11 DAY – THE ULTIMATE RWANDA EXPERIENCE
RWANDA AT A GLANCE
Murakaza neza! Rwanda is a magical landscape of a thousand hills and a million smiling faces. Etched into global consciousness by the brutality of the 1994 genocide, the social and economic repair that has occurred since is nothing short of miraculous, the country is stable and tourism is once again a key contributor to the economy. The jewel in the jungle green crown of the country lies in the majestic Virunga Volcanoes where populations of endangered mountain gorillas still roam, fiercely protected by passionate people, and attract curious visitors from around the world. Primate safaris may be the primary drawcard for the country, but it’s not all monkey business – go beyond the gorillas, step into an adventure playground waiting to be discovered by the active traveler and experience a country breathtaking in its beauty and graced by a people generous in their welcome.
Our Rwanda Active itinerary encompasses all the iconic attractions Rwanda is famous for. From the contemporary city vibe of Kigali to the village-clad rolling hills of the countryside, we bike, kayak, and trek our way from the sparkling streets of the capital city and the sweeping savannahs and lakes of Akagera National Park, into the lush green rain forests of Nyungwe National Park, along the sparkling shoreline of Lake Kivu and ending in the shadows of extinct volcanoes tracking endangered mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park.
Activities
Primate Tracking, Safari, Cultural Experiences, Community Visits, Historical Tours, and more.
Day 1: Arrive In Kigali
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed to a VIP lounge while we clear your luggage through immigration. You will thereafter meet a Palast Tours representative for a short briefing and trip introduction and then transfer on a 15 min drive to the Hotel for check-in.
Day 2: Kigali City Tour - Akagera National Park – Sunset Boatride
After breakfast and check-out, you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving site commemorating the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Following this visit, you will set off on a scenic 3-hour drive to Akagera National Park, enjoying lunch en route.
Upon arrival, you will check in at the lodge and settle in. As the sun sets, embark on a serene boat ride on Lake Ihema, where you’ll have the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of other wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Kigali Genocide Memorial exists as a permanent memorial to those who fell victim to the genocide against Tusti in 1994. It deals with a topic of international importance, with far-reaching significance, and is designed to engage and challenge an international visitor base. Here you will be able to visit the three permanent exhibitions, the largest of which documents the genocide against Tusti in 1994 and pay tribute to the victims of the genocide.
Akagera National Park is located in the east of Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. It is named after the Akagera River which flows along its eastern boundary and feeds into a labyrinth of lakes. The rolling hills of acacia woodland coupled with scattered grassland and swamp-fringed lakes along the watercourse combine to create a park of breathtaking beauty.
DAY 3: Full Game Dive
Morning breakfast at the lodge, followed by a full-day game drive in Akagera National Park. During the drive, you will have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and possibly even the park’s elusive big cats. A delicious packed bush lunch will be provided during the adventure.
After an exciting day in the wild, you will return to the lodge for a well-deserved shower, and dinner will be served at the lodge.
Day 4: Volcanoes National Park
Following breakfast and check out, you will do a short game drive while exit the park. Then embark on 5 hours’ drive to Musanze, home of Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival you will check in and have lunch at the lodge.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking
After an early breakfast, you will depart for the park headquarters where you will receive a briefing and be assigned to a gorilla group, accompanied by experienced rangers. Then, you’ll begin your gorilla trek through Volcanoes National Park, following the trail to the specific gorilla family assigned to you. Once the gorillas are located, you will have the unforgettable opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
After the trek, you’ll return to your lodge in time for a well-deserved lunch. The afternoon will be free for you to relax and enjoy the lodge’s amenities at your leisure.
DAY 6: Golden Monkeys Tracking - Iby'iwacu Cultural Village - Ellen Degeneres
After an early breakfast at the lodge, you will set off for a memorable Golden Monkey trekking experience. The journey begins at the park headquarters, where you will receive a briefing from park rangers and be assigned a professional guide. Golden monkeys are known for their playful and social behavior, and this trek offers a rare opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat, surrounded by the lush greenery of Volcanoes National Park. Following the trek, return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch.
