Zebra Standing on Grass

    10 Days Discover Rwanda Tour

    • Rwanda
    • 10 days

    Overview

    Join one of the world’s most remarkable wildlife experiences in Rwanda, the “Land of 1,000 Hills.” Enjoy unforgettable moments with primate treks, mountain hikes, and more! Your cozy lodge provides breathtaking views of the lush jungle.

    Best time to visit: July - August

    Duration

    10 days

    Map Overview

    • Kigali
    • Akagera
    • Ruhengeri
    • Gisenyi
    • Cyangugu
    • Nyungwe
    • Kibeho
    • Butare
    • Kigali

    Places to Visit

    Akagera National ParkAkagera National Park
    ButareButare
    CyanguguCyangugu
    GisenyiGisenyi

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Airport pick-up and transfer to your accommodation.

    Accommodation: Hotel Des Milles Collines
    Meals: Dinner

    We take a two hour drive to the East, enjoying the beautiful sceneries of Rwanda’s hilly landscape, past the coffee and banana plantations. The natural forests also make quite a view. We pass through Rwamagana Town, which is known for maintaining the old commercial area and the Old Catholic church. We also pass by Kibarondo commercial centre, which is the best starting point to the Akagera National Park. This park is home to the shy Oribi and to the elusive Topi. Here you will also see the undulating hills, rolling grassland and extensive series of lakes linked by papyrus swamps. Elephant, buffalo giraffe, Zebra, waterbuck, hippopotamus are some of the game roaming this peaceful haven. The many diverse habitats of the park ensure a remarkable variety of birdlife with over 500 known species.

    After Lunch, we take a boat ride to Ihema lake, where you can spot variety of birds (optional)

    Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge.
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    After breakfast, we will have a morning game drive exploring more of the Akagera National park. We explore the breezy cultivated hills, dominated scenically by the labyrinth of swamps and lakes that follow the meandering of the most remote source of the Nile; the Akagera River, and a stop of Tanzania board’s view.

    After the game drive, we depart for Akagera enroute to Ruhengeri and stop at Lake Muhazi for lunch at Muhazi Beach Resort. Then we set off North of Rwanda to Ruhengeri which lies near the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo. The 4 hour drive takes you through the beautiful terraced hillsides that display Rwanda’s landscape. One can get to have a panorama view of geographic feature of Kigali town. The drive also takes you through Nyabarongo River, the dominant geographic feature of Bugesera District and through Ruhengeri town, the gateway city to the Volcanoes National Park and the famous Mountain Gorillas. The summits of Kasirimbi, Bisoke, Sabyniyo, Gahinga and Muhabura, the 5 volcanoes located in Volcanoes National Park give such a scenic and breathtaking view.

    Accommodation: Home Inn Hotel
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    At the first light of dawn, we make our way to the Parc National des Volcans. It borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Parc National des Volcans is known as the haven for Mountain Gorillas. Hiking and tracking gorillas is arguably the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience in the world and may take 1-8 hours in wet and muddy conditions.

    Accommodation: Kivu Serena Hotel (BB)
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    After Breakfast, we take an 8hr drive to Cyangugu. Enjoy the scenic view of the Rwandan people and the natural beautiful surroundings along the way. We stop at Kibuye for lunch and continue our journey where we will pass by and see a goodview of Lake Kivu, the biggest lake in Rwanda.

    Accommodation: Peace Guest House
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    After breakfast, you can rest or we can take a tour in Cyangugu town, to the Congo border. Later, we drive to Nyungwe Forest for lunch and check-in at Nyungwe forest Lodge.

    Nyungwe forest top is known as the great chimp classic destination for Africa with primate trail to search for the chimps. Here you can spot a variety of wildlife including the famous Chimpanzee, the avian highlight of nyungwe, and the great blue turaco: an outlandish blue, red and green bird which streams from tree to tree like a procession of streamlined psychedelic turkeys.

    Accommodation: Nyungwe forest Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    After breakfast, we take a canopy walk. We will be at a relatively high elevation so be sure to bring water, wear good hiking shoes with support, and bring warm clothing in layers to accommodate temperature changes.

