Day One: Arrival and Pick up
Upon arrival at the airport,your driver will meet and greet and then embark on the tour to the Gisozi genocide memorial. The tour allows you to explore the living museum of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The museum features writings, audio presentations in various sections of the gallery that would avail you with the general picture of what actually transpired during the horrific genocide. You retreat from the activity and embark on the drive to Akagera National Park 135km about 2 ½ hours’ drive arriving in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay at Akagera game lodge.
Day Two: Game Drive and Boat cruise
Following an early morning breakfast, you head to the rolling savannah plains of Akagera National Park for wild game viewing. The drive features offers you sights of various wild game including; Masaai Giraffes, the elephants, the Buffaloes, the Impala, bushbucks, waterbucks, roan antelope, reedbuck, leopards among other species. The stretch to the northern landscapes of Mutumba hills offers you impressive views of the area and the overlooking Tanzanian plains. Retreat from the 3 – 4-hour encounter and return to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. After lunch, embark on the thrilling boat cruise on Lake Ihema to explore a range of aquatic Species including the Nile Crocodiles and Hippos. Lake Ihema stands as the second largest in Rwanda after Lake Kivu and its expanse waters offer an extensive recreational encounter. The papyrus that fringe the lake offers a rich habitat for birds. Retire for relaxation and overnight.
Day Three: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Following an early breakfast, you embark on the drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park driving through impressive southern province landscapes with impressive hills with local settlements before arriving in Nyungwe forest in the afternoon for relaxation, dinner and overnight
Day Four: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy walk
Following a cup of tea at your lodge, gather at the Nyungwe Forest park headquarters to attend to the briefing at 8am about chimpanzee trekking experience. The forest of Nyungwe is considered as the largest montane forest in the region and is a rich habitat to 310 Species of birds, over 75 mammal Species, 13 Species of Primates of which common Chimpanzees are among along with counts of butterflies, impressive trees and beautiful orchids. The chimp trek tend to last 2 – 5 hours inclusive of one hour direct encounter with the chimps as you see them munch fruit, roll themselves on tree branches, socialize, patrol, copulate among other interesting aspects that will lure you to make full utilization of your Camera space. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, you connect at Uwinka Visitor Center to embark on the afternoon Nyungwe canopy walk. The two hour walk on top of the forest canopy offers you impressive views of the forest and the species that thrive in it including primates and birds. Retreat from the activity and connect to the lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight.
Day Five:Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, embark on the transfer back to Kigali driving 268km about 6 hours’ drive. A stop will be made in Butare in the south of Rwanda to visit the Ethnographic Museum which is the largest Museum in Rwanda with over 100,000 artifacts that bring out the history and traditions of Rwanda in detail. After this encounter, you embark on the tour to the Nyanza palace which is a Royal home to the two Kings of Rwanda namely King Musinga and his successor King Rudahigwa. The impressively build Kinyarwanda hut whose architecture dates back to the times of these Kings. There are also the traditional Inyambo Cows with their beautiful horns and can make a considerable parade. Retreat from the activities in Butare and embark on the transfer to Kigali City arriving in the late afternoon, refreshing and check in for your night flight
INCLUSIONS
Vehicle
Transport in 4X4 Vehicle
English speaking Guide/ driver
Accommodation as per the itinerary
Meals as per the itinerary
Bottled water in the safari Vehicle
Fuel
Chimp permits
Activities as per the itinerary
EXCLUSIONS
Drinks
- Tips
- Porters
- Laundry services
- Visa (Uganda)
- Any other personal interests
- No accommodation on last night in Rwanda (But can be arranged at extra cost)
- Tips and gratuities (Guides)
- Optional Activities