12-Day Best of Rwanda Safari

Day 1:Urban by CityBlue Kigali, Kigali

Kigali Rwanda’s capital and biggest city stretches across lush undulating hills surrounded by towering mountains, the largest of which is Mount Kigali, rising 1850 metres above sea level. Kigali is the country’s financial, commercial and cultural hub, served by an international airport and featuring a wide range of accommodation options. It also offers a collection of restaurants and points of interest, including the Kigali Genocide Centre, an atmospheric market and numerous craft shops. With its interesting architecture, busy streets, meandering boulevards, and green hillsides, Kigali is said to be one of the most attractive cities in Africa and is definitely worth a visit.

Day Itinerary

You will be met and greeted by your driver guide upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport. You  will  be briefed about your safari then you will be transferred  to your hotel for your overnight stay in Kigali. Relax at your hotel.

Overnight: Urban by CityBlue Kigali

Urban by CityBlue is Rwanda’s leading hotel after the five-star Serena Hotel. Superbly located, within a stone’s throw of the Milles Collines, the Serena and Downtown Kigali, yet just 15 minutes from Kigali International Airport by car and located on Rue des Parcs in the prestigious Kyovu district of Kigali, this CityBlue Hotel sits in a truly five-star location. Urban by CityBlue is a boutique hotel in its purest sense; it has wonderful, large and airy bedrooms including 6 executive suites, each with complimentary Wi-Fi, power showers, luxury mattresses and flat-screen TVs equipped with all the news, sports and entertainment channels. The hotel is an oasis in the middle of one of Africa’s fastest growing cities, a calm and heavenly property with panoramic views from its roof, an outstanding restaurant and world-class staff. Moreover, the hotel boasts The Bistro, Kigali’s finest restaurant which holds up to 120 covers and enjoys the most magical views in Rwanda. Ask any local or expat: The Bistro is the best spot in town for a bite for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport Transfer

Day 2: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park Situated in southwestern Rwanda, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity and its wide range of endemic species. The park is composed of lush tracts of rainforest set high up on fertile mountain slopes. It is one of Africa’s most ancient forests and the home of Rwanda’s sole remaining chimpanzee population, as well as 85 additional mammal species, 43 reptile species, nearly 300 bird species and over 1000 plant species. Visitors can enjoy spotting colobus monkeys and chimpanzees hiding in the trees, hiking on a well-maintained network of trails passing through lush equatorial rainforest and catching a glimpse of a beautiful array of colourful birdlife. Don’t miss the thrilling Canopy Walk; it is one of its kind in Africa and offers impressive views of the forest.

Day Itinerary

After early morning breakfast, you will drive into the Nyungwe Forest. On the way you will visit Nyanza King’s Palace, the national museum of Butare, and the genocide memorial of Murambi. Nyanza was the headquarters of the ancient Rwanda Kingdom before the arrival of the Europeans. The compound features the tastefully decorated modern palace built by King Mutura in 1934.

Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Nyungwe Top view hill hotel is the elegant place; a heaven on earth, idyllically situated on top of one of the hills of Nyungwe forest area; the largest single forest block in East Africa and the biggest water reservoir for Rwanda.

Nyungwe Top view hill hotel offers most beautiful and tranquil accommodation facility comprises of 12 self contained with 4 twin and 8 queen size bed apartments having a sitting room with a fire place to warm you up and a balcony with picturesque view of sunrise or sunset from all the rooms including  incomparable view of part of the Nyungwe National Park, Kahuzi Biega National Park, Tea plantations, Lake Kivu, the volcanoes and Idjwi Island right from the top of the hill.

