8 Days Around Rwanda Tour giving the most exciting experience of enjoying Remarkable Rwanda. This Rwanda Tour explore the most famous and spectacular parks on Rwanda including Nyungwe Forests and Volcanoes National Park with key highlights that any visitors would be excited to do. Tracking chimpanzee in Rwanda and a Canopy walk, these are unmatched encounters in Rwanda with a 3 nights stay at One & Only Nyungwe House. Fly by helicopter to Volcanoes, home to mountain Gorillas for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Bisoke Hike experience an adventure that will move your entire life and staying at One & Only Gorillas Nest Lodge is super memorable (3 Nights) before embarking on a scenic drive back to Kigali City for your out-bound flight flight back home.
A Baby Chimpanzee in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 1: Arrival Kigali Airport – Kigali City
Upon arrival for your Rwanda Tour at Kigali Kanombe Airport. Meet and greet assistance. You will be warmly welcomed by our Safari representative. Proceed to your city hotel. Tour briefing will be conducted at the hotel lobby. You have free access to the Executive lounge on first floor. Check in assistance, followed by dinner and overnight stay at KIGALI MARRIOTT HOTEL (HB – Welcome Dinner, Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Flight to Nyungwe (45 minutes scenic flight)
08h00: After early breakfast at the hotel as a kick start for your Rwanda Tour, you will check out and settle all extras. 08h30: Proceed on a city tour that will include the Kigali Genocide memorial and the Inema arts gallery. Highlight; Perhaps the city’s best known landmark, and with good reason, is the very insightful and moving Kigali Genocide Memorial standing amid beautiful rose gardens and fountains. The memorial sets out the history leading up to the genocide in Rwanda and also explains other genocides around the world. It includes poignant displays of victims’ photographs and belongings, bringing the realities of the atrocities to life. While it might seem an unusual tourist attraction and can be upsetting, it does help to put into context how and why the genocide happened and to better appreciate just how far the country has moved on together in the intervening years. It also plays a vital role in educating Rwanda’s new and future generations about the genocide. Audio visual equipment will be provided in Dutch, English or other languages spoken.
Inema Arts Center spurs creativity for personal, social, and economic growth. Here, you will witness the use of creative expression to bring the community and country alive. 12h30: Lunch will be at the Pilipili restaurant.
14h00: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your scenic helicopter flight to NYUNGWE FOREST National Park, departing at 15h00. Where the largest montane forest East and Central Africa is found. The heart of Nyungwe Forest is like a scene from a fairy tale. Tall old mahoganies, ebonies and giant tree ferns tower above you, whilst orchids and other epiphytes cling to every branch. Brightly coloured birds flit around, butterflies are everywhere, and walking quietly you may even encounter larger forest residents, including a variety of primates for which Nyungwe National Park is renowned.
15h45: Land at the lodge helipad, met by our driver guide and transfer to the lodge (10 minutes) where you will be assisted with check in.
Afternoon at leisure to relax or take part in one of the complimentary activities offered e.g. Boot camp spear throwing, Conservation Walk, Umuganda Community Participation, Exploring by bicycle or Nyungwe Nocturnal walk. Dinner and overnight stay at ONE & ONLY NYUNGWE HOUSE (All Inclusive- Lunch, Dinner, Bed and breakfast, a selection of drink)
Day 3: Nyungwe Chimpanzee & Canopy Walk – Rwanda Tour
Today of your Rwanda Tour starts at 05h00 you will get your packed breakfast and drive to the park headquarters for chimpanzee trek briefing and formalities and then to the evergreen forest for a great experience that starts at 06h00. You may spot a wide variety of bird life.
Dashing at high speed through the flora, hooting and clanging – it’s a truly exhilarating experience to encounter chimpanzees playing, wild and free. Home to one of East Africa’s last intact chimpanzee populations, Nyungwe is an ideal place to observe chimps in their natural habitat. Most active in the morning, an early rise is required for maximum viewing opportunity, and a beautifully prepared breakfast will be enjoyed ‘on the go’. Allow experienced, expert trackers to guide you on a deep forest trail, learning about these fascinating creatures and the enchanting forest they call home.
Return to the lodge at around 11h00. 12h30: Have an early lunch. We will transfer you to the park headquarters for canopy walk briefing that takes place at 14h00. Your guided canopy walk will start at 15h00.
Experience the rainforest from a dazzling new perspective – on the famous Canopy Walkway. The only walk of its kind in East Africa, this breathtaking construction hangs 60 metres above the forest floor between giant trees and towers, revealing a stunning view of the flora and fauna, both below and above. An iconic experience, not to be missed! Return to the lodge later in the evening. We will have a traditional tea ceremony. Dinner and Overnight stay at ONE & ONLY NYUNGWE HOUSE (All Inclusive- Lunch, Dinner, Bed and breakfast, a selection of drinks)
Day 4: Nyungwe Leisure at the Lodge – Part of Rwanda Tour
Today you will be at leisure to relax or take part in one of the complimentary activities offered e.g. Boot camp spear throwing, Conservation Walk, Umuganda Community Participation, Exploring by bicycle or Nyungwe Nocturnal walk. Saddle up and explore the beautiful surrounds of the property, with the breeze in your hair, at a pace that suits you. There’s a few hills around and some dirt track riding, but let your friendly guide know and he/she can tailor the journey to your comfort levels.
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Discover the incredible history and geography of the property on a walking tour tailored to your pace and abilities. From the furry and feathered neighbors, and where best to spot them, to tales of the unique landscape, your guide will share stories that add a whole new dimension to your connection with this awe-inspiring corner of the planet.
