Rwanda in 8 days
An itinerary taking you around the main highlights and destinations of Rwanda
This 8-day itinerary guides you through the lush green country of Rwanda. You will travel through Kigali, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, Lake Ihema and of course, ending up in the mighty Volcanoes National Park.
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda
Met on arrival in Kigali and transferred to The Retreat Hotel to stay for 1 night on a B&B basis (approximately 15 minute transit time).
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast you will fly to Nyungwe Forest (approximately a 45 minute flight). Nyungwe Forest National Park protects the largest single tract of Montagne forest remaining in Africa. It is a remarkably rich center of biodiversity, with 86 mammal species, 280 birds, and about 100 varieties of orchid. It is the most important birding site in Rwanda. After you have settled in, you will transfer for a canopy walk with in the forest. Specifically, the canopy walk is good for birders so as to enable those spot a variety of bird species with in the forest.
You will do the famous canopy walk through the forest. On route, look out for birds like the Rwenzori Turacco, black and white casqued hornbill and also do not miss spots of large troops of colobus monkeys. Overnight in One and Only Nyungwe House on an all-inclusive basis including all game viewing activities.
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast you will go chimp trekking in Nyungwe Forest. This National Park is most treasured for its primates, there is a remarkable 13 primate species recorded resident in this lush rainforest. This includes man’s closest living relative, the chimpanzee as well as the delightful L’Hoest’s monkey and numerous fun-loving troops of Black and White Colobus.
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
You will fly from Nyungwe to Kigali (with a scheduled flight at 11:00am) and then connect to your scheduled flight to Akagera National Park ( at 01:30pm). You will then be picked by the Magashi Shuttle and transferred to the Lodge. The Park borders fine-looking rising and falling plains, solid broadleafed forests, and brighter acacia woods that define its favorable nature to animals and visitors. Time allowing, you will go for an afternoon game drive where you will spot mammals like Giraffes, Buffaloes, Elephants, Crocodiles, Hippos Spotted Hyenas and masses of birds. Overnight in Magashi Camp on a full board basis including all game viewing activities on a shared basis.
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Today you will have an early morning game drive in the park, then return to your accommodation and in the afternoon have a boat ride on lake Ihema. You will sail along the water edge which is covered with several trees, drift past numerous giant hippos and see several crocodiles some in the shallows of the water and other basking on the shore. Overnight in Magashi Camp on a full board basis including all game viewing activities on a shared basis.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
After breakfast, depart for Parc National des Volcanoes (the drive is approximately 4 hours). The journey goes through the beautiful hillsides that show much of Rwanda’s landscape, gradually climbing to the base of the awesome Virunga volcanoes, sometimes with as many as five peaks visible. You will choose to have the afternoon at leisure or explore the town of Ruhengeri. Overnight in Virunga Lodge on a full board basis.
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast you will drive to Ruhengeri. You will experience the highlight of your trip by visiting the mountain gorillas of our planet in Volcanoes National Park where you will be led by an experienced Ranger Guide who will tell you interesting facts about the Mountain Gorillas. As an alternative to Gorilla trekking, there are other activities available which include; hiking Mount. Bisoke which starts early in the morning, a park ranger will accompany you to the top of the volcano. On a clear day you will enjoy the beautiful Crater Lake and the views of the other Virunga volcanoes. Incredible views in all directions, shady bamboo forest, lushly forested slopes and an exciting climb, or you may choose to track the golden monkeys in the bamboo forest, or visit the Dianne Fossey Grave, at the site you will find the house from where Dian Fossey was mysteriously murdered in 1985 but the more peaceful is the place where she was buried just next to her favorite gorilla, Digit and about 20 other mountain gorillas. In the afternoon you may have an optional walk to the Ruhengeri town and Market. Overnight in Virunga Lodge on a full board basis.
Drive back to Kigali, head home
Today, you will drive to Kigali town. Upon arrival, you will visit the genocide museum as well as have a short city Tour of the capital city. Transfer to the international airport to connect onto your international flights home.
