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Brittany Bengry (UNCHARTED)
Traveled by a party of 8
Kenya + Rwanda Extension Option
July 4-11, 2025
Itinerary details
Travel Brief
Overview
Itinerary at a glance
July 4
Pick-up after breakfast
Transfer to Borana Airstrip
Charter Flight | Borana-Wilson | Group Divides
Connect
Charter Flight | Wilson-Ol Donyo Airstrip
Met on arrival
Game drive to Campi ya Kanzi for check-in
July 4 - 7
Overnight Ol Donyo Lodge
Deluxe Pool Cottage
All meals, house drinks + activities included
3 Nights
July 7
Pick-up after breakfast
Transfer to Ol Donyo Airstrip
Scheduled Flight | Ol Donyo-Nairobi Wilson
Met on arrival
Private transfer to Nairobi Int'l Airport
Scheduled Flight | Nairobi-Kigali - NOT INCLUDED YET
VIP Meet + Greet on arrival
Private transfer to The Retreat for check-in
July 7 - 8
Overnight The Retreat By Heaven
Deluxe King Room
Breakfast included
1 Night
July 8
Pick-up after breakfast
Private transfer to Virunga Lodge for check-in | 3 hour transfer
July 9
Gorilla Trekking
July 10
Golden Monkey Trekking
July 8 - 11
Overnight Virunga Lodge
Deluxe Banda
All meals, house drinks + activities included
3 Nights
July 11
Pick-up after breakfast
Private transfer to Kigali | 3 hours
Private driver + vehicle at your disposal until departure
Depart Kigali Int'l Airport
End of UNCHARTED Arrangements
Itinerary details
Map
Kenya & Rwanda
Map
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Key Dates
1) July 4 - 7: ol Donyo Lodge, Chyulu Hills National Park
2) July 7 - 8: Hemingways Retreat Kigali, Kigali
3) July 8 - 11: Virunga Lodge, Volcanoes National Park
July 4 - 7
Chyulu Hills National Park
Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya
The Chyulu Hills
Area Overview
Situated south of Nairobi between Tsavo West National Park and Amboseli National Park, Chyulu Hills National Park boasts striking and diverse landscapes. The Chyulus were formed by a 100 km (62 mi) long series of ancient volcanic cones and craters, and now has one of the longest lava tubes in the world. Its beautiful green rolling hills drop down into misty forests of Acacia tortillis and sweeping savannahs that have played backdrop to many iconic movies, including Out of Africa. The views towards Mt Kiilmanjaro are some of the best to be had.
The local Maasai work together with conservation groups to minimise human wildlife conflict with the nomadic pastoralists. Big Life is one of the well known conservation groups that work in this area alongside some of the luxury boutique lodges situated in the Chyulus.
Activities in the greater Chyulus include exploring the area by foot, vehicle and horseback, as well as cultural visits, day trips to Amboseli, and hiking to the highest points (around 182 m/ 6000 ft high).
July 4 - 7
ol Donyo Lodge
Chyulu Hills National Park, Kenya
Ol Donyo Lodge
Property Overview
Ol Donyo Lodge is located in the heart of the Chyulu Hills, set between Kenya’s Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks. The property is honed from the ancient lava rock that spewed out of Kilimanjaro 360,000 years ago, creating a timelessness that touches everyone who visits. Set on the privately owned Mbirikani Group Ranch - an expanse of wild Africa bordering Chyulu Hills National Park and home to 4,000 Maasai - ol Donyo Lodge blends contemporary design with the rich culture of the Maasai community. This Great Plains Conservation Réserve-Collection property is perched on a hillside with views of East Africa’s classic savannahs below.
“I believe that a safari today must be a full and rich experience where there are no apologies for service, that must be excellent, for wildlife viewing, well-designed accommodation with a style we like to think of as a Great Plains style, but also vitally important for that extra magic of being a part of family… our family.” Dereck Joubert
Experience & Activities
Days at ol Donyo Lodge are full of options. To have such a vast area to explore, from high-altitude mist forest through lava fields, then woodland to savannah, and ending at the famous kopjes, it’s a paradise of discovery. Each day, it’s possible to pick your mode of transport, be it on foot, by helicopter, by vehicle, on horseback, or even by mountain bike. There is no routine here at all, and experiences are tailor-made for each guest. And if lazing around the pool, indulging in a massage, or shopping sounds like a good plan, then please do. Meet the local Maasai and visit the school to see what makes Kenya so colorful and dynamic.
