12 Days Rwanda Community, Adventure And Gorilla Trekking Safari

Overview

This 12 Days Rwanda Community, Adventure And Gorilla Trekking Safari package actively engages you in different activities including gorilla and Canopy Walkway, game drive, boat trips, visit to the Genocide Memorial Site in Kigali and a cultural experience with the locals. It covers Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu and Kigali City.

Highlights

  1. Ellen DeGeneres Campus by Dian Fossey Fund Tour
  2. Kigali City Tour
  3. Gorilla trekking
  4. Canopy walkway
  5. Gisakura Tea Plantation Tour
  6. King’s Palace Museum visit
  7. Ethnographic Museum visit
  8. Environment Museum vist
  9. Gorilla Guardian Village Tour
  10. Game drive in Akagera National Park
  11. Boat riding in Lake Ihema

Itineraries

Day 1 : Arrival, Pick up from the Kigali International Airport & Check in

After you arrive in Kigali,  you’ll be warmly welcomed and picked up by Shalom Safaris driver guide, from the Kigali International Airport for your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, take some time to relax and unwind from your journey, enjoying the hotel amenities to recover from jet lag and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 2 : Kigali City Tour

Start your day with a city tour of Kigali, one of the Africa’s cleanest cities. Visit the Kandt House Museum to learn about Dr. Richard Kandt’s quest for the Nile River’s source, then head to the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, which details the RPF/A’s efforts to stop the 1994 genocide and rescue victims. After lunch we shall continue to Gisozi Genocide Memorial, the final resting place for over 250,000 victims, honoring more than one million Rwandans who perished. Afterwards, appreciate contemporary art at the Inema Arts Center and conclude your day with a stroll through Kimironko Market, experiencing local life and sampling snacks.

Day 3: Transfer to Musanze and Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Tour

After breakfast and check out of the hotel, transfer from Kigali to the northern part of Rwanda Musanze,  home of mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, exploring educational exhibits to learn more about gorillas that highlight the ongoing conservation efforts and community initiatives aimed at protecting gorillas.

Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

On the fourth day, experience an exhilarating day of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Guided by experienced trackers, you’ll hike through lush forests to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, creating unforgettable memories as you spend time with them. You are given a short briefing before the trek and are assigned a tracker and a family to visit. After you find them you are guaranteed an hour with them taking it all in, and capturing stunning photographs while respecting their space.

Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking, Visit Bigogwe and a transfer to Rubavu

You will start with an early morning breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for Golden Monkey Trekking. Arrive at the park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a briefing on the trek. The golden monkeys, known for their striking golden fur, are typically found in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes. The trek usually lasts between 2 to 4 hours, with a maximum of one hour spent observing these playful creatures once located. After that, you will transfer to Bigogwe, which is a touristic area renowned for it’s stunning natural beauty with lushing green pastures, rolling hills and stunning views around every corner.  Here, you can explore the surroundings and perhaps interact with local communities to learn more about their way of life. Following your visit to Bigogwe, you will continue your journey to Rubavu, where you can unwind with a sunset boat ride in Lake Kivu before calling it a day at your hotel nearby the lake.

Day 6: Lake Kivu and a visit to Hotsprings (Amashyuza)

After having breakfast, you will go to Lake Kivu, where you can enjoy a scenic boat tour to explore its stunning landscapes and nearby islands. Lake Kivu is known for its clear waters and lack of dangerous wildlife, which is perfect for relaxing and taking in the beautiful surroundings. After your boat excursion, you can spend some time at the lake, where you can swim or simply relax on the sandy shores. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Hot Springs(Amashyuza) located nearby. Here, you can soak in the natural hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. After that, you will go back to the hotel to spend one more night in Rubavu.

Day 7: Transfer from Rubavu to Karongi & Napoleon Island

Begin your day with a healthy breakfast, check out of the hotel then proceed with a scenic transfer from Rubavu to Karongi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind by Lake Kivu as you have lunch. Following that, set off on a scenic boat ride across Lake Kivu, visiting the picturesque island Napoleon, known for its rich birdlife and stunning landscapes.  Head to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 8: Transfer from Karongi to Nyungwe National Park & Ndambarare Waterfalls, Gisakura Tea Plantation

Wake up early, have breakfast then get transferred from Karongi to Nyungwe National Park which is about 2 hours drive. Once you get there you will set on a hike to Ndambarare Waterfalls, in Nyungwe National Park, where you can take in breathtaking views of the forest and spot different primates. Afterwards, visit Gisakura Tea Plantation for a guided tour, learning about tea production while strolling through lush fields. Enjoy tea tasting before returning to your accommodation to prepare for the next day’s adventure in Nyungwe National Park.

Day 9: Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe National Park

Wake up very early, grab your packed breakfast then head to the reception for briefing before a tracker leads the way to the trek to see the chimpanzees. Once found, participants can spend up to one hour observing their behaviours and social interactions. Have lunch, then pass at the park reception Uwinka for short briefing for your following adventure, from there you are given walking sticks to facilitate you on your trek to the Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe National Park, where you’ll walk high above the forest floor, enjoying breathtaking views of the forest. Afterwards, head back to your hotel to unwind and relax after your day filled with adventures.

Day 9 : Transfer to Kigali & Visit King’s Palace Museum

On today’s program, you will have a good breakfast, then check out of the hotel to get on your transfer back to Kigali. On the way, stop by the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you can tour the reconstructed royal residence and learn about Rwanda’s monarchy and traditions. Upon your arrival in Kigali, you will check in at the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10 : Transfer To Akagera National Park & Sunset boat ride in Lake Ihema

On your designated day, you’ll start with a transfer to Akagera National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema. During this scenic cruise, you’ll have the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. Your guide will provide insights into the lake’s ecosystem.

Day 11 : Full Game Drive In Akagera National Park And Transfer To Kigali

On your full-day game drive in Akagera National Park, upon the beginning of the game drive be on the look out to spot wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, lions, and various bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated area before continuing your exploration in the afternoon, focusing on different regions of the park to maximize wildlife sightings. After, the exciting day transfer back to Kigali for an overnight stay.

Day 12 : Gifts, souvenirs shopping and departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for last-minute exploration or shopping in Kigali before being transferred back to the airport for departure. Concluding the 12-day tour filled with adventure, cultural and community activities.
  • Ground transportation in a Jeep Car Vehicle
  • Soft drinks
  • Meals + Accommodation
  • Park entrance fees
  • Gorilla Permit
  • Gorilla Guardian Village entrance fee
  • Kigali sight-seeing tour
  • Service of a professional driver-guide
  • Airfares & Visa
  • Luxury drinks/Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips to local guides
  • Personal insurance and shopping
  • Umbrella
  • Entrance Fees

Tour

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