Meals and overnight stay at ONE & ONLY NYUNGWE HOUSE (All Inclusive- Lunch, Dinner, Bed and breakfast, a selection of drinks)
Day 5: Nyungwe – Flight to Musanze & Volcanoes National Park (45 Minutes flight)
Have a leisurely breakfast at the lodge. Check out and settle any extras. 10h00: Transfer to the helipad for your helicopter flight to MUSANZE & VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, departing at 10h15.
Rwanda is also known as the Land of a Thousand Hills because most of the country is covered by rolling, grassy hills. The Karisimbi Volcano (4,519 m high) in the Virunga Mountains, is the highest point in Rwanda. On a clear day, you will be able to see these as you near your destination.
11h00: Land at One and Only Gorilla’ Nest Lodge helipad. Met and assisted with check in. Later, you will have a sumptuous lunch at the lodge’s dining area. This afternoon at 15h00– You will visit the Gorilla guardian’s village for a cultural experience
Ibyi Iwacu is changing the traditional perception of what constitutes tourism by turning fate into fame through sharing various aspects of rural cultures and livelihoods into tourist attractions and creating income-generating activities for rural poor people that have reformed from living on bush meat and poaching for generations.
17h00: Return to the lodge. Evening will be at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay at ONE & ONLY GORILLA’S NEST LODGE (All Inclusive- Lunch, Dinner, Bed and breakfast, a selection of drinks)
Day 6: Volcanoes National Park (Bisoke Hike)
06h00: After an early breakfast at the lodge, transfer to the park headquarters for briefing at 07h00. The hike begins at 08h00. The mountain Bisoke adventure is one of the most memorable activities in Rwanda. The top of this Volcano has a spectacular crater lake. It is simply a 6 – hours hike including the 2 hours descending down to the starting point. Experienced hikers can get to the top of this mountain in a matter of 3 hours or even less and return to the base in about an hour.
The park rangers are usually natives of the Volcanoes national park vicinity and thus very knowledgeable about the mountain adventures. You will be assigned porters to carry your baggage. You will be provided the hiking gear. Picnic lunch and water. Return to the lodge late in the afternoon for freshening up and much needed rest as you prepare to face the gentle giants on the next day. Dinner and overnight stay at ONE & ONLY GORILLA’S NEST LODGE (All Inclusive- Lunch, Dinner, Bed and breakfast, a selection of drinks)
Day 7: Volcanoes National Park (Gorilla Trek)
06h30: After an early breakfast at the lodge, proceed to the park headquarters in time for Gorilla Trek briefing at 07h00. We will then transfer you to the trail head of your guided walk that begins at 08h00.
Volcanoes National Park is the Rwandan section of the great volcanic massif called the Virunga Mountains that straddles the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC. The massif covers a huge area of over 8,000km², encompassing six active and three extinct volcanoes.
A closer look at a giant Silverback Mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park, part of the Rwanda Tour
There is no other wildlife experience quite like an encounter with mountain gorillas. That precious hour spent in their company – watching the group playing, sulking, teasing each other, eating, or dozing just like we do – is extraordinary. And the gorilla tracking safaris in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are among the best in Africa.
After this memorable experience, you will return to the lodge for lunch. This afternoon will be at leisure to have much needed rest. Dinner and overnight at ONE & ONLY GORILLA’S NEST LODGE (All Inclusive- Lunch, Dinner, Bed and breakfast, a selection of drinks)
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali (02h30 drive) – Depart
Breakfast at the lodge and check out at 10h00. Have a leisurely scenic drive to KIGALI. Arrive in time for lunch at the Sole Luna Restaurant. This afternoon, tour the local market of Kimironko. It has a lovely kaleidoscope of colors.
East Africa is known for its buzzing, colorful, and distinctive markets, and Rwanda is no exception. Kimironko Market, located in the Kimironko neighborhood of Kigali, is the busiest market in town. Vendors here sell produce from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while locals from all over the city head here to stock up on fruit, vegetables, fabric, clothing, shoes, and general household necessities. This is the place to experience Rwanda at its liveliest.
If time permits, you will visit Kaplaki to see local artisans art work and in their element. 17h30: Transfer to Kigali International Airport. 17h45: Arrive and bid farewell to your driver guide and proceed to check in for flight back home.
Wishing you an excellent Rwanda Tour!
Inclusions of 8 Days Around Rwanda Tour
- Meet and greet assistance on arrival
- Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day
- Accommodation at the Kigali Marriot Hotel on Half board basis
- All activities, visits, entrances and extra meals/drinks mentioned in the itinerary
- One & Only Nyungwe House includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, minibar, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic house beverages with meals and two activities per person per day (as defined by the Resort and subject to change without notice).
- One & Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, minibar, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic house beverages with meals
- Exclusive use of a private safari land cruiser 4×4 with WI-FI in receptive areas
- Services of a professional, experienced English speaking driver guide
- Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
- Helicopter transfers from Kigali – Nyungwe + Nyungwe -Musanze (taxes included
Terms and Conditions - The maximum weight allowed will change depending on your destination altitude, the higher the altitude the lighter the weight
We will need the precise weight of passengers beforehand and will advise the weight that is permitted for their journey
There can be cancellations and change of flight times due to adverse weather conditions - 1 chimp trek permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 90.-)
- 1 Canopy walk permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 60.-)
- 1 Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 1500.-)
- Our assistance
Exclusions of 8 Days Around Rwanda Tour
- International and domestic airline tickets unless where indicated,
- Entry visa fees,
- Optional extras whilst in Kigali
- Drinks throughout the trip,
- Tips and gratuities,
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls, mini bar, porter-age, travel insurance, etc.
Gorilla permit note: Once permit is bought, it cannot be refunded or inter-changed. Before confirming the tour, please ensure that you request for availability of permits based on the number of participants because there are only 96 permits issued per day.