Rwanda
Land of a Thousand Hills – Gorillas, Genocide Memorial & Renewal. Experience breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife encounters, and a journey of reflection and hope.
Country Overview
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![images (36)[1]](https://africamilestone.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/images_361.jpg "Rwanda")
Why Visit Rwanda
- Mountain gorilla trekking – Volcanoes National Park, the most accessible gorilla habitat in Africa
- Kigali – Africa’s cleanest and most modern capital city, an extraordinary story of post-genocide rebuilding
- Kigali Genocide Memorial – one of the most important and moving memorial sites in the world
- Golden monkey trekking – only in Volcanoes NP, these endangered primates are playful and beautiful
- Nyungwe Forest – chimpanzee trekking and Africa’s longest canopy walkway
- Lake Kivu – stunning lake on the DRC border, a major resort destination
- Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s Big Five game reserve (rhino reintroduced 2017)
- Conservation success story – Rwanda leads Africa in conservation, gender equality, and governance
Essential Travel Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Kigali |
| Language | Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili (all official) |
| Currency | Rwandan Franc (RWF). USD widely accepted. 1 USD ≈ 1,300 RWF |
| Visa | Most nationalities receive visa on arrival or eVisa (irembo.gov.rw). USD 30 for 30 days. African Union passports often visa-free |
| Best Time | June–September and December–February (dry seasons). Gorilla trekking year-round |
| Time Zone | UTC+2 |
| Getting There | Kigali International Airport (KGL). RwandAir hub. Ethiopian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM |
| Getting Around | RwandAir domestic. Hire cars with driver. Mototaxis (motos) for Kigali |
| Health | Yellow fever certificate required. Malaria risk low in Kigali (high altitude) but recommended for lowland areas |
| Budget Range | Budget: USD 70–120/day | Mid-range: USD 200–400/day | Gorilla permit: USD 1,500/person |
| Tipping | USD 10–20/day for guides; USD 5–10/day for porters; 10% in restaurants |
| Electricity | 230V; Type C/J plugs |
| Safety | Extremely safe. One of Africa's safest countries. Kigali rated safer than many European cities. Zero tolerance for corruption and crime |
Tour Itineraries – 1 to 12 Days
The following itineraries are designed to be flexible and can be customised to your group’s interests, pace, and budget. All itineraries include accommodation, meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), transfers, and guide services arranged by Africa Milestone.
1-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 150.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
2-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 300.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
3-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Briefing
Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours through terraced hillsides).
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri). Check in. Afternoon: visit the Musanze Caves.
Optional: Community visit to a traditional Intore dance performance.
Evening: Gorilla trek briefing at Rwanda Development Board office.
Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes area lodge | Meals: B, L, D
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 450.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
4-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Briefing
Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours through terraced hillsides).
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri). Check in. Afternoon: visit the Musanze Caves.
Optional: Community visit to a traditional Intore dance performance.
Evening: Gorilla trek briefing at Rwanda Development Board office.
Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes area lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 | Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes NP
6am briefing at park headquarters. Assigned to a gorilla group. Begin the trek into the Virunga Volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous gorilla trekking destination in the world (from Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist).
Spend one extraordinary hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.
Return to lodge. Afternoon: optional golden monkey trekking (second permit required).
Overnight: Volcanoes NP | Meals: B, L, D
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 600.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
5-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Briefing
Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours through terraced hillsides).
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri). Check in. Afternoon: visit the Musanze Caves.
Optional: Community visit to a traditional Intore dance performance.
Evening: Gorilla trek briefing at Rwanda Development Board office.
Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes area lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 | Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes NP
6am briefing at park headquarters. Assigned to a gorilla group. Begin the trek into the Virunga Volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous gorilla trekking destination in the world (from Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist).
Spend one extraordinary hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.
Return to lodge. Afternoon: optional golden monkey trekking (second permit required).
Overnight: Volcanoes NP | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 | Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzees & Canopy Walkway
Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest (approximately 4–5 hours through spectacular highland scenery).
Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests.
Afternoon: Canopy Walkway – Africa’s longest at 160 metres above the forest floor, suspended between giant trees.
Overnight: Nyungwe lodge | Meals: B, L, D
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 750.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
6-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Briefing
Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours through terraced hillsides).
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri). Check in. Afternoon: visit the Musanze Caves.
Optional: Community visit to a traditional Intore dance performance.
Evening: Gorilla trek briefing at Rwanda Development Board office.
Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes area lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 | Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes NP
6am briefing at park headquarters. Assigned to a gorilla group. Begin the trek into the Virunga Volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous gorilla trekking destination in the world (from Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist).
