, One&Only’s Experience Guides will be on hand to design a custom programme of activities tailored to your personal interests and desires including a day of chimp tracking, a canopy tour and a day at leisure.
Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans is known for the verdant slopes of the Virungas mountain range, a lofty and lush paradise. In the rainforest here—buzzing with the sounds of jungle life—the soft mists prevail as they did when Dian Fossey wrote her legendary book, Gorillas in the Mist. And the creature that drew Dr. Fossey is the same one that beckons to us: the rare and regal mountain gorilla.
Here amongst the montane ecosystems of northwest Rwanda, we embark upon one of the most captivating and unforgettable wildlife experiences imaginable—gorilla tracking. Gorilla Trek On Day 8, we trek into the Parc National des Volcans for the first time—a protected area of magnificent scenery and captivating wildlife. Almost immediately, we’ll be introduced to the surreal soundscape of the rainforest: the air ripples with the varied calls of birds and cackling monkeys and a range of other creatures. Through the occasional break in the canopy, we may spy the spectacular peaks beyond. With our experienced trackers leading us through the brilliant green forest—overhanging vines, giant lobelias, mossy hagenia trees—we come upon the goal of our journey: the endangered Mountain Gorilla. It is another world: a gorilla family in the throes of their everyday life—feeding, playing, resting; raising their young. Encountering the silverback gorilla in its natural environs is among the most rare and captivating wildlife experiences imaginable.
Sunday is set aside for a wonderful day of leisure at your luxury hotel. Meals will be in the first class restaurant, and all the amenities of the hotel are at your disposal.
…we make a second trek through the jungle to find these magnificent creatures once again. Park regulations allow for one hour with each family group of gorillas, giving us plenty of time to enjoy this singular experience. Treks usually return in time for a late lunch—though it can take longer if it is muddy or the gorillas are elusive. In the afternoons after trekking, there are ample fascinating activities. The intrepid may trek to a waterfall for a refreshing swim, or take a walk to a charming local village, an experience which provides insight into the local culture. A less strenuous option would be to visit a local orphanage, community project or school to catch a glimpse of everyday life, and gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s warm and resilient people. Micato can also arrange a performance of the fascinating and lively Intore Dance Troupe. Founded several centuries ago, the Intore—literally “The Chosen Ones”—once performed exclusively for the Royal Court
You have one last, heartfelt look at the magnificence of the African bush before driving back to Kigali and winging your way back home. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be escorted to your hotel where a dayroom has been reserved for you.
Farewell to Africa… As you recall your splendid sojourn—wilderness and wildlife, villages and cities—your fondest safari memory may very well be the warmth and kindness of the African people. Be assured that you live in their memories too, and all of us look forward to welcoming you back to Micato’s Africa someday….
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Accommodations according to the itinerary in the amazing Kigali Serena Hotel, the exclusive One&Only Nyungwe House and the enchanting One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
A personal Micato Safari Director, who will travel with you throughout your safari, as well as the services of Micato Driver Guides. Micato is immensely proud of its cadre of Safari Directors. Seasoned professionals with an average of ten years’ experience in the bush, work exclusively for Micato. In addition to guiding forays into the bush and ensuring a seamlessly smooth safari from beginning to end, our Safari Directors lecture on flora and fauna, impart fascinating nuggets of African history, Swahili, and tribal folklore, and very often become treasured traveling companions.
Our highly trained and certified Driver Guides regularly attend brush-up classes in conservation techniques, the latest news from East Africa’s world of paleoanthropology, guest relations, and many etcetera’s (including CPR training; every Safari Director and Driver Guide is fully certified).
Micato’s unique Private Concierge Service is available in person or phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from about anywhere a Micato safari will take you, from deep in the bush to downtown Nairobi. They are ready to get your prescription medicine to you, make flight changes, return the backpack you left at the previous camp, or arrange a dinner reservation. If you need it, they will move mountains to get it done.
All tips and gratuities are included, from touchdown to takeoff and at every point in between. This includes traditional trip-end gratuities for Safari Directors and Driver Guides, tips to porters, hotel concierges, waiters, anybody and everybody. It is Micato’s pleasure to take care of these things for you; they are travelers, too, and know what a balm it can be to have nagging concerns erased from our vacationing consciousness.
All activities, sightseeing excursions, and game drives in the city and in the bush as noted in the itinerary.
One non-refundable gorilla, chimp, and monkey tracking permit per person.
Every meal, at every hotel, camp, or lodge, with mineral water and soft drinks included. While in the bush, beer, spirits, and local wines are also included free of charge.
Bountifully equipped private safari vehicles, complete with:
A safari briefing upon arrival and wildlife briefings throughout the safari. We’re proud of being expert proponents of Africa’s magic and its “golden joys,” but also of its ins, outs, and exact realities.
All airport arrival and departure transfers, including the services of Micato staff for assistance and baggage handling.
Complete porterage at every point, throughout the safari.
Complete and informative safari documents before departure, including a detailed Safari Planning Information Kit, flashlights, travel wallets, and various sundry safari goodies.
A roomy Micato Safaris wheeled duffle bag, one per traveler, for your safari packing convenience.
Services of the famous Flying Doctors Society on safari. A group of highly qualified and experienced physicians, the doctors fly throughout the East African bush, providing treatment and emergency transportation
All permits, entrance fees to parks, government taxes, VAT and service charges relating to accommodations and included meals. Once again, our philosophy is to free you from such concerns.
Non-refundable gorilla permits, two per person: $3,000 per person
Non refundable chimpanzee permits, one per person: $90 per person
Optional Trip-Mate Insurance: $1,836.45 per person
Wallace Pierson Travel Booking Coordination Service Charge: $500
