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Embark on an extraordinary 8-day journey through Rwanda, exploring its diverse ecosystems and vibrant cultural sites. This safari is designed for small groups of 2 to 6 people and is available for the 2024-2025 seasons. From the bustling streets of Kigali to the remote grasslands of Akagera National Park, each day presents a new adventure filled with wildlife encounters and cultural experiences.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda's capital, where you'll be welcomed by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel to settle in and relax.
Day 2: Discover Akagera National Park
Travel to Akagera National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and vast protected wetlands. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Lake Ihema, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Listen to fascinating stories about the lake's history and the wildlife that inhabits this serene park.
Day 3: Wildlife Exploration
Rise early for a morning safari to see Akagera's wildlife at dawn. This park's landscape of savannas, woodlands, and lakes hosts an incredible array of animals and over 540 bird species.
Day 4: Journey to Nyagatare
Spend the day traversing the diverse environments of Akagera before heading to Nyagatare for the night, preparing for the cultural experiences ahead.
Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Musanze
Arrive in Musanze and visit the Ibyiwacu village. Experience traditional Rwandan life through local dances, songs, and various cultural activities, providing a deep connection to the region's heritage.
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Embark on a life-changing trek in Volcanoes National Park, home to the rare mountain gorillas. This challenging hike through dense bamboo forests offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close.
Day 7: Golden Monkeys and Return to Kigali
Meet the playful golden monkeys of Volcanoes National Park in the morning. Their distinct behaviors provide a fascinating contrast to the more reserved gorillas. In the afternoon, return to Kigali for a restful evening.
Day 8: Kigali City Tour and Departure
Explore Kigali's rich history with a city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Reflect on Rwanda's journey to reconciliation and renewal before your evening departure, concluding your memorable safari adventure.
This 8-day safari offers an immersive exploration of Rwanda, combining thrilling wildlife experiences with cultural insights and historical reflection, making it a truly transformative journey.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali
Arrival at Kigali airport. Meet with our representatives and guide. Transportation to the hotel.
Overnight in Kigali
Day 2
Kigali - Akagera
Depart at 9:00 AM from Kigali to Akagera National Park. Arrive around noon. Afternoon relaxation with a boat tour on Lake Ihema. Akagera National Park features the largest protected wetland in Central Africa, covering about a third of the park with interconnected lakes and vast papyrus marshes. These wetlands make Akagera unique and distinct from other parks in the region. Embark on a boat journey on Lake Ihema, observing hippos and crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Lake Ihema which has interesting an history, including stories of a fortunate outcast and explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who named the lake in 1876.
Overnight in Akagera National Park
Day 3
Akagera
Visit Akagera National Park around 7 AM to witness the wildlife and flora at dawn. The park, spanning 1,085 square kilometers, is composed of grassy savannas, wooded areas, marshes, and lakes. The park hosts over 540 species of birds, both resident and migratory, including the famous shoebill. Return to the lodge in the evening.
Overnight in Akagera National Park
Day 4
Akagera - Nyagatare
Cross the park all day, then overnight in Nyagatare.
Overnight in Nyagatare
Day 5
Nyagatare - Musanze
Depart early morning to arrive in Musanze by noon. In the afternoon, visit the Ibyiwacu village located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park, where the local population displays a traditional lifestyle including dances and songs, and visitors can experience various cultural activities such as traditional archery and meeting a typical healer.
Overnight near Volcanoes National Park
Day 6
Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart at 7:00 AM for a morning meeting at the ORTPN office in Kinigi, at the edge of Volcanoes National Park. The park, ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 meters in altitude, consists largely of dense forest, mostly bamboo, and is home to the rare mountain gorillas. Trackers set out at dawn to locate a gorilla group that you will attempt to approach, with a trek that can last from 10 minutes to 6 hours through varying terrain. In the afternoon, go canoeing on the Mukungwa River.
Overnight near Volcanoes National Park
Day 7
Musanze - Golden Monkeys
After breakfast, depart at 6:30 AM for a 7:00 AM appointment at the ORTPN office in Kinigi for a visit to see the golden monkeys, a distinct primate experience from gorilla trekking. In the afternoon, transfer back to Kigali.
Overnight in Kigali
Day 8
Kigali
In the morning, depart at 9:00 AM for a tour of Kigali city and its memorial. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi, which opened in April 2004 on the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, developed through a partnership between the Kigali City Council and the Aegis Trust. The memorial includes permanent exhibitions about the genocide against the Tutsis as well as other genocides worldwide. Lunch in Kigali and time for shopping. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
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