Business Class, Melbourne to Kigali, Rwanda for $1652 AUD return.
Lie flat the whole way. Includes layover in Bangkok.
Fly between December 2023 to May 2024. Plenty of availability over New Year and Easter.
Book at your own risk. Always a chance the airlines could cancel your ticket.
@ChatCPT: 5 more days for you!
Have you booked any accom or arranged visas? Keep us posted. I have a feeling we are locked in for these flights though
@Ilikecars: Havent heard from airlines yet - no news is good news.
Aussies dont need visa for Thailand - under 30 days (arriving from international airport)
Rwanda - free 30 day tourist visa on arrival
Just make up the rest on the fly - so to speak
@ChatCPT: hey please keep us posted if your flight goes ahead, Im not going to pay for my gorilla packages untill i see somebody take off lol
Happy for all those who scored themselves tickets, hope it all works out!!
Good luck Travellers Mary Xmas from Thai/Kenya Airways
anyone have any trouble selecting seats for the last leg of the return trip BKK to MEL
Works fine for me, just selected all seats.
I had an issue where I selected and confirmed and it kept showing nothing so I chose other seats and it worked
That's a cool one, thanks for sharing mate!
Hey all, what frequent flier program ids have you used (or will use) with these flights? As Thai is in Star Alliance would it be possible to say use Krisflyer membership to get points? Which program would be best bang for buck to use with these flights?
Isn’t KF Singapore air?
It is. Curious if the two code share so that we can get points with Singapore Air instead of Thai Airways.
https://www.wheretocredit.com/kenya-airways/j
Try this link , I put J for business class but I am not sure what class these tickets are issued, you may need to adjust it .
Anyone recommend a Gorilla trekking volcanoes national park tour? there are so many, looks like the cost of the day pass is $1500USD plus the tour. Just not sure where to book it so looking for recommendations, thanks
im looking at them as we speak. so pricey lol
Yeah, we’ve seen the price as well and decided that we don’t love gorillas that much to spend that kind of money for 3 of us. I’m sure there will be plenty other interesting things to see and do that don’t break the budget.
Different countries have different pricing. Someone mentioned Uganda is cheaper for tortillas
That's a long way for tortillas, they must be really good!
It is a national delicacy, made with Gorilla meat
There are only 3 countries in the world where you can do this experience. Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo. 1500usd per person, 700 usd per person, 400usd per person are the fees respectively. You would be brave to do it in Congo but may be worth it if you have 3 people so it would cost less than it would for 1 person in Rwanda. How many times in your life are you going to be in Africa. Why wouldnt you splurge for a limited opportunity?
Each to their own I suppose but I’m sure there are a lot of other exciting experiences to check out there without breaking the budget.
Seems like a chunk-load of money to see some gorillas.
yeh I dont understand this mentality - this is a once in a lifetime opportunity but I suppose if you have kids its a waste of another permit
Same flight is now going for $7360.
Jeepers. That's a whole lot of elephant tusks…
Who is flying before X-mas ?
Can you share your success please ?
Top of this page, convo between me and ChatCPT. He departs in 5 days.
I depart April 1
Will do mate
my flight is 25 Dec
i'm flying on xmas day too. hopefully see you on the flight!
Are you guys checking-in on Kenya airways site or Thai airways?
Does Kenya airways allow you to check-in all three flights (even a partner airline)? It seems Kenya airways allows check-in 48 hours prior but Thai only 24hrs.
@Splashsplash: I was able to manage booking on both but haven't checked in yet. Presumably can do on either
From the comments it appears that there are at least 12 people from here who have booked this ticket (including me).
There's a bit of discussions on Flyertalk about it as well. The last comment there mentions that someone has already flown successfully via Guangzhou 4 days ago.
Someone there also mentioned that yellow fever vaccine is required if you're transitting through Bangkok (presumably on the way back) for more than 12 hours if you've been to Kenya.
Does anyone know if, once you start using your flights, they cannot/will not cancel subsequent legs e.g. they cancel your return flight, once they realise it's an error price?
Or if this did happen, it would be a case of being reimbursed for the cancelled flight and having to buy a new one?
I’m holidaying in Bangkok now. No issues at all!
https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/36445/109374/27ab312f-…
Glad it worked out! Enjoy your trip 👍
Wow you scored an empty seat next to you too!
Yep in a packed plane too!
How were business class lounges in Melbourne?
Happy to report I'm in rwanda with no issues at all. Do note that we weren't issued our boarding passes for Kenya airways until three hours before departure in Bangkok which was abit inconvenient.
What are you doing in Rwanda, going to see the gorillas? What's the food like/cost?