Wildlife Viewing
Early morning and late afternoon/ evening safari drives take place in some of the most luxurious wildlife-viewing vehicles. Each Toyota Land Cruiser safari vehicle is open-sided, canopied, and customized for photographers (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug inverters). Each vehicle is also stocked with a fridge with drinks and snacks, ready for longer days out if the wildlife viewing is exciting and just too hard to leave. The lodge can typically accommodate up to four guests (or two couples) in one safari vehicle; however, if a family or group travels together, it is also possible to accommodate up to six guests.
Every day on safari brings a unique and distinct experience. Safari drives typically start at sunrise, returning for lunch and depart again in the mid-afternoon before returning just after sunset. Day trips to Amboseli National Park are possible (extra cost, subject to pre-booking).
Guests can also enjoy up-close encounters with wildlife without departing from the lodge. The open-air log pile and sunken hide at the waterhole, both situated directly in front of the camp, provide a perfect vantage point for such experiences.
The schedule at the lodge is flexible, and guests are encouraged to create their own itinerary according to their interests with guidance and recommendations from the professional guides.
Walks
Guided walks can also be arranged and are led by qualified, licensed walking guides.
Horse Riding
Intermediate and Above
For Intermediate riders and above, 2 to 4 hour rides exploring the concession are offered. Enjoy exhilarating medium to fast-paced canters and encounters with the famous big Tuskers.
For this riding option, you need to be riding fit, confident, and competent, ride with an independent seat, and be able to control an easy horse at all paces over uneven terrain.
Plains Ride
Novice riders can enjoy a gentle 60/90 minute ride exploring the open plains. All riders will need to have a short assessment in the arena prior to setting out to ensure all guests riding out can control their horse and are comfortable at a short trot. If riders do not have the required experience, they will be offered a lesson in the arena instead. Plains riders will be given some instruction; a minimum requirement is a short trot.
They respectfully request no riders over 95 kg.
Mountain Biking
ol Donyo Lodge offers guided mountain biking for guests to explore the plains and open savannah in the area. Distances are based on guest’s fitness levels and riding desire and cycling terrain can range from sand to compact gravel and grass in places.
Helicopter Excursions and Transfers
Guests can take to the skies from ol Donyo Lodge and experience sweeping 180-degree views on a choice of helicopter excursions. These scenic flight options, to be booked prior to the guest's arrival, include the Chyulu Hills, Amboseli and
Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a remarkable aerial perspective of this iconic landscape.
Note that additional costs apply to helicopter experiences and to some other activities at the lodge.
Accommodations
Suite
No two of the lodge’s eight suites are exactly the same, but what is consistent is the view of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the lodge’s famous waterhole. All suites have a pool, veranda, indoor and outdoor showers, double washbasins, flush toilet and bath, and “star-bed.” The rooftop “star-bed” is a fabulous sleep-out option, with utter privacy and all the amenities of the suite just below. The suites have an expansive lounge in addition to the bedroom.
Fast Facts
Inclusions
Fully inclusive of a wide range of wildlife viewing and outdoor activities, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including imported spirits and champagne
Quick Facts
8 suites and a 2-bedroom family suite
Additional guide’s room available
Private plunge pool and veranda
Lounge and fire pit
Gym and spa
Main infinity swimming pool
Dining area
Wine cellar
Child policy: 6+
Location
On the private Mbirikani Group Ranch in south-eastern Kenya, between Tsavo East and Amboseli National Parks and next to Chyulu Hills National Park
Check Out Time
Great Plains Conservation maintains a high level of flexibility regarding check-out times at its camps. However, due to some scheduled air transfer schedules, there are instances where they may kindly request guests to check out of their suites by 9:00am. In such situations, the lodges and camps are set up to ensure that guests can utilize the facilities located in the central area. This includes access to the internet, complimentary drinks and lunch in case of any unexpected delays, and access to hides or other activities if available.
July 7 - 8
Kigali
Kigali, Rwanda
Kigali
Area Overview
Rwanda is often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” and its capital is no exception. Kigali spreads across a striking landscape of rolling hills, ridges, valleys, and steep slopes, with elevations ranging from roughly 1,300 to 1,850 m (4,265 to 6,070 ft). Its elevation gives the city a pleasantly temperate tropical climate, with average temperatures generally ranging between about 16 and 27°C (61 and 81°F) and relatively little seasonal variation. Despite Kigali’s rapid urban development, agriculture remains an important land use, particularly in the city’s outer districts and low-lying areas.
