Day 1 – Arrive in Kigali
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean, vibrant, and welcoming capital city. After checking into your hotel, begin your journey by visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important site that offers insight into the country’s history and remarkable recovery. Continue to local art galleries, craft markets, and lively cafés where you can experience Rwanda’s thriving creative scene. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Rwandan dinner while preparing for the adventures ahead.
Day 2 – Explore Kigali & Travel to Volcanoes National Park
Spend the morning exploring Kigali’s colorful markets, artisan centers, and cultural landmarks before departing for Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s scenic northwest. The drive passes through rolling green hills, terraced farms, and picturesque villages that have earned Rwanda the nickname “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” Upon arrival, settle into your lodge surrounded by volcanic mountains and lush forests.
Day 3 – Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today is dedicated to one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences—tracking the endangered mountain gorillas. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, trek through dense bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once found, spend an unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior and the conservation efforts that protect them. Return to the lodge for a relaxing evening surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Day 4 – Golden Monkey Trek & Cultural Village
Begin the day with a guided trek to observe the rare and playful golden monkeys that inhabit the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Later, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where local communities share Rwanda’s traditional music, dance, crafts, and customs. Learn about the country’s heritage while interacting with local artisans and performers before returning to your lodge.
Day 5 – Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu
Travel to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and among the continent’s most scenic freshwater destinations. Upon arrival, relax at your lakeside resort and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Spend the afternoon walking along the waterfront, kayaking, or taking a leisurely boat ride while admiring the surrounding mountains. End the day with a spectacular sunset over the lake.
Day 6 – Explore Lake Kivu
Enjoy a full day discovering the beauty of Lake Kivu. Cruise to nearby islands, visit traditional fishing communities, and learn about the local lifestyle along the lakeshore. Explore coffee plantations and enjoy a tasting session of Rwanda’s world-renowned coffee before relaxing on the sandy beaches or enjoying optional water activities such as paddleboarding or swimming.
Day 7 – Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Journey south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. The scenic drive passes tea plantations, rolling hills, and charming rural villages. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge before taking a short guided nature walk to experience the sounds and beauty of this ancient rainforest.
Day 8 – Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Rise early for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience through Nyungwe Forest. Accompanied by expert guides, search for lively chimpanzee troops while spotting colobus monkeys, birds, and other forest wildlife. Later, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended high above the rainforest floor, offering breathtaking views across the forest canopy and surrounding mountains.
Day 9 – Nyungwe Forest Nature Exploration
Spend another day exploring Nyungwe’s extensive network of forest trails. Discover waterfalls, orchids, medicinal plants, and a remarkable diversity of birds and primates while learning about the rainforest ecosystem from experienced naturalists. Visit nearby tea estates to observe tea production and enjoy panoramic views across Rwanda’s rolling landscapes.
Day 10 – Nyungwe to Akagera National Park
Travel east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the country’s Big Five wildlife. The landscape changes dramatically from rainforest to open grasslands, lakes, and wetlands. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelope, and numerous bird species before relaxing at your safari lodge.
Day 11 – Akagera Safari & Boat Cruise
Spend the day exploring Akagera National Park with morning and afternoon game drives. Search for lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and other iconic African wildlife while traversing the park’s varied landscapes. Later, enjoy a scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species thrive along the shoreline. Celebrate your final evening with a traditional bush dinner under the stars.
Day 12 – Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, return to Kigali while enjoying scenic views of Rwanda’s famous rolling hills. Depending on your flight schedule, visit local markets to shop for handmade baskets, traditional crafts, coffee, tea, and locally produced artwork before transferring to Kigali International Airport. Depart with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, lush rainforests, beautiful lakes, remarkable wildlife, vibrant culture, and the warm hospitality of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”