So far we did a self drive safari and just explored Kigali. We will head to Lake kivu and probably head to Uganda for gorillas. We've been eating mostly east African food (fried bananas, stews, skewers). If you go local places you can eat a big meal for as little a few dollars, and CBD/hotel restaurants can cost about $20 a dish. Portions here are generally very big and loaded with carbs.
Did you end up going to Uganda? No tummy issues with the local food?
Thanks for your updates, they will be handy for countless travellers over the next few months! Btw which company did you choose for the self drive and was it a smooth experience and as advertised?
I’m going to Rwanda tomorrow.
Can you share which company you used to book the car and Uganda trek?
I couldn’t private message you
Hi everyone! No worries I'm more than happy to answer any questions as I know it's quite difficult to research online. Feel free to post any questions and hopefully that can help others heading to Rwanda.
@jptraveller: I'm trying to sort out Gorilla trekking in Uganda for my coming trip later this month. Trying to spend as little as possible so I have gotten multiple quotes and the best rate I've got is $1300usd for 2 days including pick up and drop off at Kigali…
Do you reckon I can get better rate if I were to get it in person when I get to Rwanda? Are east African open to bargaining like Thailand?
@Thycup: Was chatting to a guide, apparently there are some standard hikes where there is 50% chance of seeing a🦍 but much cheaper. From Rwanda it's a lot safer because you can easily get airlifted out etc if there's an issue but it costs a lot more.
@Thycup: I ended up going with great adventures safari. I think you can try to negotiate a little bit on the price, bargaining is very common in Africa generally but it will also depend on the lodge you stay at, the vehicle you get, overall reputation, etc. Once at the national park, the rangers take over so really you are paying for the accommodation, private transfer and getting someone to organise everything for you. A good guide is abit of luck and I'm glad I had a great guide who was alot of fun.
I don't think you'll be able to organise the Uganda gorilla trek in rwanda, we asked a few and the local tour agencies only operate within rwanda.
@Score: I ended up doing a 2 days gorilla trekking in Uganda. Picked up and dropped off in Kigali. It was a private tour with accommodation and full board for $1100USD. I found this guide online and that's the best price I've got. It was absolutely amazing as we got clear view of a gorilla family of 16. They were napping and playing in front of us for 50min. Unforgettable experience.
@jptraveller: Thanks for the tips! Which part of Kagali city would you recommend for walking around, self explore etc if you don't have transport?
@UberIsCool: Kigali city is very safe. However, there is nothing much to see in the city. If you need a reference point to just walk around and take some photos I'd say start with Imbuga City Walk. Some dining options are available there.
You could go to the Genocide Memorial either by walking or taking a taxi (or moto taxi as a cheap option).
If you have few days, I'd recommend get out of the city as quickly as possible to explore, Akagera, Volcanosor even Nyungwe National parks. There are tours from the city. Also, if you are comfortable driving then I'd say explore Lake Kivu area. Nice hotels and better dining options.
@totsydeal: Thank you. As far as car hire go, looks like Kigali Car Rentals is the best bet? Saw some nightmare reviews about Europcar.
@UberIsCool: Read my earlier post about car rentals above. While I didn't have any issues, I suspect many of the google reviews are fake - mostly written by accounts that review two car rentals only in kigali.
@totsydeal: Did you visit Lake kivu? Which part did you stay at? I'm planning to head there tomorrow
@jptraveller: I visited both in Gisenyi and Kibuye. If you don't have a lot of time, I'd say pick Gisenyi. Plenty of accommodation options along the shoreline. You can have a nice relaxing boat ride in the lake. After that make sure you have fired sambaza over a good local beer. :-)
Btw, if you want to try Kibuye too, then the road from Gisenyi to Kibuye is good. However, if you plan to get back to Kigali from Kibuye (via Muhanga) the road is terrible. A lot of potholes and some parts are still under construction. Beautiful views but I'd say avoid that section.
@totsydeal: Thanks! We stayed a few night in Gisenyi but didn't go kibuye. Would suggest anyone going to stay at a property right beside to the lake. The view is beautiful. We had excellent grilled talapia at the restaurant next to the hot spring.
Anyone else planning on going you can catch the bus for less than $5 one way leaving from nyabugogo station. Turn up and go. No need to book.
@UberIsCool: Kigali is very hilly and while there are sidewalks throughout the entire city, the gradient makes it difficult. You can easily take a motobike taxi (just 1aud) to get around. Taxis are quite expensive and I don't think you need to use them while in kigali.
Usual tourist spots can be found on youtube/wiki travel etc but I also just scroll on Google maps to look for interesting spots/restaurants to visit
@jptraveller: Thanks. How was the business class experience? Did you take anti malaria tablets ? What else can you tell us!
