Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport
Your 10-day Highlights of Rwanda Adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kigali Airport by a Company Representative. After a restful check-in at your hotel, we’ll kick off your journey with an insightful city tour of Kigali.
This afternoon, head out for 1-hour drive to the Reconciliation Village in Bugesera, a government-led initiative where genocide survivors and former perpetrators live together in harmony. Hear their powerful stories of forgiveness, healing, and rebuilding a united community.
Alternative Activity: Explore Rwanda’s History at Kandt House Museum
Step into Rwanda’s past at Kandt House Museum, the former residence of Dr. Richard Kandt, now a key part of the Natural History Museum. This captivating site showcases pre-colonial artifacts, colonial history, and Rwanda’s journey to independence.
Discover exhibits that reveal the early civilizations, cultural traditions, and resilience of Rwandan communities. Gain insight into the nation's struggles, triumphs, and the spirit that continues to shape modern Rwanda.
Accommodation: Hotel des Milles Collines | Comfort Level: Midrange
Day 2: Kigali - Akagera National Park
On this day, travel from Kigali to Akagera National Park on a scenic 3-hour drive. Pass through lush hills and vibrant villages where the landscape shifts from rolling hills to open plains. Arrive at Akagera’s southern entrance, ready to explore its diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including the Big Five.
In the evening, you will have an evening game drive in the park. This diverse ecosystem is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp| Comfort Level: Midrange
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Ride on Lake Ihema - Akagera National Park
On this day, you will head out for a morning game drive that starts with a spectacular sunrise. Explore the stunning northern region of Akagera National Park, renowned for its picturesque landscapes and high concentrations of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of the Big Five, as well as antelopes, zebras, and giraffes against the backdrop of rolling savannahs and wooded hills.
After lunch and some relaxation, head out for a captivating afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema. As you glide across the serene waters, be on the lookout for hippos and crocodiles basking along the shores. The lake is also a haven for bird watchers offering the chance to spot a wide array of bird species, from majestic fish eagles to colorful kingfishers.
Later head back to the camp for relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp | Comfort Level: Midrange
Day 4: Walk The Line and Behind The Scenes Tour - Akagera National Park
After breakfast, head out on a 2-hour guided walk alongside one of Akagera’s fence attendants. Covering 7 km along the park’s 120-km perimeter, this trek offers insight into fence maintenance and conservation efforts. The walk ends atop a scenic ridge with breathtaking panoramic views.
After lunch, explore Akagera’s conservation efforts on a 2-hour Behind-the-Scenes Tour. A park ranger will introduce you to wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching initiatives, and community engagement programs. Visit the park office, meet the anti-poaching squad and their trained dogs, and discover how conservation benefits local communities.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp | Comfort Level: Midrange
Day 5: Akagera - Kigali - Volcanoes National Park
Today head back to Kigali, the drive from Akagera National Park to Kigali is about 2.5 to 3 hours. The route takes you through scenic landscapes, with rolling hills and rural villages, as you make your way back to Rwanda's capital. Arrive in time for lunch and relaxation.
After lunch, enjoy a 3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. Passing through Musanze lively town blends modern amenities with traditional Rwandan charm. Amidst the forested slopes of the Virungas, forming a dramatic setting for the most poignant and memorable wildlife experience of a lifetime, gorilla trekking awaits you.
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range and is home to the endangered mountain gorilla and a rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamps, and heath.
Volcanoes National Park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner | Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge | Comfort Level: Midrange
Day 6: The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience
After breakfast at the lodge, your adventure begins with a drive to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll meet your expert ranger guides and fellow explorers, all buzzing with anticipation.
Following a briefing on trekking etiquette and conservation efforts, you’ll be grouped with up to 8 trekkers and assigned to a specific gorilla family, ensuring an intimate and respectful wildlife encounter.
Your trek begins as you venture through diverse landscapes, from open fields and terraced hillsides to dense bamboo forests and lush undergrowth. The duration of the trek varies from 4 to 8 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location within the park.
Then, the moment of awe arrives—face-to-face with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. You’ll have one magical hour to observe their interactions, from playful juveniles to nurturing mothers and dominant silverbacks.
After this life-changing encounter, you’ll trek back to the park’s base and return to your lodge, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s extraordinary experiences.
Optional Evening Activity
Today, visit the Gorilla Guardian Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu) for cultural performances, including the iconic Intore dance, and explore the king’s palace