12-Day Ultimate Rwanda Discovery: Wildlife, Culture & Lake Kivu Serenity

Travellers are met at Kigali International Airport by an experienced driver-guide and transferred to their lodge for check-in. The remainder of the day is left open for rest, allowing guests to settle in, adjust to Rwanda’s pleasant climate, and begin absorbing the calm rhythm of the capital city.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
Mid-Range: The Retreat by Heaven
Comfort/Budget: The Nest Kigali

The day begins with a guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a reflective understanding of Rwanda’s past and its powerful journey toward unity. Guests may explore art galleries, women-led craft cooperatives, and bustling markets that showcase the city’s creativity and warmth. A lunch stop introduces local cuisine before an afternoon drive through Kigali’s scenic neighbourhoods and viewpoints. Evening relaxation follows at the lodge.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 1.

The journey departs Kigali and heads east into the rolling savannahs of Akagera. Upon check-in, guests enjoy lunch overlooking the plains before an evening game drive introduces them to antelopes, giraffes, zebras, and predators emerging into their twilight rhythm. The sun sets across acacia silhouettes, marking a magical start to the safari experience.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Magashi Camp
Mid-Range: Akagera Game Lodge
Comfort/Budget: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Guests embark on a full-day exploration covering Akagera’s lakes, forests, and northern plains—home to elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. A picnic lunch is enjoyed in the wilderness before continuing the search for big game in the afternoon. Scenic viewpoints offer ideal moments for photography and reflection before returning to the lodge.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 3.

A morning boat safari on Lake Ihema reveals hippos, crocodiles, and abundant waterbirds. After the excursion, travellers return to Kigali for rest and dinner. The afternoon may be used for a quiet museum visit, a café stop, or relaxing at the lodge.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
Mid-Range: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Comfort/Budget: The Nest Kigali

The journey begins early, travelling through Rwanda’s dramatic southwestern landscapes—tea plantations, rolling hills, forested valleys, and rural villages that showcase everyday life. After lunch en route, guests arrive in Nyungwe Forest for check-in and an evening surrounded by the soothing sounds of the rainforest.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Comfort/Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse

The day begins before sunrise with a transfer to the chimpanzee trailhead. Rangers lead the group into Nyungwe’s deep forest, following vocal calls and rustling branches until the chimpanzee troop is located. Observing their behaviour—feeding, grooming, playing—offers remarkable insight into their intelligence and social dynamics. The afternoon is left open for rest or optional birdwatching around the lodge.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 6.

Guests enjoy a morning guided walk along the iconic Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended high above the rainforest. This experience provides breathtaking views of treetops, deep valleys, and rare bird species. A nature trail follows, where guests encounter orchids, ferns, primates, and forest butterflies. Afternoon relaxation at the lodge completes the day.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 6.

A scenic drive along the Congo–Nile Divide leads travellers to Gisenyi, where Lake Kivu’s shimmering waters stretch toward the horizon. Upon arrival, check-in is followed by leisure time along the waterfront—ideal for reading, swimming, walking, or simply absorbing the tranquil atmosphere.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Mid-Range: Paradise Kivu
Comfort/Budget: Inzu Lodge

A morning boat ride invites travellers to explore Lake Kivu’s small islands, fishing communities, and scenic bays. Optional activities such as coffee plantation tours, hot springs visits, and craft shopping may be arranged. The afternoon remains open for relaxation, sunset viewing, and lakeside dining.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 9.

After breakfast, guests travel north to Volcanoes National Park, where the dramatic Virunga Volcanoes dominate the skyline. Upon arrival, check-in is followed by optional experiences such as the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, cultural villages, or gentle nature walks before dinner.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Comfort/Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

The highlight of the journey unfolds with gorilla trekking through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes. After an immersive hour with the gorilla family, guests descend for lunch at the lodge before returning to Kigali. Time permitting, a final stop may be made for souvenirs or a farewell city meal before airport drop-off for departure.