Spend one extraordinary hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.
Return to lodge. Afternoon: optional golden monkey trekking (second permit required).
Overnight: Volcanoes NP | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 | Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzees & Canopy Walkway
Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest (approximately 4–5 hours through spectacular highland scenery).
Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests.
Afternoon: Canopy Walkway – Africa’s longest at 160 metres above the forest floor, suspended between giant trees.
Overnight: Nyungwe lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 | Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu
Morning: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Also: Angolan colobus monkeys (in troops of up to 400 – Africa’s largest colobus troop), L’Hoest’s monkey, 13 primate species total.
Afternoon: Drive to Lake Kivu on the DRC border. One of Africa’s Great Lakes, set at 1,460 metres elevation.
Relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Stunning scenery of hills, volcanoes, and island.
Overnight: Gisenyi/Kibuye on Lake Kivu | Meals: B, L, D
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 900.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
7-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Briefing
Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours through terraced hillsides).
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri). Check in. Afternoon: visit the Musanze Caves.
Optional: Community visit to a traditional Intore dance performance.
Evening: Gorilla trek briefing at Rwanda Development Board office.
Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes area lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 | Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes NP
6am briefing at park headquarters. Assigned to a gorilla group. Begin the trek into the Virunga Volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous gorilla trekking destination in the world (from Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist).
Spend one extraordinary hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.
Return to lodge. Afternoon: optional golden monkey trekking (second permit required).
Overnight: Volcanoes NP | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 | Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzees & Canopy Walkway
Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest (approximately 4–5 hours through spectacular highland scenery).
Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests.
Afternoon: Canopy Walkway – Africa’s longest at 160 metres above the forest floor, suspended between giant trees.
Overnight: Nyungwe lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 | Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu
Morning: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Also: Angolan colobus monkeys (in troops of up to 400 – Africa’s largest colobus troop), L’Hoest’s monkey, 13 primate species total.
Afternoon: Drive to Lake Kivu on the DRC border. One of Africa’s Great Lakes, set at 1,460 metres elevation.
Relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Stunning scenery of hills, volcanoes, and island.
Overnight: Gisenyi/Kibuye on Lake Kivu | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 | Akagera National Park – Big Five Safari
Drive east to Akagera National Park on the Tanzania border (approximately 3 hours from Kigali).
Akagera is Rwanda’s Big Five reserve. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, black rhino in 2017 – a remarkable conservation success story.
Afternoon game drive: elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, hippo in the lake complex.
Overnight: Akagera lodge | Meals: B, L, D
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 1050.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
8-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Briefing
Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours through terraced hillsides).
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri). Check in. Afternoon: visit the Musanze Caves.
Optional: Community visit to a traditional Intore dance performance.
Evening: Gorilla trek briefing at Rwanda Development Board office.
Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes area lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 | Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes NP
6am briefing at park headquarters. Assigned to a gorilla group. Begin the trek into the Virunga Volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous gorilla trekking destination in the world (from Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist).
Spend one extraordinary hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.
Return to lodge. Afternoon: optional golden monkey trekking (second permit required).
Overnight: Volcanoes NP | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 | Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzees & Canopy Walkway
Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest (approximately 4–5 hours through spectacular highland scenery).
Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests.
Afternoon: Canopy Walkway – Africa’s longest at 160 metres above the forest floor, suspended between giant trees.
Overnight: Nyungwe lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 | Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu
Morning: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Also: Angolan colobus monkeys (in troops of up to 400 – Africa’s largest colobus troop), L’Hoest’s monkey, 13 primate species total.
Afternoon: Drive to Lake Kivu on the DRC border. One of Africa’s Great Lakes, set at 1,460 metres elevation.
Relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Stunning scenery of hills, volcanoes, and island.
Overnight: Gisenyi/Kibuye on Lake Kivu | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 | Akagera National Park – Big Five Safari
Drive east to Akagera National Park on the Tanzania border (approximately 3 hours from Kigali).
Akagera is Rwanda’s Big Five reserve. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, black rhino in 2017 – a remarkable conservation success story.
Afternoon game drive: elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, hippo in the lake complex.
Overnight: Akagera lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8 | Akagera Full Day – Game Drives & Lake Ihema
Full day in Akagera. Morning and afternoon game drives targeting lion and black rhino.
Boat safari on Lake Ihema: hippo pods, enormous crocodile, and exceptional waterbirds including shoebill stork.
Evening: Return to Kigali for final night and departure preparation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 1200.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
9-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Briefing
Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours through terraced hillsides).
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri). Check in. Afternoon: visit the Musanze Caves.
Optional: Community visit to a traditional Intore dance performance.
