A one-week Rwanda tour offers an incredible journey through the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” combining wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. Rwanda is famous for its mountain gorillas, but it also offers much more, including diverse national parks, vibrant cities, and a deep cultural history. Below is a suggested itinerary for a one-week tour of Rwanda, covering some of its top highlights.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

• Arrive in Kigali: Rwanda’s capital is a vibrant and clean city set among rolling hills. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a rest after your flight.
• Kigali City Tour:
  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s tragic history and its remarkable recovery and reconciliation process.
  • Explore local markets such as Kimironko Market, where you can shop for handicrafts and fresh produce.
  • Enjoy Kigali’s excellent restaurants for dinner, such as Heaven Restaurant, known for its Rwandan and international cuisine.

Overnight: Kigali

Day 2: Drive to Akagera National Park (Eastern Rwanda)

• Drive to Akagera National Park: After breakfast, embark on a 2.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park, located along the eastern border with Tanzania. This park is Rwanda’s only savannah park and is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
• Afternoon Game Drive:
  • Upon arrival, enjoy a game drive where you may spot giraffes, zebras, elephants, and possibly lions and leopards.
  • The park also offers incredible birdwatching opportunities, with over 500 species recorded.

Overnight: Lodge in or near Akagera National Park

Day 3: Akagera National Park Safari and Boat Safari

• Morning Game Drive:
  • Start the day with an early morning game drive to catch predators like lions and leopards while they are still active.
  • Explore the varied landscapes of Akagera, from savannah plains to lakes and wetlands.
• Boat Safari on Lake Ihema:
  • In the afternoon, take a boat safari on Lake Ihema. This provides a different perspective on the wildlife, with the chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds, including African fish eagles and kingfishers.

Overnight: Lodge in or near Akagera National Park

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Northern Rwanda)

• Drive to Volcanoes National Park: After breakfast, begin your journey to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northern part of Rwanda (around a 4-hour drive). This park is famous for being home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
• Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Optional):
  • En route or upon arrival, you can visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll experience traditional Rwandan culture, music, and dance. This community-based initiative allows you to interact with locals and learn about their heritage.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park (e.g., Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, or mid-range options like Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge)

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

• Gorilla Trekking:
  • After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the park rangers. You’ll then embark on a gorilla trek through the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park. This is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world, as you spend time observing a habituated family of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
  • Trekking can take between 2 and 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once found, you will have one hour to observe and photograph them.
• Return to Lodge: After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
  • Optional afternoon activities include visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn more about the conservation efforts or enjoying a nature walk.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking or Other Activities

• Golden Monkey Trekking:
  • For a different primate experience, start your day with a golden monkey trek. These playful primates are also endangered and live in the same forest as the gorillas. The trek is generally shorter and easier than gorilla trekking, but it offers a delightful experience watching these acrobatic monkeys leap through the bamboo forest.
• Alternative Activities:
  • Hike to Dian Fossey’s Tomb: For those interested in conservation history, hike to the tomb of Dian Fossey, the renowned primatologist, and visit the site of her former research center.
  • Visit the Twin Lakes: The nearby Lakes Burera and Ruhondo offer a scenic escape, where you can enjoy boat rides, birdwatching, and views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Day 7: Drive Back to Kigali and Departure

• Drive Back to Kigali: After breakfast, drive back to Kigali (approximately 2-3 hours). Depending on your flight time, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a visit to Caplaki Crafts Village for souvenirs.
• Departure: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.

Tour Highlights:

• Gorilla Trekking: The highlight of the tour, this once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to come face to face with the endangered mountain gorillas.
• Game Drives in Akagera National Park: Enjoy a classic African safari experience, with opportunities to see the Big Five and explore Rwanda’s only savannah national park.
• Chimpanzee and Golden Monkey Trekking: Experience Rwanda’s rich primate diversity by trekking for chimpanzees and golden monkeys.
• Kigali City Tour: Learn about Rwanda’s history, including its recovery from the 1994 genocide, and explore the vibrant capital city.
• Cultural Experiences: Engage with local communities and learn about Rwandan culture through visits to cultural centers.

Practical Information:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time for this tour is during the dry seasons: from June to September and December to February. These months offer the best conditions for trekking and wildlife viewing.
• Permits: Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost USD $1,500 per person, while permits for golden monkey trekking cost around USD $100.
• Fitness Level: Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Be prepared for steep, sometimes muddy terrain.

This one-week Rwanda itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and culture, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to experience the best of Rwanda in a short time. Let me know if you’d like more details on accommodation options or specific activities! One week Rwanda Tour