11 Days Rwanda Nature and Culture Safaris.

11 Days Nature and Culture Safaris Rwanda

Rwanda Nature and culture safaris holiday for 11 days is a private, customized tour, you stay at the Hotel Mille Collines in Kigali, where Paul Rusesabagina saved 1268 people from the genocide in 1994. Take a visit to Nyungwe Forest, with its vicissitude of primates and birds; enjoy Lake Kivu; and get two opportunities to spend time amongst the gorillas.

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Upon arrival in Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our tour guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

Day 2: Go for a city tour of Kigali In the morning, visiting the Genocide Memorial Centre, Kimironko Market and the craft villages of Nyamirambo.

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park after breakfast which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Day 4: Go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, which can take anywhere from 2-6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking.

Day 5: Visit Iby’Iwacu cultural village after breakfast to learn about the traditional way of life of the Rwandan people.

Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park after breakfast which is home to the largest remaining montane rainforest in Africa.

Day 7: Embark on chimpanzee trekking safari in Nyungwe National Park, where you will observe these primates in their natural habitat.

Day 8: You will go on a canopy walk in the Nyungwe Forest, followed by a nature walk to spot various species of birds and primates.

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes known for its beautiful scenery and stunning sunsets.

Day 10: Take a boat tour of Lake Kivu, stopping at different islands and fishing villages along the way.

Day 11: Departure from Kigali International Airport and end of trip

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali Airport Rwanda for Nature and Culture Safari

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our tour guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you may have a city tour of Kigali to visit the Genocide Memorial Center, Kimironko Market, and the craft villages of Nyamirambo.

You will be taken to Hotel Mille Collines to stay overnight, breakfast included. During the day, you will be taken on a guided city tour of Kigali and also have the opportunity to change money and relax by the hotel pool. Kigali is a small capital city built on a hillside with less landmark buildings. The city tour takes a couple of hours and includes; the new handicraft village and other shops, the Batwa pottery the old town (Nyamirambo) and Muslim quarter, a dance centre and hotel Milles Collines which is a famous sanctuary that saved many hundreds of people during the 1994 genocide. At the moment, it is largely unchanged with a super pool and rooftop restaurant, and is soon to become internationally renowned with a featured film, ‘Hotel Rwanda’, which was set in the hotel during those terrible times.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour Rwanda-Nature and Culture city

After breakfast, you will start your day with a city tour of Kigali. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which is a permanent exhibition that serves as a reminder of the tragic 1994 genocide. You will then visit other attractions in Kigali such as the Kimironko Market, where you can experience the local way of life, and the craft villages of Nyamirambo, where you can see traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

Budget:

1. Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
2. Five to Five Hotel
3. Hotel Chez Lando

Mid-Range:

1. Heaven Boutique Hotel
2. Hotel des Mille Collines
3. Kigali Serena Hotel

Luxury:

1. Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre
2. Kigali Marriott Hotel
3. The Retreat at Heaven.

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking

After breakfast, you will embark on a journey to the Volcanoes National Park. This park is located in the northwest of Rwanda and is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes about 2-3 hours, and you will arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. Have enough rest at your lodge as you prepare for the grueling trekking trip the next day. 

Budget:

1. a) Kinigi Guest House
2. b) Muhabura Hotel
3. c) Amahoro Guest House

Mid-range:

1. a) Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel
2. b) La Palme Hotel
3. c) Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Luxury:

1. a) Bisate Lodge
2. b) Virunga Lodge
3. c) Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 4: Make an early start for the 2-hour drive to Kinigi at the Parc National Des Volcans for the first gorilla Trek

Have break fast early in the morning and arrive early On at 0700 hrs, where you will be meet and briefed by park rangers from ORTPN Park Headquarters, you will be given instructions on the conduct during gorilla tracking. The trackers will then lead you into the forested slopes to seek one of the groups of Mountain Gorillas. Reaching the gorillas is unpredictable but if you are lucky enough, it can take a few hours. The visibility of the volcanic mountains, is best in the rainy season (November short rains), otherwise the mountains can be obscured by haze. Return for lunch at the Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, then In the afternoon, visit the panoramic twin volcanic lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. 

About the lodges:

Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge is a reasonably modern lodge of fifty rooms in double chalets grouped around a central garden area in a nice wooded location. Rooms are variable, comfortable but with a close fitting. Apart from the two VIP rooms. There is a lively restaurant and bar, the food is variable but can be good here. The lodge is right by the trail head for gorilla trekking.

PNV Volcanoes Lodge is the alternative, an upmarket lodge built in a stunning position atop a hillside with a splendid view over the twin volcano lakes. Check the brick chalets and executive advanced environmentally sound technology. It is really the best accommodation in Rwanda but it has three drawbacks: it is expensive, compared with Gorillas Nest; it is high up at 2200 metres and quite exposed, never the less it takes an hour to drive to the gorilla trail head from the lodge and this makes it recommendable. Dinner and over night will be at your chosen place

Budget:

1. a) Kinigi Guest House
2. b) Muhabura Hotel
3. c) Amahoro Guest House

Mid-range:

1. a) Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel
2. b) La Palme Hotel
3. c) Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Luxury:

1. a) Bisate Lodge
2. b) Virunga Lodge
3. c) Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking at Volcanoes National Park

Go for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, after an early morning breakfast, where you will be briefed by the rangers at the park headquarters about what you will expect on the gorilla trekking trip. You will then be divided into groups of eight and allocated a gorilla family to trek. The trek can take anywhere from 2-6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family you are tracking. Once you find the gorillas, you will have a maximum of one hour to observe them and take photos.

