African Unique Safaris and Tours Trip Itinerary for 6 Day Rwanda Safari & Gorilla Tour
Prepared By: Michael Savage on Jun 2, 2024
Introduction
Remarkable Rwanda is one of the world’s most captivating and sort after destinations. From near destruction in the tragic 1994 genocide to a never before seen reconciliation, recovery and period of peace and stability,
Rwanda is now considered a leader in the region and an innovative developing country which bans plastic bottles, is the 6th safest place to walk alone at night in the world and has the world’s highest representation of women in Parliament.
Home to some of the most special animal encounters on the planet you will get to trek and spend time with rare and critically endangered Mountain Gorillas and the unique and playful Golden Monkeys as well as a chance to spot the Big 5 with a game drive experience and boat safari in Akagera National Park.
To make the tour just that little bit more memorable we have a series of cultural and local experiences which often surprise as being some of the most memorable parts of a tour.
Rwanda truly earns it's title of being Remarkable
Quick Summary
Itinerary Detail
Day 1: Arrive to Kigali
Daily Summary
- Tour: Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Tour: Question Coffee Master Class Experience
- Transfer: Transfer to Park Inn
- Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson Blu - Standard Room
- Meals: B, L, D
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, we have organized a meet and greet service. They will assist you through immigration and collect your luggage whilst you have a drink in the lounge. Once these duties are fulfilled, they will escort you to the arrivals hall and connect you with your driver guide. who will transfer you to Park Inn Hotel for breakfast and tour briefing. After breakfast, we will visit Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Kigali Genocide Memorial
This is an extremely moving, challenging, educational and ultimately inspiring memorial and great place to understand the cause, tragedy and successful rebuilding of Rwanda post genocide.
The reconciliation and rebuilding has been miraculous and these memorials are built to inform, educate and prevent such a tragedy to ever occur again.
The tour is very transparent and educational but very somber and humbling when you realize that over 250,000 deceased are buried on the site of the memorial. Guaranteed you will feel every emotion during this visit.
The most common question that goes through your mind is “would I be capable of that level of forgiveness if I found myself in this situation”. That’s true inspiration.
Morning Activity to Lunch Transfer
After your morning activity we will transfer 10 minutes to our lunch destination.
Repub Lounge offers delicious traditional Rwandan and African dishes in a contemporary manner.
It's great food to order multiple different dishes and share.
After lunch we transfer 10 minutes to your afternoon activity.
Question Coffee Master Class Experience
Rwanda has some of the world's best coffee with perfect growing conditions and bourbon Arabica coffee beans grown all around the country. The Master Class will provide a crop to cup experience providing you with extra knowledge about your favorite cup of coffee. Areas covered are:
Production
Cupping and Tasting
Brewing
After this aromatic class, we will head to hotel for check in. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Kigali to Akagera NP
Daily Summary
- Tour: Akagera NP Game Drive
- Tour: Lake Ihema Boat Safari
- Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge - Standard Suite
- Meals: B, L, D
Morning departure information
Today we will depart at 7:00 am where your driver guide will meet you at the Hotel Reception for your transfer on today's activity, we begin our 2.5-hour scenic drive to Akagera National Park in the eastern part of Rwanda.
Akagera NP Game Drive
We will arrive mid morning at around 9:30 am at the park reception for registration and proceed for the southern sector game drive. This circuit is particularly known for its Giraffes, Zebras, Baboons, Waterbuck, and Buffalo. After this morning's game drive we will drive to our lodge for lunch and check in.
Afternoon by 3:00 pm we will embark in our vehicle with enroute game drive towards Lake Ihema Boat Safari.
Lake Ihema Boat Safari
In the late afternoon we will head to Lake Ihema in time for our 4:30 pm boat safari. This is an opportunity to get up close from a whole new perspective and see hippos, crocodiles, and many of the 423-bird species of Akagera, all whilst watching the sunset over this magical first day.
After the boat safari, we will return to our accommodation for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: AKAGERA NP TO NYAGATARE
Daily Summary
- Tour: Full day Game drive from South to North and Exit.
- Accommodation: Mantis EPIC Hotel & Suites - 1 Standard Suite
- Meals: B, L, D
Morning departure information
Today we will depart at 7:00 am where your driver guide will meet you at the Hotel Reception for your transfer on today's activity.
Full day Game drive from South to North and Exit.
Then we are off on a full day’s game drive as we make our way from the southern part of Akagera NP all the way to the northern sector via a stop at Hippo's Beach viewpoint for your packed lunch and good shorts for Hippos on the beach sunbathing. After lunch we proceed to the northern sector.
