10 Day Rwanda Special Expedition Highlight tour

Transfer from kigali to Akagera national park

In the morning, following breakfast, you will embark on a journey to Akagera National Park. Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel, providing a brief overview of the two-day park itinerary before departure. At the end of the trip, you will be dropped off at either your hotel or the airport, depending on your preference.

The drive to Akagera National Park takes approximately 2.5 hours, with opportunities for scenic stopovers along the way. Enjoy the stunning landscapes en route, and feel free to request photo stops to capture the beauty of the journey.

Upon arrival at the park, enjoy a short game drive as you make your way to your accommodation for check-in. After settling in and having lunch, you’ll have time to refresh before embarking on an exciting boat trip on Lake Ihema. This tranquil ride offers a chance to observe hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat, either lounging by the shores or swimming in the waters—a perfect end to your first day in the park.

Game drive in Akagera national park and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Start your day early with breakfast before heading out for an exhilarating game drive in Akagera National Park. This diverse wildlife sanctuary is home to a remarkable variety of mammals, including elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species. You’ll also have the chance to spot the recently reintroduced lions and rhinos, adding to the excitement of your safari.

For bird enthusiasts, the park is a true haven, boasting over 500 bird species, from waterbirds to savannah specialists. Your game drive will take you through Akagera's varied habitats, offering stunning views and abundant wildlife encounters.

You’ll depart the lodge with a packed lunch, allowing you to maximize your time in the park. The game drive, lasting approximately six hours depending on your interests, follows a scenic route along the lakes, where wildlife sightings are often plentiful.

After this unforgettable safari experience, begin your journey back to Kigali, carrying memories of Akagera's breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife encounters.

Gorillas Tracking in Volcanoes National Park

In the early morning, we will head to Volcanoes National Park to start our track to one of the habituated Gorilla groups. You will begin with a briefing on the rules of Gorilla trekking before setting out with the guides to search for the Mountain Gorillas in the forest.

The time taken to track the Gorillas can take as little as half an hour to as much as 8+ hours! Your trek will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes, and bamboo before you eventually reach the Gorillas.

Once you encounter the gorillas you will be allowed one full hour with the gorillas, take photos, videos, and record voices. Before heading back to your hotel for evening relaxation and overnight stay.

Golden monkey tracking

Golden monkeys are known to have unique characters and are a rare species that are endangered at the moment and they are currently found in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda.

They are easily recognized due to the yellow patches that can be seen all over their bodies. The Golden monkeys are also known as 'the Old World monkey' and the only way to separate these primates from others is by their noses and their distinctive golden coat.

Rise up not so early in the morning and have breakfast. Then drive to the volcanoes for golden monkey tracking and in the course also spot some other primates in the forest. The trek is more or less like gorilla tracking but these little primates are a bit more mobile and move in bigger troops, Viewing takes a maximum of one hour but the trek can take between two to 8+ hours. from here return to the lodge for evening relaxation, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Cultural expedition and drive to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, set off for an enriching visit to the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, where you will immerse yourself in Rwanda's traditional culture. Experience captivating traditional dances, and poetic performances, and learn about the traditional dress and customs that define Rwanda's heritage. This interactive cultural encounter offers a deeper understanding of the country’s vibrant traditions.

Following the cultural tour, enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing your journey to Gisenyi, a charming city on the shores of Lake Kivu. Here, you’ll embark on a serene kayaking adventure, taking in the breathtaking views of the lake’s sparkling waters and surrounding hills.

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and a relaxing overnight stay at your hotel, reflecting on the rich experiences and natural beauty of Rwanda.

Kayaking on Lake Kivu

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a kayaking adventure on the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu. This serene experience offers a delightful sense of being at sea, with stunning views of the surrounding hills. As you paddle, watch local fishermen at work and spot various bird species inhabiting the lake's shores and hidden corners, adding a touch of nature’s magic to your journey.

After kayaking, savor a delicious lunch at a lakeside spot, where you can continue to enjoy the lake’s picturesque scenery. Spend the remainder of the afternoon unwinding on the sandy beach, soaking up the peaceful ambiance, and refreshing as you reflect on the day’s adventures.

Gisenyi city tour and drive to Karongi

Begin your morning with a guided city tour of Gisenyi, exploring its charming streets, local markets, and scenic views along the shores of Lake Kivu. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and life of this picturesque lakeside city.

Before noon, visit the coffee farmers of Kivumu for an authentic experience of Rwanda’s traditional coffee-making process. From seed preparation and nursery planting to harvesting and brewing, witness the journey of coffee from farm to cup. You’ll also get a glimpse of the nearby tea plantations, enriching your understanding of Rwanda’s agricultural heritage.

After this engaging experience, return to your lodge for check-out and a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive to Karongi, enjoying the stunning landscapes along the way.

Conclude your day with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge, ready for the next chapter of your Rwandan adventure.

Karongi tour and transfer to Nyungwe national park

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before embarking on an exciting day of exploration. Begin with a boat ride to Amahoro Island, aptly named “Peace Island,” where you can unwind amidst serene surroundings. The island offers a small restaurant and campsite, as well as opportunities to swim or play volleyball, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and light recreation.

Your next boat ride will take you to Napoleon Island, known for its unique wildlife. This fascinating island is home to a colony of fruit bats, and as you explore, you’ll have the chance to witness these creatures in their natural habitat.

After returning from the island tours, enjoy a leisurely lunch before driving to Nyungwe Forest National Park. As you travel through scenic landscapes, prepare for the next leg of your adventure in this biodiversity hotspot. End your day with dinner and an overnight stay at your lodge, surrounded by the tranquility of Nyungwe’s lush rainforest.

chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National park and canopy walk

Start your day with an early breakfast, packing drinking water for the adventure ahead. You will then transfer to the Nyungwe Forest National Park headquarters, where a ranger will be assigned to you and provide a detailed briefing about the upcoming chimpanzee trekking expedition. After the briefing, head to the starting point of the trek and begin your journey into the lush jungle, guided by the ranger, as you search for the playful chimpanzees.

Once you find the chimpanzees, you will be allowed up to an hour to observe and photograph these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, witnessing their social interactions and behaviors. After this incredible experience, return to the starting point and drive to your hotel for a well-deserved lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy the canopy walk—an exciting suspended platform that offers unique views of the forest’s flora and fauna from an elevated perspective. This thrilling experience provides an opportunity to observe the vibrant biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest from above, spotting birds, monkeys, and other creatures in the treetops.

After your canopy adventure, drive back to your hotel to enjoy a delicious dinner and relax, reflecting on the day’s extraordinary experiences.

Visit to Gisakura/Kitabi tea factory and drive back to Kigali

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of tea production with a 2-hour tour of a tea factory. Learn about the meticulous process of cultivating, harvesting, and processing tea, and discover how Rwanda’s high-altitude environment contributes to the unique flavors of its tea. This informative tour provides a deeper appreciation of one of the country’s most important agricultural products.

Following the tea tour, drive to Huye to visit the National Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda, where you will explore the country’s rich cultural heritage through fascinating exhibits on traditional art, history, and customs. This museum offers a glimpse into Rwanda’s past, its people, and their way of life.

Enjoy a delicious lunch in the afternoon before driving back to Kigali, where you will prepare for your departure, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences and cultural insights gained throughout your journey.