12 Day Discover Rwanda

Arrival in Kigali – welcome by your tour guide – check-in at hotel – Overnight at Mille collines Hotel

Breakfast then start historical-minded exploration of Kigali city with visits to landmarks from colonial, post-independence, genocide and post-genocide times i.e. Kigali Genocide memorial site where over 259,000 genocide victims were put to rest in mass graves, Dr. Richard Kandt Museum who was the first Germany explorer to settle in Kigali, Belgian camp where they killed the 10 Belgian UN soldiers who were protecting the moderate prime minister before the start of genocide etc.

Transfer to Akagera National Park for a thrilling boat ride on Lake Ihema to go see schools of hippos, the giant Nile crocodiles, African elephants and lots of water birds.  – Dinner & Overnight at Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Breakfast followed by a full day game drive starting from south and exit in the north in search of the unseen game on the previous game drive. You will have a packed lunch box and soft drinks for the day.  

Search for the big 5 that include lions, Rhinos, Leopards, Elephants and buffaloes plus the 12 species of antelopes including the biggest antelopes such as the eland cape and roan antelopes, some of the 525-bird species including 4 rare birds of Akagera, reptiles, amphibians, plants, magnificent landscapes, historical sites; a place with the highest concentration of birds per square kilometer than any other national park of Africa and hundreds of hippos etc.

Transfer to Butare – visit the Cathedral of Kabgayi and the Rwanda National museum – visit the ancient King's palace at Nyanza, Rwanda En-route visit the Basilica of Kabgayi; Murambi genocide memorial, historical-minded exploration of Nyanza – visit the King’s palace and traditional Rwanda home; Dinner & Overnight: Boni Conscilli hotel

Visit the university, the National Museum; introduction to Rwanda’s kingdoms, discovery of colonial architecture, enjoy traditional dancers from the museum or the national university, markets and enjoy the dancers at the museum then transfer to Nyungwe National Park – visit a tea plantation – afternoon primate viewing in Nyungwe National Park.
Overnight: Dinner and Overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hotel

Early breakfast at 4:30am then drive to the edge of the forest where chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe starts. In the afternoon, visit the waterfall in the ancient rain forest. Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Lodge.

Transfer to Kibuye and visit Bisesero en route to Kibuye church and Nyange genocide memorial – boat tour to Amahoro Island, the Island of Peace late afternoon. Overnight: - Cormoran Hotel

Boat transfer to Gisenyi – visit the fishing village, hot springs, brewery and communities around. Overnight: - Kivu Serena Hotel

Transfer to Kinigi – experience traditional dancers and learn about Rwandan drumming, singing and dancing – Extra:-learn about Rwandan cooking in a local family – optional Overnight stay at Five volcanoes Hotel

Transfer to a fishing village at Lake Ruhondo – learn about local fishing methods and visit Street Children Project in Ruhengeri; learn about sorghum or banana beer production by a women cooperative, visit a woman cooperative producing handicrafts made of banana leaves. Dinner & Overnight at Five Volcanoes Hotel

Transfer to Kigali – time to go to the crafts market at CAPLAK and buy some souvenirs – transfer to the airport.