Best of Rwanda 8 Day Gorilla trekking and Safari Holiday

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Kigali City Tour with genocide museum and markets and art galleries
5 stops
1
Kigali Genocide Memorial
The Kigali Genocide Memorial stands as a solemn tribute to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This significant site serves as the final resting place for over 250,000 individuals, offering a powerful reminder of the tragic events that unfolded during that dark period in Rwanda's history. The memorial not only honors those who lost their lives but also serves as an educational center, promoting peace and reconciliation. Visitors can explore exhibits that detail the causes, events, and aftermath of the genocide, fostering understanding and ensuring that future generations never forget this crucial chapter in Rwanda's past.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
2
Niyo Art Gallery
We explore two of the best art galleries in town (NIYO and INEMA) and engage with the local artists. These carefully selected venues showcase the vibrant local art scene and provide a unique opportunity to engage directly with talented artists from the area. Through guided tours and interactive sessions, visitors will gain insight into the creative processes, inspirations, and stories behind the captivating artworks on display. This immersive experience not only supports the local artistic community but also offers our guests a deeper understanding of the region's cultural heritage.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
3
Kimironko Market
We explore Kimironko Market, the largest open-air marketplace in Kigali, Rwanda. This vibrant hub offers a diverse array of local handicrafts, fresh produce, and various meat products. Visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere, interacting with local vendors and experiencing the authentic flavors and colors of Rwandan culture. The market is divided into several sections, each specializing in different goods: Handicrafts: Browse through a wide selection of traditional Rwandan arts and crafts, including intricately woven baskets, colorful textiles, and unique souvenirs. Grocery stores and meat shops. A visit to Kimironko Market provides not only a shopping experience but also a cultural journey, allowing tourists to engage with local life and support the community's economy. It's an essential stop for anyone seeking to fully appreciate Rwanda's rich cultural tapestry and vibrant daily life.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
4
We take a leisurely stroll through the charming old town, immersing ourselves in its rich history and vibrant culture. Our journey leads us to the inspiring Nyamirambo Women's Centre, where we gain insight into local empowerment initiatives and traditional crafts. To complete our cultural experience, we indulge in an exploration of Rwanda's diverse and flavorful cuisine, sampling authentic dishes that tantalize the taste buds and reflect the country's culinary heritage.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
5
During our tour, we will take a brief respite at Question Coffee Gishushu. This stop offers an excellent opportunity to savor the rich flavors of authentic Rwandan coffee. Guests will have the chance to experience the unique taste profile that has made Rwandan coffee renowned worldwide, while also learning about the country's coffee culture and production methods.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Banana beer experience or Cultural Village and Dian Fossey Museum
3 stops
6
Red Rocks Rwanda
Our tour begins at the Red Rocks Community Center, where guests are immersed in an authentic cultural experience. Here, visitors have the unique opportunity to participate in the traditional banana beer-making process, a cherished local custom. This hands-on activity provides insight into Rwanda's rich cultural heritage and traditional brewing techniques. In addition to the banana beer experience, the community center offers a variety of engaging cultural activities. These may include traditional dance performances, storytelling sessions, or craft workshops, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Rwandan culture and traditions. This immersive start to the tour sets the stage for a memorable and culturally enriching journey through Rwanda.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
7
Iby'iwacu Cultural Village
We visit Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a vibrant community-based initiative that offers an immersive experience into traditional Rwandan culture. This authentic village showcases local customs, crafts, and performances, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from the indigenous people. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, guests gain valuable insights into Rwanda's rich heritage and the daily lives of its rural communities.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
8
Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
The Ellen Campus, nestled in the foothills of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, was created to accelerate scientific research and on-the-ground conservation work in the Volcanoes National Park which is the natural habitat of the mountain gorillas. The journey from Kigali city to the park takes around 3 hours. We take a lunch break in Musanze town before checking in the lodge and visiting the museum.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Gorilla trekking and Sunset Dinner at Lake Kivu
2 stops
9
Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Briefing for the trackers begins at 7.00am and vehicles begin transporting gorilla trackers to several gorilla trek starting points. If you don’t turn up at the appointed time you risk invalidating your permit and having to pay again. Guests are allocated a gorilla family on the very day of tracking. The guests who feel physically weak are allocated the nearest groups that only require at least an hour to find. Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel seeing the gorillas!