As throughout Rwanda, the last Saturday of each month is traditionally devoted to umuganda, a nationwide program of community service. Rwandans between the ages of 18 and 65 come together for several hours in the morning to work on projects such as maintaining roads and public spaces, environmental conservation, and improving community infrastructure. The tradition reflects a strong emphasis on collective responsibility and community participation.
One of Kigali’s most important sites is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and serves as the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims. Its exhibitions provide important context on Rwanda’s history, the events leading up to and during the genocide, and the country’s subsequent journey toward justice, reconciliation, and renewal.
Kigali also has a growing contemporary arts and cultural scene, with galleries, museums, artisan spaces, and cultural venues showcasing both traditional and modern Rwandan creativity.
July 7 - 8
Hemingways Retreat Kigali
Kigali, Rwanda
Hemingways Retreat Kigali
Property Overview
Hemingways Retreat Kigali is Rwanda’s first eco-conscious luxury boutique hotel, located in the leafy Kiyovu neighborhood and offering just 20 individually styled rooms, suites, and villas for ultimate privacy, blending handcrafted Rwandan design with modern sophistication. Guests can enjoy world-class dining at Fusion Restaurant, a curated wine lounge, and a tranquil wellness spa offering eco-conscious treatments, alongside a solar-heated saltwater pool and an open-air gym. Rooted in sustainability and community, it provides a serene base to explore Kigali while offering an atmosphere of quiet elegance and authentic connection.
Experiences & Activities
Hemingways Retreat Kigali offers a range of enriching experiences that celebrate Rwanda’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Guests can explore contemporary Rwandan art through curated exhibitions, learn cocktail-making with local botanicals, or take guided city tours highlighting Kigali’s landmarks, markets, and memorials.
Deeper cultural encounters include visits to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial with opportunities for dialogue and reflection. For an unforgettable adventure, guests can embark on gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, complete with expert-led hikes and scenic helicopter transfers. Each experience is designed to connect travelers with the essence of Kigali and Rwanda.
Fast Facts
Highlights
Nestled in the leafy Kiyovu neighborhood
Rwanda’s first eco-conscious luxury boutique hotel
A serene base for exploring the city’s vibrant markets, cultural landmarks, and moving memorials
Discover an oasis of luxury and rejuvenation with our exceptional wellness offerings - where tranquility and vitality converge in perfect harmony
Quick facts
20 rooms, suites & villas
Restaurants
Bar
Lounge
Pool
Spa
Terrace
Gardens
Boutique
Fitness center
Meeting & event space
Air conditioning
Wifi
July 9
Gorilla Trekking
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking
Activity overview
The Virunga Mountains straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are home to around 480 mountain gorillas, more than half of the world’s entire population — the rest live in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
In Volcanoes National Park, which encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, twelve gorilla groups are now habituated for tourism and offer one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural experiences. To be in the presence of these gentle giants at such close quarters is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Although the immense size of the silverbacks might be overwhelming, these 400-pound creatures are actually extremely accommodating to human presence amongst their family. The guides might even teach you a few words in ‘Gorilla’ so you can greet them and show that you are, in fact, friendly!
The day of the trek usually begins with an early start at your hotel and then a drive to park headquarters at Kinigi. Here, park officials assign you to a gorilla family and you meet your gorilla guides. After being briefed on protocols, you head over to the specific starting point, where teams of porters are available for hire. Remember, you are trekking for around 2,500m and so any help is welcome.
Groups are limited to eight guests. The initial trek is usually through rural Rwanda's open fields of potatoes and pyrethrum, until you reach the rough wall boundary of the park itself. From here, your guide will be in communication with the trackers and you will begin the hike through the forest to meet the gorillas. Your permit allows you one hour with the gorilla family, after which you say goodbye to your trackers and hike back down to meet your awaiting vehicle.
July 10
Golden Monkey Trekking
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Golden Monkey Trekking
Activity overview
Discover the playful and inquisitive nature of the golden monkey, a beautiful little creature found only in the high-altitude forests of the Volcanoes National Park. Spend the morning searching the lush vegetation at the foot of Mount Sabyinyo for one of two habituated groups of golden monkey, one of them a troop of more than 80 members. Spend an enchanted hour watching their frolics as they leap among the slender shoots of bamboo or tumble among the dense foliage on the forest floor.
Active, sprightly little creatures, the golden monkeys are incredibly entertaining as they amuse themselves swinging through the bamboo or racing after one other in circles around and above you. Blending in perfectly with the golden bamboo, they are very pretty, with shiny reddish-gold backs.
Unique to the Virunga Mountains range, which covers the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, these delightful golden monkeys are an endangered species. Rwanda and Uganda are the only two countries where visitors have the chance of trekking to see them up close.
