This trip offers an authentic and beautiful Rwandan experience. It features wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, a scenic boat cruise, and city tours in Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial Center. You will also explore local markets, encounter golden monkeys, enjoy cultural tours, hike Mount Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park, and unwind at Lake Kivu for full relaxation.
Day 1: Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, our dedicated team will be there to greet you and offer assistance. After clearing customs, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Enjoy the hotel amenities before having dinner and settling in for the night.
Day 2: Kigali – Akagera National Park
After having breakfast at the hotel, check out and embark on a drive to Akagera National Park, home of the “Big Five.” Take in the stunning landscapes and hills of Rwanda as you enjoy a game drive en route. Upon arrival at the lodge, check in and enjoy lunch. During your day, you can expect to see various animals, including elephants, giraffes, and lions.
After lunch, take some time to relax and enjoy the lodge amenities at your leisure. In the evening, embark on an evening game drive, where you will have the chance to see nocturnal wildlife species that are often elusive during the daytime. After an exciting evening, retire and head back to the lodge for the night.
Day 3: Akagera National Park – Kigali
Akagera is renowned as one of the most scenic savannahs in East Africa. After breakfast, prepare your packed lunch boxes for the day’s adventure. You will first visit the giraffe area in the south and then drive along the lakes road towards Birengero.
Akagera National Park is home to elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and many other wildlife species. Take a break for a packed lunch at the picnic area before continuing with a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you’ll be rewarded with sightings of hippos and various bird species.
After the cruise, proceed with your drive back to Kigali, enjoying the cool sunset and the beautiful landscapes along the way. Upon arrival at the hotel, relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for your overnight stay.
Day 4: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a Kigali city tour. Start with a visit to the Genocide Memorial Center, followed by a trip to the local markets in Kimironko and a tour of Nyamirambo. Here, you can observe the daily activities of the local Rwandan people, who will greet you with smiles.
Next, drive to a restaurant of your choice in Kigali for lunch before continuing your journey to Musanze, the home of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and hiking opportunities. Along the way, take time to discover and admire the stunning Rwandan landscapes.
Upon arrival at the lodge, check in and relax while enjoying the property’s amenities. Spend the evening at your leisure before having dinner and settling in for your overnight stay.
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters to meet your guides for golden monkey trekking. Enjoy watching them play and engage in their daily activities. Once you’ve completed your trekking experience, return to your hotel for lunch.
In the afternoon, participate in a cultural experience at the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village). Afterward, enjoy dinner and spend the night at the lodge.
Day 6: Volcanoes National Park – Lake Kivu
After breakfast, you’ll head to the RDB Headquarters for a briefing over a cup of coffee or tea. You will join a group of tourists for the hike to the top of the volcano, where you’ll find a crater lake. The ascent takes about four hours, followed by a two-hour descent.
After returning to the hotel, enjoy a meal before checking out and transferring to Lake Kivu. Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll spend of the rest of the afternoon relaxing on beach shore.
Day 7: Lake Kivu – Kigali
Wake up to breakfast with stunning lake views. Afterward, embark on a boat cruise on Lake Kivu to explore its beautiful islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the country. During the cruise, you may encounter the local fruit bat population and various bird species, including pelicans, crowned cranes, and malachite kingfishers. The boat cruise typically lasts around two hours, depending on the day’s activity level.
After returning to the hotel for meals, check out and transfer back to Kigali. Take some time for quick souvenir shopping before your evening departure.