Tour Overview
14 Days Discovering Rwanda Tour is an immersive two-week safari that showcases the very best of the Land of a Thousand Hills. This unforgettable journey combines exceptional wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultural experiences, and Rwanda’s rich history. Explore the savannah plains of Akagera National Park on exciting game drives and a boat safari, trek endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and discover the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe Forest, home to chimpanzees and a spectacular canopy walkway.
Along the way, visit Kigali’s renowned cultural and historical landmarks, relax on the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, and experience authentic Rwandan traditions through community visits. From the Big Five and rare primates to scenic lakes, rolling hills, and welcoming local communities, this 14-day adventure offers the perfect blend of nature, wildlife, culture, and relaxation, making it one of the most comprehensive ways to experience Rwanda.
Tour Summary
- Day 1: Pick up and transfer to hotel
- Day 2: Kigali city tour
- Day 3: Experience Rwandan Life
- Day 4: Visit the National Museum
- Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe forest National Park
- Day 6: Transfer from Nyungwe to Kibuye
- Day 7: Transfer to Gisenyi – Congo-Nile trail excursion
- Day 8: Community projects in Gisenyi
- Day 9: Buhanga Eco Park – Red Rocks
- Day 10: Golden monkey trekking
- Day 11: Transfer to Akagera national park
- Day 12: Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Day 13: Transfer to Kigali
- Day 14: Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide from Adventure in the Wild Safaris. After a short safari briefing, transfer to your hotel in Kigali to relax after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy the hotel’s facilities before dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Five to Five Hotel / Inside Afrika Boutique Hotel
- Mid-range: Hôtel des Mille Collines / Heaven Boutique Hotel Kigali
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel / Kigali Marriott Hotel / Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre / The Retreat by Heaven
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City Tour
After breakfast, set out to discover Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of reconciliation and recovery. Continue to Kimironko Market to experience everyday local life before exploring other historical landmarks, including the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial and the Kandt House Museum. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Cultural Experiences in Muhanga & Transfer to Huye (Butare)
After breakfast, depart Kigali for Muhanga, where you’ll immerse yourself in authentic Rwandan culture through hands-on community experiences. Learn the traditional art of Imigongo (cow dung painting), candle making, basket weaving, beekeeping, and traditional Rwandan cooking while interacting with local artisans.
After lunch, continue to Huye (formerly Butare), stopping en route at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to learn about Rwanda’s royal heritage and traditional monarchy. Arrive at your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Huye
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Explore the Ethnographic Museum
Following breakfast, visit the renowned Ethnographic Museum in Huye, home to one of East Africa’s finest collections of Rwandan cultural artifacts. Discover fascinating exhibits showcasing traditional lifestyles, music, crafts, customs, and the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Later, enjoy a cultural dance performance before visiting the historic Huye Cathedral. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.
Accommodation: Same as Day 3
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park & Canopy Walk
After breakfast, journey through Rwanda’s scenic countryside to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests. Upon arrival, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended approximately 70 meters above the forest floor, offering spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and opportunities to spot birds and primates.
Later, check in to your lodge and relax.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
- Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking & Transfer to Lake Kivu
Rise early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest. After a briefing from park rangers, venture into the rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees while spotting other primates and colorful birdlife along the way.
Following lunch, continue to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu in Karongi (Kibuye). In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise to Napoleon Island and Amahoro Island, famous for their fruit bats, birdlife, scenic hiking trails, and panoramic lake views.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Congo Nile Trail Experience to Rubavu
After breakfast, travel north along one of Rwanda’s most scenic routes, following part of the famous Congo Nile Trail. Along the way, visit coffee plantations, tea estates, traditional fishing villages, and local communities to experience daily life along Lake Kivu.
Arrive in Rubavu (Gisenyi) and spend the evening relaxing by the lake.
Accommodation: Rubavu
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Community Experiences in Rubavu
Today is dedicated to meaningful community tourism experiences. Visit inspiring community projects supporting women survivors, widows, youth groups, and local cooperatives. Learn about Rwanda’s remarkable social transformation through conversations with community members and cultural exchanges.
Return to your lodge in the afternoon for relaxation.
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Buhanga Eco-Park & Red Rocks Cultural Experience
After breakfast, visit Buhanga Eco-Park, an ancient sacred forest once used for the coronation ceremonies of Rwanda’s kings. Enjoy a guided nature walk while learning about traditional beliefs, medicinal plants, and Rwanda’s royal history.
Later, continue to Red Rocks Cultural Centre, where you’ll experience local traditions, storytelling, crafts, community projects, and sustainable tourism initiatives before returning to your lodge.
Accommodation: Near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking & Twin Lakes Tour
Following breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. These lively and endangered primates are a delight to observe as they leap through the bamboo forests.
In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking volcanic scenery.
Accommodation: Same as Day 9
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart northern Rwanda and drive east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park and home to the Big Five. Arrive in time for lunch before checking into your lodge. Spend the afternoon relaxing while enjoying views of the surrounding wilderness.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Akagera Transit Lodge
- Mid-range: Akagera Safari Camp / Akagera Game Lodge
- Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Wilderness Magashi Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Game Drive & Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Enjoy an early morning game drive through Akagera’s diverse landscapes of savannah, wetlands, woodlands, and lakes. Search for elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species.
After lunch, embark on a scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you’ll encounter hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants along the shoreline, and abundant aquatic birdlife.
Accommodation: Same as Day 11
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
Spend another exciting day exploring Akagera National Park on extensive game drives through different sectors of the park. Search for the Big Five, topis, elands, roan antelopes, leopards, hyenas, and over 500 recorded bird species while enjoying spectacular landscapes.
Return to your lodge for your final evening in the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Same as Day 11
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Return to Kigali & Departure
After breakfast, depart Akagera National Park and drive back to Kigali. Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy time for souvenir shopping at local craft markets before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable 14-Day Discovering Rwanda Tour to a memorable conclusion.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch