Rwanda is a country gifted by nature, commonly referred to as the land of “a thousand hills” because of its natural beauty. In this itinerary, we shall visit the major national parks of the country and participate in all adventure and nature exploration activities like Gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, canopy walk, mountain hiking, boat rides, game drives and community tours
Kigali International Airport (Google Map)
On arrival to Kigali, you will meet our tour representative who will thereafter transfer you to a hotel for an overnight stay on Bed and Breakfast. Depending on your arrival time, we may have a city tour of Kigali where we may visit the genocide memorial centre at Gisozi as well as the local craft markets. Accommodation will be at Lemigo Hotel Kigali with breakfast inclusive.
Accommodation: Lemigo Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, head to Nyungwe National Park, en-route to visit Nyanza palace. Nyungwe forest is located in the southern corner of Rwanda and has got a vast virgin tropical rain forest with a high, dense canopy that harbours about 310 different bird species, hundreds of butterflies and orchids, and over 75 different species of mammals – including 13 primates (about a quarter of all Africa’s primates) as the chimpanzees. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top view lodge (FB).
Accommodation: Top view Hill Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chimpanzees in the Nyungwe forest live in extended communities and move around every day, foraging for food or occasionally hunting smaller mammals. Chimpanzee tracking can last for between an hour to three depending on the location of the chimpanzees. You will spend a maximum of one hour interacting, photographing and observing the animals.
After lunch, you will undertake a thrilling canopy walk in the Nyungwe forest.
Accommodation: Top view Hill Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kibuye is a picturesque town located on Lake Kivu in Rwanda’s southern Karongi province. You will check-in at your waterfront accommodation and relax. For more active travellers, half-day, full-day, and multi-day kayaking excursions, and boat trips can be arranged on request. One can also visit the numerous islands on Lake Kivu or experience an evening with the impressive night fishermen of Lake Kivu.
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gisenyi is one of Rwanda’s loveliest spots and the closest the country has to a beach resort. With some attractive stretches of sand fringed with all manner of tropical vegetation along Lake Kivu’s longshore. You will enjoy a picturesque 3 hours drive coming as close as possible to the shores of Lake Kivu on many points. While in Gisenyi, you will enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kivu. Optional activities to be done include; kayaking on Lake Kivu, a tour to the fishing communities, bike tours and a city tour. These activities can be booked on short notice with your guide.
Accommodation: Hakuna Matata Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you shall begin your journey to Volcanoes national park. Enjoy the spectacular views of hills and misty valleys on your way. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla. You will check into your accommodation, have dinner and relax in preparation for activities of the next day.
Accommodation: Mt. Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for clearance, briefing and allocation. After the briefing, you will be led by experienced ranger guides on the hike to visit one of the 12 habituated mountain gorilla families in the park. You will spend an hour in their presence when you can observe, photograph and film them in their idyllic habitat. After tracking you shall return to your accommodation and relax for the rest of the evening.
Accommodation: Mt. Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Volcanoes national park presents an array of activities that clients can choose to do on their own on this day. These include; hiking Mount Bisoke, Golden monkey tracking, hike to Dian Fossey’s grave, the tour of the twin lakes, mountain biking and a community tour in Musanze.
Accommodation: Mt. Gorilla Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Akagera National Park for wildlife viewing. This is the only park in Rwanda where you can do a game drive and view savannah based wild animals. Upon arrival and clearance, you shall enter the park and have a game drive to your accommodation. You may be able to spot various animals along the way; predominantly antelopes, buffalo and monkeys. Accommodation on a Full-board basis at Akagera Game Lodge.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Early in the morning, you will embark on a game drive in Akagera National park. The largely open expanse is ideal for game viewing. Sightings of buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, an incredible 490 bird species are possible. You will be led by a ranger guide to better chances of encountering many animals in the park. You may also spot members of the lion pride in Akagera. A boat trip on Lake Ihema is also a highlight of any visit to Akagera, with its large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant waterbirds on the island in the middle of the lake.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning you shall check out of your accommodation and start the journey to Kigali city. Enjoy the countryside views along the way and you may stop for landscape photography or to interact with local communities along the way.
In Kigali, you will have a guided city tour to explore the landmarks of the history of this budding capital. You will visit the Rwanda Genocide memorial museum in Gisozi. You will also visit local fresh produce markets and local crafts to purchase souvenirs. You will also visit the old presidential palace and learn about its history. Later you will check-in at your accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Lemigo Hotel
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After early morning breakfast, you may either be transferred to Kigali for your International flight or if time allows you may participate in other optional activities depending on your departure time. Optional activities may include a walk to visit the Golden Monkeys. Listed as “endangered”, the habituated groups of about 40 individuals are the only ones to be found in Africa. Afterwards, transfer to the airport to catch up with your international flight.
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch
