Peregrine Tours

HIGHLIGHTS: Kigali - Kinigi Village - Parc National des Volcans

Get up close and personal with mountain gorillas amid the steep bamboo thickets and picturesque volcanic peaks of Parc National des Volcans. You’ll witness protective, aloof silverbacks overseeing their family, placid but vigilant mothers tending their babies and playful, curious infants learning about their new environment. Observing their strangely familiar faces, distinct personalities and actions in such close proximity is spine-tingling. There are several optional treks the following day – choose to experience another gorilla group, search for endangered golden monkeys or hike to Dian Fossey’s grave and research centre. We cap off our Rwandan visit with a city tour of Kigali. Easily connected with another African safari, this inspiring, powerful experience is not to be missed.

Day 1 - Kigali - Kinigi Village
On arrival at Kigali Airport you are met by our local representative. You must arrive in Kigali before 2.30pm. If your flight does not arrive before 2.30pm, you need to arrive one day earlier and book one night's pre-... read on tour accommodation (additional cost). Please make sure you've read the visa information for Rwanda on your pre-departure information before you depart. You are required to apply for a visa facilitation letter before departure and will need to provide this for any connecting flights to Kigali and you will need to show this at immigration to obtain your Rwanda visa. Our tour begins with a drive through the verdant rolling hills of Rwanda. Our accommodation is located in the Kinigi region, approximately 17km from Musanze town (formerly Ruhengeri). The lodge itself is brand new and is nestled on the scenic lower slopes of Sabinyo Volcano - one of five volcanoes located in the Parc National des Volcans

Dinner Day 2 - Parc National des Volcans
This morning we have a very early start driving to the park headquarters where we are briefed on our gorilla trek by the guides of Parc National des Volcans. This 13,000 hectare national park protects the Rwandan sector of the Virunga Mountains and include a range of six extinct and three active volcanoes that straddle the border with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bamboo forest is interspersed with alpine moorland, grassland and marshland. In this park, there are seven different gorilla families - Group 13, Sabinyo, Amahoro, Umubano, Susa, Kwitonda which has recently arrived from the DRC and are now settled in Rwanda and the Hirwa group, newly formed from different habituated families. Gorilla trekking is highly controlled with only 56 gorilla trekking permits available each day. Once a trekking group encounters one of the gorilla families, only one hour is granted in the presence of the great apes before trekkers must leave the family, however reluctantly. The trek can be strenuous and may reach altitudes of almost 3000 metres above sea level. Depending on weather conditions, some of the paths can be slippery and these paths themselves can change depending on the location of the gorillas. Hence it is very hard to predict how long we need to walk for, but a very good level of fitness is recommended for everyone taking on this trek, as it may take anything between 40 minutes and five hours to reach our designated gorilla family. The trackers have already set out and located the gorilla family by the time we start our trek, so our actual time of walking can usually be predicted when we set off. Generally the time spent walking is not as long as for a similar activity in Uganda. All this may seem like hard work, but the end result is one you are sure to cherish forever, as to stand so close to these amazing animals is indeed an emotional experience. As lunch can only be taken upon return to the hotel, it is recommended that you bring a few snacks to keep you going throughout the morning. At the end of the day the comforts of the hotel beckon, along with a chance to reflect on what is sure to be a truly memorable day.

Day 3 - Optional Extra Trek - Kigali
Today is a day of various trekking options. We may choose to visit another gorilla family, see the rare golden monkey or take a hike up to the grave of Dian Fossey and the remains of the Old Karisoke Research Station. It is strongly advised that these options are pre-booked and confirmed at time of purchase of the main tour, in order to ensure availability. Gorilla trekking permits in particular can be booked out many months in advance. For those who loved the book and/or movie 'Gorilla's in the Mist', the Dian Fossey Trek is a good option. Over the course of the morning you follow in Dian Fossey's footsteps on our way to her grave, as well as the graves belonging to many poached gorillas including famous Digit. You are guided around the area where Old Karisoke Research Station was set up by a park guide. Although very little of the station remains, the setting is incredible and one can imagine the incredible life that Dian Fossey led in these isolated mountains. For a more leisurely but equally unique experience, trekking in search of golden monkeys is highly recommended. In June 2003 the nationals parks department first allowed permits to walk the trails in search of these rare and engaging primates. This walk takes you to the edge of the forest and watching these unique monkeys play and interact is a mesmerising experience. Please note that the roads leading to both of the above treks are not in the best of conditions, so be prepared for rough and bumpy rides! We then travel back to Kigali late in the afternoon or early in the evening. Accommodation tonight is either at the Novotel Kigali or a hotel of a similar standard. Dinner tonight is at your own expense and can be enjoyed at one of the many good nearby restaurants.