After lunch you will visit Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund—a world-class conservation center where you’ll learn about efforts to protect Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. And the Gorilla Guardians Village (a cultural experience showcasing traditional Rwandan heritage, music, and dance)
Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the conservation of gorillas and their natural habitats. This campus represents a transformative expansion of research and education efforts, featuring advanced teaching and laboratory spaces. The campus enhances the study of gorillas and their critical forest ecosystems, while also providing valuable educational opportunities for early-career African scientists and local community members. It stands as a beacon for
Day 7: Transfer To Kibuye – Coffee Tour Experience
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out and embarking on a scenic 3-hour drive to Kibuye.
Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, experience the renowned “Crop to Cup” coffee tour, where you will discover the journey of Rwanda’s coffee from plantation to final brew.
After the experience, return to the lodge to relax, followed by dinner.
Day 8: Transfer To Nyungwe National Park – Canopy Walkway
Today begins with a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, followed by check-out and a scenic 3-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park.
Upon arrival, you may choose to proceed directly for the canopy walkway experience (a suspended bridge offering breathtaking views over the forest canopy) before heading to the lodge for check-in. Alternatively, you can first check in and enjoy lunch at the lodge, then visit the canopy walkway in the afternoon. Dinner will be served at the lodge.
Canopy Walkway
Now’s your chance to relive your Indiana Jones fantasies as you swing on the adrenaline filled canopy walk. The construction of a 160m-long and at times 70m-high canopy walkway is a big draw for visitors after an unusual experience. You won’t encounter much wildlife while on the metallic suspension bridge, but you’ll certainly appreciate the jungle anew from this unique monkey’s eye perspective. Access to the canopy walkway, which is on the Igishigishigi trail, involves a preliminary 20- to 30-minute hike from Uwinka. This is also the perfect place for birdwatchers. Nyungwe has something of a legendary status among birdwatchers in East Africa, and is by far the country’s top spot for birdwatching with some 300-plus species, which include no fewer than 27 Albertine Rift Valley endemics.
DAY 9: Chimpanzee Tracking
Rise early, enjoy your coffee, and pack your breakfast before heading into the forest for chimpanzee tracking. Chimpanzees are highly sociable creatures, known for forming complex communities of up to 100 individuals. During the day, these communities break into smaller groups to forage for food, a behavior referred to as ‘fission-fusion’ by anthropologists.
After the trek, you will drive back to the hotel for a well-deserved shower, and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure.
Day 10: Road Transfer To Kigali - King's Palace Visit
After an early breakfast and check-out, you will begin your drive back to Kigali.En route, you will visit the King’s Palace Museum and experience the traditional “Inyambo” cow parade. Continue on to Kigali with lunch along the way. Arrival in the evening time and check in. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
King’s Palace Museum
Situated on a hill 2km southwest of Nyanza town, this fascinating museum is less about ancient history and more about royal residences. The displays center on a replica king's ‘palace’. You will go on a guided tour that helps explain some of the architectural idiosyncrasies inside the royal compound, including why the royal beer brewer’s hut had an entrance without a lip, and other curiosities such as why the woman who looked after the king’s milk was never able to marry.
Day 11: Departure
Your Last Day in the Land of a Thousand Hills
Enjoy a leisurely morning and a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Check-out is scheduled for 11:00 AM. Your driver-guide will be available to take you on a final, unhurried souvenir shopping experience, giving you the opportunity to discover unique handcrafted items and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. Alternatively, if time is limited, you will be transferred directly to the airport for your departure flight—bringing your unforgettable journey through Rwanda to a close.
THIS WILL MARK THE END OF YOUR TRIP! Urugendo rwiza!!
Leisure beyond expectation!
