A remarkable running adventure tour through magnificent Rwanda Highlights This is a nine day trail running adventure tour through the truly remarkable and rich landscapes of Rwanda. From the ancient volcanic slopes of the Five Volcanoes National Park in the North, to the mountain primate rich rainforests of Nyungwe in the South West, this guided running adventure takes on the very experiences that make Rwanda so unique in Africa. This all inclusive package ensures that all you need to focus on is absorbing as much of the rich Rwandan experience as you can, either while on the run or whilst touring. Daily running distances vary depending on the transfer times and itinerary, and all runs remain optional.
RWANDA Remarkable Rwanda Landlocked just a few degrees south of the Equator lies this remarkable little African country. Despite being one of the smallest, Rwanda is packed full of truly remarkable people, untold biological richness and magnificent natural landscapes. Born on the fringes of the rift valley the origins of this landscape are distinctly volcanic, lending it the nickname land of a thousand hills. The soil is rich and fertile, with the majority of the 13mil population of Rwandans living off the land. In 1994 the country was brought to the brink of disaster in one of the worst genocides in human history. What has risen from the ashes, however, is truly remarkable - a country so unified and steadfast in its rebirth that today it s regarded as a jewel in Africa. We explore the very best of what makes Rwanda so unique.
Itinerary & dates 08-09 FEBRUARY 10 FEBRUARY 20 11 FEBRUARY 20 12 FEBRUARY 20 13 FEBRUARY 20 14 FEBRUARY 20 15 FEBRUARY 20 16 FEBRUARY 20 2020 DAY 1 & 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 ARRIVAL IN THE RWANDA CAPITAL VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK GISHWATI FOREST TO LAKE KIVU LAKE KIVU TRAIL TO KINUNU KINUNU TO KIBUYE GISAKURA & NYUNGWE FOREST NYUNGWE FOREST & THE CONGO- DEPARTURE TO KIGALI OF KIGALI AND MEET RWANDA NILE DIVIDE On arrival at Kigali International Airport in After an early breakfast we Today we leave the slopes of the Today we begin our journey southwards We continue our trail running journey After a leisurely morning and a hearty The crowning glory in this trail running After breakfast we transfer you out to Rwanda, you will be met and transferred transfer to the Gorilla Center to Volcano National Park and head along the shores of Lake Kivu with a south along the magnificent shores of breakfast we transfer to Gisakura on the adventure is the unique opportunity your connecting domestic flight back to to the hotel. That evening, we will gather meet your respective guide for West towards the Northern tip of 18 km trail run from Rubona to Nkora Lake Kivu today with a opening 12km edge of the Nyungwe Forest National to run the trail that separates the Kigali International Airport from nearby for an expedition briefing and dinner. your chosen add on experience the 20th largest lake in the World market. After a wonderful local spread to Musasa Coffee washing station. This Park. Today you can either elect to respective watersheds of the longest Kamembe. From here you would Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel, (Bisoke, Gorilla, Chimpanzee or - Lake Kivu. We take a rural 16km of fruit and other delicacies courtesy day differs from the previous day in the take a 6-7km run through the local tea and second longest rivers in Africa - the connect to your international departure or similar. On day 2, we connect with Golden Monkey trek) or to transfer run on trails from the top of the lake of Mama Nellie, you can either call it trails being higher up and with more plantation and along the edge of the Nile & Congo (Zaire) rivers. This 39.5km flight, or connect with any onward Rwanda s amazing community heritage, to the 17km run. For those taking escarpment, through magnificent a day and catch a private boat ride to magnificent views over the distant magnificent forest fortress of Nyungwe, trail also passes the source of the Nile bespoke package. history and people by taking an interactive an add on experience and still rolling hills of tea plantations our accomodation in Kinunu, or opt lake shores. From Musasa it s either or elect rather to rest the legs ahead river and traverses the very heart of 10-12km morning acclimatization run keen to stretch their legs there to the lakeshore; complete with in to run the optional final 10km. This an optional 13km run to the finish of of the big run the next day. During the this magnificent 900km2 tropical cloud Flights: RwandaAir Flight WB602 through the suburbs of Kigali. Later in will be an optional 10 km run in the breathtaking views over Lake Kivu. wonderfully varied and interesting route the day, or alternatively a private boat run there are good chances of seeing forest wilderness. There is an option Kamembe to Kigali, departing 0850: the morning we visit the Kigali Genocide afternoon through quintessential Enjoy a welcome swim in Lake takes on the very best of Lake Kivu transfer to the end point of the run. A at least one of the 13 primate species for those preferring an easier day. In 40min. Museum to gain insight into the dramatic Rwandan countryside. Overnight: Kivu and an optional evening visit lakeside trails, local villages and rural special surprise awaits you to conclude found along the Nyungwe Forest edge. the evening we relax and celebrate this events of 1994. After lunch we we take a 5 Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, or to see the local isambaza fishing tracks. Overnight: Kinunu Guesthouse, these two incredible days before we In the afternoon we visit the Gisakura extraordinary trail running experience. two hour transfer to Kinigi, at the base of the Volcano National Park. Overnight: 5 Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, or similar. similar. operation. Overnight: Paradise Kivu Boutique Hotel, or similar. or similar. take a 45min private boat transfer to our lakeside accommodation in Kibuye. Overnight: Cormoran Lodge, or similar. Tea Factory for an exclusive insight into the art of tea making. Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hotel, or similar. Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hotel, or similar.
