11 Days Rwanda Adventure.

This 11-day Rwandan adventure merges the exploration of Akagera National Park, home to the big five in Rwanda, the serene splendour of Lake Kivu with the thrill of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy adventurous game drives and cruises in Akagera, a tranquil getaway on one of Africa’s Great Lakes- Lake Kivu and feel the excitement of getting closer to the endangered mountain gorillas. This tour offers a comprehensive Rwandan wildlife and scenery experience while striking a mix between excitement and relaxation.

 

Trip Highlights

  •  Historical Rwanda city tour
  • Wildlife encounters in Akagera national park
  • Close encounter with the mountain gorillas
  • Volcano hiking
  • Cultural immersion
  • Island hoping
  • Beach relaxation on Lake Kivu.

Trip details

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

On arrival into the land of a thousand hills, you will be welcomed by our driver guide. He will take you through a simple briefing of the whole trip and later transfer you to the hotel where you will spend the rest of the day.

Day 2: Kigali City tour

This a full day to enjoy the bustling Kigali city. Enjoy a guided city tour to iconic and historical places including the Kigali genocide memorial, Nyamata church, Nyamirambo women’s centre and an amazing walk in the car free zone. More places to visit if time is friendly today, include the vibrant Kimironko market, and craft centres.

Day 3: travel from Kigali to Akagera National Park

Enjoy a peaceful drive to the eastern part of the country to Akagera national park, Rwanda’s only savanna park. For 2.5 hours, drive through   the beautiful landscapes covered by rolling terraced hills and homesteads. on arrival, clear with the park officials at the entrance and proceed to the accommodation for lunch and relax at the lodge. In the late evening, set off for a night game drive that introduces you to some nocturnal animals in this park.

Day 4: Game drive and boat cruise

After an early morning breakfast, follow the designated tracks in the park to search for park residents- wild animals. start with the southern sector where you expect to spot elephants, lions, buffalos, black rhinos, antelopes, zebras and a variety of wild birds. In the afternoon set off for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema where you float quietly past herds of hippos and crocodiles as you spot some animals at the shores and water birds.

Day 5: Akagera National Park – Volcanoes National Park via Kigali

Enjoy an early morning drive in the northern part of the park especially in the Kilala plains. Expect to spot more wildlife here. After a 2-3 hours game drive, exit the park and travel to Volcanoes national park. Lunch stop over will be in Kigali and at around 2pm, set off for Musanze. The journey is 2.5-hour drive through a scenic landscape. Check into the accommodation on arrival.

 Day 6: Gorilla tracking

This day is the main highlight our trip. Have an opportunity to trek to and get closer to the endangered wild primates- mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. One magical hour with these amazing human cousins provides a deeper understanding of how they behave and carry out their daily activities. It’s an amazing memorable experience.

After the trekking, spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel as you reflect on the day’s experience and also share ideas with other tourists.

Day :7 Bisoke hike

Another day in Volcanoes National Park, this time not gorillas but hiking mount Bisoke, one of the five volcanoes that comprise this park.  Hiking this Volcano is an unforgettable experience that helps you to stretch your muscles, open your heart lungs and mind. The hike exposes you to two beautiful craters, one on the middle of the hike and the other at the summit. A round trip on the volcano takes 6 hours that expose you to silence and sounds of nature.

Day 8: Ibyiwachu cultural visit and transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, head to the gorilla guardian’s village, commonly known as Ibyiwachu cultural centre to enjoy the best of Rwandan history, culture and tradition. at this place meet the reformed poachers who currently advocate for   mountain gorilla protection and conservation through music, dance, craft work and other traditional exhibitions. Later drive to Gisenyi (Lake Kivu) where you will have an evening relaxation and the lake shores. Dinner and overnight at the accommodation.

Day 9: Island hopping

This is a day to explore the different islands on the lake. Enjoy a boat ride to Napoleon Island to see the large colonies of fruit bats and short hikes. you may also visit the Nyamirundi island for coffee growing experiences. Other islands to see on the lake include Amahoro island, Monkey Island (home to colobus monkeys).  Enjoy the serene beauty of the lake and several bird species. You will have a unique sight of the swimming cows. In the late evening, relax at the shores, later dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Boat cruise and return to Kigali

Begin the day with a beach breakfast with the morning sun rise, have a boat trip to Nyamyumba hot springs and later set off for Kigali.

Day 11: Departure

This is a day to wind up your Rwanda safari. After a relaxed breakfast, visit a few places in the city that you missed on day two. Visit some craft shops for souvenirs and later transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

End of 11 days Rwanda Adventure.

 Trip inclusions

  • Airport transfers.
  • Ground transport in a 4WD vehicle
  • English speaking driver/guide
  • Gorilla permits
  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals as described in the itinerary
  • Bottled mineral water in the vehicle
  • Entrance fees and ranger fees for national parks
  • Activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary

Trip exclusions

  • International flight tickets and visas
  • Any optional activities
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Items of personal nature
  • Tips and souvenirs.