• High-end Accommodation/Bed and Breakfast
• From US$8,800/person
• Based on 2 people, shared room

This 20-day tour is the most beautiful and charming epic adventure in Rwanda. You will discover Rwanda through all its aspects across the four cardinal points (East, North, West, and South) and you will be led to find out the following, features:

• - A visit to the city of Kigali and the Kigali genocide memorial site, which was dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage Site on September 20, 2023.
• - Observe the vibrant landscapes of the Eastern Province
• - Wildlife watching, including the Big 5 in Akagera National Park
• - Visit to the legendary Ngarama Rock
• - A splendid panoramic view of the magnificent landscapes of Byumba
• - Observation of the Rugezi swamp and twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo
• - Visit the famous mountain gorillas ($1500/person) and optional hike to the tomb of Dian Fossé ($75/person)
• - Climbing the Bisoke volcano (3711m) and optional golden monkey hike
• - Discover Lake Kivu and relax on its red sandy beaches.
• - 3-day bike ride on the Congo Nile Trail along Lake Kivu
• - Visit community activities and meet the local population in their daily activities.
• - Guided coffee experience at Kimbiri
• - Guided tea experience in Gisakura
• - Discover the Nyungwe primary forest
• - Visit the chimpanzees and canopy in Nyungwe National Park
• - Discover Rwanda's culture and history
• - Experience the kindness, smiles, and welcome of the Rwandan people.

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali (welcome, rest, and city tour) 

• - Arrival at Kigali International Airport at 6:00 am (by Rwandair) where Attractive Safaris will welcome you.
• - Transfer to your host family.
• - Check-in, refreshments, and breakfast with the host family
• - After briefing on your trip program, take time to rest after the long plane journey.
• - Lunch with your host family
• - Afternoon: Visit to the Kigali genocide memorial
• - After lunch, a 2-hour tour of the Kigali genocide memorial, dedicated to Unesco heritage in 2023, will take you back to the barbarity of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis, which decimated the country and left around a million dead.
• - On the other hand, a visit to the modern city will show you how Rwandans overcame those dark days and rebuilt the country: discover the modern city of Kigali (Nyarutarama golf course, Gacuriro residences, Amahoro stadium, BK Arena Kigali, industrial zone and Mount Rebero for fresh air and a panoramic overview of the city of Kigali).
• - End the day with dinner on the terrace of the Serena Hotel in the evening.
• - Overnight with your host family in Kigali

Day 2: Reconciliation village in Bugesera

• - The reconciliation village in Bugesera is a unique experience where genocide survivors live together in harmony with the perpetrators who killed their family members.
• - At the village, you'll hear testimonies from perpetrators and survivors as they move towards reconciliation in this model reconciliation village, as well as engage in various daily and cultural activities such as farming, traditional dances, drumming, cooking, and more.
• - Lunch at La Palisse Nyamata
• - After lunch, relax and swim at the hotel or/and visit the town of Nyamata...
• - Overnight at La Palisse Nyamata (4-star hotel) or similar

Day 3: Getting off the beaten path in the Bugesera plains

• - Adventure in the countryside, breathing in the pure country air and lakeside fishing farms. Throughout the Gashora sector, the Bugesera district in Eastern Province is Savannah country. The general topography of this region deviates from the national model of hills and valleys and is as flat as a plateau. Perhaps for this reason, cycling is a pervasive feature of local culture. Nowhere else in the country, will you see such a concentration of bicycles as here. In contrast to elsewhere in Rwanda, here you can see almost more women cycling away, babies strapped to their backs, and farm produce strapped to the bike rack. There doesn't seem to be any stigma attached to it here.
• - The Bugesera region is also famous for its lakes and marshes, populated by various rare endemic bird species such as the Papyrus Gonolek, and known for its large population of hippos and crocodiles.
• - Overnight at La Palisse Gashora (4-star hotel) or similar

