Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Arrive in Kigali and meet your tour guide. Enjoy a city tour that includes the genocide memorial, museum, pottery markets, and arts and crafts shops. Purchase souvenirs before having dinner and spending the night at your preferred hotel.
Day 2: Exploring Ruhengeri
After breakfast, drive to Ruhengeri, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Tour the lively town center, visit the clay fields of brick makers, and enjoy lunch followed by a cultural performance featuring local dance. End the day with a traditional dinner.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking
Wake early for an unforgettable trek in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park to visit one of the last mountain gorilla families. This is a highlight for many nature lovers. Optionally, visit local beekeepers before returning for lunch.
Day 4: Twin Lakes and Sustainable Farming
After breakfast, explore the stunning twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo. Learn about traditional sustainable farming methods, interact with local fishermen, and witness a fishing competition. Enjoy a boat cruise on a traditional canoe and visit local witch doctors.
Day 5: Relaxing in Gisenyi
Drive to Gisenyi on the northern shores of Lake Kivu. Visit tea plantations, shop at a farmers’ market, and cook lunch in the hot springs by the lake. Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing on sandy beaches.
Day 6: Gishamwana Island Adventure
Take a boat trip to Gishamwana Island to visit a coffee plantation. Enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounded by banana plantations and terraced hills. Spend a romantic evening by the lake.
Day 7: Border Crossing to Goma
Set off early for a trip across the border to Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tour the city, learning about its challenges and history, then return for a scenic boat ride to Kibuye on Lake Kivu.
Day 8: Kibuye Discovery
Tour Kibuye’s town center and visit a large church that serves as a reminder of the genocide. If possible, meet survivors. Enjoy a discovery tour of the lake’s flora and fauna and visit the islands “Napoleon’s Hat” and “Amahoro” (Island of Peace).
Day 9: Journey to Nyungwe National Park
Take a boat trip to Cyangugu at Lake Kivu’s southern shores, visit the famous bridge to Bukavu, and then drive to Nyungwe National Park. Experience a primate tour where you may see the Colobus and L’Hoest monkeys before returning for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Hiking in Nyungwe
After breakfast, hike in Nyungwe National Park, the largest mountainous forest in Central and East Africa, rich in flora and fauna. Drive to Butare, Rwanda’s cultural center, visit the National Museum, and enjoy a local dance performance.
Day 11: Historical Nyanza
Drive to Nyanza, the historical seat of the Rwandan kings. Visit the royal palace and hear stories from village elders. Return to Kigali for a city tour, have lunch en route, and spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel.
Day 12: Safari in Akagera National Park
Drive to Akagera National Park, known for its complex savannah ecosystem, stunning landscapes, and diverse birdlife. Participate in activities such as canoeing and fishing on the lake.
Day 13: Rwamagana and Cultural Insights
Visit a local handicraft production project supported by international development agencies in Rwamagana. Return to Kigali in the afternoon, then enjoy a performance by the Batwa Pottery Project, including pottery making, singing, drumming, and dancing.
Day 14: Departure
Conclude your tour with a transfer back to Kigali for your flight home, reflecting on the rich experiences and connections made throughout your journey.