About This Package
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
This 12-day private Rwanda safari offers a complete exploration of the "Land of a Thousand Hills," combining cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, rainforest adventures, lakeside relaxation, conservation experiences, and wildlife encounters.
The journey takes you through Rwanda's most iconic destinations including Kigali, Nyungwe National Park, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park.
Discover Rwanda's history and culture in Kigali and Nyanza, explore the ancient Nyungwe rainforest through canopy walk and waterfall hiking, experience the beauty of Lake Kivu, learn about gorilla conservation at the Dian Fossey Campus, explore the
volcanic region of Musanze, and finish with an exciting safari in Akagera National Park.
This package is ideal for travelers looking for a complete Rwanda experience combining nature, culture, adventure, and wildlife.
TOUR FACTS
Tour Name: Rwanda at a Glance Safari Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights Country: Rwanda
Tour Type: Private Safari
Starting Point: Kigali International Airport
Ending Point: Kigali International Airport
Travel Style: Wildlife, Culture, Nature & Adventure
Main Destinations:
• Kigali
• Nyungwe National Park
• Karongi (Kibuye)
• Rubavu (Gisenyi)
• Volcanoes National Park
• Akagera National Park
Activities:
City Tour, Museums, Canopy Walk, Waterfall Hiking, Tea
Experience, Boat Cruise, Hot Springs, Cultural Visit, Conservation Experience, Game Drive, Boat Safari
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
✓ Explore Kigali's history, culture, and local markets
✓ Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial and Kandt House Museum
✓ Discover Rwanda's royal heritage at King's Palace Museum
✓ Explore Nyungwe rainforest and its biodiversity
✓ Experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway
✓ Hike to beautiful waterfalls inside Nyungwe Forest
✓ Visit Gisakura Tea Plantation
✓ Enjoy Lake Kivu boat cruise and island visits
✓ Experience traditional fishing with local fishermen
✓ Visit Gorilla Guardians Village for cultural interaction
✓ Explore Dian Fossey Tomb and Ellen Campus conservation center
✓ Discover Akagera National Park wildlife
✓ Enjoy Lake Ihema boat cruise with hippos and crocodiles
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KIGALI – TRANSFER TO HOTEL
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide.
After a short briefing about your Rwanda adventure, transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mille Collines Hotel
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: KIGALI CITY EXPLORATION & CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, start your Kigali city tour.
Explore Rwanda's history from the pre-colonial period, colonial era, post-colonial period, and the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Visit:
Kigali Genocide Memorial
A powerful memorial site dedicated to remembering victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Kandt House Museum
Visit the former residence of Richard Kandt and learn about Rwanda before and during the colonial period.
Kimironko Market
Experience local life through one of Kigali's busiest traditional markets.
Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mille Collines Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3: TRANSFER TO NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK VIA NYANZA & BUTARE
After breakfast, depart Kigali towards Nyungwe National Park. En route visit:
King's Palace Museum – Nyanza
Discover Rwanda's traditional monarchy, royal history, and the famous Inyambo long-horned cattle tradition.
Ethnographic Museum – Huye
Explore one of Africa's finest ethnographic collections displaying Rwanda's culture, history, and traditions.
Continue to Nyungwe National Park. Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 4: NYUNGWE CANOPY WALK & WATERFALL HIKE
After breakfast, transfer to Nyungwe Forest for the famous Canopy Walkway experience.
The walkway is one of East Africa's highest and longest canopy bridges, suspended approximately 70 meters above the forest floor.
Enjoy spectacular views of the rainforest, birds, primates, and surrounding landscapes.
After lunch, continue with a guided waterfall hike through the beautiful rainforest trails.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meals: Full Board
DAY 5: GISAKURA TEA EXPERIENCE – TRANSFER TO KARONGI (KIBUYE)
After breakfast, visit Gisakura Tea Plantation located near Nyungwe Forest.
Enjoy a guided tea experience, learn about tea production, and enjoy beautiful views of the green plantations.
You may also spot colobus monkeys living around the plantation area.
Continue to Karongi, formerly known as Kibuye, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 6: LAKE KIVU BOAT CRUISE – TRANSFER TO GISENYI
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Kivu.
Explore the lake's beautiful islands while enjoying views of surrounding hills and landscapes.
Later continue to Rubavu (Gisenyi), a relaxing lakeside town with beautiful beaches and a tropical atmosphere.
Accommodation: Galaxy Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 7: NYAMYUMBA HOT SPRINGS & TRADITIONAL FISHING EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, visit Nyamyumba Hot Springs.
Enjoy this natural attraction known for warm mineral-rich waters and beautiful surroundings.
In the evening, experience traditional fishing with local fishermen and learn the techniques used on Lake Kivu.
Accommodation: Galaxy Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 8: TRANSFER TO MUSANZE – GORILLA GUARDIANS CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, transfer to Musanze, located at the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes.
Visit Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village). Experience Rwanda's traditions through:
• Traditional dancing
• Drumming
• Local games
• Cultural storytelling
• Community interaction
Accommodation: Amarembo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 9: DIAN FOSSEY TOMBS & ELLEN CAMPUS CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, visit the Dian Fossey Tomb site located inside Volcanoes National Park.
Enjoy a guided hike to the former research camp and burial site of Dian Fossey while learning about her important contribution to mountain gorilla conservation.
After lunch, visit the Ellen Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Discover modern conservation research, education programs, and efforts protecting mountain gorillas and their habitat.
Accommodation: Amarembo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 11: AKAGERA GAME DRIVE & LAKE IHEMA BOAT CRUISE
After breakfast, begin a game drive in Akagera National Park. Search for wildlife including:
• Big Five animals
• Antelopes
• Birds
• Reptiles
• Scenic landscapes
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Look for:
• Hippos
• Nile crocodiles
• Water birds
• Animals along the shoreline
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: Full Board
DAY 12: TRANSFER BACK TO KIGALI & DEPARTURE
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your flight time, transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.
END OF SERVICES
IMPORTANT NOTE
The final cost of this package varies depending on:
– Accommodation category (Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget)
– Number of participants
– Travel season
– Optional activities requested
– Availability of accommodation and activities
INCLUSIONS
✓ 12 Days private transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
✓ 11 nights’ accommodation in standard rooms (double occupancy)
✓ All meals and soft drinks as per itinerary
✓ Drinking water on board
✓ All activities mentioned in the itinerary
✓ Park fees and activity fees
✓ Professional driver-guide
✓ Taxes and administrative costs
EXCLUSIONS
✗ Travel and health insurance
✗ Alcoholic beverages and other caffeine drinks
✗ Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, shopping, etc.
✗ Photography fees where applicable
✗ International flights
✗ Rwanda visa fees