Akagera National Park Northern sector.
The northern sector has wide savannahs and is where we are most likely to spot Lions and Rhinoceros’. The lions have introduced about 7 years ago and their numbers are increasing very healthily, and the Rhinos are only less than a year in the park so it will be a great day if we manage to spot them.
This is a big savannah country with several lakes dotting the landscape creating further opportunities to spot birdlife and hippos.
Late in the afternoon we will exit via the northern gate of Akagera NP and transfer 30 minutes to Mantis Epic Hotel and suits, where you check in, have dinner and overnight.
Day 4: NYAGATARE TO VOLCANOES
Daily Summary
- Tour: Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund
- Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge - Standard Cottage
- Meals: B, L, D
Morning departure information
Today, after our breakfast at the hotel, we will check out at 10:00 am for your 4 hours scenic transfer to Volcanoes NP via a lunch stop at Sooko rest stop after 2.5 hours driving.
After lunch we will make the final 90-minute transfer to your accommodation in Musanze at foothills of Volcanoes NP, where you can check in and refresh before we head out to our afternoon activity at 3:00 pm
Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is an expansive, 12-acre property that rests adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The campus showcases the best in sustainable architecture, local resourcing, and environmentally responsible practices and will offer state-of- the-art laboratories, a scientific conservation library, and meeting space for large groups. The goal of the campus is to inspire everyone who visits, to cherish gorillas and encourage a lifetime of conservation.
Transfer from Ellen DeGeneres of the Dian Fossey to your Accommodation
After this activity, we will transfer you to your accommodation and relax with the lodge facilities as we prepare for tomorrows adventure.
Day 5: VOLCANOES NP
Daily Summary
- Tour: Mountain Gorilla Trek
- Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge - Standard Cottage
- Meals: B, L, D
Morning departure information
Today we will depart at 6:30 am where your driver guide will meet you at the Hotel Reception for your transfer on today's activity.
Mountain Gorilla Trek
Today you have a unique and privileged experience to trek and meet at close quarters the rare Mountain Gorilla. There are only around 1063 of these magnificent creatures left in the world with around 1/3 of those in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Early in the morning after breakfast you will be taken to the park headquarters where you will be educated on the trek, Gorilla behavior and assigned in to groups of suitable fitness.
The trek can take between 2-6 hours depending on the movements of the Gorillas. This is considered one of the great natural animal encounters on the planet.
The rangers will lead you deep into the forest in search for the Gorillas. You will move up and down the rugged terrain until you finally meet these harmonious creatures that will entertain you with performances for about 1 hour once you find them.
Transfer from Gorillas trek to accommodation
After descending back down the Mountain head back to your lodge for lunch as you swap memorable stories for your experience with Mountain Gorillas.
In the afternoon you can either relax at lodge or take an optional activity on your own account such as a Musanze Authentic Community Walk or Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village Experience.
Day 6: VOLCANOES NP - KIGALI
Daily Summary
- Tour: Golden Monkey Trek
- Tour: Arrive Kigali - Kimironko Market
- Meals: B, L, D
Morning departure information
Today we will depart at 7:00 am where your driver guide will meet you at the Hotel Reception for your transfer on today's activity, of Golden monkey trek.
Golden Monkey Trek
It's a short drive to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters to register and receive your briefing for the trek. Then you will be transferred to the starting point of the trek. Golden Monkey's on average are a much easier trek than the Mountain Gorillas, but of course occasionally nature doesn't cooperate. Like the Mountain Gorillas you will get to spend an hour with these active, unique and beautiful monkeys which are quite rare. Rwanda has probably the most accessible troops of Golden Monkey's in East Africa.
After the Golden Monkey Trek we will return to your accommodation to freshen up, have lunch and check out before we then take the 3-hour transfer back to Kigali
Arrive Kigali - Kimironko Market
On arrival your driver guide will transfer you to Kimironko Market for your souvenir shopping. which, located in the Kimironko neighborhood of Kigali, is the busiest market in town. Vendors here sell produce from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while locals from all over the city head here to stock up on fruit, vegetables, fabric, clothing, shoes, and general household necessities. This is the place to experience Rwanda at its liveliest.
After a visit to the market, as your flight doesn't leave until the late evening, we will take you to dinner at one of Kigali’s very good restaurants Khana Khazana before transferring you to Kigali Airport for your flight home.
