8-Day Rwanda Safari Adventure

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your Usoke Explorers guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you will receive a safari briefing outlining the exciting days ahead. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short orientation of the city.

Main Destination:

Kigali

Accommodation:

Five to Five Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Kigali

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

King's Palace Museum & Nyungwe Canopy Walk

After breakfast, depart Kigali and drive to the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza, a beautifully reconstructed traditional royal residence. Here, you'll learn about Rwanda's monarchy and witness the famous Inyambo cattle sacred long-horned cows that were the king's pride. Continue to Butare (Huye) to visit the Ethnographic Museum, the largest of its kind in East Africa. Arrive at Nyungwe National Park in the afternoon for the thrilling Canopy Walk. Suspended 60 metres above the forest floor, the 200-metre long rope-style metal bridge offers spectacular aerial views of the rainforest, mountains, and wildlife.

Main Destination:

King's Palace Museum (Nyanza)

Accommodation:

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, drive to Lake Kivu in Karongi. The journey offers spectacular views of terraced hills and tea plantations. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before embarking on a boat trip to explore the islands of Lake Kivu. The highlight is Napoleon Island, named for its shape resembling Napoleon's hat. Here, you'll hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills.

Main Destination:

Lake Kivu

Accommodation:

Kivu Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located at Lake Kivu

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Gisenyi - Mount Rubavu Hike and Hot Springs

After breakfast, drive to Gisenyi, a town on the northern shores of Lake Kivu bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. In the afternoon, hike Mount Rubavu, which rises above the town. The walk takes about 1.5 hours and rewards you with spectacular panoramic views of both Rubavu City and Goma City on the DRC side. After the hike, visit the famous Rubavu Hot Springs. Here, you can remove your shoes, step into the warm waters, and enjoy a traditional massage. The hot springs are believed to have therapeutic benefits, helping to relieve tiredness and relax your muscles.

Main Destination:

Gisenyi (Lake Kivu)

Accommodation:

Isange Paradise Resort

• Budget hotel located in Ruhengeri (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kigali City Tour

After breakfast, depart Gisenyi and drive to Kigali. En route, you'll pass through the scenic landscapes that make Rwanda famous. In Kigali, visit the Parliament Building, a structure bearing the scars of bullets from the 1994 genocide. The guided tour provides insight into the resilience and commitment of Rwanda's leaders who ended the genocide and rebuilt the nation. If time permits, visit the vibrant Kimironko Market, the largest local market in Kigali. Browse colourful stalls selling fresh produce, spices, crafts, and souvenirs while interacting with friendly local vendors.

Main Destination:

Kigali

Accommodation:

Five to Five Hotel

• Budget hotel located in Kigali

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Akagera National Park - Game Drive

Depart Kigali early and drive to Akagera National Park which is Rwanda's only savannah park. Register at the park headquarters and begin a full-day game drive with a packed lunch. Akagera covers 1,122 square kilometres and is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino. Your guide will take you through the southern part of the park, where you'll spot zebras, giraffes, buffalo, antelopes, and a variety of bird species. Enjoy your day!

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Best Time To Visit June to September and mid-December to mid-February (It is drier and wildlife is easier to spot)

High Season June to September (The park is busiest at weekends)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Akagera NP

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

HippoAbundant

White RhinoOccasional

LionOccasional

Show more

ElephantOccasional

Black RhinoRare

LeopardRare

HyenaRare

CheetahNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Akagera Rhino Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Akagera NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Lake Ihema Boat Safari & Evening Game Drive

In the morning, drive to Lake Ihema, the second-largest lake in Rwanda, and embark on a boat safari. Cruise the lake to spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, monitor lizards, and a wide variety of waterbirds, including the rare shoebill stork. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before heading out for an evening game drive. This drive offers not only wildlife spotting but also spectacular sunset views over the Akagera wetlands. As darkness falls, you'll have the opportunity to spot nocturnal species including lions, hyenas, leopards, bush babies, and civets an unforgettable memories.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Accommodation:

Akagera Rhino Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Akagera NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Transfer to Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali (approximately 3 hours). You will be transferred directly to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 8-day Rwandan adventure. Hope you enjoyed your safari with Usoke Explorers.

Main Destination:

Kigali International Airport (Kigali)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.