Remarkable Rwanda
The Ultimate Rwandan Holiday
13 Days / 13 Nights
- Hike to rare mountain gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park
- Trek chimpanzees in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests
- Experience local culture along Lake Kivu and in Kinigi
- Visit Rwanda’s beautiful tea and coffee plantations
- Safari game drives in Akagera National Park
Majestic gorillas, African Big 5 Safari, idyllic village life, and chimpanzees in Nyungwe rainforest
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Day
Welcome to Rwanda!
Day 2
Kigali City Tour
First on the itinerary is the Nyamirambo Womens Center, which is a Rwandan NGO founded by 18 Rwandan women in 2007. They have a vibrant textile facility in the colorful neighborhood of Nyamirambo which you will experience like a local.
In the afternoon you can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial where you can learn about Rwanda’s genocide as well as how to prevent future atrocities.
Day 3
Kigali to Volcanoes national park
Embark on a 2-3 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park where mountain gorillas and Golden Monkey inhabit the mountains.
During the afternoon you will visit the newly built Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund where you can learn more about endangered mountain gorillas and their habitats, walk interpretive trails, and even read Dian Fossey’s original letters written in her research station.
You will overnight in a beautiful lodge just outside park headquarters in Kinigi.
Day 4
Mountain Gorilla Trek
After a hearty breakfast and fresh cup of Rwandan coffee, you will go to Volcanoes National Park headquarters where you will be briefed by park rangers before setting out on your hike to a gorilla family. Rangers make a best effort to match you with a gorilla family that suits your level of fitness and preference. Several gorilla families are typically within 45 minutes walking from the trailhead.
Once you reach the gorilla family, you will have an hour to observe them in their natural habitat. The gorilla experience is nearly unimaginable as you walk among these majestic animals.
After your trek to the gorillas you will visit a cultural village in Kinigi and attend a traditional dance performance by Intore dancers. This “Dance of Heroes” is certain to delight with their brightly colored clothes and flowing white hairpieces.
You will overnight again at the same lodge in Kinigi.
Day 5
Kinigi to Kibuye
In the morning, you have the opportunity to visit another endangered animal in Volcanoes National Park – the Golden Monkeys. This trek is typically 60 minutes from the start of the trailhead which takes you to bamboo forests where you can see the Golden Monkeys as they swing from branches and run right past you.
After lunch your guide will drive you along beautiful Lake Kivu to Kibuye where you will overnight with fantastic lake views.
Day 6
Relaxation at Lake Kivu
Today is for enjoying a slower pace at Lake Kivu. After breakfast you can take a boat tour of the nearby islands, including Monkey Island, Napoleon, and to a herder’s island who is well known for his swimming cows.
In the afternoon you can rent kayaks, go for a hike, or lounge by the lake.
You will overnight again at the same hotel in Kibuye.
Day 7
Tea Estate and south Kivu
Today is for enjoying a slower pace at Lake Kivu. After breakfast you can take a boat tour of the nearby islands, including Monkey Island, Napoleon, and to a herder’s island who is well known for his swimming cows.
In the afternoon you can rent kayaks, go for a hike, or lounge by the lake.
You will overnight again at the same hotel in Kibuye.
Day 8
Nyungwe National park
Today you will visit the Gisakura Tea Plantation to see the entire process – from picking leaves in the fields to going inside the factory to view the sorting and roasting process. The plantation is in a gorgeous setting at the base of Nyungwe’s mountains.
Your overnight will be in a hotel just outside Nyungwe National Park.
Day 9
Chimpanzee trek
You will rise before the sun today for an early start to hike to the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park. These hikes are exhilarating as you trek through the rainforest and take in the many bird species and varied flora along your way.
Day 10
The King’s Palace
Today you will make the journey to Kigali which takes approximately 7 hours traveling through towns and beautiful rolling landscapes. Along the way you will stop in Nyanza, the former heart of Rwanda. The King’s Palace in Nyanza is a reconstruction of the traditional royal residence – a beautifully-crafted thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive. At the back live a few long-horned Inyambo cattle, descended from the king’s herd, whose keepers carefully tend and sing to them, keeping alive a unique tradition. The cattle keeper’s singing is a special highlight.
Overnight in Kigali
Day 11
Akagera National Park
Depart Kigali after breakfast and drive East to Akagera National Park which borders Tanzania. Akagera National Park is home to the Big Five, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceros (black rhinos). Akagera is also known for its diverse birdlife. It boasts over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
It is common to see elephants, zebras, numerous antelope, buffalo, and diverse bird species. With the knowledge of your guides and some luck you may be fortunate to see lions, rhinoceros, and leopards while visiting Akagera.
In the evening your guide will take you to Lake Ihema for your sunset boat ride. Boat safaris on the lake are a unique way to observe aquatic wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Overnight at a lodge in Akagera National Park
Day 12
Big 5 Safari
Today you will set out on a morning game drive to spot Africa’s Big 5 as well as many other safari animals. This game drive will last several hours as you explore the many areas of the park. Akagera National Park offers stunning scenery, with rolling hills, savannas, wetlands, and acacia woodlands. The park’s landscapes are beautiful and provide a serene backdrop for your safari adventures.
You have time to relax in the afternoon before venturing out for the evening game drive where you can experience the nocturnal side of Akagera National Park.
Overnight at the same lodge
Day 13
Akagera safari and return to Kigali
Following an early breakfast, you will set out on a morning game drive to spot Africa’s Big 5 as well as many other safari animals. This game drive will last several hours as you explore the many areas of the park.
In the afternoon you will return to Kigali for dinner. Following dinner your guide will take you to the airport for your evening departure.
What’s Included
- 13 nights in 3 or 4 star accommodation (international standard)
- Full board: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Knowledgeable driver guides, and safe vehicles
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1500)
- Golden Monkey visitation permit
- Kinigi cultural center and performance fees
- Kibuye islands boat tour
- Nyungwe National Park entrance fees, Chimpanzee Trek, Canopy Walk permits
- Akagera National Park fees, Sunset Boat Cruise, Evening Game Drive
- Admission fees: King’s Palace, Ellen Degeneres Dian Fossey Campus, Nyamarimbo Women’s Center, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Gisakura Tea Plantation
- All taxes (18% VAT)
3 Star Accommodation: USD – $8900 1 person; $8100 per person for 2 or more people sharing
4 Star Accommodation: USD – $15000 1 person; $14000 per person for 2 or more people sharing
This itinerary is fully customizable if you would like to extend your stay and participate in additional treks in Volcanoes National Park, such as hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave site and former research station, hiking Mount Bisoke, or exploring Musanze’s caves. Nyungwe National Park has additional nature hikes, birding and primate experiences as well.