Evening: Gorilla trek briefing at Rwanda Development Board office.
Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes area lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 | Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes NP
6am briefing at park headquarters. Assigned to a gorilla group. Begin the trek into the Virunga Volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous gorilla trekking destination in the world (from Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist).
Spend one extraordinary hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.
Return to lodge. Afternoon: optional golden monkey trekking (second permit required).
Overnight: Volcanoes NP | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 | Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzees & Canopy Walkway
Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest (approximately 4–5 hours through spectacular highland scenery).
Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests.
Afternoon: Canopy Walkway – Africa’s longest at 160 metres above the forest floor, suspended between giant trees.
Overnight: Nyungwe lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 | Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu
Morning: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Also: Angolan colobus monkeys (in troops of up to 400 – Africa’s largest colobus troop), L’Hoest’s monkey, 13 primate species total.
Afternoon: Drive to Lake Kivu on the DRC border. One of Africa’s Great Lakes, set at 1,460 metres elevation.
Relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Stunning scenery of hills, volcanoes, and island.
Overnight: Gisenyi/Kibuye on Lake Kivu | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 | Akagera National Park – Big Five Safari
Drive east to Akagera National Park on the Tanzania border (approximately 3 hours from Kigali).
Akagera is Rwanda’s Big Five reserve. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, black rhino in 2017 – a remarkable conservation success story.
Afternoon game drive: elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, hippo in the lake complex.
Overnight: Akagera lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8 | Akagera Full Day – Game Drives & Lake Ihema
Full day in Akagera. Morning and afternoon game drives targeting lion and black rhino.
Boat safari on Lake Ihema: hippo pods, enormous crocodile, and exceptional waterbirds including shoebill stork.
Evening: Return to Kigali for final night and departure preparation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
9-Day Rwanda Programme
This 9-day programme combines the complete 8-day Rwanda itinerary with 1 additional extension day(s).
Extension options include: deeper exploration of existing sites, additional national parks or regions, relaxation days, or combination with neighbouring country destinations.
Please contact Africa Milestone at africamilestone.com to design your custom 9-day Rwanda programme.
Suggested extensions: See COMBO ITINERARIES section for multi-country options that can be appended to any Rwanda programme.
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 1350.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
10-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Briefing
Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours through terraced hillsides).
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri). Check in. Afternoon: visit the Musanze Caves.
Optional: Community visit to a traditional Intore dance performance.
Evening: Gorilla trek briefing at Rwanda Development Board office.
Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes area lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 | Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes NP
6am briefing at park headquarters. Assigned to a gorilla group. Begin the trek into the Virunga Volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous gorilla trekking destination in the world (from Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist).
Spend one extraordinary hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.
Return to lodge. Afternoon: optional golden monkey trekking (second permit required).
Overnight: Volcanoes NP | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 | Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzees & Canopy Walkway
Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest (approximately 4–5 hours through spectacular highland scenery).
Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests.
Afternoon: Canopy Walkway – Africa’s longest at 160 metres above the forest floor, suspended between giant trees.
Overnight: Nyungwe lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 | Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu
Morning: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Also: Angolan colobus monkeys (in troops of up to 400 – Africa’s largest colobus troop), L’Hoest’s monkey, 13 primate species total.
Afternoon: Drive to Lake Kivu on the DRC border. One of Africa’s Great Lakes, set at 1,460 metres elevation.
Relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Stunning scenery of hills, volcanoes, and island.
Overnight: Gisenyi/Kibuye on Lake Kivu | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 | Akagera National Park – Big Five Safari
Drive east to Akagera National Park on the Tanzania border (approximately 3 hours from Kigali).
Akagera is Rwanda’s Big Five reserve. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, black rhino in 2017 – a remarkable conservation success story.
Afternoon game drive: elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, hippo in the lake complex.
Overnight: Akagera lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8 | Akagera Full Day – Game Drives & Lake Ihema
Full day in Akagera. Morning and afternoon game drives targeting lion and black rhino.
Boat safari on Lake Ihema: hippo pods, enormous crocodile, and exceptional waterbirds including shoebill stork.
Evening: Return to Kigali for final night and departure preparation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
9-Day Rwanda Programme
This 9-day programme combines the complete 8-day Rwanda itinerary with 1 additional extension day(s).
Extension options include: deeper exploration of existing sites, additional national parks or regions, relaxation days, or combination with neighbouring country destinations.
Please contact Africa Milestone at africamilestone.com to design your custom 9-day Rwanda programme.
Suggested extensions: See COMBO ITINERARIES section for multi-country options that can be appended to any Rwanda programme.
