Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Kigali - Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, guests will be warmly greeted by a company representative and the driver-guide, who will escort them to their accommodation. Options include the Urban CityBlue Hotel (budget), Flame Tree Village (mid-range), or Mille Collines Hotel (luxury) for dinner and an overnight stay.

Depending on the arrival time, there may be an opportunity for a brief city tour, including visits to local markets and the Genocide Memorial Sites.

Transfer to Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park - After enjoying breakfast, guests will be transported to Akagera National Park. Along the journey, they can admire the stunning Rwandan landscape.

Upon early arrival, lunch will be served at Akagera Game Lodge. Following lunch, a boat cruise on Lake Ihema will offer sightings of Nile Crocodiles, Hippos, and Waterbirds.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at Akagera Game Lodge.

Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Huye/Butare

Akagera National Park - After an early breakfast, guests will embark on a game drive to the park’s northern gate, where they can observe early risers such as Masai Giraffes, Lions, and Bushbucks.

Following the game drive, guests will be transferred to Kigali for lunch. Afterward, the journey continues to Huye/Butare town, Rwanda’s first capital city.

En route, there will be a stop at the Nyanza Museum/King’s Palace for a cultural overview before visiting the Rwanda National Museum.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at Light House Hotel.

Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Nyungwe Forest National Park - Early in the morning, after breakfast, the driver-guide will transfer guests to Nyungwe National Park. This park is a key reason Rwanda is a top tourist destination, offering relaxation and adventure amidst Rwanda’s unique beauty.

Home to nearly 300 bird species, it is a bird watcher’s paradise. It also hosts 13 primate species, including rare ones like Chimpanzees, Angolan Black and White Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and L’Hoest’s Monkeys.

A stop at the new Visitor’s Interpretive Centre will provide more information about the park and its activities before checking into the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, guests will trek to see Colobus monkeys, hiking through lush forests and green tea fields, enjoying the breathtaking views.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (luxury) or Gisakura Guest House (budget).

Chimpanzee Trekking

Nyungwe Forest National Park - Early in the morning, guests will report to the Nyungwe National Park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on Chimpanzee tracking. This activity typically lasts 3 to 5 hours, depending on weather and Chimpanzee availability, so carrying sufficient water and snacks is recommended.

On the return journey, guests will visit the local community to learn about their lifestyle and purchase locally-made crafts and products.

Morning Transfer to Kibuye, Driving Along the Shores of Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu - Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s great lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the Albertine Rift of the Great Rift Valley. Situated at 1,461m (4,790ft) above sea level, it is Africa’s highest lake. The northern shore is occasionally affected by eruptions from nearby Mt Nyiragongo.

Kibuye, one of Rwanda’s most picturesque lake ports, is nestled among interwoven hills, offering spectacular views of the lake, its islands, and the surrounding countryside. It is considered one of Rwanda’s hidden gems, with lush green hills and a tranquil atmosphere.

Visit to Napoleon Island & Transfer to Gisenyi Town

Lake Kivu - In the morning, guests will enjoy a boat cruise to Napoleon Island, also known as ‘Bat Island’ due to its large colony of Straw-Coloured Fruit Bats.

Hiking to the summit offers views of other large islands in DR Congo and the beauty of the Congo Nile Trail. Guests will return to the hotel for lunch.

In the afternoon, after a relaxing lunch, the journey continues to Gisenyi Town. With its waterfront, sandy beaches, and excellent views of Lake Kivu, Gisenyi is a perfect place to unwind, offering the charm of a tropical beach resort.

Overnight stay will be in Gisenyi Town.

Gisenyi City Tour

Gisenyi - The morning will be spent relaxing or visiting the hot springs to learn about the formation of the Virunga Volcanic Mountains.

In the afternoon, guests will tour Gisenyi city, visiting two borders: the larger La Corniche and the smaller, busier Petite Barriere, the second most used border in the world. Here, guests can observe the bustling activity and see into the DRC.

Visiting local markets and craft shops will provide opportunities to meet and interact with local communities.

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Transfer to Musanze

Musanze District - After breakfast, guests will check out from their hotel in Gisenyi and transfer to Musanze. Upon arrival, they will visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an engaging experience of Rwandan traditions, culture, and lifestyle.

Local dances and drumming will be featured, along with the opportunity to wear traditional dress known as “Umushanana” and learn about archery and traditional healing practices.

Dinner and overnight stay will be at Classic Lodge (luxury), Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (mid-range), or Muhabura Lodge (budget).

Mount Bisoke Hike Adventure

Mount Bisoke - Early morning, after breakfast, guests will transfer to the RDB office in Kinigi for formalities and a briefing before starting the hike.

Mount Bisoke, an active volcano in the Virunga Mountains of the Albertine Rift, rises to 3,711m above sea level, straddling the Rwanda-DRC border, with the summit located in Rwanda.

The 6-hour hike includes a 4-hour ascent to the summit and a 2-hour descent, with rewards such as a rare crater lake, mountain vegetation, and stunning views of the Virunga ranges. It is advisable to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water, as the adventure can last over 6 hours.

After returning to the starting point, the driver will take guests back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Transfer to Kigali

Kigali - In the morning, after breakfast, guests will be transferred back to Kigali city, arriving in the afternoon. Depending on departure times, they will either be taken to the airport for their flight home or dropped off at their hotel in Kigali for dinner and an overnight stay at their own expense.

END OF 11 DAYS BEST OF RWANDA SAFARI

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• International flights (from/to home), Additional
• tips, souvenirs, travel insurance
• Visa to Rwanda

On this journey, prepare to be enchanted as you encounter a variety of species, including some related to humans such as Chimpanzees. More than just animal watching, you have the opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s rich culture, interact with the locals, appreciate its natural beauty, and unwind next to the calming waters of Lake Kivu. With our expert drivers who are well-versed in both local and wildlife knowledge at Usalama Tours, we are committed to making your travel experience unforgettable.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.