9-Day Rwanda Cultural Tour & Gorilla Trekking Adventure

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

Arrival in pick up in Kigali

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your tour guide, who will assist with your transfer to your hotel in Kigali. During the drive, your guide will provide an overview of the exciting activities planned, including cultural tours, wildlife safaris, and adventure experiences.

Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and take time to relax and freshen up after your flight. Enjoy a delicious dinner and prepare for the exciting days ahead, whether it’s visiting cultural sites, exploring Volcanoes National Park, or going on an Akagera safari.

Spend the night in Kigali, rested and ready to begin your Rwandan adventure. This first day provides a smooth introduction to the country, combining comfort, orientation, and anticipation. Starting your trip with this welcoming experience ensures you are fully prepared to explore Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and extraordinary wildlife over the coming days.

Main Destination:

Kigali International Airport (Kigali)

Accommodation:

ONOMO Hotel Kigali

• Mid-range hotel located in Kigali

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kigali City Tour & Genocide Memorial Visits

Begin your day with a traditional Rwandan breakfast, fueling up for a full day of cultural and historical exploration in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. The morning tour starts with a visit to Kigali Solaire, a hub of local activity, followed by Stade Regional, a center for sports and community events. Continue to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a profound site honoring the victims of the 1994 genocide and educating visitors about Rwanda’s journey of healing and resilience.

In the afternoon, continue your cultural journey with a visit to the Reconciliation Village in Bugesera, where survivors and communities share stories of resilience and forgiveness. This is followed by trips to the Nyamata and Ntarama genocide churches, sites that serve as powerful reminders of Rwanda’s history and the importance of reconciliation.

Main Destination:

Kigali Genocide Memorial (Kigali)

Accommodation:

ONOMO Hotel Kigali

• Mid-range hotel located in Kigali

Meals & Drinks:

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

Transfer to Akagera National Park

After a hearty breakfast, begin your journey toward Akagera National Park, one of Rwanda’s most captivating safari destinations. Along the way, pause for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Rwandan dishes that highlight the country’s rich culinary heritage. This break allows travelers to recharge and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.

En route, visit the Imigongo Art Center, famed for its intricate geometric designs made from cow dung, an art form that dates back centuries. This hands-on experience provides insight into Rwanda’s creative traditions and the cultural significance of Imigongo, offering a meaningful connection to local heritage.

Upon arrival at your safari lodge, check in and enjoy the serene surroundings. Relax with dinner while reflecting on the day’s cultural and natural experiences.

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:

Rutete Eco-Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Akagera NP

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Morning Game Drive & Cultural Village Visit

Start your day with an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park, when the wildlife is most active. The cool morning hours are ideal for spotting the park’s iconic species, including elephants, lions, and the elusive black rhinos. Savanna landscapes come alive with herds of antelopes, zebras, and buffaloes grazing in the golden light, while bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings of diverse species, from vibrant kingfishers to majestic eagles. This drive offers both exciting wildlife encounters and fantastic photographic opportunities.

After returning to your lodge for a hearty lunch, continue your safari with a cultural visit to a local pastoralist community. This experience provides insight into traditional Rwandan life, including livestock rearing, local crafts, and customary practices.

Conclude your day by returning to the lodge for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Accommodation:

Rutete Eco-Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Akagera NP

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinks not included

Early Morning Boat Trip & Evening Game Drive

A safari in Akagera National Park is not complete without a tranquil boat ride on Lake Ihema, the park’s largest lake. This experience offers a front-row seat to the incredible diversity of aquatic life. As you glide along the waters, you are likely to spot pods of hippos lounging near the shores, crocodiles basking in the sun, and an impressive variety of water birds, from kingfishers and African fish eagles to rare shoebill storks.
After returning to your lodge for a well-prepared lunch and some relaxation, the adventure continues with an evening game drive.
At the end of the day, you return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. This combination of a serene boat safari and an exhilarating evening drive ensures a well-rounded Akagera experience that blends relaxation, discovery, and unforgettable moments.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Accommodation:

Rutete Eco-Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Akagera NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Visit the Twin Lakes and transfer to Volcanoes

After breakfast, embark on a scenic transfer to Ruhengeri, nestled in Rwanda’s northern highlands. Begin your day with an ethnobotany tour, exploring the region’s rich plant diversity and learning how local communities utilize medicinal and edible plants. This hands-on experience provides fascinating insights into traditional knowledge and sustainable practices.

Continue to the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, two stunning freshwater lakes surrounded by rolling hills. Take in the serene landscapes, enjoy short walks along the shores, and capture remarkable photographs of the natural scenery. The lakes offer a peaceful environment to appreciate Rwanda’s highland beauty.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Check into your lodge and unwind after a day of cultural, ecological, and community-focused activities. Enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)

High Season June to September (Permits are scarce)

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

Wildlife in Volcanoes NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeNone

ElephantRare

BuffaloRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

LionNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

An early start takes you to the briefing point for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Equipped with essentials like hiking boots and rain jackets, trek through the misty highlands until you encounter a gorilla family.
Spend an unforgettable hour with these majestic creatures before visiting Buhanga Forest for a Kinigi Cultural Village experience.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Community Tour & Excursion in Gisenyi (Lake Kivu)

After breakfast, check out from your lodge and begin the scenic transfer to Lake Kivu, one of Rwanda’s most picturesque destinations. En route, visit local banana and sorghum beer production plants, where you can observe traditional brewing methods and taste authentic Rwandan beverages. This hands-on experience offers insight into the country’s culinary culture and age-old fermentation techniques.

In the evening, check into your lakefront lodge, where comfort and scenic beauty create an ideal retreat after a day of exploration. Enjoy a delicious dinner while reflecting on the day’s cultural and natural experiences, from sampling local brews to soaking in the serene atmosphere of Lake Kivu. The overnight stay allows travelers to unwind and prepare for further adventures, combining relaxation, cultural insight, and the captivating beauty of Rwanda’s western region.

Main Destination:

Lake Kivu

Accommodation:

Rushel Kivu Resort

• Budget resort located at Lake Kivu

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Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinks not included

Cultural Visit to Butare & Transfer Back to Kigali

After breakfast, depart for Butare, often regarded as the intellectual and cultural heart of Rwanda.

Continue to the ancient King’s Palace in Nyanza, where you can explore traditional royal compounds, royal artifacts, and learn about the monarchy that shaped Rwanda’s history. The palace grounds offer a fascinating glimpse into pre-colonial governance and cultural traditions, enriching your understanding of Rwandan her

After this cultural exploration, begin your return journey to Kigali, reflecting on the diverse experiences of your trip from wildlife encounters and mountain treks to cultural immersion and historical insights. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at Kigali International Airport or your hotel, concluding your Rwanda adventure.

Main Destination:

Kigali

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinks not included

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