Day 4: Visit to the Rusumo waterfalls and Urugo - Cultural Tour 

• - The Rusumo waterfalls, about 15 m high and 40 m wide, are a waterfall on the Kagera River on the border between Rwanda and Tanzania, one of the most remote sources of the Nile. It's a great pleasure to be there, to observe the Rusumo waterfalls, and to take in the view from the other side of Tanzania.
• - Visit URUGO - Cultural in Kayonza, where you'll experience different women's activities including imigongo art made from cow dung. For generations, cow dung has created a striking and truly unique art form found only in Rwanda, called imigongo. Today's imigongo artworks have mostly migrated from the walls and are usually painted on panels, venaria, plates or portable wooden wall hangings, which are admired by tourists.
• - Lunch at Urugo Cultural Center
• - Transfer to Akagera National Park for the Night Safari
• - Upon arrival, check in at Ruzizi Tended Lodge. Then relax on the serene shores of Lake Ihema, hidden among swaying palms and fruiting fig trees. Then depart for the first night safari (2.5 hours) to discover the different nocturnal animals.
• - Overnight at Ruzizi Tented Lodge (luxury Eco-Lodge)

Day 5: Cruise on Lake Ihema and Wildlife Safari in Akagera

• - After an early breakfast, an excursion by boat on Lake Ihema from 7.30-8.30 a.m. to discover the aquatic fauna (hippopotamuses, crocodiles, birds...) and other aquatic animals around Lake Ihema.
• - Then discover the Park from south to north (approx. 7 hours) to observe the many species of animals, including the Big 5 (lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo and, by chance, the leopard), giraffe, zebra, antelope, impala, oribi and the discreet bushbuck, as well as the ungainly tsessebe and the world's largest antelope, the statuesque Cepeeland...). Also, enjoy the Park's beautiful panoramic landscapes of hills and marshes.
• - Lunch during the visit (food packed by Ruzizi Tented Lodge)
• - Continue safari and overnight at Karenge Bush Camp.
• - Overnight at Karenge Bush Camp Luxury Eco-Lodge

Day 6: Akagera Morning Safari 

• - This morning excursion around 6:00 am will give you the chance to maximize your early morning game spotting with a great experience of the animal community association in the Kilala plain which is considered the heart of the park, you will enjoy the sunrise in the savannah.
• - The tour ends at the camp around 8:00 am for breakfast and to order your packed lunch from Karenge Bush Camp.
• - Around 9:30 am, drive to Volcanoes National Park via "Gatsibo-Ibyapa bya Ngarama", via the town of Gicumbu (Byumba). On the way, discover the "Ngarama Rock", an interesting historical and cultural site in Rwanda covering an area of 3 hectares, where there are several footprints of King Ruganzu II Ndoli, a legendary Rwandan king of exceptional knowledge and greatness, who reigned in Rwanda from 1510 until he died in 1543. On-site at Ngarama Rock, contemplate the footprints and listen to the extraordinary legends told by local guides about Ruganzu II Ndoli and the mysterious legendary hero known as Ngarama, who is said to have killed "Saruhara Rwa Nkomokomo, king of birds", an extremely powerful vulture that long terrorized the Ndorwa regions before being killed by the intrepid warrior known as Ngarama.
• - En route, contemplate the beauty of the region's plains, pastures, cornfields, and panoramic landscapes - breathe in the pure countryside air.
• - Lunch on the way (food taken from the hotel).
• - Continue to the town of Gicumbi (Byumba)
• - Dinner and overnight in a host family or guesthouse in Gicumbi town.

Day 7: Gicumbi to Volcanoes National Park 

• - On the way: observe the Kisaro's "Radical Terraces", hike through the villages of Kivuye to meet the population in their daily activities, sightsee the Rugezi marsh and visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, panoramic view of the volcano range.
• - The Rugezi marsh is located in the Buberuka highlands in Rwanda's Northern Province, east of Lake Burera, close to Rwanda's northern border with Uganda, not far from the Parc National des Volcans. It's a protected area covering 6,735 hectares (16,640 acres). This 20-kilometre-long marshland extends over the large Rugezi groundwater catchment area. Considered one of the sources of the Nile, the Rugezi marsh drains its waters into the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo and also supplies water to the Ntaruka and Mukungwa power stations.
• - Visit the Burera-Ruhonndo Twin Lakes. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
• - Lunch at My Hill Hotel; fresh grilled fish
• - After lunch, continue your journey to Kinigi. On the way, a panoramic view of Lake Burera
• - Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you'll learn about the future of gorillas and their conservation. It's a virtual tour of the protection, life, habitat, and conservation of gorillas.
• - Ellen DeGeneres Campus is a multi-acre ecological facility adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, designed to serve as a conservation gateway for the many stakeholders and gorilla visitors from around the world, helping to create the next generation of conservationists.
• - Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (4-star hotel) or similar.