Day 2: Kigali After a light morning snack we meet our running guides and set off on an interactive morning run through the suburbs of Kigali and into the neighbourhood of Nyamirambo. This is suburban running unlike any other you have experienced, with the back streets of Kigali a mix of first world tree lined boulevards and rough dirt tracks that require the attentive footwork more suited to a rural village. Our guides will weave in the colours and stories of a country and people that literally rose from the ashes after the genocide. DISTANCE 10-12KM VERTICAL GAIN +250M
Day 3: DISTANCE 17KM + 10KM (OPTIONAL) VERTICAL GAIN +175M - 850M Five Volcanoes National Park and foothills Having completed the morning adventure of your choice (notably the Bisoke Volcano hike, Gorilla, Chimpanzee or Golden Monkey trekking, or 17km downhill run) - and for those whose legs are still willing - you have the afternoon option of a 10km run around the rural & cultivated slopes that surround the Five Volcanoes National Park. The unique aspect of the Kinigi area is the volcanic geology, making for dark, rich and productive soils. Irish Potatoes, millet and sorghum glow alongside Dalmatian chrysanthemum (Pyrethrum Daisy used in the making of insecticide), making for busy fields. This is your first introduction to the wonderfully welcome and friendly rural Rwandan people.
Day 4: Gishwati forest to Lake Kivu DISTANCE 16KM VERTICAL GAIN +600M - 980M The Gishwati Forest is a protected area of threatened indigenous forest mixed with small scale dairy farms dotted with tiny rural villages, a beautiful and remote piece of Rwandan countryside that rarely, if ever, sees foreigners. We explore the myriad of trails and pathways that cross the emerald green fields, tea plantations and shady forests to the top of a hill with a view over one of the largest natural lakes in Africa - Lake Kivu. From here we descend to its shores and our picturesque accommodation that nestled in one of Lake Kivu s many bays & inlets.
DISTANCE 18KM + 10KM (OPTIONAL) VERTICAL GAIN +600M -600M (18KM) +400M - 400KM (10KM) Day 5: Lake Kivu trail to Kinunu Departing directly from your hotel, we run a short section of dirt road along the lakeshore before connecting to a series of trails closely following the coastline of Lake Kivu. This is a unique journey along pathways used by local fisherman and farmers, and a more original experience of rural Kivu you could not wish to find. The first 18km of trail ends at the small village of Nkora Market where we enjoy a taste of local cuisine in very simple surroundings before boarding our private local boat to complete the journey to our lakeside guest house at the coffee washing station of Kinunu. For those with some energy still to burn, there is an optional further 10km of lakeside Kivu trails to run into our accomodation in Kinunu.
Day 6: Kinunu to Kibuye DISTANCE 12KM + 13 (OPTIONAL) VERTICAL GAIN +1000M -1000M We continue southwards along the intricticate bays and inlets that make up the busy coastline of Lake Kivu, with the landscape noticeably more mountainous the deeper south we go. The first 12km leg brings us to the small coffee washing station of Musasa and a welcome snack stop. From here you can either opt-in to run the final 13km or board our private local ferry boat for a scenic boat ride between the islands. We reconnect for a special surprise before ferrying to the very doorstep of the lodge. 1 km
DISTANCE 7KM (OPTIONAL) VERTICAL GAIN +150M - 150M Day 7: Gisakura and Nyungwe Forest Today we reach the forest fridge of the largest swathe of tropical montane forest left in East of Central Africa, Nyungwe Forest. The dense forest canopy and fern laden forest floor are home to a vast array of birds and primates, including wild Chimpanzee and high flying Colobus monkey. It is along the edge of this magic we run, using a network of trails that runs through tea plantations and along the forest fringe. We conclude the run at the Gisakura Tea Factory for a private and interpretive tour of the finer art of tea making.
