12 Days, Rwanda Adventure, Congo-Nile Trail & Jungle Treks.
Embark on a professional sunset kayaking session, paddling along the shoreline as the sky turns a fiery orange and the silhouettes of local fishermen begin to appear on the horizon in their traditional three hull boats.
Today we begin our southward journey along the famous Congo Nile Trail, opting for either a high energy mountain bike ride or a rigorous hike through the coffee growing heartland of Rwanda. The trail winds through vibrant villages and terraced hillsides that drop dramatically into the lake, offering constant panoramic views. We conclude the day at the Kinunu Coffee Washing Station, where you will experience an immersive "Crop to Cup" tour, learning the secrets of Rwanda's world class specialty coffee before resting in a guest house perched directly on the water’s edge.
Leaving the shore behind, we embark on a full day of open water kayaking, supported by a professional motorboat for safety and gear transport. We navigate through the pristine bays of Lake Kivu, away from the typical tourist routes, heading toward the secluded Gishayu Island. This is a true "Robinson Crusoe" experience; your night is spent on this private island, enjoying a campfire dinner under a canopy of stars with nothing but the sound of the water lapping against the rocks.
Embark on a scenic boat tour in lake Kivu and visit Napoleon island, known for it's diverse birdlife experience and panoramic views of Lake Kivu and surrounding hills.
After a relaxed morning by the lake, we depart Kibuye and drive south along the scenic winding roads toward Nyungwe National Park. The landscape shifts from the tropical lakefront to the cool, high altitude montane forests of the Albertine Rift.
Your deep forest immersion begins at the Uwinka Visitor Centre, where we enter the ancient canopy of Nyungwe. Today’s moderate 3 hour hike takes us away from the main trails and into the heart of the jungle, where the air is thick with the scent of indigenous orchids and the calls of exotic birds. We arrive at our first specialized forest campsite, a hidden sanctuary surrounded by towering mahogany trees, where a hot meal is prepared over a wilderness stove as the forest sounds come alive at night.
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the trek, involving a 6 hour hike toward the Kamiranzovu Swamp and River area. This region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare endemic plants and spectacular birdlife such as the Great Blue Turaco. You will navigate through dense ferns and cross forest streams, experiencing the raw power and silence of one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Our second campsite is strategically placed to offer maximum immersion in this vibrant ecosystem.
The final leg of the Cyinzobe Trail is a shorter, 3 hour walk that leads us out of the dense interior toward the Gisakura Visitor Centre. Emerging from the forest, the transition to the bright green, manicured rows of the Gisakura Tea Estate is visually stunning. We celebrate the completion of the trek with a warm welcome at our guest house, where a hot shower and comfortable bed await after three days of true wilderness living.
Begin your day with an early morning pick up for a chimpanzee trekking experience in the heart of Nyungwe National Park. trek into the forest with a specialist guide, following the calls and movements of these fast moving, intelligent primates to observe their behavior and social interactions. Walk through lush tea plantations on hillsides of Nyungwe National Park,Visit the tea processing factory to learn how leaves are processed and brewed, and you will also get to participate in tea leaf picking with local farmers and enjoy a fresh tea tasting session.
Explore the traditional royal palace and Art Deco palace.Learn about the lives of ancient Rwandan monarchs.Discover the cultural significance of long horned Inyambo cows.Gain insight into Rwanda's royal heritage and ceremonial traditions. Ethnographic Museum, is a premier cultural institution that showcases the rich heritage, traditions and history of Rwanda.
Honor the memory of genocide victims.Learn about the history and events of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.Reflect on Rwanda's journey toward healing and reconciliation.Educational experience through exhibits, testimonies, and memorials. You will be transfered to the Kigali international airport for your departure and this marks the end of your tour with us.
Arrival in Kigali & Expedition Briefing.
Day 1 includes Meet and greet assistance on arrival , Transfer to your accommodation in Kigali
Accommodation (budget): hotel_chez_lando or similar
Transfer to Rubavu & Sunset Kayaking.
Day 2 includes Road Transfer, Sunset Kayaking
Accommodation (budget): kivu_paradis_resort or similar
The congo Nile Trail: Rubavu to Kinunu (Biking or Hiking).
Day 3 includes Congo Nile Trek Rubavu to Kinunu (Biking or Hiking)
Accommodation (budget): kinunu_guest_house or similar
Deep water paddling (kayaking) to Gishayu private Island.
Day 4 includes Deep Water Paddling (Kayaking) to Gishayu Private Island
Accommodation (budget): gishayu_private_island or similar
The Kivu Boating & Napoleon Island Hike
Day 5 includes Boat Tour in Lake Kivu and Visit Napoleon Island.
Accommodation (budget): cormoran_lodge or similar
Transfer to the Gateway of Nyungwe.
Day 6 includes Transfer to the Gateway of Nyungwe
Accommodation (mid-range): munazi_eco_lodge or similar
Cyinzobe Trail Day 1: Uwinka to Deep jungle
Day 7 includes Cyinzobe Trail Day 1: Uwinka to the Deep Jungle
Accommodation (budget): cyinzobe_forest_campsite or similar
Cinzobe Trail Day 2: The Kamiranzovu Expedition
Day 8 includes Cyinzobe Trail Day 2: The Kamiranzovu Expedition
Accommodation (budget): cyinzobe_forest_campsite or similar
Cyinzobe Trail Day 3: Exit to Gisakura
Day 9 includes Cyinzobe Trail Day 3: Exit to Gisakura
Accommodation (mid-range): nyungwe_top_view_hill_hotel or similar
Chimpanzee Trekking & Tea plantation walk
Day 10 includes Chimpanzee trekking experience., Guided Tour of Gisakura Tea Plantation
Accommodation (mid-range): nyungwe_top_view_hill_hotel or similar
Heritage journey: Huye, Nyanza & Returen to Kigali
Day 11 includes Visit Ethnographic Museum., Visit King's Palace Museum.
Accommodation (budget): hotel_chez_lando or similar
Kigali exploration & Farewell Departure
Day 12 includes Visit kigali genocide memorial site., Departure
Inclusions
- Meet & Greet on arrival
- Ground transportation.
- Accommodation on full board basis.
- Audio guide device at the genocide memorial.
- Park entrance fees.
- Chimpanzee trekking Permit
- All activities included.
- Kigali sight-seeing tour.
- Professional English/French speaking driver-guide.
- Airport pick up and drop off.
- Emergency evacuation insurance.
Exclusions
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Luxury alcoholic drinks.
- Visa fees.
- Gifts and souvenirs.
- Tips for local guides and staff.