Day 8: Mountain gorilla visit (optional)  

• - Gorilla tracking: Meet early in the morning at the National Park office for a briefing. With the help of an official guide and trackers, in groups of no more than 8 people, you set off in search of mountain gorillas. Tracking can take from 2 to 6 hours. Once the group of gorillas has been located and approached by the trackers, you can observe them for up to one hour, from a distance of no more than 5 meters, so as not to disturb them. Easy-going and peaceful, the gorillas seem indifferent to your presence and go on with their lives, playing, rolling, delousing, sleeping... and feeding in their plant world. Occasionally, they come very close to you, even touching you... It's a unique and fascinating moment.
• - Optional activity: For those on a budget that doesn't allow a visit to the gorillas ($1500/person), visit Dian Fossey's grave ($75/person).
• - Dian Fossey, an American mountain gorilla researcher, played a crucial role in the protection and conservation of mountain gorillas. She was cowardly murdered by poachers in 1985. Walking to her grave is a tribute to her work and an opportunity to discover the beauty of the Volcansl's natural environment.
• - Return to the hotel for lunch and relaxation.
• - Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (4-star hotel) or similar.

Day 9: Mt Bisoke climbing (3711 m)

• - Appointment at the National Park to meet the staff who will brief you on the climbing of Mount Bisoke, one of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga chain. Accompanied by a National Park guide, you'll gradually ascend through the different levels of vegetation, from bamboo and equatorial forest to heather and giant ragwort. Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to come across some mountain gorillas... It takes three to four hours to climb the 1,200-metre ascent before reaching the summit, where a lake occupies the crater. The view takes in the surrounding volcanoes, including Nyiragongo, which is still active.
• - Hiking time (ascent and descent): 6 h
• - Optional activity: Golden monkey hike For those whose age and strength do not allow them to climb Bisoke, go on the golden monkey trek (2-3h).
• - Golden monkeys are found only in the Volcanoes National Park preservation zone. Two clans have become habituated to human presence. Although the view and stay with these monkeys is kept to a maximum of one hour, you will be able to observe the golden monkeys up close in their natural habitat...
• - Continue to Gisenyi to spend the night on the shores of Lake Kivu.
• - Overnight at Hill View Lake Kivu Hotel (4-star hotel)

Day 10: Relaxation in the balneal town of Gisenyi   

• - Morning: Relax on the beaches of Lake Kivu: swimming, kayaking, etc.
• - Afternoon: Tour the beautiful town of Gisenyi and visit the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• - Lunch at the Serena Hotel Gisenyi
• - Overnight at Hill View Lake Kivu Hotel (4-star hotel) or similar

Day 11: Community and solidarity visit

• - Morning: Rest and swim in this idyllic setting.
• - During the day, visit the "Young Women Destination" association, a craft association made up of women who have dropped out of school due to unplanned pregnancies. The association offers various tourist activities to support their families:
• - Handicraft and traditional dance classes
• - Experience local cuisine
• - Discover the habits and customs of the local population, and at the same time, share their cultural experience with their visitors.
• - Overnight at Paradise Kivu Luxury Resort (4-star hotel) or similar

Day 12: Biking the Congo Nile Trail along Lake Kivu

• - Optional choice: 3-day walks alternating with short car transfers
• - It's a three-day bike tour, alternating visits with community activities to make it suitable for everyone, whatever their age. The trail winds through breathtaking scenery, passing green banana fields and tea plantations, charming rural villages, and the wide expanse of Lake Kivu.
• - After an early breakfast, ride from Gisenyi to Kimbiri - 26 km - the trip takes 3 to 4 hours. This bike ride includes the steepest ascent to altitude. This bike ride will take you along the much-coveted Congo-Nile trail, which stretches partly along Lake Kivu with beautiful views over the lake.
• - Experience coffee from sowing to cup, visiting plantations, sorting, drying, and roasting.
• - After lunch at Kimbiri, enjoy a cup of coffee with a natural aroma.
• - Afternoon meeting with the "INDANGAMUCO" association: here you'll experience traditional medicine and discover the different herbs used for different types of illness, as well as traditional Rwandan dances.
• - Overnight at Paradise Kivu Luxury Resort (4-star hotel) or similar

