Gorillas of Rwanda

An Active Journey With Kenya Safari Extension

TRIP DETAILS

8 days from $8,999

May 24–31, Aug. 2–9, Sept. 6–13, 2024

Max Group Size: 12

Highlights

• Mountain Gorillas: Join a guide on a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sitting among mountain gorillas and observing them at close range.

• Kigali: Hear survivors’ stories at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, visit the inspiring Nyamirambo Women’s Center, and enjoy a meal in a local home.

• Canoeing the Mukungwa River: Paddle the Mukungwa River through floodplains south of Volcanoes National Park, witnessing rare birds and everyday life along the riverbanks.

• Volcanoes National Park: Spend three days hiking in different regions of the park, tracking endemic golden monkeys and hiking the Dian Fossey trail to the researcher’s remote gravesite.

Itinerary

Days 1–2: Depart for Kigali, Rwanda

Arrive in Kigali after an overnight flight and transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow travelers and trip leader for an orientation and a welcome dinner tonight. (D;B,L,D) KigaliSerenaHotel

Day 3: Kigali

Begin the day with a guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, hearing inspiring stories of survival and rebirth. Stop in at the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, which provides education and training to disadvantaged women and girls. Walk through the lively Nyamirambo neighborhood with a community guide and sit down to a traditional Rwandan meal in a family home. (B,L,D) KigaliSerenaHotel

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park

Drive north through rippling green hills to Volcanoes National Park. After lunch at your hotel, embark on a guided canoeing adventure on the Mukungwa River. Paddle past stands of papyrus and farming settlements, enjoying a unique perspective on life in rural Rwanda. Nearly 40 species of birds can be found here. (B,L,D) VirungaInnSpaandResort

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park

Rise early and head into Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla trek. With Rwanda National Parks Authority guides, set out in small groups to locate a troop of mountain gorillas, hiking on trails left by elephants and buffalos. Once you find the gorillas, spend an unforgettable hour sitting quietly among them, observing them as they eat, groom, interact, and play. Return to the hotel for lunch and a leisurely afternoon. Gather on the terrace for an early evening talk by a park warden while taking in magnificent views of the conical volcanoes. (B,L,D)

VirungaInnSpaandResort

Day 6: Volcanoes National Park

Ride in 4x4s to the trailhead of the Dian Fossey hike. Learn about the work and legacy of this pioneering scientist, who lived among the gorillas for over 18 years. As you hike, look for forest elephants and forest hogs as well as a variety of primates and birds. Visit Fossey’s grave and continue to her original Karisoke research site. Alternatively, spend the morning on a second gorilla trek (at additional charge). Meet for lunch at the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to take a walk in the gardens or relax in the sauna or whirlpool. (B,L,D)

VirungaInnSpaandResort

Day 7: Volcanoes National Park and Kigali

Set out on a final hike, this time focusing on the endemic golden monkey. Venture into thick bamboo forests with a guide, looking and listening for monkey families, which number between 20 and 80 members. Observe their antics and learn about their behavior as they frolic and feed among the branches. Drive back to Kigali this afternoon and toast your gorilla trekking adventure at a farewell dinner of East African specialties. (B,L,D)

KigaliSerenaHotel

Day 8: Return home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue your wildlife adventure on a posttour extension to Kenya. (B)

Activity Level: Energetic

This journey includes hiking options from 3–6 miles per day, with several days of trekking on and off rugged forest trails that may be wet or muddy, at altitudes up to 9,000 feet; there is also a 5-6 mile canoeing excursion with a brief section of Class II rapids.

Optional 7-Day Kenya Safari Extension: Meet orphaned elephants and cruise to Crescent Island for a walking safari. Hike through a geothermal landscape and spend two days on safari in the legendary Masai Mara.

Irish Walks

An Active Journey from Dublin to Dingle

TRIP DETAILS

11 days from $5,299 May 11–21, June 15–25, July 13–23, Sept. 7–17, 2024

Maximum Travelers: 18

Highlights

• The Burren and the Aran Islands: Hike through the Burren to the famous Cliffs of Moher. Explore Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands, on a guided bike ride.