Hiking to see them is one of the more leisurely activities in Volcanoes National Park. The scurrying primates inhabit the bottom of the mountain range in the bamboo forest and the terrain here is relatively flat and easy to hike.
July 8 - 11
Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park
Area Overview
Just a three hour drive from Kigali, Volcanoes National Park encompasses 160 km2 (60mi2) in a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, with evergreen and bamboo forests. The national park includes five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains, with Karisimbi being the highest at 4,507 m (14,785 ft). The lush slopes of these volcanoes provide a dramatic natural setting for one of the most thrilling and memorable wildlife experiences: seeing the mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. Roughly half of the world’s wild population of mountain gorillas reside on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas massif.
This is also the setting for the film Gorillas in the Mist, an autobiography about Diane Fossey, who set up the Karisoke Research Center and dedicated her life to these wonderful animals.
July 8 - 11
Virunga Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Virunga Lodge
Property Overview
Virunga Lodge, perched high on a ridge, is one of Africa’s most iconic lodges, offering stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes, Musanze Valley, and the twin lakes, Bulera and Ruhondo. Built in 2004 by Praveen Moman, it is the preferred accommodation for tracking endangered mountain gorillas. The lodge features ten elegant bandas, each with a private terrace overlooking the dramatic landscape. Guests enjoy exceptional hospitality, locally inspired cuisine, personal butler service, and all-inclusive premium beverages.
The lodge offers complimentary spa treatments, fireside conservation talks, and access to community projects like "One Sheep per Family" and "Donate a Water Tank." Visitors can also hike to Dian Fossey’s grave or explore the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The Dian Fossey Map Room opened in 2017, houses a permanent exhibition on the conservationists and explorers of the Virunga Volcanoes, celebrating the region’s rich history and legacy.
Experience & Activities
Virunga Lodge offers gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and volcano hikes, along with cultural experiences like a fireside chat with Gorilla Doctors and a visit to Dian Fossey’s grave. The lodge supports community projects, including handmade crafts, water tank donations, livestock programs, and solar power initiatives to improve local livelihoods. Guests can also embark on safaris, such as a 4-day gorilla trek or a 7-day journey combining wildlife and cultural experiences, making for an unforgettable adventure in Rwanda’s stunning landscapes.
Accommodations
Deluxe Banda
The lodge features four spacious Deluxe Bandas, ideal for honeymooners or families, each with a private sitting room with a fireplace and an en-suite bathroom, including a flushing toilet, a double vanity, and hot and cold showers. Guests can relax on a private sun terrace with panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes or the twin lakes. Rooms include wifi, power sockets, charging facilities, and hair dryers.
Fast Facts
Highlights
Enjoy the finest views in Africa, overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes, the Musanze Valley, Lake Bulera, and Ruhondo
Trek the endangered mountain gorillas and rare golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park
Exceptional hospitality and locally inspired food
Enjoy complimentary spa treatments and massages, including the famous Rungu massage
Quick facts
10 bandas
Dining areas
Bar
Lounge
Spa
Map room
Butler service
Laundry service
Wifi
The fine print
Trip Details
Trip Details
FOR INTERNAL FLIGHTS - scheduled flights may stop en route to pick-up or drop-off other passengers. These stops are not always scheduled ahead of time, and will be discussed with you upon boarding the aircraft. This is how internal air flight schedules work in East Africa.
This cost includes:
- All meals, house drinks, laundry + safari activities (game drives, guided walking safaris, mountain bike safaris, horseback riding + star bed experience) at Ol Donyo Lodge
- Breakfast, welcome 30-minute massage, and one 30-minute onsite cultural activity at The Retreat
- All meals, house drinks, laundry + lodge activities (game drives, guided walking safaris, mountain bike safaris, horseback riding + star bed experience) at Virunga Lodge
- 1 Gorilla Trekking Permit per person including a porter
- 1 Golden Monkey Trekking Permit per person including a porter
- Domestic flights in Kenya as indicated on the itinerary
- All vehicle transfers as indicated on the itinerary
- All national park entrance fees, conservancy fees, government taxes + tourism levies
- Private driver/vehicle at disposal on departure day
This cost does not include:
- International Flights (Nairobi-Kigali Flight can be included at a later date)
- Travel insurance
- Kenya eTA fees
- Rwanda Visa fees
- Meals, drinks + activities not specified in the inclusions
- Premium alcohol + champagne
- Personal expenses, spa treatments + gratuities
- Any medications or vaccinations required for travel
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