Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet-and-greet assistance is provided, followed by a private transfer to the hotel. After check-in and a short rest, a guided city orientation is conducted in Kigali, offering an introductory perspective on Rwanda’s modern capital. Key city viewpoints and cultural neighborhoods are explored at a relaxed pace, allowing the atmosphere of the city to be absorbed without fatigue.

A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is included to provide historical grounding and respectful reflection, offering essential context to Rwanda’s national journey and reconciliation process. Dinner is arranged at the hotel or a selected restaurant, and the evening is reserved for rest.

Accommodation options (Kigali):
Mid-range: Hotel des Mille Collines
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel or The Retreat by Heaven

After breakfast, a more in-depth Kigali city tour is conducted. Visits are made to local craft centers, cultural markets, and creative hubs where contemporary Rwandan art and entrepreneurship are expressed. Time is allocated for guided interactions that highlight daily life, innovation, and the role of culture in Rwanda’s economic growth.

Lunch is served at a carefully selected local restaurant, followed by a relaxed afternoon. Optional café visits or short neighborhood walks may be included depending on interest. The evening remains at leisure, allowing preparation for the transition into Rwanda’s rural landscapes.

Accommodation: Same as Day 1

Following breakfast, departure is scheduled for northern Rwanda with a scenic drive toward the Volcanoes region. The route passes through cultivated hills, rural villages, and terraced farmland, offering insight into Rwanda’s agricultural backbone and community structure.

Arrival near Volcanoes National Park is planned for lunchtime. After check-in, the afternoon is intentionally unhurried. A detailed briefing on gorilla trekking procedures, conservation ethics, and safety protocols is provided by the guide. The day concludes with dinner and overnight stay overlooking the Virunga volcanoes.

Accommodation options (Volcanoes area):
Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Bisate Lodge

An early morning departure is arranged for transfer to the park headquarters for registration and ranger briefing. Trekking groups are assigned based on fitness levels and gorilla family locations to ensure responsible visitation.

The trek proceeds through bamboo forest and montane vegetation, guided by experienced rangers and trackers. Trek duration varies depending on gorilla movements. Once contact is made, a strictly regulated one-hour observation period is permitted, during which natural gorilla behavior is observed under controlled conditions.

After the trek, return to the lodge is arranged for lunch and rest. The afternoon remains flexible, allowing relaxation or light cultural interaction near the lodge. Dinner and overnight stay follow.

Accommodation: Same as Day 3

After breakfast, the day is dedicated to cultural engagement in the Volcanoes region. A guided visit to community initiatives such as Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village is arranged, where traditional music, dance, storytelling, and rural livelihoods are presented in an authentic and educational manner.

The experience offers insight into how conservation-linked tourism has transformed local livelihoods and strengthened cultural pride. Lunch is arranged locally, followed by a relaxed afternoon at the lodge. The evening is spent at leisure.

Accommodation: Same as Day 3

Following breakfast, departure is scheduled for western Rwanda with a scenic drive toward Lake Kivu. The journey passes through rolling hills and tea-growing regions, showcasing Rwanda’s scenic diversity.

Upon arrival at Lake Kivu, lunch is served at the lodge. The afternoon is reserved for lakeside relaxation, optional boat rides, or guided walks along the shoreline. The slower pace allows recovery after trekking while providing exposure to Rwanda’s lakeside culture. Dinner and overnight stay are provided.

Accommodation options (Lake Kivu):
Mid-range: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Luxury: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel

After breakfast, departure is scheduled for the return journey to Kigali. En route, stops may be made at artisan centers and local markets, where traditional crafts such as basket weaving and pottery are showcased. These interactions provide further cultural depth and support local producers.

Arrival in Kigali is planned for the afternoon, followed by hotel check-in. A farewell dinner may be arranged to mark the conclusion of the journey.

Accommodation options (Kigali):
Mid-range: Hotel des Mille Collines
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel

After breakfast, a private transfer is arranged to Kigali International Airport for onward travel. Assistance is provided as needed, concluding the safari and cultural journey.