The accommodation is offered as bed and breakfast, half board or full board facility.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will enter the Nyungwe Forest to track the Nyungwe Colobus monkey. A walk into the forest with our knowledgeable guides well versed in botany, ornithology, and interspecies relationships will be a whole new learning experience for you. You will return to the guest house for lunch and have your overnight at the hotel.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day Itinerary

Today will be your second day in the Nyungwe Forest. In the morning, you can either opt for the Nyungwe canopy walk or a nature walk to the waterfalls. After lunch, you will visit the Colobus monkeys darting through the trees. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5: Cormoran Lodge, Kibuye

Kibuye Sprawling across the shore of Lake Kivu in Western Rwanda’s Karongi District, the clean, slow-paced, and breathtakingly beautiful city of Kibuye boasts sparkling blue river views, lush forests, hills with pines and eucalyptus, and brightly coloured fauna. Kibuye is arguably one of the prettiest locations in the country, and there are two small, lovely beaches to swim from, as well as the chance to enjoy leisurely afternoon boat rides. Attractions include the serene St Pierre memorial church; the excellent Museum of the Environment, with a superb collection of native plants and explanations for their use in traditional medicine; and the magnificent Chutes de Ndaba Waterfall, plummeting down 100 metres. There are numerous accommodation options here and some fantastic restaurants looking over the lake.

Day Itinerary

Early in the morning, you will head to Kibuye via Gisakura, a five-hour journey. Along the way, you will enjoy the thousands of beautiful green hills that make up our country as well as views of Kivu Lake. Your overnight stay will be at the Betania Guest House.

Overnight: Cormoran Lodge

A new Lodge on the shores of Lake Kivu, a beautiful lake of turquoise blue, among the most prestigious of Africa. This Lodge has five cabins and a restaurant built entirely of wood. You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the surrounding islands from all 7 rooms. All rooms offer a high standard of comfort. They are equipped with television, wi-fi, mini fridge, bath / shower. From the VIP cabin, you can see the fiery crater of the Nyiragongo volcano in Congo.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Gisenyi

Gisenyi Situated at Lake Kivu’s northeast corner and neighbouring the Congolese city of Goma, Gisenyi is a scenic Rwandan town at the foot of fertile hills. The town offers an excellent variety of activities, including an array of watersports. Gorgeous beaches provide the perfect setting for leisurely days -  the Gisenyi Public Beach offers a charming location for swimming and picnicking - along with numerous lovely restaurants. Visitors can kayak, boat, take hikes to see gorillas, or go on historical and cultural tours. Don’t miss the opportunity to meander through the atmospheric Main Market, go beer tasting at the brewery, or visit the local youth cultural center to see kids practice dance, music, and gymnastics.

Day Itinerary

Today you will transfer to Gisenyi by speed boat or vehicle (the choice is yours). Along the way, you will explore the wonderful views of the different islands along Lake Kivu and some of the Congolese hills. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Serenely sited on the white sandy shores of Lake Kivu, the sixth largest lake in Africa, and surrounded by extensive tropical gardens, the tastefully open-plan Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers the ideal week-end escape.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face to face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.

Day Itinerary

You will spend part of the day relaxing and swimming at Kivu Serena Beach. After breakfast and your time at the beach, you will drive to Musanze, the base town for visiting mountain gorillas. Enjoy a visit to the Ibyiwacu cultural village and then overnight at the Hotel.

Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel in Musanze (Ruhengeri) located on the road going to Kinigi is a convenient starting point to go for different activities that the Volcanoes National Park is offering. Each of the rooms features hairdryers, flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and mini-bars. A the hotel guests will find a restaurant, a pool, and a beautiful garden. 24-hour front desk service is also available as well as massage service.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8:Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Volcanoes National Park

Day Itinerary

Early in the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park for your first gorilla trek. You will arrive at the main office at 7:00 am for a short briefing and coffee break before going on your trek. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 Gorilla Permit per person

Day 9: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Volcanoes National Park

Day Itinerary

Today you will visit the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. You will again have to be at the main office at 7:00 am for a short briefing before your trek. Return at lunchtime and then go visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park Bordering Tanzania in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park is central Africa's largest protected wetland and the last refuge for savannah-adapted species in the country. Stretching across a vast expanse of low-lying mountains and savannah plains, the park takes in the rolling highlands woodlands, swamp-fringed lakes, and wetlands of the Kagera River along the way. Crocodiles and hippos wallow in the park's watery basins, predators prowl through its acacia groves, and elephant, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and other animals roam across its grassy plains. Bursting with a rich biodiversity, the park features a variety of rare species, as well as a plentitude of mammals and hundreds of bird species.

