Take Me to Rwanda

Duration: 7 days

Highlights: Nyungwe National Park, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali

Meet your representative outside Kigali International Airport who will then transfer you to the hotel for the night.

Rwanda’s premier grand hotel, Hôtel des Milles Collines, is steeped in history. Today the resort boasts comfortable, contemporary-styled bedrooms, a large outdoor pool with a poolside massage hut, and a rooftop restaurant and premier lounge bar. However, in 1994 Hôtel des Milles Collines was much more; a symbol of hope for many during the dark days of the Rwandan Genocide. It was here, within the walls of this luxury resort, where over a thousand Tutsis sought refuge and found protection. The event has since been depicted in the Oscar-nominated film Hotel Rwanda. Today, the hotel withholds its 4-star label and continues to enjoy incredible views across the hills of Kigali (its name translates as the ‘Hotel of a Thousand Hills'). Mille Collines also strives to promote Rwandan art and culture, hanging its walls with work from local artists and enjoying weekly cultural nights featuring live performances. With its wealth of history and heritage and close proximity to the city’s popular attractions, Hôtel des Milles Collines is a fantastic choice for those visiting Kigali.

Overnight: Hotel des Mille Collines

Meal Plan: 

Day 2: Nyungwe National Park

Today, drive south towards Nyungwe National Park. You will have lunch on the way and arrive at your hotel in the afternoon. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Tucked away in the southwest corner of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a plethora of extraordinary sites and activities. With over 80 species of mammal, 13 species of primate, 1000 plant types, and more than 300 kinds of birds - 27 of which are endemic -, it is little wonder that many hail this forest as Rwanda’s most important site for biodiversity. The chance to track chimpanzees is high up on the list of things to do, with over 400 of the creatures living beneath the forest’s dense canopy, some of which have been habituated to human contact. To add to the mystical beauty of this ancient rainforest, Nyungwe is home to the source of the world’s longest river – the Nile. With 130 kilometres of hiking trails, trekking through the rainforest is sublime, particularly the route which crosses East Africa’s highest canopy walk. This spectacular landscape is not to be missed.

Overnight: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 3: Nyungwe National Park

This morning set off to find the chimpanzees - the tracking can be hard but the reward is worth it. . Follow the chimp family through the forest for about an hour and watch as they swing through the trees or feed on the fruit and nuts that have fallen to the ground.

In the afternoon,  explore the Tree Canopy Walkway to see the forest from above. The Nyungwe canopy walkway extends to 200 feet above the ground stretching to 90m in length. The canopy walk allows guests to enjoy the beautiful views of butterflies, primates, and birds found on the tree tops. The Nyungwe canopy walk commences at the Uwinka visitor center and tends to last about two hours.

Overnight: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 4: Lake Kivu

After a leisurely breakfast drive north along the edge of Lake Kivu to your hotel. You will arrive at the hotel in time for lunch and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. There is the opportunity to set out on the lake in a kayak with a professional guide (at an additional cost).

Lake Kivu is as impressive as it is picturesque; forming part of the Great Rift Valley, this spectacular body of water is the largest lake in Rwanda and one of the largest in Africa. The lake is surrounded by dramatic hills and mountains, dotted with idyllic islands, and fringed by sandy beaches and several pretty, tranquil fishing towns. Between the three main towns along the shores – Gisenyi (Rubavu), Karongi and Rusizi – there is plenty to explore around the lakeside, from visiting museums to hiking along the shores. Visitors can also venture into the deep waters - free of hippos and crocodiles - and enjoy a variety of water activities: kayaking, a ride on a local amato boat, windsurfing, fishing, and trips to the gorgeous islands. Lake Kivu is the perfect place for tourists to slow down and relax after trekking to see Rwanda’s famous gorillas.

Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 5: Drive to Volcanoes National Park

Today, there is time for a leisurely breakfast before driving north to Volcanoes National park. There is time in the afternoon to explore the community or head out on an A&K Insider Access Experience: Canoeing the Mukungwa River (additional cost) with sundowners.

Hidden away amongst the thick rainforest of Volcanoes National Park, in the northwest of Rwanda, lives one of the planet’s most endangered species: the gorilla. The park, which contains five out of the eight volcanos of the Virunga Mountains, is the most accessible gorilla national park in the world and is home to 10 habituated groups of this glorious creature. Volcanoes National Park offers other incredible lifetime experiences, including tracking the rare golden monkey, trekking to the top of Mount Bisoke - where lies a magnificent crater lake - and enjoying a guided walk through local communities to learn about their livelihoods and culture. Another popular activity is hiking to the tomb of American primatologist Dian Fossey who spent nearly 20 years studying gorillas in the park. This breath-taking place is the oldest national park in Africa, and offers experiences that cannot be missed by any individual visiting Rwanda

Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 6: Gorilla Tracking

After a very early breakfast, depart on a gorilla tracking experience, the journey can take anywhere between two to six hours. We will provide a list of necessary equipment and clothing. Once the gorilla family is spotted, guests have one hour with them. This is one of the most magical experiences anyone could wish for, our only advice is to make sure you put the camera down for a while to fully enjoy it. 

Gorilla tracking in Rwanda is often described as “life-changing” and with good reason. With only an estimated 1,000 gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment.

Gorillas make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Trek to see them and you’ll be introduced by your expert trackers and guides to one of the fully-habituated families of mountain gorillas and you can stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.

Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Meal Plan: B,L,D

Day 7: Kigali - Depart

This morning have breakfast at leisure before driving back to Kigali. There will be some time for shopping and lunch before leaving for the airport for the flight home.

Meal Plan: B