Rwanda is popular among tourists for its mountain gorillas, which are a major draw for visitors looking to go on a gorilla trekking safari. The country is also known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Virunga Mountains and Lake Kivu, as well as its rich culture and history. Kigali is also home to many different artistic and educational places such as the kigali Genocide memorial and the Inema Arts Center.
After you arrive and are picked up by one of our professional guides, we will drive to Ruhengeri where we will stay for the night. The journey to Ruhengeri takes about three hours and passes through the scenic rolling hills and lush landscapes of northwestern Rwanda. Ruhengeri is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and forests, making it a great place for outdoor activities. Depending on our arrival time we may have the opportunity to do some activities. Some of these include visiting the Musanze Caves, hiking, or mountain biking. These caves were once used as hideouts by Rwandan rebels and are now a popular tourist attraction. You can take guided tours through the caves and learn about their history. Dinner will be provided at the accommodation in Ruhengeri.
On the second day, we will embark on a journey to track Gorillas in the Virunga Mountains in Volcanos National park. After a briefing on the trekking procedures, we will set off into the mountains and spend time with the gorillas once they are located. These animals are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease, and there are currently only about 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild. The trek can take up to eight hours and can be challenging, but the experience of seeing these primates in the wild is well worth the time and effort. In the evening, we will have dinner and relax at a lodge or tented camp outside the park.
We will start our day with breakfast at our accommodation from the night before and then begin our journey. Today, we will be tracking fascinating golden monkeys in Volcano National Park. Known for their bright golden-orange fur, these monkeys are social animals and live in groups of about 30, and are led by an alpha male. After spending time observing the monkeys and experiencing the beautiful scenery the park has to offer, we will return to Kigali for dinner and our overnight accommodation.
We will start the day with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, a poignant tribute to the victims of the Rwandan genocide of 1994. The memorial features exhibits and artifacts that help visitors understand the events leading up to and during the genocide, as well as its aftermath. After we visit the memorial, we will head to the Nyamirambo neighborhood for a stroll through the bustling streets and markets. This lively area is known for its vibrant street art and small artisanal shops. For lunch, we will try some local Rwandan cuisine at one of the many highly acclaimed restaurants in the city. Some popular dishes to try include brochettes (grilled skewers of meat), chapati (flatbread), and matoke (mashed plantains). After lunch, we will visit the Inema Art Centre, a contemporary art gallery that showcases the work of local artists and the two founders Innocent Nkurunziza and Emmanuel Nkuranga. The gallery also offers art classes and workshops for visitors. Finish the day with a visit to the Kigali Crafts Market, where you can browse a wide selection of handmade crafts and souvenirs made by local artisans. After an active day, you will have the option to either make accommodation arrangements for an extra night or be shuttled to the airport by your guide.
If you have questions about any aspect of an itinerary, don’t hesitate to ask. Customization is our specialty.
