8 DAYS - & WILD WONDERS EXPEDITION

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 GENOCIDE MEMORIAL - AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK – SUNSET BOATRIDE

After morning breakfast, check out and visit genocide memorial afterwards you will embark on a 3-hour drive to Akagera National Park, lunch will be taken enroute. With park registration done prior, you will arrive and proceed to the lodge and be assisted to check in. At sunset transfer to the jetty for a sun set boat ride on Lake Ihema which starts at 4:30 PM and ends at 6:00PM. You’ll have the chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, birds and a variety of other wildlife in their natural habitat.

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: GAME DRIVE

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.

DAY 4: TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – ELLEN DEGENERES MUSEUM

Following breakfast and check out, you will enjoy 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, lunch will served at the lodge.

Afternoon you will have an optional of VisitEllen 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

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 conservation, education, and community engagement, continuing the legacy of Dr. Dian Fossey and the commitment to protect these incredible creatures.

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.

DAY 6: GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING - GORILLA GUARDIANS VILLAGE & AUTHENTIC VILLAGE EXPERIENCE

After an early breakfast at 6:40 AM 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. In the afternoon, you may choose activities such as a visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village (a cultural experience showcasing traditional Rwandan heritage, music, and dance) or an Authentic Village experience focusing on local community life and traditions.

DAY 7: TRANSFER TO LAKE KIVU - FISHING EXPERIENCE

Morning at leisure. Enjoy breakfast, then check out and begin your scenic drive to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi — a journey of about two hours through Rwanda’s rolling hills, often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Along the way, expect breathtaking panoramic views, terraced landscapes, and your first shimmering glimpses of the lake’s expansive shoreline.

You will arrive in time for lunch and check in at your lakeside lodge, where you can relax and take in the tranquil atmosphere, fresh breezes, and stunning water views. Around sunset, embark on a scenic boat ride across the calm waters offering unique scenery and peaceful surroundings and enjoy the famous fishing experience.

Return to the lodge in time for dinner and overnight, with the soothing sounds of the lake and a peaceful sunset closing your day.

DAY 8: KAYAK – ROAD TRANSFER TO KIGALI - DEPARTURE

Today begins with a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, followed by a refreshing morning kayaking experience on the calm waters — a perfect way to enjoy the peaceful scenery and gentle rhythm of the lake. Return to the lodge and check out and go for 3, hours’ drive to Kigali. Lunch enroute.

Depending on the time of your departure flight, your driver-guide will be at your disposal for a leisurely souvenir shopping excursion, where you can find unique handcrafted goods and experience the vibrant culture of the city. Alternatively, if time is tight, you will be transferred directly to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable trip to Rwanda

THIS WILL MARK THE END OF YOUR TRIP! Urugendo rwiza!!

Leisure beyond expectations!