$3,674 pp (USD)
2 travelers on Start dateWelcome to Kigali
Welcome to Kigali, capital of Rwanda since it gained independence in 1962. Most associate Rwanda with the horrific genocide that took place in 1994, but this is a country that has been striving to rebuild its economy for years and offers so much to the intrepid traveler. And though the past wont, and shouldn't, be forgotten, the future of Rwanda's tourism is looking bright thanks to its welcoming people, and abundance of lakes and the beautiful Virunga mountains. Your adventure begins by meeting your driver/guide at 6pm, who you can join for an optional dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Kigali (Rwanda)
- Accommodation:
- Hotel Des Mille Collines
- Meals & Drinks:
Visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
After breakfast you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, which was opened in 2004 to mark the 10th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi people. It serves as both a museum, detailing the history and consequences of Rwanda's genocide, and a place for people to grieve for lost friends and family, From here you will continue to Nyamirambo, a predominantly Muslim neighborhood that is known for keeping the party going when the rest of Kigali heads to bed. Enjoy a local lunch and a city tour including a trip to the craft market.
- Main Destination:
- Kigali (Rwanda)
- Accommodation:
- Hotel Des Mille Collines
- Meals & Drinks:
Transfer to Gisenyi
Take an early breakfast at your hotel before proceeding to Ntarama Church, approximately 30km outside of Kigali. Today presents some confronting reminders of the country's past, and this church is now a chilling memorial to the 5000 people slaughtered inside during the 1994 genocide. Inside, shelves of skulls and piles of bone can be seen as well as the clothes of the victims hanging from the walls and rafters. Afterwards you will travel to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial Centre, a former church where 50000 people were murdered. This site pays particular attention to the atrocities suffered by Women during the genocide. You will then head to Gisenyi, a town on the shores of lake Kivu, where you will spend dinner and the evening at a waterfront resort after an emotional day.
- Main Destination:
- Rubavu (Lake Kivu, Rwanda)
- Accommodation:
- Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Relaxing on Lake Kivu
Enjoy a free day in Gisenyi on lake Kivu northern edge. Kivu is one of Africa great lakes-Rwanda's largest and Africa sixth-largest-and is a natural boarder between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Your guide can help you plan how to spend the day; perhaps take a boat cruise around the lake and visit some of the small island, or maybe take a trip to Napoleon island to go hiking and encounter birds and its large colony of fruit bats. Alternatively, spend the day getting to know Gisenyi and the colonial-era mansions and bars that sit by the lake.
- Main Destination:
- Rubavu (Lake Kivu, Rwanda)
- Accommodation:
- Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Meals & Drinks:
Transfer to Kisoro
Enjoy breakfast by lake kivu then transfer across the boarder to kisoro, a Ugandan town on the shore of lake mutanda. Kisoro, located near the Virunga Mountains, is the jumping off point for several national parks and, of course, those in search of the country's mountain gorillas. In the afternoon you will head to Mikozi Village to become acquainted with the Ugandan countryside. Visit the local markets, speak with a traditional Ugandan healer and enjoy a drink or two at the local bar before returning to kisoro.
- Main Destination:
- Kisoro (Town, Uganda)
- Accommodation:
- Mutanda Lake Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Gorilla tracking
Join a local guide and trackers as you climb through the rugged, mountainous terrain of Bwindi National Park in search of mountain gorillas. A quick lock of eyes with these creatures is a truly primal moment and visits are strictly controlled to minimize disturbance. Make no mistake, tracking gorillas is no walk in the park - its called Bwindi Impenetrable National park for a reason. It can be wet, muddy, strenuous and uncomfortable, but the indescribable elation of coming across a group of gorillas is worth the effort. Spend a mesmerizing hour with the gorillas as they eat, sleep, groom and play as the male silverback watches over them, then return to the lodge for dinner.
- Main Destination:
- Kisoro (Town, Uganda)
- Accommodation:
- Mutanda Lake Resort
- Meals & Drinks:
Transfer to Musanze
Transfer this morning back to Rwanda and town of Musanze, still buzzing from your gorilla encounter. Settle into your hotel on arrival then take a cycling tour to Rwanda's twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. This area is characterized by steep green hills and magnificent views of the mountains surrounding the lakes. Pedal through the stunning countryside, stopping in small towns and villages to spend some time interacting with the local community.
- Main Destination:
- Musanze (City, Rwanda)
- Accommodation:
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Relaxing at musanze
Today is free for you to choose from several optional activities after breakfast at the lodge. Perhaps you would like to pursue your passion for primates and join a park ranger tracking golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. These monkeys are much quicker than gorillas and you will see them swinging from branch to branch and scampering up trees. Alternatively, take a hike focused on the work of Dian Fossey, the groundbreaking gorilla researcher. Its an incredible experience, both physically and emotionally, and you will trek through the jungle to her grave and the house in which she was mysteriously murdered in 1985. She is buried next to her favorite gorilla-Digit-as well as number of other mountain gorillas killed by poachers.
- Main Destination:
- Musanze (City, Rwanda)
- Accommodation:
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Meals & Drinks:
Transfer back to Kigali
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then transfer back to Kigali International Airport.
- Main Destination:
- Kigali (Rwanda)
- Accommodation:
- No accommodation (End of tour)
- Meals & Drinks: