5 Days in Rwanda
It’s hard to fathom what a developing world country looks and feels like when you’re in the West. Landing in Rwanda you’re hit with a sense for old world charms that are seldom seen anymore.
There is a simplicity here and an innocence which is both captivating and surprising, considering the decade-long genocidal wars that occurred not long ago. Rwanda’s rapid development and strategic focus on the high-end travel market are evident, exemplified by the presence of two prestigious One and Only hotel resorts: Gorilla’s Nest in the Volcanoes National Park, and another, nestled in the Nyungwe National Park.
While the genocide between the Hutu and Tutsi tribes may have brought Rwanda to global attention, it’s the compelling tale of Diane Fossey and her poetic bond with Digit that firmly placed Rwanda on the map for most travellers. Her relentless efforts to save gorillas from extinction is the story of legends.
People come to Rwanda for many reasons, not least its lush, forested mountain ranges and wildlife. One undoubted reason is to witness the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
The wanderlust for life-altering experiences in search of a better understanding of ourselves and of humanity drives many adventure and luxury travel itineraries. The Gorilla trek is one such itinerary. Gorillas share 98% of the same DNA as humans and as you lock eyes with these majestic creatures, and see theirs piercing into your soul, the connection feels profound and purposeful.
Our brief visit to Rwanda was the perfect add-on to any Middle East itinerary. With direct flights from Dubai and Doha, it’s an easy 4–5-days packed with adventure and discovery.
One night in Kigali on the inbound and another on the outbound is sufficient, allowing 3-4 days in the Volcanoes National Park for a transformative experience. Our stay at the One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, a magical, luxurious and well catered for haven, provided the perfect base for exploration.
The meticulously planned itinerary included one day for the Gorilla trek and another day for the primates’ hike, plus a visit to the Dian Fossey Centre – a tribute to the history and conservation efforts of these gentle giants.
The final day was a well-deserved indulgence, sampling spa treatments on site – always a valuable use of time! It would be a shame to come here and not take the time to unwind and relax fully.
The luxurious décor and attention to detail is enmeshed into the natural habitat so intrinsically, accentuating the majesty of the wilderness. Let’s leave it to the pictures to do the talking. It’s hard to deny how much more relaxed one gets in such a beautiful setting.
