Treasures of Central Africa in Rwanda

Contact the driver and then travel to Nyungwe. Spend two nights at the summit of one of the park's hills. The view of the surrounding high hills and forests is splendid. The bungalows are lined up on either side of a large lawn, it almost looks like a springboard into the jungle. The hotel's architecture and decor are a bit dated but the location is great.

Included in the itinerary: Meet a troop of chimpanzees. These chimpanzees are habituated (accustomed to being around humans) but this doesn't mean they have changed their behaviour. It's quite the opposite. Chimpanzees live in complex social groups; they make tools and in many ways, their behaviour is surprisingly similar to ours. Nyungwe Forest National Park is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal species - over 200 tree species and countless flowering plants, many of which have been identified as orchids.

Included in the itinerary: See the forest from above. The canopy bridge is over 650ft long and over 160ft tall. A ranger will accompany you on this dizzyingly high walk, which gives a completely new view of the rainforest. If we're lucky, we might spot a black and white Angola colobus or a red-tailed monkey. There's fruit and lots of insects up in the canopy, which the local bid population take full advantage of. The turaco bird which can be found in the Rwenzori Mountains is full of colour.
Head for Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu. The accommodation where we will spend the night is full of rustic charm and set on the side of a grassy hill. Ten chalets with pointed roofs, all made from wood, bamboo, tiles and volcanic rocks, are hidden in the vegetation. The trees punctuate an immaculate lawn that gently tumbles down the slope from the restaurant to the beach. Inside, wood is used for the railings, exposed beams, pillars and furniture, creating a pleasant and very natural atmosphere. In the middle of the living room, there is a large fireplace for travellers to warm themselves by. On the menu are fresh ingredients that have been grown in the lodge's vegetable patch.

Included in the itinerary - A kayaking tour on Lake Kivu with a private guide. The volcanoes in Virunga have allowed the waters of Lake Kivu to accumulate and overflow into Lake Tanganyika, via the Rusizi River. Walk closely along banks covered with tea gardens. Come across boats belonging to sardine and tilapia fishermen.
Head to the Volcano National Park and spend three nights in Musanze. The cobbled buildings, which surround the outdoor pool, have stood the test of time. By the same token, the rooms don't have any unnecessary decor, instead they have a functional elegance. The dining room looks out directly on to the volcanoes. In the lounge, settle in for some moments of relaxation. In the garden, the hammocks encourage laziness. A massage room is open to guests.

Included in the itinerary: Meet golden monkeys. Golden monkeys are regularly found in the volcano region and have more distinct territorial habits than gorillas; they are only found in this preservation zone. Two groups are habituated to human presence: the Kabatwa, a group of about 60 who live near the park base camp, and the Musanga, a group of about 70 who live much further away, near the Karisimbi volcano. Head out on foot with a park ranger to look for them.

Included in the itinerary: Meet the Virunga gorillas. You'll be transported to the area with a ranger; then walk on the trail of the gorillas (known as Gorilla beringei beringei). They're not always in the same spot. They eat a considerable amount and frequently move around to satisfy their big appetites. They aren't particularly territorial even though they have strong family bonds. The rangers still know their habits and set out to find a beautiful silverback male surrounded by his troop. The walk towards the shady bamboo forests that shelter them can be a bit steep in places, but it is worth the magnificent view and the moving encounter with our primate cousins.