Ultimate Luxe Rwanda: 3 locations

First, your arrival into Kigali. (One or two days recommended)

Rwanda's capital has an easily accessible airport from anywhere in the world. Whether you're tacking this on to other safari experiences and traveling through Johannesburg or Tanzania or arriving directly from all other continents. Known as the Singapore of Africa, Kigali is not only a gateway to the primate experiences to the north and south, but also worthy in its own right for a two-day exploration.

Sharon's accommodation choice is:

The Retreat by Heaven

• Bespoke experiences curated by community empowerment-focused owners Alissa and Josh

• Sustainability & local suppliers

• Well-appointed rooms - top pick: Luxury Pool Villa (solar-heated salt water)

• Inclusions in rate: breakfast, minibar & 30min welcome massage. Fruit basket & snack jar

• Onsite fine dining at Fusion Restaurant

• Onsite well-being and spa experiences

Here's what you can expect to enjoy during your city stay:

• Visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial

• Exploring the Kimironko Market

• Enjoying the Niyo Arts Center

• Visiting the Nyamirambo Women's Center

Nyungwe National Park

Africa’s oldest montane rainforest was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in September 2023, the second site in Rwanda to join the prestigious list. This astonishingly biodiverse habitat is home to rare birds and endangered species, including the Colobus monkey, Eastern chimpanzee, Hills’ horseshoe bat and Golden monkey.

Sharon's accommodation choice:

One&Only Nyungwe House

Alongside ancient rainforests, within the lush green expanse of a working tea plantation, One&Only Nyungwe House is an idyllic eco retreat. Its offerings include an immersion into the exotic flora and fauna of all accommodations, connecting with vibrant culture through onsite experiences and nurturing through luxurious spa experiences.

Nestled between lush rainforest and verdant tea plantations, opt for the 2-bedroom canopy villa if you're after the expansive feeling of more space both indoors and out.

The Villa offers a spacious living room, plush lounges and a roomy dining table. A roaring fireplace stoked with fragrant eucalyptus wood, adding a rustic touch. Dine inside or outside on the private terrace, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding tree canopies. Roaming monkeys, birds and butterflies bring the vista vividly to life. Watch the sunset through the treetops, fall asleep to the sounds of the great blue turaco birds and wake up to the curious melodies of mangabey monkeys in the distance.

Two large bedrooms with airy living areas boast plenty of space for family, friends and larger groups. The main bedroom — a four-poster king-sized bed, while the second bedroom includes double-sized twin beds. Both bedrooms offer their own wood-burning stoves and en-suite bathrooms, plus private decks with hypnotic views. The bathrooms feature twin vanities, a walk-in shower and a deep standalone bath.

So much to love:

Exceptional rooms, dining and selected beverages are included in your stay plus two signature resort experiences daily. Great spa and nature access.

Top tip: Dovetail the 3-day Wellness Journey at the acclaimed onsite spa with as much (or as little) adventuring and nature walking in the Nyungwe National Park as you wish. Chimp and Colobus monkey trekking is on offer for trekkers of all fitness levels, as are forest and waterfall explorations and the 160 meter long, 70-meter-high suspended canopy bridge.

Volcanoes National Park

Situated on the country's northwestern border, Volcanoes National Park is home to more than one-third of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world.

Sharon's accommodation choice:

Singita - Kataza House

Planned with its pristine location on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in mind, Singita Kataza House is a response to the natural geology of the area. It offers an intimate engagement with the landscape and a sense of solitude within nature.

Kataza House is an exclusive four-bedroom villa featuring indoor baths and showers. Indoor and outdoor fireplaces, informal living and dining areas, an interactive kitchen and covered veranda are featured. Amenities also include heated plunge pools, cinema room, massage treatment room, fitness center and small cellar.

All the facilities and amenities at the adjacent Singita Kwitonda Lodge are at guests’ disposal.

Singita Kwitonda

The 8-room lodge option by Singita maintains an exclusive look and feel as with Kataza House Private villa. Options include 7 one-bedroom and 1 two-bedroom units each with breathtaking volcano views from a heated outdoor plunge pool.

What we love about Singita:

The unparalleled wildlife-centric experience with zero compromise on luxury and a level of excellence and warmth in the staffing component that honestly feels like home only better.

At Singita, the entire trekking experience is tailored to make the most of every moment. From the pre-trek briefing sessions in the lodge’s conservation room the night before to being kitted out in the on-site gear room (no heavy hiking boots are required in your luggage). Guests also receive made-to-order snacks, water bottles and comfort packs for their backpacks. Using the services of local porters while trekking is encouraged at Volcanoes. Carrying bags, retrieving items needed while walking as well as help in the terrain will be a welcome addition to your experience, and help local communities thrive. Guests are assigned to gorilla families on the day of trekking. Distances to the various gorilla families are beautifully matched with what trekkers prefer in terms of difficulty and fitness levels. All attempts are made to make sure that guests are comfortable and have a good experience without feeling overextended.

Top tip:

Trekking is accommodated according to fitness and medical requirements of trekkers. If concerned about physical abilities, bring along a doctor's certificate and authorities automatically assign an "easy trek" that takes around 35 minutes to the gorillas.

Taking more than one porter is also recommended.

Trekking for Gorillas happens year-round. High season from June to November coincides with dryer conditions, less mud and easier hiking conditions. Low season often means that although conditions are muddy, interactions can be closer and more intimate. Consider the bridging period for the best of both worlds. (see the last-minute availability end May)

Rate inclusions at Kataza House

• Accommodation

• All meals, prepared by in-house chef

• Laundry service

• Private wine cellar

• Private interactive kitchen

• Generously stocked ‘bar-deli’

• House manager, chef and house staff

• Golf cart for access to Singita Kwitonda Lodge (should guests wish to enjoy a meal at the main facility)

• Heated pool off main lounge

• Private heated pool off main suite

• WiFi access

• Gear-up area

• Massage treatment room

• Fitness center

• iPad and media suite in each room

• Private cinema room

• Fire pit

• Indoor and outdoor dining and lounge areas

Make the most of everything on offer:

Something less well-known but as important and not to be missed are the Golden monkeys - endemic to the Albertine Rift, found on the lower slopes of Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Karisimbi within Volcanoes National Park. These monkeys are among the most endangered primates in Africa. One hour of trekking will take you to one of two groups of golden monkeys, each with more than 100 individuals, and can be viewed by guests at an altitude of about 2,800 to 3,000 meters.

When booking with me, all details are taken care of — on the ground and in the air. (See my recommended transfer options below.)

After trekking at Volcanoes National Park, transit back through Kigali and spend an extra night in the city for last-minute shopping or picking up items you may have ordered on the first day shopping in Kigali. The city is well-known for artisanal, high-quality bespoke craft, pottery and tailored clothing.