EXPLORE RWANDA SAFARI
Today, Rwanda is a must-visit destination for tourists on African tours. Rwanda is one of the African countries with a rapidly growing tourism sector due to massive marketing strategies in international and domestic Markets. “Visit Rwanda” is now a catchy slogan in international and domestic Markets. For effective marketing, Rwanda is now the official sponsor of Arsenal FC and partnering with Paris Saint Germain (PSG), FC Bayern Munchen and so on.
Explore Rwanda safari is designed to enable tourists to discover new places like Volcanoes National Park (Home of rare Mountain Gorillas), Nyungwe National Park (a paradise of 13 primate species), Akagera Game Lodge (Home of the BIG 3), Kigali City (One of the cleanest cities of Africa) to mention but a few.
Day 1: Kigali city tour
On arriving at Kigali International Airport, you will be received by our safari guide/ driver. He will brief you and then visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Museum, Visit Art centers, craft shops, art galleries, shopping malls, the Kigali Convention Center, Local markets, Visit Night clubs, and the Kigali public Library among others. Lunch, dinner, and overnight at Luxurious Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, or Chez Lando Hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to the home of Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda (PNV)
Volcanoes National Park is the only destination to see Mountain Gorillas while in Rwanda. Others can be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park) and Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park).
It’s a 2-hour drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park situated in the northern western province of Rwanda. The journey will offer you views of the rolling hills/ mountains of Rwanda with closeness to the mighty Virunga ranges. Dinner and overnight at Luxurious Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Day 3: Gorilla tracking in PNV
Gorilla trekking is the top tourist activity in Rwanda. The fact that Rwanda offers the most expensive gorilla trekking permit at US$1500 justifies Gorilla tracking at the backbone of Rwanda’s Tourism sector. Gorilla trekking takes between 3-5 hours but sometimes a full day because they are in the natural environment and move freely. Tourists undergo briefing at the park headquarters (Kinigi) at 7:30 before hiking to search for gorillas in mountainous PVN.
Meeting Gorillas is one of the thrilling lifetime events so, photographing is always a must. The rangers act as security guards and guides throughout the trek. The porters assist in carrying your luggage to avoid quick exhaustion. After the view of the gorillas- tourists return to their respective safari Lodge for lunch and relax and they wait for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Iby’wacu cultural tour
The Iby’wacu cultural village is situated at the base of PVN in Musanze province so, moving from your Lodge to it is much easier. Book in advance to enable the organizers to prepare for you the best. Meet the storytellers, medicine men, fore tellers among others. Attend traditional ceremonies, prepare local dishes and tests, and enjoy local music, dance, and drama among others. Return to your safari lodge for lunch, relax, and wait for dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Golden Monkey trekking
It’s less strenuous compared to gorilla trekking. They are easily found because they stay where there is flourishing pasture so, ranger guides easily detect them. Less walk but an amazing experience. The beautiful golden monkeys are unique creatures and not found is some countries on planet Earth. Visit Rwanda to discover the secret behind golden monkey tracking. Lunch, dinner, and overnight at your previous safari Lodge.
Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
It is the home of 13 primate species – its an amazing place because some of the primates here are not found anywhere in the world. In Nyungwe, you will land on Vervet Monkeys, chimpanzees, Blue Monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, Mona Monkeys, Olive baboons, Golden Monkeys, Grey-cheeked Mangabey, and so on. Dinner and overnight at Emeraude Kivu Resort or Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel
Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking in NFNP
In Nyungwe National Park, chimp trek starts early at 6am – briefing and then walk in the jungles to meet chimps in their natural habitat. Chimps in Nyungwe Forest are hard to find so tourists are expected to be physically fit to be able to endure the difficult walk in the forest. Miss not photographing during chimp trekking and return to your safari Lodge for lunch and relax as you wait for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Colobus Monkey trekking – Canopy walk
Nyungwe Forest National Park contains over 400 colobus monkeys and today, you will be led by the park guide on a memorable colobus monkey trek. In the afternoon, you will go for the canopy walk tour to see birds up close together with tree canopies among other attractions. Lunch, Dinner, and overnight at your booked safari Lodge.
Day 10: Drive to the Gisenyi sector
Relax at the shores of Lake Kivu. It’s the largest lake in Rwanda and the sixth in Africa. Enjoy the sea breeze and relax as you prepare for the next day’s boat cruise to explore the island. Dinner and overnight at Kivu Serena Hotel or Paradis Malahide Hotel.
Day 11: Boat cruise – Lake Kivu shores tour
The boat cruise will enable you to visit different islands on Lake Kivu. In the afternoon tour the nearby communities at the shores of Lake Kivu. Dinner and overnight at Kivu Serena Hotel or Paradis Malahide Hotel.
Day 12: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park is situated in eastern Rwanda and is one of the best destinations for Game viewing. Expect to see the BIG 3 (Lions, Elephants, and Rhinos) together with other animals like antelopes, topis, zebras, waterbucks, and elands. Dinner and overnight at Luxury Ruzizi Tented Lodge or Akagera Game Lodge.
Day 13: Game viewing in Akagera National Park (ANP)
Sit in a safari vehicle with a pop-up roof. Set your cameras ready to capture photos of different animals, water bodies, topographic features, birds, and vegetation among others. Return for lunch and do an afternoon game drive on different trails. Dinner and overnight at Ruzizi Tented Lodge or Akagera Game Lodge.
Day 14: Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
Expect to see water-loving mammals like crocodiles, Hippos, and others quenching their thirst at the shores like elephants, buffaloes, and so on. Dinner and overnight at Ruzizi Tented Lodge or Akagera Game Lodge.
Day 15: Return to Kigali city
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali city – do last-minute shopping and then transfer to Kigali International Airport (KLG) – depart.
End of the trip
