12 Days Rwanda at a Glance
Discover the beauty and diversity of Rwanda, a hidden gem in the heart of Africa. From the rolling hills and lush green forests of the Virunga Mountains to the vibrant culture and rich history of its communities, Rwanda has something for every traveler. Trek into the wilderness to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas, witness the beauty of Africa’s wildlife on a safari, and immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting traditional villages and participating in cultural events. Come experience the magic of Rwanda and create memories that will last a lifetime.
ONLY 20 SPACES ARE AVAILABLE
Reservation fee of $500 is required with Booking to hold your space.
May 1, 2023 at least 50% paid with full payment to be made on or before June 1, 2023.
$8,873.00
– Price per person sharing
Day 01: Arrive in Rwanda & Airport Departures
On arrival at Kigali, you will be met by our representative and guide then transfer to Park InnHotel for refreshment, aclimatization and detailed briefing of the tour in Rwanda.
Day 02: Pick-up from hotel & go for historical tour of Kigali & Rwanda in general:
Our professional guide will pick you after breakfast at 9am then introduce you to pre- colonial, colonial, post-colonial era of Rwanda. You will be given a tour of Kigali, Rwanda's capital city which was named in 1907 by Dr. Richard Kandt, the first colonial resident governor of Rwanda.It is the main administrative and economic centre of Rwanda. Surrounded by lush hills of green, it is the cleanest and safest city in Africa. Kigali’s face is her fortune: a dramatic beauty from which its name is derived. There are, however, other contributing factors - it is a city that delightsthe mind as well as the eye of any visitor and is a city where the past lives comfortably with thepresent.
On the tour, you will have the opportunity to see the following:
Visit the 1994 Gisozi Genocide Memorial site.Visit an artisan shopping centre to view and purchase local arts and crafts.Visit the several Museums such as the campaign against genocide and learn the history ofKigali and Rwanda’s pre-colonial and colonial period as well as the colonial masters in Rwanda.Tour around the city and see, first hand, the post-genocide development and expansion ofKigali.Visit Juru Park, one of the highest points in Kigali and enjoy fantastic views of the city and its surrounding hills and countryside.Day 03: Reconciliation Village & Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, we transfer to Bugesera to learn more about the reconciliation where perpetrators of genocide live in harmony with the survivors of genocide. Immerse in the local Rwandatraditional cultural and practices. Enroute visit Ntarama and Nyamata genocide memorial churchin Bugesera.
In the afternoon transfer to Akagera National Park is the most diverse park in Rwanda withdifferent species of animals. In terms of birding, it is well known as the home of the most sought-after bird, the mysterious Shoebill, and is oneof the easiest Rwandan sites to catch a glimpse of this elusive bird. You will be driven through the park by a driver guide. Lining the lakes are some of the continent’s densest concentrations of water birds, whilst the connecting marshes are the haunt of the endangered and exquisite papyrus Gonolek. Other rare and stunning wetland birds in Rwanda are the Caruthers’s Cisticola, White Winged warbler and the Blue-headed Coucal. One can also not miss the acacia species that are supported by the park; including Red- faced Barbet, Bennett`s Woodpecker, White-Headed, Black and familiar chats, Tabora Cisticola, White-winged and Broad-tailed Warblers and Miombo Wren-warbler.
The trip to Rwanda's Akagera National Park can further reward you with the presence of large mammals, including the Hippo, lions, leopards, Elephant, Giraffe & 12 others species of antelopes. Akagera Game Lodge offers a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a tranquil gateway or an undisturbed encounter with nature. Akagera Game Lodge sits on a ridge overlooking Lake Ihemaamidst a mosaic of grass, bush and varied terrain of hills, deep valleys, lakes and marches. Overnight stay in Akagera Game Lodge
Day 04: Akagera National Park
After breakfast you will go on an early morning boat excursion on lake Ihema, which will take you to the island that is home to several species of birds. On your way to Nyirabiyoro historical Small Island your guide will inform you about the history of the brave queen mother. Furthermore, from time to time you will meet schools of hippos and even spot crocodiles resting on the bank. After the boat excursion you will enjoy full day game drive in the park. Return to Akagera Game Lodge
Day 05: Transfer From Akagera National Park to Volcanoes National Park
Depart from Akagera National Park via Kigali for lunch break. We will drive to the northern province – home for the famous mountain gorillas. The drive through numerous mountains reminds exactly why Rwanda is known as “the Land of a Thousand Hills”. Dinner and overnight at Amarembo Gorilla village.