Day 4 - Kigali
This morning we are taken on a city tour of Kigali, including the Genocide Museum which was opened in 2004 to mark the tenth anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. Whilst the genocide occurred as a result of a complex series of factors, it can only be seen as an absolute tragedy to Rwanda and its people. Time spent at the museum is sure to be emotionally moving, but it is an important way to understand the sheer courage and resilience of the people of this beautiful, tiny nation. We are then transferred to Kigali International Airport, arriving there about midday. Any additional post-tour accommodation in Kigali or individual departure transfers are not included and must be pre-booked. Please note that your international departure flights from Kigali today should not be booked to depart before 1pm.

HIGHLIGHTS: Hong Kong - Guangzhou - Yangshuo - Chengdu - Leshan - Dazu - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Xian - Beijing

Visit the unique giant pandas at Chengdu, and even have the chance to sit with one! To experience the east, you must immerse yourself in the many facets of this diverse land. From exploring the Great Wall and everything Beijing has to offer to coming face to face with the Terracotta Warriors in Xian. We observe the unique Giant Pandas in their struggle for survival. This is followed by a relaxing cruise through the gorges of the Yangtze River as we make our way to the spectacular engineering feat of the Yangtze River Dam. On our journey towards the vibrant city of Hong Kong we take time to explore the limestone karsts of Yangshuo. China is a country that is modernizing quickly yet beneath this new veneer lies an exciting and turbulent past that unfolds before you.

Day 1 - Hong Kong
On arrival in Hong Kong you are transferred by shuttle bus to your hotel. In the early evening you meet your tour leader and other group members at a pre-tour briefing, which is followed by a welcome dinner. If you are a first-time visitor to Hong Kong, it is recommended that you arrive a few days before the tour starts in order to allow yourself enough time to explore this exciting city. It is only a short walk from our hotel, situated on the Kowloon side near Nathan Road, to the waterfront, where you can enjoy the spectacular Sound and Light Show displayed on the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island every night.

Day 2 - Guangzhou
We start a long travelling day by taking a morning boat to Guangzhou, one of the largest cities in China, where a former coastal trading town has given way to a metropolis of gleaming glass skyscrapers. We have a quick look around the city formerly known as Canton, before going to the railway station and boarding our overnight train to Guilin. We travel in ‘soft-class’, four-berth compartments.

Day 3-4 - Yangshuo
After arriving at Guilin Railway Station we transfer to a bus and travel on to Yangshuo, a village a few hours’ drive away. Nestled amongst imposing limestone karst formations, this is a place that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. This small town is a haven for backpackers and here, we stay in a pleasant local hotel. Yangshuo offers a relaxed and intimate atmosphere and is an excellent place to explore by bicycle. We join one of our local friends and spend a few hours riding amongst the wonderful scenery in the surrounding countryside, including Moon Hill, and meeting some of the inhabitants of the nearby villages. After finishing our bike ride we enjoy a home cooked lunch in our friend’s family home. A boat trip on the Li River to the surrounding market town of Fuli is another option to consider in your free time. This is also one of the better places for souvenir shopping, so make the most of it!

Day 5-7 - Chengdu - Leshan
We catch a flight to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Sichuan is known for its hot, spicy dishes, considered by the Chinese as the best cuisine within China. In such a food-loving country, that is no mean achievement. A history of trade built on ‘cottage industry’ handicrafts has had a major influence on the development of Chengdu. Recent changes in the regulations in China have seen a revival of this tradition of private industry, and, at almost every turn, you see signs of a thriving market. There is free time to explore the city. There is a large statue of Chairman Mao in the middle of the city and the tranquil Renmin Park is well worth a visit, with its beautiful gardens and interesting teahouses. On a day trip, we travel to Leshan, where we see the world’s largest Buddha, carved into the hillside near the confluence of the Dadu and Min Rivers. A seated figure (as opposed to the ‘standing’ or ‘reclining’ Buddha images found elsewhere), it is a staggering 71 metres high. It is over 1000 years old and took almost 100 years to build. It is not only impressive at close quarters, but can be viewed on a boat from a distance in order to gain a different perspective. One morning we also visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base situated near the city. The giant panda is one of the world’s most endangered species and has become an icon for conservation movements everywhere. It is still found in parts of the Sichuan province, but is very difficult to spot in the wild. In the afternoon we board our train to the city of Chongqing where we spend the night.

