7-Day Highlights of Rwanda

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be met and transferred to Hemingways Heaven Retreat for your first night on a bed and breakfast basis. Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring Rwanda’s vibrant capital, where you can visit bustling local markets or the Caplaki Craft Co-operative. This creative hub features local artisans selling unique handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and traditional masks. It is a sophisticated and unhurried start to your Rwandan adventure, offering a beautiful introduction to the city's rich cultural heritage.

Main Destination:

Kigali

Accommodation:

Heaven Boutique Hotel

Mid-range hotel located in Kigali

Meals & Drinks:

Meals at own expense

Drinks not included

After breakfast, you’ll be driven through spectacular scenery to Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda’s mountainous southwest. The rain forest within the park is home to chimpanzees and monkeys, plus an abundance of birdlife and butterflies. Accommodation upgrades are optional at an extra cost.

Main Destination:

Nyungwe Forest National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps)

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast & dinner (Lunch not included)

Drinks not included

Embark on a guided trek through the ancient Nyungwe National Park to track chimpanzees in their natural habitat. This included experience offers a thrilling encounter with our closest relatives as they swing through the high canopy. Your time in the park is otherwise flexible, with optional adventures such as the 200-meter-long Canopy Walkway, guided bird and forest walks, or an exhilarating zipline.

Main Destination:

Nyungwe Forest National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps)

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Drinks not included

Today, you’ll depart Nyungwe and head to your next accommodation which is located on the white sandy shores of Lake Kivu. Here you can relax on the stunning palm-fringed beaches, kayak on the calm waters of the lake, take a boat tour to the nearby islands or coffee and banana plantations. You can also hike in the surrounding hills or visit Imbabazi Orphanage. Accommodation upgrades are optional at an extra cost.

Main Destination:

Lake Kivu

Accommodation:

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Luxury hotel located at Lake Kivu

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Drinks not included

After a hearty breakfast at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, you’ll be driven from Lake Kivu to Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park), which is roughly a four hour drive passing through breathtaking scenery. On arrival at your accommodation, you’ll have a briefing about tomorrow’s gorilla trek. Optional accommodation upgrades are at an extra cost.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Drinks not included

Following an early breakfast, venture into Parc National des Volcans for your gorilla trek. Guided by expert trackers, you’ll journey through the verdant foothills of the Virungas to find your assigned family. Whether the trek is brief or a longer expedition, the reward is a profound and intimate hour spent just meters from these gentle giants. Watching them interact under the silverback's watchful gaze is a humbling experience. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon to relax and reflect on this life-changing wildlife encounter. Optional accommodation upgrades are at an extra cost.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

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

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included

Drinks not included

On this morning, you’ll be driven back to Kigali, where you’ll have an opportunity to visit the Genocide Memorial and Education Centre which is a permanent memorial to those who were killed during the 1994 genocide. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Main Destination:

Kigali

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)

Drinks not included