This 11 Day Rwanda Adventure Expedition promises close encounters with the majestic primates and the warm, welcoming people of the Land of a Thousand Hills. This tour is designed for those who seek both adventure and cultural immersion, offering a perfect blend of thrilling wildlife experiences, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural interactions.

Tour Highlights of the 11 Day Rwanda Adventure Expedition

• Gorilla Trekking: Experience the thrill of tracking mountain gorillas in the dense jungles of Volcanoes National Park.
• Golden Monkey Hiking: Hike through Volcanoes National Park to observe the playful and endangered golden monkeys.
• Community Interaction: Engage with local culture at the Gorilla Guardians Village, where you’ll learn about traditional Rwandan life.
• Twin Lakes Visit: Explore the stunning Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, known for their scenic beauty and tranquility.
• Forest Hikes: Discover the rich biodiversity of Gishwati-Mukura National Park with guided forest hikes.
• Chimpanzee Tracking: Track chimpanzees and other primates in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
• Canopy Walk: Enjoy a breathtaking canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, offering panoramic views and unique perspectives of the forest.
• Umubumyi Community Experience: Immerse yourself in local culture and traditions with the Umubumyi Community Experience in Nyungwe.
• Ndambarare Waterfall Hike: Hike to the picturesque Ndambarare Waterfall in Nyungwe Forest, a serene and beautiful natural spot.
• Lake Kivu Relaxation: Unwind with water-based activities and relaxation on the shores of Lake Kivu.
• Kigali Sightseeing: Explore the historical and vibrant city of Kigali, visiting key landmarks and cultural sites.

11 Day Rwanda Adventure Expedition

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

The 11 Day Rwanda Adventure Expedition begins with your arrival at Kigali Airport in the morning where you will be welcomed by a company representative and transferred to your accommodation.

You’ll have an opportunity to visit the bustling local markets and the Caplaki Craft Co-operative where you’ll find local craftsmen in wooden huts. Look out for handicrafts, including jewelry, paintings, batik, fabrics, wood carvings, traditional masks, baskets, bags, scarves, and beading.

Accommodation and Meals at Heaven Boutique Hotel.

Day 2: Kigali – Volcanoes National Park- Gorilla Guardians Village

Today you will have a picturesque drive to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze province. This is roughly a three-hour hour drive passing through breathtaking scenery. You will head out to the Gorilla Guardians Village where you will get to experience Rwandan village life.

Participate in the grinding seeds, firing bows and arrows, taking part in a traditional intore dance, and even partaking in the marriage of a king to his queen, listening to interesting cultural stories about traditional medicine from a local traditional healer and getting to know how medicinal trees, shrubs, grass are used to cure local patients.

Accommodation and Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking

After breakfast, prepare for an unforgettable encounter with the gentle giants of Volcanoes National Park, the Mountain Gorillas! At the national park offices, you will be allocated a gorilla family in group 8 and a gorilla tracking guide.

After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide and a gorilla group assigned to you,  as well as appropriate safety precautions, you head to the trailhead for the start of a thrilling adventure.  The time taken can be quite unpredictable taking anything from 2 to 5 hrs or longer.

You will have a packed lunch from the lodge for this hike. Upon sighting the primates, you spend the allowed one hour with them as they go about their daily life; grooming, feeding, and moving about. Later head back to the trailhead on the 11 Day Rwanda Adventure Expedition.

Accommodation and Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Day 4: Golden Monkey and Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.

Begin with an early morning briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, near Volcanoes National Park. Here, you’ll receive important information about the golden monkeys, safety guidelines, and what to expect during the trek. After the briefing, set off with experienced guides and trackers into the dense bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. The trek can vary in duration and difficulty depending on the location of the golden monkeys on that day, but it generally ranges from 1 to 3 hours.

Upon sighting the troop of golden monkeys, you will observe them in their natural habitat spending approximately one hour in the presence of these endangered primates. Watch as they forage for food, leap between branches, and interact within their social groups.

Later return for relaxation and lunch at the lodge.  Thereafter, take a nature walk for the 3-hour guided walk to the Twin Lakes. The trail will start in Musanze town, taking you down to Mukwangwa River where you will walk through the rural setting as you learn about the day-to-day lifestyle of Rwandans as you visit the lake Ruhondo. The local guide will tell you stories related to community members and the formation of the lakes.

Day 5: Volcanoes Park – Gishwati-Mukura Park

Today you head to Gishwati-Mukura National Park which demonstrates how dedicated human efforts have reversed the damage caused by deforestation, flooding, subsistence hunting, overgrazing, soil erosion, illegal mining activities, and irresponsible farming.

President Paul Kagame established the Gishwati-Mukura National Park in February 2016, with the assistance of the American research institution Great Ape Trust, based in Des Moines, Iowa. The resilience of Rwandan nature has been proven once more in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.

Accommodation and Meals at Kivu Lodge.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Birding

This day of the 7 day Highlights of Rwanda starts with a chimpanzee and primate trekking in this part of Rwanda and you may spot a family of endangered eastern chimps,  L’Hoest monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, blue or diademed monkeys, and golden monkeys. Other animals present here include the black front duiker, serval, red river hog, and southern tree hyrax.