Day 06: 6:30AM - Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Early morning transfer to Park offices for pre-trek briefing for all guests. Brief of the day: Early breakfast at 6am then transfer to the park at 6am for briefings and grouping. After completing our park formalities, we are embarking on a once in a life time experience of tracking mountain gorillas.
Once you spot them you are allowed to spend an hourwatching your closest long-lost cousin. This is perhaps one ofthe most breathtaking wildlife experiences on earth!!! You getso close to these awesome giant primates.
You stare at each other blankly not knowing who to break the long silence first. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience.
Be back at the base in time for lunch! Some gorilla families however are more elusive and tracking can take a full day, especially when it is wet and muddy. In the afternoon visit Ellen De Generes Museum or Iby’iwacu cultural village or Buhanga eco park where all Rwanda kings were initiated. Dinner and overnight at Amarembo Gorilla village.
Day 07: 6:30 AM - Golden Monkey Trekking Or Visit Dian Fossey Nature Walk Or Bisoke Mountain Climbing In Parc National Des Volcans.
Return to the entrance of the park early this morning to see the Golden Monkeys. It is now believed the only feasible population of these Golden Monkeys resides only in Volcanoes National Park.
They are beautiful and endangered primates which have become quite habituated to humans, making it possible to observe them closely or explore Diana Fossey history in the park and the mountain gorilla habituation history and conservation or climb mountain Bisoke that has a crater lake on top. Dinner & Overnight at Amarembo Gorilla Vill
Day 08: 8:00 AM - Morning Transfer To Kibuye Via Gisenyi - Lake Kivu.
Lake Kivu is one of the Albertine rift valley lakes in Africa and the largest of the fresh water lakes that gleam in the Albertine (Western) rift of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Kivu stands at 1461m (4,790ft) above sea level establishing it as Africa’s highest lake.
Kibuye is Rwanda’s most attractive of lake ports, nestled in a series of interwoven and undulating hills and offering visitors spectacular views of the lake, its islands and the stunning surrounding countryside. It is considered one of Rwanda’s hidden treasures, with its lush green hills and peaceful breeze. In the evening, enjoy boat ride to Napoleon and Peace Island. The islands introduce you to many wonders of Rwanda; the beautiful scenery and breathtaking landscapes; birds and fruit bats etc. An exclusive nature walk on both islands will be very rewarding for any visitor. The trip will take you through Gisenyi/Rubavu to enjoy the hot spring and also explore Rwanda – Congo DRC border region plus the magnificent Kivu belt or the CONGO – Nile trail.
Dinner and overnight at Cormorant hotel.
Day 09:Transfer To Nyungwe National Park:
8:00AM - Morning transfer to Nyungwe National Park via the Congo-Nile trail with amazing landscapes and local lifestyles. Nyungwe National Park is the biggest Afro-Mountain Forest in East & Central Africa with over 1117 species of plants; with the remotest source of Nile as confirmed by National Geographic Society in 2005. With endemic Albertine rift plants i.e., orchids and 27 endemic birds plus the unique and rare monkey known as the owl faced monkey. You get the opportunity to explore one of the 18 important and amazing trails in the park that can take you to the natural waterfalls, see one of 13 species of monkeys including the chimpanzee, canopy walk, Kamiranzovu, Bigugu trail, Igishigishigi trail etc.
On arrival in the park, enjoy the canopy walk or waterfall hike and afterwards check in the Nyungwe Top View Hotel.
Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking & Waterfall Hike Or Black & White Colobus Monkeys
Early breakfast at 5am then drive to the edge of the forest where chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe starts. In the afternoon, do the waterfall hike and visit tea plantation.
Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 11: Community Activities Adjacent To Nyungwe Park & Transfer To Kigali – Dinner & Overnight At Mille Coline Hotel
Several community activities such as traditional wedding, banana beer production, traditional healing, cooking lessons, braiding plus tea tours, Lunch then transfer back to Kigali via Butare Ethnographic Museum and King’s palace in Nyanza.
Day 12: Transfer to Kigali Airport
Transfer to Kigali and do final souvenir shopping in Kigali then proceed to the airport.
End of trip.