10-Day Rwanda Programme
This 10-day programme combines the complete 8-day Rwanda itinerary with 2 additional extension day(s).
Extension options include: deeper exploration of existing sites, additional national parks or regions, relaxation days, or combination with neighbouring country destinations.
Please contact Africa Milestone at africamilestone.com to design your custom 10-day Rwanda programme.
Suggested extensions: See COMBO ITINERARIES section for multi-country options that can be appended to any Rwanda programme.
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 1500.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
11-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Briefing
Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours through terraced hillsides).
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri). Check in. Afternoon: visit the Musanze Caves.
Optional: Community visit to a traditional Intore dance performance.
Evening: Gorilla trek briefing at Rwanda Development Board office.
Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes area lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 | Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes NP
6am briefing at park headquarters. Assigned to a gorilla group. Begin the trek into the Virunga Volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous gorilla trekking destination in the world (from Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist).
Spend one extraordinary hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.
Return to lodge. Afternoon: optional golden monkey trekking (second permit required).
Overnight: Volcanoes NP | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 | Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzees & Canopy Walkway
Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest (approximately 4–5 hours through spectacular highland scenery).
Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests.
Afternoon: Canopy Walkway – Africa’s longest at 160 metres above the forest floor, suspended between giant trees.
Overnight: Nyungwe lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 | Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu
Morning: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Also: Angolan colobus monkeys (in troops of up to 400 – Africa’s largest colobus troop), L’Hoest’s monkey, 13 primate species total.
Afternoon: Drive to Lake Kivu on the DRC border. One of Africa’s Great Lakes, set at 1,460 metres elevation.
Relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Stunning scenery of hills, volcanoes, and island.
Overnight: Gisenyi/Kibuye on Lake Kivu | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 | Akagera National Park – Big Five Safari
Drive east to Akagera National Park on the Tanzania border (approximately 3 hours from Kigali).
Akagera is Rwanda’s Big Five reserve. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, black rhino in 2017 – a remarkable conservation success story.
Afternoon game drive: elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, hippo in the lake complex.
Overnight: Akagera lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8 | Akagera Full Day – Game Drives & Lake Ihema
Full day in Akagera. Morning and afternoon game drives targeting lion and black rhino.
Boat safari on Lake Ihema: hippo pods, enormous crocodile, and exceptional waterbirds including shoebill stork.
Evening: Return to Kigali for final night and departure preparation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
9-Day Rwanda Programme
This 9-day programme combines the complete 8-day Rwanda itinerary with 1 additional extension day(s).
Extension options include: deeper exploration of existing sites, additional national parks or regions, relaxation days, or combination with neighbouring country destinations.
Please contact Africa Milestone at africamilestone.com to design your custom 9-day Rwanda programme.
Suggested extensions: See COMBO ITINERARIES section for multi-country options that can be appended to any Rwanda programme.
10-Day Rwanda Programme
This 10-day programme combines the complete 8-day Rwanda itinerary with 2 additional extension day(s).
Extension options include: deeper exploration of existing sites, additional national parks or regions, relaxation days, or combination with neighbouring country destinations.
Please contact Africa Milestone at africamilestone.com to design your custom 10-day Rwanda programme.
Suggested extensions: See COMBO ITINERARIES section for multi-country options that can be appended to any Rwanda programme.
11-Day Rwanda Programme
This 11-day programme combines the complete 8-day Rwanda itinerary with 3 additional extension day(s).
Extension options include: deeper exploration of existing sites, additional national parks or regions, relaxation days, or combination with neighbouring country destinations.
Please contact Africa Milestone at africamilestone.com to design your custom 11-day Rwanda programme.
Suggested extensions: See COMBO ITINERARIES section for multi-country options that can be appended to any Rwanda programme.
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 1650.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
12-Day Itinerary
DAY 1 | Arrival Kigali – Africa's Cleanest City
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Transfer to hotel.
Kigali is one of Africa’s most modern, clean, and safe cities, set across multiple hills.
Afternoon: Kimironko Market – Rwanda’s largest market. Fresh produce, second-hand clothes, and crafts.
Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – the site where President Habyarimana’s plane was shot down, triggering the 1994 genocide.
Evening: Dinner at Kigali’s excellent restaurant scene (Farm to Table, Chopsticks, or rooftop venues).
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: D
DAY 2 | Kigali Genocide Memorial & Cultural Tour
Morning: Kigali Genocide Memorial – a deeply moving and essential experience. The memorial houses the remains of 250,000 victims and tells the story of Rwanda’s 100 days of horror and its extraordinary recovery.
Inema Arts Centre – contemporary Rwandan arts in a vibrant studio gallery.
