DAY 1: WELCOME TO KIGALI, RWANDA – EXPLORE THE CAPITAL!

Welcome to the heart of Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be treated to VIP service as we take care of your luggage and immigration. Relax in the lounge, and then meet your friendly Cats of Africa Safaris representative for a warm introduction and a quick trip briefing.

Afterward, it’s a short 15-minute drive to your hotel, the Kigali Serena Hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can either explore Kigali’s bustling city streets, or simply kick back and prepare for the journey ahead.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel

DAY 2: KIGALI CITY TOUR & AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, your Kigali city tour begins with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a sobering site that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide and tells the story of Rwanda’s history, resilience, and hope. You’ll also visit the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, which gives a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s journey from the genocide to rebuilding as a peaceful nation.

By late morning, you will depart Kigali and embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Akagera National Park, located along Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania. This stunning park, named after the Akagera River, is a mix of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, savannahs, and swamp-fringed lakes, creating a diverse landscape that is home to a variety of wildlife.

Upon arrival, enjoy a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema, where you’ll be treated to sightings of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a wide array of bird species, including the majestic African fish eagle. Keep your binoculars ready for the elusive shoebill stork and other wetland birds.

Dinner & Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (BLD)

DAY 3: FULL-DAY GAME DRIVE IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

After an early breakfast, set off on a full-day game drive through Akagera National Park. This park offers the best chance to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) in Rwanda. As you traverse the park’s open plains, keep your eyes peeled for giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and various bird species. Your experienced guide will take you to the park’s most scenic and wildlife-rich areas, ensuring you have a thrilling safari experience.

Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park’s scenic spots before continuing your wildlife adventure in the afternoon. As the day draws to a close, return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Dinner & Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (BLD)

DAY 4: MORNING GAME DRIVE & RETURN TO KIGALI

After breakfast, embark on a half-day game drive, where you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and other wildlife as they graze on the open savannah. Your park guide will enhance the experience by sharing interesting facts about the animals and the park’s ecology. You’ll enjoy a bush-packed lunch before exiting the park.

Following your safari, you will drive back to Kigali (approximately 2.5 hours), arriving in time for check in again at the Kigali Serena Hotel.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel (BLD)

DAY 5: KINGS PALACE & NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, check out and begin the 6-hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in the southern part of Rwanda. On the way, stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you’ll step back in time to learn about pre-colonial Rwanda. This cultural landmark includes a replica of the traditional palace, along with fascinating insights into royal life, including the customs surrounding the sacred royal cows.

Continue to Huye (formerly Butare) for lunch and a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, home to one of the finest collections of traditional and archaeological artifacts in East Africa. Afterward, resume your journey to Nyungwe.

Dinner & Overnight: Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (BLD)

DAY 6: CHIMPANZEE TRACKING & CANOPY WALK

Rise early for an exciting day of chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. After breakfast, you’ll head into the forest with expert trackers to find these intelligent and highly social creatures. Nyungwe is one of the last remaining habitats for chimpanzees in Rwanda, and watching them interact in their natural habitat is a truly remarkable experience. The trek can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the location of the chimps.

Return to the lodge for lunch, and in the afternoon, embark on the famous canopy walk. This 160-meter-long suspension bridge, hanging 70 meters above the forest floor, offers a unique and exhilarating perspective of the jungle. Though wildlife sightings are rare from the walkway, the views of the dense forest canopy and the experience of walking among the treetops are unforgettable.

Dinner & Overnight: Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (BLD)

 DAY 7: LAKE KIVU EXPERIENCE

After breakfast, you will check out and embark on a 5-hour drive to Rubavu, a picturesque town along the shores of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, check into the Kivu Serena Hotel and enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the serene lake.

In the evening, set off on a traditional fishing trip with local fishermen. This unique experience involves joining the fishermen in their traditional canoes, rowing out into the lake as the sun sets. You’ll hear them sing traditional songs as they cast their nets, using lamps to attract fish as darkness falls. Return to your hotel for a late dinner.

Dinner & Overnight: Kivu Serena Hotel (BLD)

DAY 8: VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK 

After a relaxed breakfast and some free time at the hotel, check out and begin the 1-hour drive to Musanze, home to the famous Volcanoes National Park. This park, part of the Virunga Mountain Range, is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and a variety of other wildlife, including golden monkeys and mountain elephants.

Upon arrival, check into the luxurious The Bishop’s House, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing afternoon and dinner.

In the afternoon, you will visit the twin lakes, Ruhondo and Burera, where you will mingle with the local people and get to know more about them. You will also get to see numerous species of bird life.

Dinner & Overnight: The Bishop’s House (BLD)

DAY 9: GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING & THE TWIN LAKES EXPERIENCE

Rise early once more for a 6:40 AM departure to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters for your Golden Monkey Tracking adventure. After another informative briefing, your guide will lead you through the bamboo forests in search of these lively and rare primates. The golden monkeys are much more active than gorillas, and their playful antics, combined with their striking golden-orange fur, make for an exciting trek.

The trek itself typically lasts 2 to 3 hours, depending on how quickly the monkeys are located. You’ll have around an hour to watch them swing through the trees, play, and forage for food—an experience that’s completely unique to this part of the world.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwandan culture with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Ex-Poachers Cultural Village. Here, you’ll witness an authentic Rwandan village life experience complete with vibrant drumming, dance, and ancient traditions. Learn how former poachers have transitioned into conservation advocates, preserving Rwanda’s wildlife. Try your hand at weaving, archery, or even participate in the dynamic Rwandan dance!

Dinner & Overnight: The Bishop’s House (BLD)

DAY 10: GORILLA TREKKING EXPERIENCE – A JOURNEY INTO THE MIST

Get ready for one of the most thrilling days of your life! After an early breakfast, you’ll depart at 6:30 AM for the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters (about 30 minutes’ drive from your lodge). Here, you’ll be welcomed by park officials for a detailed briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette, the gorilla families you may encounter, and safety protocols. You’ll be assigned a specific gorilla family based on your fitness level and preferences.

The trek start times vary based on the location of the gorillas, but expect to begin your hike by around 8:00 AM. Trekking can take anywhere between 2 to 6 hours depending on where the gorilla family is located. The walk will lead you through dense bamboo forests, climbing steep, misty mountain slopes—adding to the magical atmosphere. Your guide will provide fascinating information about the environment, the gorillas, and the other wildlife you may encounter along the way.

Finally, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the legendary mountain gorillas. For one incredible hour, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close, as they feed, play, and interact within their family groups. It’s a truly humbling and awe-inspiring experience that will stay with you forever.

After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a well-deserved afternoon of relaxation. If time allows, take in the views of the stunning Virunga Volcanoes or enjoy the peaceful surroundings of your lodge.

Dinner & Overnight: The Bishop’s House (BLD)

DAY 11: DEPARTURE

Checking out of the hotel after breakfast and begin the 2-hour drive back to Kigali (115 kilometers). Depending on your departure time, you may enjoy a short city tour, with time to pick up some Rwandan crafts and souvenirs.

Your guide will then transfer you to the airport for your flight home, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

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END OF TOUR

We wish you safe travels and hope to welcome you back soon!