    Afterwards, we depart to Butare, via Kibeho, a small town well known for reported apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ occurring between 1981 and 1989 to some teenagers. These visions were accompanied by intense reactions: crying, tremors, and comas. In August 19, 1982, those who saw the visions reported gruesome sights (rivers of blood, sliced heads, etc.) which some today regard as an ominous foreshadowing of the Rwandan Genocide of 1994, and particularly in that specific location. Get a chance to stand on The Holy Ground and whatever you ask for is always granted while in that place.

    Accommodation: Hotel Ibis
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    After breakfast, we visit Butare town, a compact and peaceful town with a reputation of being the intellectual and cultural centre of the country. Butare was the largest and most important city in Rwanda prior to 1965, before it lost to the more centrally located Kigali. However, Butare is still regarded to be the intellectual and cultural pulse of Rwanda. Butare town hosts several academic institutions including the National University, as well as the famous National Museum which houses one of the finest collections in East Africa and displays the rich cultural history of the Rwandan people. The museum is the finest ethnographic museum of East-Africa. It reflects the time spirit at the end of 19th Century when the East-African Kingdoms came in contact with the first Europeans.

    Accommodation: Hotel Ibis
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    We leave for Kigali (135 Km) via Royal Palace at Nyanza, the traditional seat of Rwanda’s king. This is an enormous domed construction made entirely with traditional materials, which has been painstakingly restored to its 19th century state and is now maintained as a museum. After visiting king’s palace, we continue to Gatagara to visit pottery products. It will be a leisurely drive and you will have plenty of time to shop and take photos.

    Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
    Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner

    We take a city tour of Kigali. Visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre where the remains of more than 250,000 people have been gathered from different districts of Kigali and buried in the cemetery of this memorial site; we also see the military memorial of the 10 Belgian troopers massacred during the genocide. Finally, a visit to the local market for hand crafts and other unique souvenirs for the shopaholics. Afterwards, we take you to the airport for your flight.

    Accommodation: None
    Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

    Inclusions

    • All activities (unless labeled as optional)
    • All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
    • A professional driver/guide
    • All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
    • All Taxes/VAT
    • Roundtrip airport transfer
    • rinking water on all days

    Exclusions

    • All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
    • International flights (from/to home)
    • Tips (tipping guideline US$20.00 pp per day)
    • Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
    • Alcoholic drinks
    • Services not mentioned in the program
    • Items of a personal nature

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s Included and Excluded in Every Tour?

    The inclusions and exclusions vary by tour. Each tour has its specific set of inclusions and exclusions. Please refer to the individual tour page to see what is specifically included in that tour.

    What Are Your Cancellation Terms?

    Our cancellation terms are standard within the industry. For more information on our cancellation policy, please visit the designated page.

    What Vaccines and Health Requirements Are Needed?

    The requirements vary depending on the country and nationality. For the most accurate information, please visit the page specific to your destination and consult the corresponding embassy page for the latest information.

    Can I Choose Other Accommodation Than What’s Specified?

    Yes, if you have a special preference, let us know, and we will offer alternatives from our vast network of company-owned and partner accommodations. Booking with us allows you to enjoy discounted rates as we have special agreements with our partners.

    Will My Mobile/Cellular Phone Work During the Tour?

    Yes, though signal strength may vary in different areas.

    What Activities Can My Kids Do While on a Safari?

    A safari offers an enriching experience for children, allowing them to observe animals in their natural habitat. Some camps and lodges offer amenities for children, such as playrooms and pools, though these are not universally available. We suggest bringing activities that your children enjoy.

    What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

    We accept various payment methods, including card payments. For more information on acceptable payment methods, please visit our payment information page.

    What If I Have Special Needs or Requirements?

    We strive to cater to all requirements, such as providing wheelchair-friendly accommodation or rooms on the first floor if stairs are a challenge. Please communicate with us in advance about your needs.

    What Are the Road Conditions Like?

    Most safari parks have bumpy but manageable roads, with some roads being paved. Generally, guests do not view this as a problem.

    Is Electricity Available 24 Hours in the Lodges and Camps?

    Most standard camps and lodges are equipped with generators, so electricity is generally available 24 hours. However, some interruptions may occur but are typically not a significant concern for guests.

    What About My Special Diet and Food Preferences?

    We cater to all diets, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, among others. Please inform us in advance about your dietary preferences.

    Is Tipping Required?

    Tipping is not required but is recommended. The amount varies by country, but you should tip according to what you feel is appropriate.

    Take Off on a Memorable Safari Experience and Explore the Wild Right Away!

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