We wish you a safe onward journey with memories that will move you long after you return home.
Accommodation
Park Inn by Radisson Blu
Kigali, Rwanda
Room Type: Standard Room
Click here to view the video of Park Inn by Radisson Blu
Offering a prime city center location, the Park Inn by Radisson Kigali is the premier hotel choice in Rwanda's capital city. The hotel is within easy reach of government buildings like the Presidential Palace and the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center. The international airport is just 12 kilometers away, and airport shuttles to and from the hotel are available. Our 161 modern rooms and suites include amenities like free high-speed Wi-Fi and vibrant furnishings, so you can stay connected in comfort. When it comes to dining, the Live Inn Room Restaurant offers a modern, cozy atmosphere, along with a delectable range of international dishes. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Akagera Game Lodge
Akagera, Rwanda
Room Type: Standard Suite
Akagera Game Lodge is nestled in the Eastern Akagera National Park in Rwanda, offering guests a unique and immersive safari experience. The lodge boasts comfortable accommodations, delicious dining options, and stunning views of the surrounding wildlife. Guests can enjoy game drives to see a variety of animals such as elephants, zebras, and giraffes in their natural habitat. The lodge's serene location provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing guests to relax and unwind amidst nature's beauty. With its welcoming atmosphere and top-notch service, Akagera Game Lodge promises an unforgettable stay for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Mantis EPIC Hotel & Suites
Nyagatare, Rwanda
Room Type: 1 Standard Suite
Located near the northern entrance of Akagera National Park in Rwanda’s Eastern Province district of Nyagatare. EPIC Hotel is the ultimate destination for both business and leisure travellers, offering 77 well-appointed rooms and exceptional facilities that cater to your every need. At Mantis EPIC Hotel & Suites, we take pride in engaging with local communities and businesses to provide our guests with a richer experience that celebrates Rwandese culture and traditions.
From our traditional Rwandese village walks to our modern and spacious guest areas, our hotel offers a blend of contemporary luxury and authentic local charm. We are committed to preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings and ensuring that our guests can experience the wonders of Rwanda’s wildlife and natural landscapes in an eco-friendly way.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Room Type: Standard Cottage
Nestled at the foot of the Virunga Sabyinyo Mountain, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge offers a breathtaking escape into nature. Just 120 kilometers from Kigali, it takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by road to reach this tranquil retreat. The lodge is beautifully landscaped with natural foliage and a stunning variety of flower gardens, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. The climate varies, with warm days and cool nights, making it an ideal destination for relaxation. However, March to June and October to December are the rainy months, adding a refreshing touch to the lush surroundings. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a glass of chilled fresh fruit juice, traditional Rwandan tea or coffee, and scented towels, setting the tone for a warm and hospitable stay.
Details
Details
Price Includes
Travel & Services
- VIP meet & greet service at Kigali International Airport.
- 6 days private use of an expert English-speaking driver-guide
- 6 days exclusive use of a 4WD Safari Vehicle with Internet
- Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance
- Unlimited drinking water in the vehicle
- Personalized walking sticks
Accommodation & Meals
- 1 night at Park Inn Hotel, Kigali half board basis.
- 1 night at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, Akagera NP on full board basis.
- 1 night at Mantis Epic Hotel and Suites, Nyagatare on half board basis.
- 2 nights at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Volcanoes NP on full board basis.
MEALS: 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 6 Dinners (Lunch at Repub Lounge on day 1, lunch at Sooko on day 4 and Dinner at Khana Khazana on day 6)
Activities
- Kigali Genocide Memorial.
- Question Coffee Master Class.
- Game drive and permits for 3 days in Akagera National Park
- Akagera Lake Ihema Boat Safari Tour
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund
- Mountain Gorilla Trek
- Golden Monkey trek
Price Excludes
- Tips and Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Laundry
- Porter Hire
- All Drinks not donated in itinerary
Why African Unique Safaris and Tours?
Why African Unique Safaris and Tours?
Our Vision
To create
1000 new financially independent families
in the regions we operate in by 2030.
Our Mission
To provide best in class, unique, inspiring, eco-tourism focussed experiences that will provide memories that will emotionally move you long after you return home.
Our Service Promise
To treat each and every guest as if we are
hosting our favorite relative.
One-Stop-Shop Convenience
A leading Destination Management Company that provides comprehensive solutions and services including ground operating tours as local owner operators with offices in Rwanda, Uganda & Kenya, we also expertly advise, prepare & manager tours across all sub-Saharan Africa.