After a picnic lunch, the reserve of Gishwati-Mukura is home to more than 130 species of birds, 14 of which are native to the Albertine Rift region. Birdwatchers to Rwanda will enjoy spotting the grey-crowned crane and martial eagle, along with the white-headed wood hoopoe, mountain yellow warbler, and old world warbler.

Accommodation and Meals at Kivu Lodge.

Day 7: Gishwati -Mukura Park – Nyungwe National Park

Embark from Gishwati-Mukura around 8:00 AM and journey towards Nyungwe National Park. The 4-hour drive spans across approximately 150 kilometers of picturesque roads, offering stunning views of the Rwandan countryside. Traverse through rolling hills, adorned with lush greenery, and pass by charming tea plantations and quaint villages. As you approach Nyungwe Forest National Park, the landscape transforms into a dense, emerald paradise, characterized by towering trees and abundant biodiversity.

Upon reaching your destination, allow yourself to check in and savor a leisurely lunch at the lodge. Spend the evening immersed in the peaceful ambiance, letting the tranquility of the surroundings and the symphony of the forest rejuvenate your spirit.

Accommodation and Meals at Nyungwe Top View Hotel.

Day 8: Canopy Walk  and Umubumbyi Community Experience

After breakfast, head out for the captivating 3-hour canopy walk adventure. Traverse a 160-meter-long and 70-meter-high canopy walkway that offers breathtaking views of the lush forest canopy. This immersive experience allows you to observe a variety of primate species, including blue monkeys, as they navigate their natural habitat. Delight in sightings of colorful butterflies and diverse bird species that thrive in the upper reaches of the forest. The canopy walk promises not only stunning scenery but also a deeper connection with Rwanda’s rich biodiversity.

Later return for lunch at the hotel, after this, proceed for the Umubumbyi Community Experience offers travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and traditions of the local communities near Nyungwe Forest National Park. This enriching experience allows visitors to connect with the people of Rwanda, learn about their way of life, and contribute to sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit the community.

The Highlights of the Experience include the Traditional Dance and Music Session. This is where you get to witness captivating performances of traditional Rwandan dance and music, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Umubumbyi community.

Handicrafts and Art: This is where you explore local craftsmanship by visiting artisans who create beautiful handmade baskets, pottery, and other traditional crafts. Visitors can even try their hand at crafting under the guidance of skilled artisans. This community is known for its unique Pottery Skills.

After a day of cultural immersion, head back to Nyungwe Top View Hotel for relaxation and comfort.

Day 9: Ndambarare Waterfall Hike – To Lake Kivu

Day 10: Lake Kivu Exploration

After an early breakfast, you will participate in any of the preferred activities on this 11 Day Rwanda Adventure Expedition.

Relaxation on Palm-Fringed Beaches:

Unwind on the stunning palm-fringed beaches and take in the tranquil atmosphere.

Kayaking Adventures:

Guided Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Kivu under the guidance of a highly trained and experienced kayak leader. Spend a few hours, a full day, or even several days paddling through the clear blue waters, exploring countless inlets and bays.

Scenic Exploration: Soak up the spectacular scenery, meet local fishermen, visit hot springs, and keep an eye out for local wildlife such as long-tailed cormorants, flocks of pelicans, crowned cranes, tiny malachite kingfishers, and Congo clawless otters.

Boat Cruise to Nyamirundi Island:

Coffee Plantation Tour: Explore Nyamirundi Island, one of the largest and most enchanting islands in Lake Kivu, home to a sprawling coffee plantation. Learn about the art of coffee making, from harvesting and drying to roasting. The tour culminates in tasting freshly brewed, award-winning Rwandan coffee, offering an educational and sensory delight.

Boat Cruise to Nyamunini Island- Napoleon Island

Island Exploration: Take on a tranquil boat cruise to Nyamunini – Napoleon Island, named for its resemblance to Napoleon’s infamous hat. The island is home to a large colony of fruit bats, which you can encounter after a short, easy climb. You’ll also see giant African millipedes (locally known as shongololo), fish eagles, and a variety of water birds.

Evening Cruise: For a truly magical experience, opt for an evening cruise. Picture yourself sipping a glass of wine as the sun sets over the serene waters of Lake Kivu, marking the perfect end to a beautiful day.

 Accommodation and Meals at Kivu Lodge.

Day 11: Lake Kivu – Kigali – Departure

Spend the early morning relaxing at the hotel or head back to Kigali for your onward international flight back home at the end of  the 11 Day Rwanda Adventure Expedition

Included in the 11 Day Rwanda Adventure Expedition

• Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel,
• Accommodation and Meals,
• Refillable Water Bottle
• English-speaking Driver/guide
• Batwa Trail
• Nature walks
• Boat cruises
• All Park Entrance Fees

Excluded in the 11 Day Rwanda Adventure Expedition

• International Airfares; 
•  Rwanda Entry Visa Fees USD 30 Room service,
• Alcoholic drinks and Beverages
• Laundry
• Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
• Optional activities unless specified as included
• Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.