Safari Overview
This 10-day Rwanda Discovery tour is an expansive journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills, meticulously designed to showcase the country’s profound history, vibrant culture, and unrivaled biodiversity. From the intellectual pulse of Butare to the ancient primate kingdom of Nyungwe Forest, and the pristine shores of Lake Kivu, this itinerary offers a deep dive into the Rwandan spirit.
The journey reaches its pinnacle in Volcanoes National Park, where you will stand face-to-face with the majestic Mountain Gorillas. Combining poignant visits to genocide memorials with the life-affirming beauty of Rwanda’s landscapes, this odyssey provides a holistic understanding of a nation redefined by resilience and natural wonder.
Safari Highlights
- Cultural Heartbeat: Explore the National Museum and King’s Palace in Butare and Nyanza.
- Primate Paradise: Track Chimpanzees and witness the world’s largest troop of Angolan Colobus monkeys in Nyungwe.
- Lake Kivu Leisure: A speed-boat journey from Kibuye to Gisenyi with views of the Congo border.
- Gorilla Trekking: An epic encounter with the gentle giants of the Virunga Volcanoes.
- Legacy & Hope: Visit the Imbabazi Orphanage and the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in the Land of a Thousand Hills
Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL), where your guide will welcome you and transfer you to the city. Relax and prepare for your cross-country discovery.
- Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines / Hotel Chez Lando
- Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: The Intellectual Road to Butare
Drive south to Butare, stopping at Nyanza to visit the reconstructed 19th-century King’s Palace. Explore the National Museum of Rwanda, widely considered the finest ethnographic museum in East Africa, preserving the country’s rich cultural history.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Butare
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Botanical Wonders & Hot Springs
Visit the Butare Botanical Gardens and the revered Rugarama hot springs. Later, drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, stopping at the Uwinka offices for a briefing on the latest primate movements.
- Accommodation: Gisakura Guest House
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Primate Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Enter the high-altitude rainforest of Nyungwe, home to 25% of Africa’s primates. Track Chimpanzees and marvel at the massive social groups of Angolan Colobus monkeys, some troops exceeding 300 individuals.
- Accommodation: Gisakura Guest House
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Scenic Drive to Kibuye (Lake Kivu)
Travel through the lush, agricultural countryside to Kibuye, the most beautiful resort town on Lake Kivu. Spend the afternoon swimming in the bilharzia-free waters or taking a boat out to explore the nearby islands.
- Accommodation: Moriah Hill Resort
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Speed-Boat Journey to Gisenyi
Embark on a scenic speed-boat trip north to Gisenyi. Observe local fishermen and distant views of Idjwi Island (DRC). In Gisenyi, you may choose to visit the border town of Goma, which was famously reshaped by the 2002 Nyiragongo volcanic eruption.
- Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena / Stipp Hotel
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: The Imbabazi Orphanage & Kinigi
Visit the Imbabazi Orphanage, founded by Rosamond Halsey Carr to care for children after the 1994 genocide. Learn about her incredible 50-year legacy in Rwanda before transferring to the foothills of the Virungas.
- Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Hotel La Palme
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The highlight of your discovery. After a briefing from park rangers, trek through the bamboo forests of the Virunga Volcanoes to find a Mountain Gorilla family. Spend a transformative hour observing their daily lives. In the afternoon, visit the twin lakes, Bulera and Ruhondo.
- Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Hotel La Palme
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Primate Options & Return to Kigali
Choose a second gorilla trek, visit the Golden Monkeys, or hike to the Dian Fossey grave site. Alternatively, visit the Batwa pygmy communities to learn about their ancient forest traditions before returning to Kigali.
- Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines / Hotel Chez Lando
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Kigali City Heritage & Departure
Conclude your tour with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, a moving tribute to the victims of 1994. Explore local handicraft markets for souvenirs before your evening transfer to the airport.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions
| Category | Inclusions (What is included) | Exclusions (What is NOT included) |
| Permits | 1 Gorilla Permit & 1 Chimp Permit | Second Gorilla Permit ($1,500 supplement) |
| Transport | 4×4 Safari Vehicle (Pop-up roof) & Speed-boat | International Airfares |
| Staff | Professional English-speaking Guide | Tips and Gratuities (Guides, Rangers, Staff) |
| Accommodation | Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) | Personal Travel & Medical Insurance |
| Entrance Fees | All National Park & Museum entrance fees | Porter fees for Gorilla Trekking |
| Transfers | Airport pick-up and boat transfers | Expenses of a personal nature (Laundry, Drinks) |
Quick Facts
- Destinations: Kigali, Butare, Nyungwe, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park.
- Key Wildlife: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Angolan Colobus, Golden Monkeys.
- Best Time to Visit: Rwanda is a year-round destination, but the dry seasons (June–September) offer the easiest trekking conditions.
- Expert Insight: Nyungwe is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa; the Canopy Walk is a highly recommended optional add-on for Day 4.
- Culture: This tour offers the best balance of modern Rwanda (Kigali), traditional Rwanda (Butare), and natural Rwanda (The National Parks).