• Dingle Peninsula: Stay in Dingle and set off on a coastal hike to discover beehive huts, traditional hamlets, and spectacular views.

• Killarney National Park: Ride a bike through lush forests to Torc Waterfall and see the historic Muckross House and Gardens. Hike the Gap of Dunloe and cruise Killarney’s lakes.

• Kilkenny and Wicklow: Walk Kilkenny’s legendary Medieval Mile and visit the 300-yearold Smithwick’s brewery. Then hike the mystical landscapes of Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains.

Itinerary

Days 1–2: Depart for Dublin, Ireland

Fly overnight to Dublin and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Gather for a welcome orientation and a walking tour to Trinity College, Christ Church Cathedral, and Temple Bar before your welcome dinner. (D) TheAddressConnolly

Day 3: Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher

Journey west to the Burren, stopping for a tour and tasting at the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery. Settle into your inn in Doolin and head out on a guided walk to the iconic Cliffs of Moher, 700-foot cliffs that drop sharply to the sea. Learn about the folklore associated with these cliffs and the limestoneencrusted landscapes of the Burren. Tonight, opt to hear traditional Irish music at a village pub. (B,L) Doolin Inn

Day 4: Inishmore, Aran Islands/Doolin

Catch the ferry to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore. Part of the Gaeltacht, where Irish culture still holds strong, Inishmore harbors Celtic and early Christian ruins, including the cliff-top fort of Dun Aonghosa. Discover the island on a bike tour followed by a pub lunch. Enjoy free time before returning to the mainland. (B,L) Doolin Inn

Day 5: Adare and the Dingle Peninsula

Drive south to the Dingle Peninsula, stopping for lunch in Adare. Take a walk through the village of Dingle, and raise a glass at the historic Dick Mack’s Pub. (B,L) DingleHarbourLodge

Day 6: Dingle Peninsula

From Minard Cove, climb up Acres Hill for sweeping views of Dingle Bay. After a pub lunch, set out on the fabled Slea Head Drive, which circles the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, linking ancient ruins, jagged cliffs, and remote fishing hamlets. Make stops along the route to visit beehive huts and traditional villages. (B,L) DingleHarbourLodge

Day 7: Killarney National Park

In Killarney National Park, meet a local guide for a cycling tour, exploring the ruins of Muckross Abbey and visiting Muckross Traditional Farms. Pedal past the lakeside Muckross House and admire Torc Waterfall. After a free afternoon, meet up for dinner at a local pub. (B,D) Earls Court House Hotel

Day 8: Killarney and the Gap of Dunloe

Set out from the historic Kate Kearney House to hike through the Gap of Dunloe, a picturesque pass between two mountain ranges. Enjoy a picnic lunch, then walk on to Lord Brandon’s Cottage at the end of the pass. Cruise across beautiful lakes to Ross Castle and arrive back in Killarney in the late afternoon. (B,L)

Earls Court House Hotel

Day 9: Kilkenny

Travel east to Kilkenny and take a walking tour along the Medieval Mile, hearing about Kilkenny’s history and folklore. Next, stop in at the 300-year-old Smithwick’s brewery for a guided tasting tour. Take the rest of the day to discover the Kilkenny’s artisan shops and galleries on your own. (B,L)

KilkennyHibernianHotel

Day 10: Wicklow

Mountains and Dublin

Journey into the Wicklow Mountains for a visit to enchanting Glendalough. On a walk around the lake, discover lush forests, wildlife, and evocative early Christian ruins. Return to Dublin for a free afternoon. Toast your adventure during a farewell dinner with live Irish music at a local pub. (B,D)

TheAddressConnolly

Day 11: Return home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your onward flight. (B)

Activity Level: Light

This journey includes hiking and walking options from 2–5 miles per day, over mostly flat terrain that is at times rocky and uneven. There are also two biking excursions.