Day 13: 2nd day of biking on the Congo Nile Trail

• - From Kimbiri to Kinunu - 15 km and takes about 2-3 hours by bike. This bike ride takes you through beautiful landscapes and villages where local people live their lives. On the way, stop off at the Rugamba Center to meet the TWITEZIMBERE Association of beekeepers: here, you'll learn how to make different types of traditional beehives from wood, cow dung, and other materials, take local hives to the apiary and collect fresh honey for tasting.
• - Then continue your bike ride for lunch at Rushel Kivu Lodge.
• - Afternoon: Relax and swim at Kinunu on Lake Kivu.
• - Overnight at Rushel Kivu Lodge (4-star hotel) or similar

Day 14: Biking on the Congo Nile Trail (end)

• - Kinunu to Bumba (Congo-Nile Divide) - 29 km, a 5-6 hour ride.
• - After breakfast, continue your bike ride on the Congo Nile Trail along Lake Kivu to the Bumba "Congo Nile Divide" center, passing through the village of Musasa (15 km), where you'll stop for lunch. Then continue your cycling tour, taking in the sumptuous views of mountains, valleys, and Lake Kivu with its various islands. You cross the Koko River, which flows into the lake, and then drive up to the divide between the Nile and Congo rivers at 2300m, overlooking Lake Kivu. On a clear day, the view extends as far as the volcanoes.....
• - En route, visit the "INGE BAHO" cooperative, offering visitors a memorable experience as they interact and participate in wood carving, weaving, and knitting with the cooperative's talented women.
• - Continue by car to the seaside town of Kibuye (Karongi).
• - Overnight at Cleo Lake Kivu (5-star hotel), Luxury Comfort Hotel, or similar.

Day 15: Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu  

• - After breakfast, head off to observe the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kivu, and discover the beauty of the small bay and nearby islands by boat: Amahoro Island, Napoleon Island, and Monkey Island.
• - Afternoon: relaxing in the charming seaside town of Kibuye and/or swimming at the hotel.
• - Overnight at Cleo Lake Kivu (5-star hotel), Luxury Comfort Hotel, or similar.

Day 16: Kibuye-Nyungwe: Guided Tea Tour at Gisakura 

• - After breakfast, continue to Nyungwe via Nyamasheke.
• - Lunch at Nyungwe Top Hill View Hotel
• - After lunch, go to Gisakura's guided tea experience: with tea plantations covering several hectares, farmers offer tea-growing experiences, from sowing to delivery of tea leaves to the factory, including hands-on experience of tea leaf collection with workers.
• - Continue on the road to the town of Rusizi at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel.
• - Overnight at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (4-star hotel) or similar

Day 17: Guided Walk in the Nyungwe Forest and on the Canopy  

• - After breakfast, go for a 4-5 hour guided walk on one or more of Nyungwe's trails. Nyungwe Forest has over 200 different types of trees and birds, and a myriad of flowering plants including the otherworldly giant lobelia and a host of colorful orchids. A vast, well-maintained network of footpaths leads through the Nyungwe forest to various waterfalls and viewpoints, including the Kamiranzovu waterfall.
• - Lunch at the Uwinka Reception Center
• - After lunch, enjoy an adventure on the canopy bridge in Nyungwe forest. The canopy walkway offers an exhilarating perspective of treetops and wildlife.
• - Overnight at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (4-star hotel) or similar

Day 18: Chimpanzee Trekking

• - The minimum age for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Park is 15 years.
• - Morning: Very early morning at 5:00 am, meet at the park office for a briefing and assignment of the accompanying professional guide for the chimpanzee tour. The chimpanzee search may last a few hours before you find a group, but you're likely to see many other groups of monkeys along the way, such as Angolan colobus or blue monkey.
• - Lunch at Nyungze Hill Top View Hotel
• - Drive to Butare.
• - Overnight at Hôtel Mater Boni Consilii (4-star hotel) or similar.