Day Itinerary

In the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Akagera National Park via Kigali. Here you will have lunch before driving into Akagera National Park. You will cruise to Lake Ihema in the afternoon and then go bird watching in Akagera. Your overnight stay will be at the lodge.

Overnight: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

Akagera National Park offers a truly exceptional wildlife experience. It is the only Big-5 reserve in Rwanda and is also home to the rare swamp-dwelling Sitatunga.

Guests also have the opportunity to see an abundance of birdlife, including the rare Shoebill stork, the endangered papyrus Gonolex and the much sought-after Red-faced Barbet. With over 500 recorded species, Akagera is one of the best birding environs in the world with the highest recorded number of species per unit area.

The Park has a unique diversity of habitats, including lakes, marshes, savannah, mountains, and woodland, and is the largest protected wetland in central Africa.

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge stands on a hill at the southern tip of the Akagera National Park elevated above the savannah, with exceptional views of Lake Ihema. With 60 rooms, a conference venue, restaurant, bar, and a spectacular pool deck, the Lodge is the perfect home base while conferencing or exploring the conservation treasures of Akagera National Park.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11: Urban by CityBlue Kigali, Kigali

Kigali: As previously described

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, you will go on a game drive in the park. Akagera National Park is located in Eastern Rwanda on the border with Tanzania. African Parks is currently managing this park and has done a great job with the conservation. In the past, there were lots of conflicts between people and the park but this was solved by fencing off part of the park and the introduction of community tours where visitors are encouraged to visit the communities and benefit accordingly. Akagera National Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda and is home to several mammal species. These include lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, kobs, zebras, bushbucks, waterbucks and most recently black rhinos have been introduced from South Africa. This makes Akagera National Park officially a Big Five park like it was many years ago. It is also home to numerous bird species in several habitats which include woodland, swamps, lakes and savannah.

Overnight: Urban by CityBlue Kigali

Urban by CityBlue is Rwanda’s leading hotel after the five-star Serena Hotel. Superbly located, within a stone’s throw of the Milles Collines, the Serena and Downtown Kigali, yet just 15 minutes from Kigali International Airport by car and located on Rue des Parcs in the prestigious Kyovu district of Kigali, this CityBlue Hotel sits in a truly five-star location. Urban by CityBlue is a boutique hotel in its purest sense; it has wonderful, large and airy bedrooms including 6 executive suites, each with complimentary Wi-Fi, power showers, luxury mattresses and flat-screen TVs equipped with all the news, sports and entertainment channels. The hotel is an oasis in the middle of one of Africa’s fastest growing cities, a calm and heavenly property with panoramic views from its roof, an outstanding restaurant and world-class staff. Moreover, the hotel boasts The Bistro, Kigali’s finest restaurant which holds up to 120 covers and enjoys the most magical views in Rwanda. Ask any local or expat: The Bistro is the best spot in town for a bite for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Day 12: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary

After breakfast, and depending on your departure flight, you may go on a complimentary visit to the Ntarama Church. This was the site where more than 5,000 were killed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This genocide memorial is located 30km south of Kigali in the Bugasera region. This church and its contents are a reminder of the horrifying violence that took place. Learn more about the unity and reconciliation commission while you are here.

Basis

Bed and Breakfast

Included

Airport Transfer

Included

• Park fees(For non-residents)
• Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
• All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
• All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
• A professional driver/guide
• All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
• All Taxes/VAT
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)

Excluded

• International flights(From/to home)
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
• Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
• Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
• Some meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
• Drinks