Afternoon: Visit the Caplaki Craft Village for Rwandan crafts, agaseke (woven baskets), and imigongo art.
Bike or walk tour of Kigali hills with a local guide – understand the city’s rapid transformation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 3 | Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Briefing
Drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 2.5 hours through terraced hillsides).
Arrive in Musanze (Ruhengeri). Check in. Afternoon: visit the Musanze Caves.
Optional: Community visit to a traditional Intore dance performance.
Evening: Gorilla trek briefing at Rwanda Development Board office.
Overnight: Musanze/Volcanoes area lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 4 | Mountain Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes NP
6am briefing at park headquarters. Assigned to a gorilla group. Begin the trek into the Virunga Volcanoes.
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous gorilla trekking destination in the world (from Dian Fossey’s Gorillas in the Mist).
Spend one extraordinary hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural bamboo forest habitat.
Return to lodge. Afternoon: optional golden monkey trekking (second permit required).
Overnight: Volcanoes NP | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 | Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzees & Canopy Walkway
Drive from Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest (approximately 4–5 hours through spectacular highland scenery).
Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest and largest montane rainforests.
Afternoon: Canopy Walkway – Africa’s longest at 160 metres above the forest floor, suspended between giant trees.
Overnight: Nyungwe lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 | Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking & Lake Kivu
Morning: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe. Also: Angolan colobus monkeys (in troops of up to 400 – Africa’s largest colobus troop), L’Hoest’s monkey, 13 primate species total.
Afternoon: Drive to Lake Kivu on the DRC border. One of Africa’s Great Lakes, set at 1,460 metres elevation.
Relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Stunning scenery of hills, volcanoes, and island.
Overnight: Gisenyi/Kibuye on Lake Kivu | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 7 | Akagera National Park – Big Five Safari
Drive east to Akagera National Park on the Tanzania border (approximately 3 hours from Kigali).
Akagera is Rwanda’s Big Five reserve. Lions were reintroduced in 2015, black rhino in 2017 – a remarkable conservation success story.
Afternoon game drive: elephant, buffalo, topi, zebra, hippo in the lake complex.
Overnight: Akagera lodge | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8 | Akagera Full Day – Game Drives & Lake Ihema
Full day in Akagera. Morning and afternoon game drives targeting lion and black rhino.
Boat safari on Lake Ihema: hippo pods, enormous crocodile, and exceptional waterbirds including shoebill stork.
Evening: Return to Kigali for final night and departure preparation.
Overnight: Kigali | Meals: B, L, D
9-Day Rwanda Programme
This 9-day programme combines the complete 8-day Rwanda itinerary with 1 additional extension day(s).
Extension options include: deeper exploration of existing sites, additional national parks or regions, relaxation days, or combination with neighbouring country destinations.
Please contact Africa Milestone at africamilestone.com to design your custom 9-day Rwanda programme.
Suggested extensions: See COMBO ITINERARIES section for multi-country options that can be appended to any Rwanda programme.
10-Day Rwanda Programme
This 10-day programme combines the complete 8-day Rwanda itinerary with 2 additional extension day(s).
Extension options include: deeper exploration of existing sites, additional national parks or regions, relaxation days, or combination with neighbouring country destinations.
Please contact Africa Milestone at africamilestone.com to design your custom 10-day Rwanda programme.
Suggested extensions: See COMBO ITINERARIES section for multi-country options that can be appended to any Rwanda programme.
11-Day Rwanda Programme
This 11-day programme combines the complete 8-day Rwanda itinerary with 3 additional extension day(s).
Extension options include: deeper exploration of existing sites, additional national parks or regions, relaxation days, or combination with neighbouring country destinations.
Please contact Africa Milestone at africamilestone.com to design your custom 11-day Rwanda programme.
Suggested extensions: See COMBO ITINERARIES section for multi-country options that can be appended to any Rwanda programme.
12-Day Rwanda Programme
This 12-day programme combines the complete 8-day Rwanda itinerary with 4 additional extension day(s).
Extension options include: deeper exploration of existing sites, additional national parks or regions, relaxation days, or combination with neighbouring country destinations.
Please contact Africa Milestone at africamilestone.com to design your custom 12-day Rwanda programme.
Suggested extensions: See COMBO ITINERARIES section for multi-country options that can be appended to any Rwanda programme.
Pricing Note
Rates: On request from Africa Milestone (africamilestone.com). Prices vary based on group size, accommodation category (budget / mid-range / luxury), and travel season. Start From USD 1800.
Included: Airport transfers, accommodation, meals as shown, game drives / entrance fees, professional English-speaking guide.
Excluded: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities.
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