Day 19: Getting in touch with Rwandan history and culture

• - Morning: Visit the National Museum in Huye (Butare). The Butare National Museum is reputed to be the best ethnographic museum in East Africa.
• - Lunch in the town of Nyanza.
• - Then visit the Nyanza Royal Museum and the Inyambo big-horned cows. Nyanza was the Seat of the ancient Kingdom of Rwanda before the arrival of the Europeans.
• - Return to Kigali
• - Farewell dinner with the host family
• - Overnight in a host family in Kigali

Day 20: Lounging in the City of Kigali

• - Morning: Visit of Nyamirambo Women's Center
• - After a quiet breakfast, at 8:30 am, visit "Nyamirambo Women's Center (NWC)", an NGO launched in late 2007 by 18 Rwandan women living in Nyamirambo, Kigali. Together, they have created a project to combat gender-based violence, gender inequality, and discrimination. NWC also runs a women's cooperative called UMUTIMA, which offers handicrafts ranging from children's clothing to women's accessories and interior decoration with a creative style and exceptional quality rarely found at other tailors or markets around Kigali. NWC offers various tourist activities to support its beneficiaries, including:
• - Visits to sewing workshops and boutiques run by association members
• - Guided hike through the old popular town of Nyamirambo (1.5-hour experience)
• - Afterward, a free visit to the city of Kigali, its market (Kimironko), and souvenir shops.
• - Lunch in one of the city's restaurants
• - Afterward, relax and swim at the Hôtel des Mille Collines swimming pool.
• - Dinner and evening at the Hôtel des Mille Collines swimming pool
• - Transfer to the airport

THE END OF THE SAFARI

Price includes:

• * Kigali airport transfers (arrival and departure) 
• * Transport: Safari Jeep 4 X 4
• * Charming hotels: in shared or single rooms
• * Meals: full board (as specified day by day) 
• * Professional driver-guide allowances
• * Trail guide allowances
• * Mineral water
• Visit to Kigali genocide memorial site
• * Genocide memorial site access fee
• Bugesera and East destination
• * Costs to visit the reconciliation village in Bugesera
• * Costs to visit the various sites 
• * Visits to the imigongo cooperative and the pastoral village
• Destination Akagera National Park
• * Entrance fees and wildlife observation
• * Fees for boat trips on Lake Ihema
• Country adventure destination North
• * Cost of visit to Ngarama rock
• * Fees for tea experience at Mulindi
• * Visit to the Liberation Museum
• * Cost of visit to Rugezi swamp
• * Cost of visit to twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo
• Destination Volcanoes National Park
• * Fees for gorilla visit or golden monkey hike
• * Fees for Bisoke climb or Diane Fossey tomb hike
• Destination Lake Kivu
• * Fees for visiting and relaxing at Lake Kivu
• Destination Congo Nile Trail
• * Visit fee for coffee growing and production experience 
• * Boat trip on Lake Kivu
• * Fees for access to various community activities and sites
• Nyungwe National Park destination 
• * Permit fee for chimpanzee trekking
• * Permit fee for canopy walk.
• Museums
• * Entrance fees for Nyanza and Butare museums

Price excludes:

• * Travel insurance;
• * Airline tickets; 
• * Visas; 
• * Drinks except mineral water; 
• * Additional accommodation before and/or at the end of the tour; 
• * Tips (approx. US$10 per person per day, at the discretion of the group); 
• * Other personal expenses

Price:

The single supplement: US$ 950/person

Terms of payment

• - Payment is made in dollars or euros at the current dollar/euro exchange rate.
• - A deposit of 50% of the price is paid to confirm the trip.
• - The balance (50%) must be paid at least 30 days before the group's arrival.
• - As a general rule, payment is made by bank transfer, with the cost of the transfer being borne by you.
• - Direct online payment (DPO) is also possible at an additional cost of 3.5% of the sent amount.
• - If required, payment by credit card at our office is also possible at an additional cost of 3% of the amount sent.
• - To send you bank details, please indicate the currency and payment method you wish to use.

This tour starts and ends in Kigali. The client can be picked up and dropped off at the airport or hotel in Kigali city. Please inform me about the same at the time of booking. 

• - Before or after the trip, airport transfer can be arranged at an additional cost.
• - This tour is suitable for children of 15 years and older.
• - The exact order, content, and rate of this tour are subject to availability. Alternatively, a similar hotel can be booked.
• - A valid passport proof of the Traveler is mandatory to avail of this service.
• - Travel insurance is mandatory and obtaining it for the days you are visiting is your responsibility. Please email us your proof of insurance before arriving for the trip.
• - Your camera is a must. Your experience creates memories. Capturing them to keep forever and share with others.
• - Also, bring your insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars...
• - This tour is subject to the terms and conditions of Attractive Safaris Ltd. Please, read also on the footer for important to-know content.
• - If you have any questions about any of our policies please do not hesitate to contact us.