@UberIsCool: Thai and Kenya airways were both good. Thai was better in terms of food and service. Kenya airways have a comfy mattress pad which is nice for the overnight flight in both directions. Just don't expect anything like Singapore Airlines and you'll enjoy it
I did take anti malaria tablets though Rwandans told me malaria doesn't really exist there, tho it prob exists in neighbouring countries if you intend to visit.
What else do you want to know?! Let me know I'll be happy to answer.
In case it's helpful Congebank (now equity bank) has fee free ATM access. I used my Macquarie card. Card is also widely accepted at most places in downtown.
@UberIsCool: Take the moto taxi everywhere. A trip to anywhere in Kigali should never cost more than 2k francs
Hi. Just wondering do you have to take the yellow fever vaccination at all for this trip ?
If it's Rwanda only, then you don't have to. But the doctor recommended to have it before the trip.
1. Neighbouring countries need it. So in case if you are keen to visit them you have the option. E.g. Uganda
2. It would be helpful on the way back to Australia.
Besides it is lifetime vaccine. So in the future you don't have to.
What do you mean it will be helpful on the way back to Australia?
isdnman on 04/01/2024 - 09:40
Hi. Just wondering do you have to take the yellow fever vaccination at all for this trip ?
If it's Rwanda only, then you don't have to. But the doctor recommended to have it before the trip.
1. Neighbouring countries need it. So in case if you are keen to visit them you have the option. E.g. Uganda
2. It would be helpful on the way back to Australia.
Besides it is lifetime vaccine. So in the future you don't have to.
@dandandan: Just came back to Australia and we were asked to show the proof of Yellow fever vaccine at the airport (Melbourne). I'm glad that the doctor recommended us to have the vaccine before we left even though Rwanda is not high-risk country compared to its neighbours.
Not sure what the outcome if otherwise. May be you can get-away. But Im not sure the savings worth the risk. Besides it is a lifetime vaccine.
@totsydeal: @totsydeal, thanks for clarifying, I better look into this more and see what vaccinations I have had.
I already took yellow fever shot. They checked it when entering Uganda, no checks when entering rwanda or Burundi.
Hi All, I managed to book one of these flts with kiss and fly, I saw some people were able to change their flts and i was thinking to change the return flt. I have a stopover in BKK but want to add a week, do i contact kiss and fly or thai airways? and would this change make the booking invalid and i have to pay full price for the whole trip?
also are there any issues going from Rwanda to Kenya to do the Gorilla trip and then stopping in Bangkok on the way back? do you have to quaratine or something, I kjnow about getting a yellow fever vacination but is that all i need and can freely travel?
You will need to ask Kenya airways as they are the ticket issuer. I asked KQ office in kigali about amending my trip but it was over $3k as it involved cancelling and purchasing a new ticket.
No restrictions travelling between rwanda, Kenya and Thailand as far as I know (on aus passport) .
Just make sure you don't say you're a Tutsi.
Congrats on reaching a new Ozbargain low by making genocide jokes
You must be a Hutu.
how do you add your thai airways flights to Krisflyer to earn points?
and also with the Kenya Airlines how and where to send the points to?
Thanks :)
i did a retrospective claim with krisflyer and the points for my first flight got credited within 24 hours.
I'm sending my points for the kenyan flight to china airlines, still no points received at the moment. I added my membership before my flight. Kenya is skyteam so you could send it to any airline in that alliance
Just FYI - Kenya Airways is currently issuing refunds for people who purchased a seperate deal - ICN to CPT. Apparently the airline has been contacting customers directly asking them to proceed with a refund…. This deal was another price error, which happened last week. So they might do this to this deal as well, afterwards :(
Other deal posts: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mileage-run-discussion/21472…
There must be a dozen people or so who have flown this deal already
Yea but they can still cancel for all outstanding tickets.
I fly in about a month ill keep this page updated if i can
I am now stuck in Kigali.
Went to the airport 3 hours before check in.
Was told that my ticket is suspended.
The kenya airway ground staff in Kigali wrote an email to the Nairobi office.
I missed my flight.
They agree to rebook. However the first time was booked to economy class.
I am now still waiting for the business class rebook authorisation.
Please be aware. I guess the reason is that I made a change to my booking online via the Kenya airways website. But i am not sure.
Ok, they finally rebooked me for the next avaliable business class. However, this time is via Guangzhou and China Southern to Melbourne. Fingers crossed. Hopefully no more drama at the airport tomorrow. Btw, they didn't cover the accommodation for tonight, so I booked a hotel by myself.
Good luck mate, keep us posted
@ChatCPT: Agreed lol. If we still have them in a couple weeks I'll be a little more confident. The fact we have e-ticket numbers and everything says confirmed is promising though.