7 Days Highlights of Rwanda

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

Today you will arrive at Kigali international airport. After completing your emigrations formalities, you shall be received and transferred to your accommodation in Kigali city. You shall check in and rest for the night. Your guide shall assist you will money exchange or shopping if required.

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: 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, you will have a guided city tour to explore the landmarks of history of this budding capital. You will visit the Rwanda Genocide memorial museum in Gisozi. You will also visit local fresh produce markets and local crafts to purchase souvenirs. After lunch, you will be transferred to Akagera National Park for wildlife viewing. Upon arrival and clearance, you shall enter the park and drive to your accommodation. You may be able to spot various animals along the way; predominantly antelopes, buffalo and monkeys.

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 3: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera National Park

Day Itinerary

Early in the morning you will embark on a game drive in Akagera National Park. The largely open expanse is ideal for game viewing. Sightings of buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, an incredible 490 bird species are possible. You may also spot members of the lion pride in Akagera. A boat trip on Lake Ihema is also a highlight of any visit to Akagera, with its large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant waterbirds on the island in the middle of the lake.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

Game Drive, Boat Cruise

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, 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

After breakfast, you shall begin your journey to Volcanoes national park. Enjoy the spectacular views of hills and misty valleys on your way. You will pass via Kigali where you will have a stop for lunch. Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range – home of the endangered mountain gorilla. You will check into your accommodation, have dinner and prepare for activities of the next day.

Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

The Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is perfectly situated for gorilla tracking in Rwanda. The 30 individual cottages have been built on 4 acres of land on the slopes of Mt Sabinyo. The stone and thatch cottages each have en-suite facilities, a small lounge with a fire place and a private veranda. The cottages are of a good size and are well positioned to give them privacy from each other. Being at altitude, it can get cold therefore each cottage has a fireplace in the room.

Located very close (about 15 minutes) from the main headquarters of Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park (Parc National de Volcans), this is a very handy base from which to explore the area and organise treks to see the Golden monkeys and, of course, the mountain gorillas. This is a great location with superb views of the volcanoes.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Volcanoes National Park

Day Itinerary

Early in the morning you will be transferred to the park headquarters for clearance, briefing and allocation. You will spend an hour in their presence when you can observe, photograph and film them in their idyllic habitat. After tracking you shall return to your accommodation and relax. In the evening, you will drive to Iby’Iwachu cultural village where you will have an introduction to Rwandese culture and history. You will learn about herding, home management, traditional crafts and cultural dances. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Basis

Full Board - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

Included

1 Gorilla Permit per person

Day 6: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Gisenyi

Gisenyi Situated at Lake Kivu’s northeast corner and neighboring 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

Gisenyi is one of Rwanda's loveliest spots and the closest the country has to a beach resort. The drive from Volcanoes national park takes only 2 hours. In Gisenyi you may choose to do any of the following optional activities; kayaking, biking, tour of fishing villages or tour of Gisenyi town. In the evening, you will have a boat ride on Lake Kivu where you will visit some of the islands. Check in at your accommodation in the evening.

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

Bed and Breakfast

Day 7: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary In the morning you shall check out of your accommodation on Lake Kivu and start the journey to Kigali city. Enjoy the countryside views along the way and you may stop for landscape photography or to interact with local communities along the way. You will have lunch in Kigali city. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to the next destination.

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)
• Drinking water

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)