6 hours • Admission ticket included
10
Lake Kivu
After our thrilling gorilla trek, we journey to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi, just an hour from Volcanoes National Park. This serene oasis offers the perfect respite after our wildlife adventure. Lake Kivu provides a stunning backdrop for relaxation. As day turns to night, guests are treated to a mesmerizing sunset, best enjoyed over a lakeside dinner. This transition from mountainous terrain to peaceful lakeside exemplifies Rwanda's diverse beauty. It combines wildlife adventure with tranquil relaxation, creating an unforgettable Rwandan experience.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Coffee tour and fishing experience and boat cruise on Lake Kivu
2 stops
11
Kinunu Guest House
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we embark on an enriching journey to Kinunu village for an immersive coffee tour experience. This excursion offers guests a unique opportunity to explore Rwanda's renowned coffee culture and learn about the intricate process of coffee production from bean to cup.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
12
Visit Lake Kivu
Following our coffee adventure, we proceed to the picturesque town of Kibuye, nestled along the shores of Lake Kivu. Here, guests can indulge in a delightful fishing experience and a scenic boat cruise. As we navigate the tranquil waters, we explore the lake's stunning islands, including the captivating Napoleon Island, home to a fascinating colony of bats. Throughout our journey, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, characterized by lush green hills and vibrant banana plantations. This excursion seamlessly blends cultural immersion, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, providing a memorable and diverse experience for our guests.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Canope Walkway in Nyungwe NP or Tea Plantation Tour
1 stop
13
Nyungwe National Park - Rwanda
After enjoying our morning breakfast, we continue our adventure to Nyungwe Forest. Here, we have the opportunity to participate in an engaging tea plantation tour or embark on an exhilarating hike along the canopy trail. These activities offer unique experiences that showcase the natural beauty and rich agricultural heritage of Rwanda. The tea plantation tour provides insight into Rwanda's thriving tea industry, allowing visitors to learn about the cultivation and processing of this important export. Meanwhile, the canopy trail offers a thrilling perspective of the forest from above, giving adventurers a chance to observe the diverse flora and fauna of Nyungwe from a bird's-eye view.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
King’s Palace Museum and return to Kigali
2 stops
14
Ethnographic Museum Rwanda
After enjoying our breakfast, we return to Kigali, making two significant stops along the way. Our first destination is the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, where we immerse ourselves in Rwanda's rich culture and traditions. This enlightening experience provides valuable insights into the country's heritage.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
15
Following our cultural exploration, we proceed to the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza. This visit offers a captivating journey through Rwanda's royal history, providing an in-depth look at the monarchy's role in shaping the nation. The museum's exhibits and architecture combine to create a truly insightful and memorable cultural experience.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Akagera National Park and Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
2 stops
16
Akagera National Park
Our safari adventure begins with a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's hidden gem of biodiversity. Upon arrival, we check into our comfortable lodge nestled within the park's lush surroundings.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
17
As the day winds down, we embark on a breathtaking sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, one of the park's crown jewels. Gliding across the tranquil waters, we're treated to an up-close encounter with the park's diverse wildlife. Massive Nile crocodiles bask on the shoreline, while pods of hippos grunt and snort as they surface nearby. The lake's shores teem with a vibrant array of birdlife, from majestic fish eagles to colorful kingfishers darting above the water. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a spectacular array of oranges and purples, we're rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This magical experience not only offers a unique perspective of Akagera's ecosystem but also sets the stage for the exciting safari adventures that await us in the coming days.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Safari game drive in Akagera National Park and return to Kigali
1 stop
18
Akagera National Park
After our hearty breakfast, we embark on our safari game drive through the diverse landscapes of Akagera NP. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to witness wildlife up close. Visitors can expect to encounter a variety of animals, including majestic zebras, towering elephants, graceful antelopes, powerful buffalos, and playful baboons. As midday approaches, we pause for a picturesque picnic lunch by one of the park's serene lakes. This tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop to observe crocodiles and hippos. The park serves as a haven for over 500 species of birds, making it a paradise for both casual nature enthusiasts and avid birdwatchers alike. In the afternoon, our journey continues as we venture into the northern part of the park. This area is characterized by its lush, verdant plains, offering a stark contrast to the southern savannah. The changing landscape not only showcases the park's ecological diversity but also increases our chances of spotting elephants.
8 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tags