DAY 1: Arrival at Kigali - Akagera National Park
On arrival, you will be welcomed by our representative and you will be briefed about your upcoming journey. Drive to the Eastern part of the country to Akagera National Park. Depending on time availability, you can have an afternoon boat ride on Lake Ihema.
DAY 2: Akagera National Park
Take an early breakfast and start your game drive. Akagera and its lakes are home to one of the highest concentrations of hippopotamus in Africa. One of the animals that you will probably also see is the Nile crocodile which is the world’s largest reptile. Of the shy animals that you may be able to spot, Akagera has a small but nonetheless important population of Leopards and spotted hyenas. With more than 500 bird species, Akagera is one of the best spots for bird-watching in Rwanda.
DAY 3: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
In the southwest of Rwanda lies Nyungwe Forest National Park, an enormous tropical forest with a high canopy. Tall old mahoganies, ebonies and giant tree ferns will tower above you as you hike through this rainforest, whilst orchids and other epiphytes cling to every branch. After breakfast, you will make your way to Nyungwe National Park with a stop-over in Nyaza to immerse yourself in the Rwandan history and culture. The traditional capital was the seat of the Umwami (The king) in Nyanza, while the colonial seat of power was in Butare. Visit the National Museum of Rwanda and later have lunch in Butare. Continue with the journey to Nyungwe with a stop at Ntarama Genocide Memorial.
DAY 4: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
Take the famous trek through the forest to see the chimpanzees in the morning. The excursion is more than just visiting chimps in their home but also gives visitors a chance to see the ecosystem of the Nyungwe rainforest. Besides the beautiful scenery, huge, centuries-old trees and extra thick forest, this outstanding tropical forest is shelter to a 200m Canopy Walk way that will give a thrill that can hardly be matched by anything else. Relax at the hotel.
DAY 5: Colobus Tracking or Waterfall Hike
Trekking in search of grey-cheeked Mangabey and Rwenzori Colobus monkeys is one of the other activities you can do in Nyungwe Forest.These are found in troops of several individuals. Meet your guide in the morning to take you through the jungle to see the monkeys or go to Kamiranzovu Swamp. Water enthusiasts will love this trail it features the park’s largest wetland, an ancient swamp and brilliant waterfalls.
DAY 6: Gisenyi City Tour - Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide and check out this boarder town. You will later drive to volcanoes National park. There's even a chance to visit a community village “Ibyiwacu Cultural Village”. (Literary means, treasures of our home, our heritage).This is an initiative to support community projects around national parks aimed at enriching local people through providing linkages and incentives for conservation around national parks in particular around the Volcanoes National Park, in different aspects.
DAY 7: Golden Monkeys
Return to the park Headquarters after breakfast to begin the second most magnificent trek in Rwanda, the Golden Monkeys. This is another highlight of Volcanoes National Park. The Golden Monkey is a local subspecies of the widespread Sykes Monkey, also known as the “Blue Monkey” and is endemic to the high altitude forests of the Volcanoes National Park area. The monkeys are playful and inquisitive and often spend their time leaping from bamboo branches. Have lunch and transfer to Bwindi.
DAY 8: Gorilla Tracking
Early in the morning, drive to the park office for briefing and registration. You will be put in groups of 8 people and later you will embark on the trek which can vary in length and difficulty, depending on the location of the gorilla family you will visit. Spend one hour observing these beautiful and endangered creatures
DAY 9: Kigali City tour & Departure
After, breakfast, transfer back to Rwanda and have a city tour. Kigali City was established in 1907 as a colonial out-post by Dr. Richard Kandt, who was the very first resident German colonialist in Rwanda. He set his base at the foothills of Mt. Jali and Mt.Kigali and today his home is a Natural History Museum.
A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is worth it, The Kigali Genocide Memorial is the final resting place for more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. This tribute to victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide includes exhibits, graves & a garden. Also craft markets and art exhibitions are available. Transfer to the airport for departure.
