Itinerary
- Day 1
Kigali to Akagera National Park
Your driver picks you up from Kigali and takes you to Akagera National Park, where you'll settle into your lodge and get comfortable. Later in the afternoon, you head out on the water for a boat trip across Lake Ihema. Keep your eyes open for hippos lounging in the shallows and crocodiles sunbathing on the banks. It's a relaxing way to ease into your wildlife experience and see the park from a different angle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Boat trip on Lake Ihema to watch hippos and crocodiles
Landmarks/POIs Akagera National Park Lake Ihema - Day 2
Akagera National Park
Start early before sunrise and climb into an open-roofed vehicle for a game drive through Akagera. You'll scan the savanna for elephants, buffalo, lions, giraffes, and other wildlife as the day wakes up. Grab lunch back at the lodge to cool off during the heat of the afternoon. After eating, you head back out for an evening game drive when animals become more active again. Return to your lodge as the sun sets and have dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Full-day game drive in open-roofed vehicle
- Evening game drive
Landmarks/POIs Akagera National Park - Day 3
Akagera to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, your driver takes you from Akagera toward Volcanoes National Park, a drive that takes several hours through the Rwandan countryside. Once you arrive and settle in, the evening brings a visit to Iby'lwacu cultural village where you can interact with locals and learn about traditional Rwandan life, customs, and daily routines from the people who live there.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Iby'lwacu cultural village
Landmarks/POIs Volcanoes National Park Iby'lwacu cultural village - Day 4
Mount Bisoke Hike
You'll report to the Volcanoes National Park office at 7am for a ranger briefing about Mount Bisoke and the day ahead. After the briefing, it's about a 30 minute drive to the trailhead at the base of the mountain. From there, you hike Mount Bisoke while your ranger shares stories about Dian Fossey's groundbreaking work with mountain gorillas in this region. Walking sticks are provided free, and if your legs need support, you can hire local porters to help you up the volcanic slopes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mount Bisoke hike with ranger guides
Optional Activities
- Porter service to carry bags and provide support during hike
Landmarks/POIs Mount Bisoke Karisoke Research Center Mount Karisimbi - Day 5
Golden Monkey Trek
After breakfast, you head to park headquarters to start the Golden Monkey Trek, which is typically an easy walk lasting between 1 and 2 hours. You'll track these rare primates through the forest with a ranger. Once you finish, you move on to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, a research center focused on gorilla conservation and scientific study in the region.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Golden Monkey Trek
- Visit Ellen DeGeneres Campus of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Landmarks/POIs Volcanoes National Park Ellen DeGeneres Campus - Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund - Day 6
Lake Kivu Hot Springs Experience
You check out of your accommodation after having breakfast, then head to Lake Kivu for a boat trip. The water is warm from geothermal hot springs that feed into the lake, creating a unique experience where you can relax on the water and enjoy the natural warmth while taking in the landscape around you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Boat trip on Lake Kivu
- Hot springs experience
Landmarks/POIs Lake Kivu - Day 7
Kigali City Tour
Your driver transfers you back to Kigali for a full day of city exploration. You'll visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand the country's recent history, then check out Inema Arts Center to see contemporary local art. From there, you wander through Kimironko Market where vendors sell fresh produce, crafts, and goods. Later, you head to Umusambi Village to see cranes and birds in their natural setting, stop by Camp Kigali Memorial, and tour the Kandt House, a historic residence. You finish the day at Nyamirambo Women Center, which showcases local women's cooperatives and their work.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Inema Arts Center
- Kimironko Market - local shopping experience
- Umusambi Village - cranes and bird species viewing
- Camp Kigali Memorial
- Kandt House
- Nyamirambo Women Center
Landmarks/POIs Kigali Genocide Memorial Inema Arts Center Kimironko Market Umusambi Village Camp Kigali Memorial Kandt House Nyamirambo Women Center