Day 8: Nyungwe Forest & the Congo-Nile Divide DISTANCE 39.5KM (OR ALTERNATIVE SHORTER TRAIL) VERTICAL GAIN +1900M -2100M Today presents you with the opportunity to run something truly unique. Not only is this a marathon through a portion of the largest tropical montane forest left in Africa, but also the watershed divide between two of Africa s greatest rivers - the Congo (Zaire) and Nile rivers. This is total immersion in Africa s last protected montane tropical rainforest. It s a challenging outing, with almost 2,000m of vertical height gain and even longer descent, but totally worth the effort to be surrounded by this breathtaking forest. For those preferring something less arduous, we can facilitate an alternative forest trail run in another part of Nyungwe Forest National Park. Whichever you choose, running in Nyungwe Forest is a magnificent experience and the crowning jewel in an incredible running journey around Rwanda. 1 km
How to get there You will fly into Kigali International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the hotel.
Important information you need to know This is a guided running experience and each run is done in a group with your group leader, guides and field rangers. Accomodation is in a mixture of classic Rwandan boutique hotels, lodges and guest houses. Guests may be required to share in the smaller and more remote lodges & guesthouses. This is a fully catered experience, with all main meals provided from dinner on arrival to breakfast on the day of departure. Drinking water and hot drinks are provided with all meals. Drinking water and snacks are provided during the activities and transfers. Bring US Dollars with you or exchange your currency on arriva at Kigali International Airport. Major credit cards are accepted at most places. A medical form must be signed by your doctor prior to travel. Should you have done this for another event in the last 6 months we will accept. Please ensure you have suitable medical & travel insurance, including suitable medical evacuation. Average temperatures in Rwanda in February during the day range from 15-21ºC. February is on the cusp of the rainy season, which ordinarily runs from March to May, so expect some afternoon showers. Bring your own personal medication. Make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months. Most travellers to Rwanda require a visa which is issued on arrival. The current entry visa fee is $30. Please consult with your health practitioner on the latest advice regarding travel inoculations and vaccines to Rwanda.
The entry fee includes & excludes This is a nine day, fully supported, guided running adventure tour. Your expedition will be facilitated by a dedicated Active Africa trip leader and hosted by a Wildrun Africa representative. All runs will be guided by local guides. Accommodation and catering is provided from dinner on arrival to breakfast on departure. Accomodation is on a shared basis in a mixture of classic Rwandan boutique hotels, lodges & guest houses. The package includes all on-trip transfers in suitable all terrain vehicles as well as dedicated vehicle support throughout, as well as the two local boat transfers and the domestic flight from Kamembe to Kigali. All National Park entrance fees are included for the activity costs included and indicated (Special note on this: the optional activity you may select for the Five Volcanoes National Park day will include the National Park entry and activity fee and remains separate to this itinerary). Drinking water and hot beverages will be available with all meals. Drinking water and light snacks will be provided on transfers and activities. All gratuities for services rendered on trip are included. Please note: Guests may be requested to share rooms in smaller remote lodges/guesthouses. Not included in the package are your international flights & entry visa, airport transfers on arrival, optional activities within the Five Volcanoes National Park and/or any additional permits for activities not included in the itinerary, any meals not included, wine and alcoholic beverages, personal travel insurance, health requirements and inoculations, personal specific fuels needed on the run, pre and post trip arrangements and items of a personal nature.
The entry fee USD $5,770.00 Either the full amount or the tour deposit is payable once-off by Credit Card, or via EFT (electronic funds transfer). A payment structure is available on request. We regret that due to currency restrictions we cannot accept payment in any other currency than USD. To enter please follow the entry link on www.wildrun.com DEPOSIT BALANCE DUE TOTAL DUE DATE 24 hours after entering 01 Dec 2019 01 Dec 2019 USD AMOUNT USD 1,500 USD 4,270 USD 5,770 * Your tour price is subject to the following refund policy: 85% refunded up 121+ days prior to the tour starting 50% refunded from 91 to 120 days prior to the tour starting 25% refunded from 31 to 90 days prior to the tour starting No refund inside 30 days of the tour starting We highly recommend that you take out insurance once payment has been made in the event of extenuating circumstances that result in you having to cancel your tour.
Travel packages Together with our bespoke travel partners, Active Africa, we can build a travel package pre, post and during the event for you and/or your family. So why not extend your trip into anywhere in East Africa and tag on an extension to your Wildrun Africa experience to explore more of this extraordinary continent. For more info get in touch with us. The iconic Kilimanjaro from AmboseliNational Park.
Make contact Meet Tamaryn Tamaryn is your go-to for all things Wildrun - anything you need before the tour, get in touch and she will be able to assist. She is available to chat to anytime, you can reach Tamaryn at: tamaryn@wildrunner.co.za or +27 21 789 0318. Or try her mobile phone: +27 72 373 5081. Follow us on social media for more!