Day 8 - Dazu
This morning we travel by bus to Dazu County, where we visit the remarkable Baoding Shan (Treasured Summit Hill). Here are a series of Buddhist sculptures created between 1179 and 1249. These amazing works of art were created by mystic monks and incorporate many of the natural features of the surrounding hillside. The highlight is a 31-metre long Reclining Buddha. We return to Chongqing where we board our boat to commence a cruise on one of the great rivers of the world. Before boarding, you may wish to purchase some small snacks to take with you on the boat.

Day 9-10 - Yangtze River Cruise
At 6300 kilometres, the Yangtze (also known locally as the Chiangjiang River) is the world’s third longest waterway. It rises deep in the heart of the province of Qinghai, to the north of Tibet, and flows relentlessly eastwards until it empties into the East China Sea near Shanghai. Effectively dividing the country into north and south, the river not only supplies the rural heart of China, but has also spawned many industries reliant upon its power. The Yangtze has also inspired poets, writers and travellers over the centuries. We travel along one of the most picturesque sections, through the renowned Three Gorges. The ‘Sanxia’, as they are known in Chinese, stretch for 200 kilometres and vary from 100 metres to 300 metres in width. We enjoy our cruise on a tourist-class boat between Chongqing and Yichang. This is a much more comfortable way to travel than on the local boats that ply the same route, and offers a fascinating insight into life along the river. We spend three nights on board and sleep in twin share cabins with private facilities in accommodation similar to a small hotel room. Bedding and sheets are provided, as are all meals throughout the cruise. Please note that all rooms on the Yangtze cruise are on a twin share basis. If you are not already sharing a room with someone from your group, you may be required to share with someone (of the same gender) from outside your group. This could be a member of another tour group or a local person. If you have paid a single supplement, please note that this does not cover the cruise.

Day 11 - Yichang - Xian
After disembarking from our boat, we are transferred to the train station to catch an overnight train to Xian.

Day 12-14 - Xian
Capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China, Xian is a wonderful place to explore. Food options are excellent here, ranging from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in Chinese cafes. Widely regarded as the first capital of a united China in 221 BC, the city is rich in history. A half-day tour to the renowned Terracotta Warriors introduces us to these entombed statues, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th Century. Over 6000 of them were individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, and even facial expression. They are standing in battle formation, facing east in order to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, the great Qin Shihuang. Peasants digging a well only discovered the underground vault, which was home to this army for two millennia, in 1974. Xian also has a wonderful Muslim Quarter. A free day can easily be spent wandering the narrow streets where we find quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in cafes, and the Great Mosque, one of the most important in China. We depart Xian on the overnight train bound for Beijing.

Day 15-17 - Beijing
Beijing offers endless opportunities for exploration. The enormous Forbidden City, built more than 500 years ago and off limits to commoners for almost all that time, is a truly amazing place. Its size might surprise you (it is huge!), but what makes it fascinating is that every square metre is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colourful, painted ceilings. The Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace are other fine examples of extraordinary workmanship. You will visit one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. There is also ample free time in the itinerary, allowing you to make your own discoveries. Our hotel is located in the south of the city and a walk in any direction will unveil all sorts of wonderful surprises. There are good shopping opportunities at the various markets around the city, such as the centrally located Dashilan Market. In the evening, you have the chance to enjoy a performance of the unique Beijing Opera (optional).

Day 18 - Beijing
The tour ends after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included, however your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.

HIGHLIGHTS: Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Bumthang Valley

Bhutan is perhaps the most mysterious and diverse of all the Himalayan kingdoms, where for centuries a traditional Buddhist culture has thrived in isolation from the rest of the world. It is a land of contrast - with lush forested valleys, fortified monasteries, sacred mountains, art and architecture unique to the region.

Our journey begins in Paro and we head straight to Thimphu, where we have two days to explore this charming and serene capital. We then venture out into the countryside to visit the beautiful Punakha, Bumthang and Gangtey Valleys. Here we explore the rural lifestyle and architecture of Bhutan before returning to Paro where, on one of the highlights of our tour, we visit Taktsang (the Tiger's Nest) - a small monastery clinging to a rocky cliff 900 metres above the valley floor.

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