Tour Overview
Discover the very best of the Land of a Thousand Hills on this unforgettable 21-Day Ultimate Rwanda Explorer Safari. Designed for travelers seeking an in-depth experience, this three-week adventure takes you across Rwanda’s spectacular national parks, scenic lakes, vibrant cities, and authentic rural communities. From thrilling wildlife encounters to immersive cultural experiences, this journey showcases the country’s remarkable diversity, natural beauty, and inspiring history.
Track endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, trek chimpanzees through the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, and search for the Big Five during exciting game drives in Akagera National Park. Cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Ihema and Lake Kivu, hike along the breathtaking Congo Nile Trail, and explore Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, waterfalls, and picturesque countryside.
Beyond wildlife, you’ll discover Rwanda’s fascinating heritage through visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the King’s Palace Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, local markets, cultural villages, and community projects. Meet welcoming local communities, learn traditional crafts, sample authentic Rwandan cuisine, and experience the country’s remarkable journey of resilience and transformation.
Blending adventure, conservation, culture, relaxation, and luxury, this 21-day safari offers the most comprehensive way to experience Rwanda, creating lifelong memories in one of Africa’s safest and most captivating destinations.
Tour Summary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and transfer to hotel
- Day 2: The Capital City Exploration
- Day 3: Experiencing Rwandan Life
- Day 4: Visit to Museum in Butare
- Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
- Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking
- Day 7: Visit the tea Plantation
- Day 8: Explore Kibuye and Enjoy boat trip
- Day 9: Transfer to Gisenyi-Congo Nile trail Excursion
- Day 10: Community projects in Gisenyi.
- Day 11: Kayaking in Kivu Lake
- Day 12: Buhanga Eco Park-Red Rocks
- Day 13: Gorilla trekking and cultural Visit
- Day 14: Golden monkey trekking
- Day 15: Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 16: Akagera National Park Tour and Boat Trip
- Day 17: Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Day 18: Transfer bac to Kigali
- Day 19: Visit Bugesera
- Day 20: Kigali community visit
- Day 21: Departure
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Welcome to Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing after your journey and preparing for your unforgettable three-week adventure.
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 / Four Points by Sheraton Kigali / Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre / The Retreat by Heaven
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Explore Kigali City
After breakfast, embark on a guided city tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to gain insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of reconciliation. Continue to Kimironko Market, local art galleries, the Kandt House Museum, and other cultural landmarks before returning to your hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Authentic Rwandan Cultural Experience
Travel to Muhanga for a hands-on cultural experience with local artisans. Learn the traditional art of Imigongo painting, candle making, basket weaving, beekeeping, and traditional Rwandan cooking. Later continue to Nyanza to visit the King’s Palace Museum before proceeding to Huye (Butare).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Ethnographic Museum & Huye Heritage Tour
Visit Rwanda’s famous Ethnographic Museum, home to one of East Africa’s finest collections of cultural artifacts. Learn about Rwanda’s traditional kingdoms, customs, music, and architecture before enjoying a cultural dance performance and visiting the historic Huye Cathedral.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests. Upon arrival, experience the spectacular Canopy Walkway suspended above the forest canopy, offering panoramic views and opportunities to spot birds and primates.
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 & Kamiranzovu Waterfall Hike
Rise early for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest. Follow experienced ranger guides through the rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees while encountering other primates and colorful birdlife. After lunch, enjoy a guided hike to the beautiful Kamiranzovu Waterfall.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Gisakura Tea Plantation & Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, visit the scenic Gisakura Tea Estate where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s tea-growing and processing traditions. Continue to Lake Kivu, enjoying breathtaking scenery along one of Rwanda’s most picturesque drives.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Lake Kivu Boat Cruise & Environmental Museum
Enjoy a relaxing boat excursion on Lake Kivu, visiting several islands while admiring spectacular landscapes and birdlife. Later visit the Museum of Environment in Karongi to learn about Rwanda’s conservation initiatives and sustainable development.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Congo Nile Trail Experience
Travel north along the famous Congo Nile Trail, one of Africa’s most scenic hiking and cycling routes. Visit coffee plantations, tea estates, fishing villages, and local communities while enjoying magnificent views over Lake Kivu.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Community Tourism in Rubavu
Spend the day engaging with inspiring community projects in Rubavu. Meet local cooperatives, women’s groups, youth initiatives, and organizations supporting vulnerable communities while learning about Rwanda’s remarkable social transformation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Kayaking on Lake Kivu & Rubavu Tour
Begin the day kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Kivu before exploring Rubavu town. Visit the Rwanda-DR Congo border, natural hot springs, and scenic lakeside viewpoints before returning to your lodge.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
- Mid-range: Paradise Malahide
- Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Buhanga Eco-Park & Red Rocks Cultural Centre
Travel to Musanze and visit the sacred Buhanga Eco-Park, where ancient Rwandan kings were traditionally crowned. Enjoy a guided forest walk before continuing to the Red Rocks Cultural Centre for authentic cultural experiences and community tourism activities.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Experience
Today is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure. Spend one magical hour observing a habituated mountain gorilla family in its natural habitat. In the afternoon, enjoy cultural performances and traditional Rwandan cuisine in Musanze.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Golden Monkey Trekking & Twin Lakes Tour
Track the playful and endangered golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Later visit the beautiful Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you can enjoy canoeing, birdwatching, village walks, or simply admire the breathtaking scenery.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. Arrive in time for lunch before relaxing at your lodge overlooking the park.
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 16: Game Drive & Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Enjoy an early morning game drive in search of elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and numerous bird species. In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema to spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, and aquatic birds.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 17: Full-Day Wildlife Safari
Spend another exciting day exploring Akagera National Park. Search for the Big Five, numerous antelope species, reptiles, and over 500 bird species while enjoying the park’s diverse landscapes.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 18: Return to Kigali via Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village
Depart Akagera National Park and return to Kigali. Along the way, visit the inspiring Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village to learn about its mission of empowering vulnerable youth through education and community.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 19: Nyamata & Ntarama Genocide Memorial Tour
Today visit the Nyamata and Ntarama Genocide Memorial Sites in Bugesera District. These important memorials offer a moving insight into Rwanda’s history while highlighting the country’s journey toward reconciliation and peace.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 20: Nyamirambo Walking Tour & Community Visit
Experience Kigali’s vibrant Nyamirambo neighborhood on a guided walking tour. Explore colorful markets, local businesses, and traditional homes before visiting Bwiza Village to learn about community development projects and local arts and crafts.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 21: Departure
Enjoy breakfast before spending time shopping for souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in Kigali. Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, bringing your unforgettable 21-Day Ultimate Rwanda Explorer Safari to a memorable conclusion.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch