BEST OF RWANDA
11 DAYS/10 NIGHTS | FULL BOARD | MAX. 6 GUESTS | FROM £7,995
OVERVIEW
Rwanda is a small, stunning landlocked country located in the heart of Africa. It sits in the Great Rift Valley, where the African Great Lakes and East Africa meet. Though dwarfed by neighbors like Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the "Land of a Thousand Hills" is one of Africa’s most biodiverse nations, thanks to its varied biomes.
Of all the remarkable species that call Rwanda home, it’s the endangered mountain gorillas that draw most wildlife lovers. Only around 1,000 remain in the wild, and none exist in zoos or sanctuaries. Rwanda is one of just three countries where they live. The country is also rich in other primates like chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and colobus monkeys, and is a birdwatcher's paradise with 703 recorded species. Conservation efforts have been impressive, reintroducing lions and black rhinos to Akagera National Park, restoring its Big 5 status, and protecting rare species like the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport
Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to the Kigali Marriott Hotel, where you can relax and freshen up. Afterward, your tour leader will meet you for a briefing and to answer any questions. In the afternoon, enjoy a short evening tour of Kigali, followed by a delicious dinner featuring traditional Rwandan cuisine at one of the city's top restaurants.
Days 2 & 3: Akagera National Park
On your first full day, head to Akagera National Park, home to Africa’s Big 5. Start with a half-day game drive, capturing the park's diverse flora and fauna before enjoying lunch by one of its lakes. In the afternoon, take a boat ride with chances to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and the shoebill stork. After some relaxation, enjoy a campfire dinner. The day ends with a night drive to spot nocturnal species like leopards and aardvarks. Day three offers another full day of game drives.
Days 4, 5 & 6: Musanze - Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Akagera in a luxury SUV for Gisenyi. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch by Lake Kivu before checking into the Palm Beach Resort. The next morning, head to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable trek to see the majestic mountain gorillas. In the afternoon, explore Rwandan culture on a tour of Kinigi. The following day, rise early for a trek to spot the elusive golden monkeys, another of Rwanda’s rare primates.
Day 7: Gisenyi - Lake Kivu - Congo Nile Trail
In the morning you will take a hike along the Congo Nile trail where you’ll have the chance to spot some of Rwanda’s most glorious birdlife. You’ll then take a boat ride to the Kinunu coffee plantation to enjoy some of the local roasts and learn about one of the nation’s largest exports. The day will end with a delicious feast at Paradise Island before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Days 8, 9 & 10: Nyungwe National Park
The final destination of the tour is Nyungwe National Park, renowned for its biodiversity, including 13 primate species and many endemic animals. On the first day, you’ll travel from Gisenyi to Nyungwe, with plenty of photo opportunities along the scenic route. The next morning, trek with chimpanzees and visit the famous waterfall. On your final day, enjoy stunning views from the park’s canopy walk before visiting the Murambi Genocide Memorial and making the journey back to Kigali.
Day 11: Departure
You will have some free time to explore the capital city before being transferred from your hotel to Kigali International Airport in time to make your flight back home.
ACCOMMODATION
Kigali - Kigali Marriott Hotel
Akagera National Park - Rusizi Tented Lodge
Gisenyi - Palm Beach Resort
Nyungwe National Park - Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
INCLUDED
Airport transfers
Transportation
Expert guide
Accommodation
Meals & soft drinks
Park fees and permits
NOT INCLUDED
International flights
Visa
Personal medical insurance
Laundry service
Alcoholic beverages
Tips
OUR VALUES
As a responsible tour operator, we respect the natural environment, and the welfare of wildlife will always come first. We abide by guidelines that make sure the animals are not disturbed or impeded by our presence.
RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS
The reservation is considered formalised with the deposit payment of 30% of the tour price. Final payment must be made 30 days before the departure date of the trip.
We accept the following payment method: Bank transfer
TRAVEL CONTRACT
When the reservation is considered formalised (payment in deposit), we will send a travel contract for you to return signed.
CANCELLATION POLICY
A deposit of 30% of the total cost is applied if the booking is made more than 30 days before the trip. For the bookings made less than 30 days before the trip, the price is charged in full amount.
The following penalties will be applied if the trip is canceled by the traveler:
30 days or more before the trip: Loss of deposit
15-29 days before the trip: 50%* of total trip cost
7-14 days before the trip: 75%* of the total trip cost
Less than 7 days before the trip: 100%* of the total trip cost
If the cancellation is made by the company, all payments will be refunded.
*Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking permits are excluded from the percentages above and are 100%-non-refundable
FINANCIAL PROTECTION
The payment for this tour is made through Go Discover Africa meaning you have the financial protection of booking through a registered tour operator. Please download our terms and conditions here.
BOOKINGS
Our tour groups are small, allowing for a maximum of 6 participants so space is very limited.
For inquiries about this incredible experience, please fill out the contact form below.