12 Days Rwanda Community, Adventure And Gorilla Trekking Safari

Overview

Experience the ultimate adventure with our 12-Days Rwanda Community, Adventure and Gorilla Trekking Safari. This immersive journey offers a blend of thrilling activities, from tracking gorillas and exploring the Canopy Walkway, scenic boat trips, and visit Kigali Genocide Memorial. You will also engage with local communities, discovering Rwanda rich culture. The destinations include Ellen DeGeneres , Volcanoes National Park, Ibere rya Bigogwe, Napoleon Island, King’s Palace Museum, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu. Providing unforgettable exploration of Rwanda natural beauty and history.

Highlights

  • Kigali City Tour
  • Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit
  • Ellen DeGeneres Campus by Dian Fossey Fund Tour
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Canopy Walkway
  • Gisakura Tea Plantation Tour
  • King’s Palace Museum Visit
  • Akagera National Park
  • Boat Riding in Lake Ihema
  • Napoleon Island Visit
  • Ibere rya Bigogwe Tour
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park Hike
  • Lake Kivu Exploration
  • Community Interactions with Local Villages

Itineraries

Day 1 : Arrival, Hotel Check-in and Explore Kigali

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be warmly welcomed by Shalom Safaris driver guide at Kigali International Airport. You will be transferred to hotel for check-in and begin exploring the vibrant of kigali city.

Day 2 : Kigali City Tour

Start your day with city tour, exploring its vibrant culture and history. Visit Gisozi Genocide Memorial. Then, head to the Kimironko Local Market to sample fresh produce and shop for unique crafts. Finally, discover the scenic Fazenda Sengha area, a peaceful neighborhood known for its green spaces and beautiful views.

Day 3: Transfer to Musanze for visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus and canoeing experience

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 will 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 early morning with 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 monkey, known for their striking golden fur, are typically found in the bamboo forest 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.

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 will 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. Then after have lunch, from there you are given walking sticks to facilitate on your trek to Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe National Park, where you will 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 : Visit the King’s Palace Museum while transferring to Kigali.

First, 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 monarchy and traditions. Upon your arrival in Kigali, you will check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 10 : Transfer to Akagera National Park and enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema.

On your designated day, you will 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 will 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 ecosystem.

Day 11 : Full Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park and Transfer to Kigali

On your full day game drive in Akagera National Park, at the beginning of the game drive, be on the lookout 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 : Shopping for Souvenirs and Gifts

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.

  • Meet and greet assistance on arrival.
  • Ground transportation in 4 x 4 SUV / PP Open roof Safari Vehicle
  • Meals + Accommodation
  • Audio guide device at the genocide memorial
  • Park entrance fees
  • Gorilla Permit
  • Gorilla Guardian Village entrance fee
  • Kigali sight-seeing tour
  • Service of a professional driver-guide
  • Airport pick up and drop off.
  • Emergency evacuation insurance.
  • Airfares & Visa
  • Luxury drinks/Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips to local guides
  • Personal insurance and shopping
  • Umbrella
  • Entrance Fees

Tailor Your trip