Day 1: Kigali
This city became the capital of Rwanda in 1962 after they gained their independence. Kigali prides itself as the cleanest city in the whole of Africa. It sprawls across numerous hills, ridges and valleys, and has a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. The name Kigali was derived from Mt. Kigali and means ‘Broad.’ It was named in 1907 by Dr. Richard Kandt who was the first colonial resident governor of Rwanda. The city is a host to popular attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Centre, the Presidential Palace and Juru Park.
You will be picked on your arrival terminal from the Kigali International Airport by one of our representatives. You will then be escorted to your vehicle. This will follow with a visit to Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay your respects. Afterwards you will be transferred to your luxurious hotel at the city centre for overnight. (Bed & Breakfast)
Day 2: Kigali – Lake Kivu
Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu in the west of Rwanda is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has deep emerald green waters covering a surface area of 2,700 km2. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa. Rubavu previously known as Gisenyi is a large town on the northern edge of Lake Kivu, an hour’s drive from Volcanoes National Park and the perfect place to relax after gorilla trekking. From Rubavu in the north, the Congo Nile Trail extends 227km of breathtaking landscapes all the way to Rusizi in the south of Lake Kivu.
Following your breakfast, you will be met by our representative for a detailed briefing on your tour before departure. You will then board your safari vehicle to commence on your scenic journey to Lake Kivu and arrive in time for lunch at your hotel/resort. After lunch and perhaps a siesta you will depart for an afternoon boat ride. You will then return to your eco-friendly hotel/resort for a sundowner and later overnight. (Fullboard)
Day 3 – 4: Lake Kivu
Following your breakfast, you will spend the rest of the day at leisure for the next 2 days and engage in some of the interesting activities offered at your facility. This includes birdwatching, a visit to Rubavu, Rubona lakeside village, biking at the Congo Nile trail and even participating in watersports like jet skiing and kayaking.
Day 5: Lake Kivu – Nyungwe National Park
Nyungwe National Park is one of the parks in Africa with spectacular views and is rich in biodiversity. It’s one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and the mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the Lhotse’s monkey which is endemic to the Albertine Rift, Angolan black and white Colobus Monkeys. The park is a bird watcher’s paradise as it is home to more than 300 species of birds.
After breakfast, you will board your safari vehicle and depart for a picturesque drive to Nyungwe National Park and arrive in time for lunch at your lodge. After lunch go for a short walk, enjoy bird watching and the beautiful landscape. Later on return to your eco-friendly lodge for leisure, dinner and overnight. (Fullboard)
Day 6: Nyungwe National Park
Following your organic breakfast, head to the park’s office with your packed lunch for a briefing on the primates. Then head out in search of the chimpanzees escorted by an expert local guide. Take your time to trek as you discover rare species of animals and birds. You will then enjoy your picnic lunch and continue for a canopy walk and look for the primates and other birds as you feel the breeze and enjoy the green diversity around you. You will head back to your eco-friendly lodge in time for dinner and overnight. (Full Board)
Day 7: Nyungwe National Park – Kigali
After your healthy breakfast you will board your safari vehicle for a scenic drive back to Kigali. Thereafter, you will visit the ancient King’s Palace at Nyanza on your way back. On arrival at Kigali, you will be transferred to a city restaurant for lunch before transfer to the airport for your onward flight.