Dinner and overnight at your accommodation

Budget:

1. a) Kinigi Guest House
2. b) Muhabura Hotel
3. c) Amahoro Guest House

Mid-range:

1. a) Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel
2. b) La Palme Hotel
3. c) Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Luxury:

1. a) Bisate Lodge
2. b) Virunga Lodge
3. c) Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 6: Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

After breakfast, you will visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about the traditional way of life of the Rwandan people. This village is located just outside Volcanoes National Park and is run by former poachers who have turned to conservation and tourism. You will see traditional dances, music performances and participate in other cultural activities.

Budget:

1. a) Kinigi Guest House
2. b) Muhabura Hotel
3. c) Amahoro Guest House

Mid-range:

1. a) Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel
2. b) La Palme Hotel
3. c) Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Luxury:

1. a) Bisate Lodge
2. b) Virunga Lodge
3. c) Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, you will depart from Volcanoes National Park and drive to Nyungwe National Park, located in the southwest of Rwanda. Nyungwe National Park is home to the largest remaining montane rainforest in Africa, and is famous for its primates, birds and butterflies.

The National Park is also a biodiverse and ecologically significant protected area that offers a range of natural wonders and wildlife experiences. Here are some of the things you can expect to see and do when visiting Nyungwe National Park on this day:

1. Birdwatching: Nyungwe is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 bird species, including many endemic and rare ones. Birdwatching tours can be organized to spot colorful and diverse avian species.

2. Hiking and Trekking: The park has a network of well-maintained trails that allow you to explore the forest on foot. You can choose from a variety of hikes, from short and easy walks to more challenging treks.

3. Waterfalls: Nyungwe is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including the Ngabwe Waterfall. Hiking to these waterfalls provides an opportunity to enjoy the lush surroundings and cool off in natural pools.

4. Flora: The park boasts rich and diverse plant life, including various species of orchids, ferns, and other tropical vegetation. The forest canopy is also home to a variety of epiphytic plants.

5. Wildlife: In addition to primates, Nyungwe is home to various other wildlife species, including forest elephants, leopards, duikers, and more. While these animals are generally elusive, you might be lucky enough to spot them during your visit.

6. Cultural Experiences: Nyungwe is not just about nature; it also offers cultural experiences. You can visit nearby villages and communities to learn about the local culture and traditions.

7. Research and Conservation: The park is actively involved in research and conservation efforts. Visitors may have the opportunity to learn about these initiatives and how they contribute to the preservation of the park’s biodiversity.

8. Stunning Scenery: Nyungwe National Park is situated in the Albertine Rift Valley and offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and the surrounding landscape.

Nyungwe National Park is a dense forest and can be challenging to navigate on your own, hence out tour guide can enhance your experience by providing insights into the wildlife and ecology of the area. Additionally, please check the park’s rules and regulations to ensure you have a safe and responsible visit.

Dinner and overnight at your accommodation

Budget:

1. Gisakura Guesthouse
2. Emeraude Kivu Resort
3. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-range:

1. Nyungwe Forest Lodge
2. One&Only Nyungwe House
3. Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge

Luxury:

1. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
2. Nyungwe House, a Mantis Collection Hotel
3. One Nature Nyungwe House

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park

After early morning breakfast you will then go for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park. You will be briefed by the park rangers before setting out to look for the chimpanzees. The trek can take between 2-4 hours, and you will spend one hour observing the chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

Budget:

1. Gisakura Guesthouse
2. Emeraude Kivu Resort
3. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-range:

1. Nyungwe Forest Lodge
2. One&Only Nyungwe House
3. Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge

Luxury:

1. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
2. Nyungwe House, a Mantis Collection Hotel
3. One Nature Nyungwe House

Day 9: Canopy Walk and Nature Walk in Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, you will go on a canopy walk in the Nyungwe Forest. The canopy walk is suspended 50 meters above the forest floor and offers breathtaking views of the forest canopy. After the canopy walk, you will go on a nature walk to spot various species of birds and primates.

Dinner and overnight at your lodge

Budget:

1. Gisakura Guesthouse
2. Emeraude Kivu Resort
3. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-range:

1. Nyungwe Forest Lodge
2. One&Only Nyungwe House
3. Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge

Luxury:

1. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
2. Nyungwe House, a Mantis Collection Hotel
3. One Nature Nyungwe House

Day 10: Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, you will transfer to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes known for its beautiful scenery and stunning sunsets. The drive from Nyungwe National Park to Lake Kivu takes about 4 hours, and you will arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. You will also be able to visit the near by communities in and around the community to get to understand there way of life i.e culture, food and art and crafts, then in the evening return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay

Budget:

1. Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach
2. Home Saint Jean
3. Centre Pastoral Notre Dame de Fatima

Mid-range:

1. Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
2. Palm Beach Resort & Spa
3. Inzozi Beach Hotel

Luxury:

1. Lake Kivu Marriott Hotel
2. Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
3. Cormoran Lodge

Day 11 Depart for Kigali and end of 11 Days Rwanda Nature and Culture Safaris Tour

After break fast, transfer to Kigali international airport and connect with your flight back home and end of 11 Days Rwanda Nature and Culture Safaris.