Why Spend 11 Days in Rwanda

Rwanda, renowned as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife. A visit to this remarkable country for eleven days can provide an unforgettable experience that enriches one’s understanding of its history and environment. From the breathtaking landscapes to the vibrant community life, Rwanda has much to offer to any traveler.

One of the primary reasons to spend 11 days in Rwanda is the opportunity to engage with its stunning natural landscapes. Within just a short time, visitors can explore the expansive Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows individuals to observe these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Additionally, Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes, presents a beautiful setting for relaxation and activities such as kayaking, swimming, and fishing. The diverse ecosystems found in Rwanda cater to various outdoor adventures, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

Cultural immersion is another vital aspect of visiting Rwanda. The country’s history, particularly the resilience following the 1994 genocide, is a poignant part of its identity. The Kigali Genocide Memorial offers profound insights into the past while promoting awareness and education about peace and reconciliation. Engaging with local communities through homestays or community tours reveals the traditional Rwandan way of life, showcasing their customs, art, and cuisine. Learning about the culture deepens the connection visitors develop with the country and its people.

Moreover, Rwanda is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. The government has implemented numerous policies aimed at preserving the beautiful landscapes and protecting endangered species. Initiatives such as using eco-friendly transportation and promoting tourism that benefits local communities demonstrate the country’s dedication to sustainable growth. Travelers can participate in conservation activities, thereby contributing positively during their stay.

Finally, the vibrant urban setting of Kigali, known for its cleanliness and modernity, provides an exciting contrast to the rural landscapes. The city is home to various restaurants, markets, and cultural institutions, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting Rwanda.

In conclusion, spending 11 days in Rwanda presents a unique opportunity to experience its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and commitment to sustainability. From interacting with the incredible wildlife to learning about the history and resilience of its people, each moment spent in Rwanda is valuable. It’s not just a trip; it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa that will inspire and educate every traveler.

Daily breakdown

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

In the morning of the first day of your 11-day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari, your Rwanda Gorilla Trek will meet you at the Kigali International Airport, transfer you to your hotel in Kigali, and brief you on the activities of the following few days.   If you have the time, your guide can show you around Kigali, going to the Genocide Memorial Centre and perhaps a local market or handcraft workshop.

With a wide range of restaurants, bars, clubs, and new hotels, Kigali is a city full of life and action.  Each of the “hills” that make up the metropolitan region distinguishes a district inside the city, which is incredibly green. Kigali is notably different from other East and Central African urban regions in that there is no pollution, traffic jams, or unattractive waste mounds on the sides of the roads. This makes exploring the city centre and its surroundings particularly interesting. When it comes to cleanliness and organization, the government’s coordinated efforts to clean up the environment have been the most successful. You will return to your hotel when you’re ready to unwind, rest for a bit, and then have supper there.

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera and activities

Your guide will transport you to the Akagera National Park following breakfast. Depending on how many optional stops you decide to make, the drive takes two to four hours. You can learn about the possibilities available along the trip from your Rwanda Gorilla Trek Guide, including communities with cultural centers, local handicraft workshops, and more. Lunch will be provided for you when you get to your lodging. Following lunch, you will be taken on a game drive in the park to look for the various wildlife species present, as well as a boat trip on one of the National Park’s Crater Lakes. Your guide will return you to your lodging when you are ready to relax. Later you head out to the hotel and have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 3: Game drive and return to Kigali

You will go on a game drive to the Northern area of Akagera National Park, which is the greatest place to see the big game, after breakfast. When it comes to seeing the animals, this is much more appropriate because the park roads are not tarmacked and you move more slowly. You won’t be disappointed by the diversity of species you will see. Your exposure to the game will be reduced if you travel to a lodge or restaurant, therefore lunch will be a picnic in the park. You will head back to Kigali in the afternoon and settle into your hotel. Your guide will be pleased to answer any questions you may have about the optional activities in Kigali, depending on when you arrive. You can either unwind in the hotel or go sightseeing with your guide. At your hotel, dinner will be served.

Day 4: Kigali City Tour

A full-day guided tour of the Memorial and Genocide sites, along with numerous other attractions in the Kigali area, will be provided to you today. You will have the chance to visit both Nyamata, which is approximately 30 kilometres from the city centre, and Nyamirambo, which is one of Kigali City’s oldest and most culturally diverse districts. The community is centred around a very creative and active Women’s centre. Lunch will be served in a traditional Rwandan eatery in Kigali or on the way to Nyamata. There will be numerous chances to stop by regional markets, artisan studios, and boutiques during the trip. All of the alternatives will be explained to you by your Rwanda Gorilla Trek guide as you navigate the area. Dinner will be served at your hotel, and your guide will return you there when you’re ready to unwind or swim.

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park

You will be taken to the Volcanoes National Park by car after breakfast. The drive takes around two hours, but once more, your guide will let you know about any noteworthy stops you might like to make. After arriving at the park, you will check into your accommodation, relax, and eat lunch.

Following lunch, you will embark on a cultural encounter to visit a few nearby villages to interact with the locals and take in some of their cultural offerings. These may include a dance performance accompanied by local musicians, as well as locally made handicrafts and artwork. After dinner you will head to the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 6: Trekking Gorillas

Depending on where the gorillas are that morning, you will spend three to eight hours on a gorilla trek after breakfast in search of the Silverbacks and their families. You will be led by your ranger guide through the light highland forest to find these incredible Silverbacks. Since it is impossible to predict how long you will be wandering in the forest, you will be provided with a packed lunch to eat while tracking.

Following an hour or so of observing the gorillas going about their everyday lives, you will be returned to your lodging for dinner and the night.

Day 7: Lake Kivu

The seventh day of your epic 11-day Rwandan gorilla trekking and wildlife safari begins with breakfast. From the Virunga National Park, you enjoy a breathtaking drive to Lake Kivu and surrounding areas. Depending on your interests, your Rwanda Gorilla Trek Guide will advise you of optional excursions to take along the trip. There are also tiny villages along the route, providing several chances to interact with the locals. On the way, you will have lunch at a traditional Rwandan restaurant where you may sample the cuisine. The safari around the lake will resume after lunch. You will be brought to your lodging, checked in, and given some time to relax when the trip is over.

Day 8: Nyungwe Forest National Park

You will go to the Nyungwe Forest in western Rwanda after breakfast. Driving for a few hours will be required for this. You will make a stop in Butare, a town with universities and seminaries, which is known as Rwanda’s Intellectual Capital. You will be transferred to a local eatery in Butare to sample some Rwandese cuisine.to taste the delicacies of Rwanda.  Additionally, there are chances to visit local markets and handicraft workshops in Butare and along the route to observe what the locals are making. You will drive to the forest after lunch, where you will check into your lodging for dinner and the night.

Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking

You will start your Chimp Tracking Safari at the Ranger Station following an early breakfast. Depending on how quickly you meet a chimpanzee family, this will take two or three hours. Lunch at the Tea Plantation’s neighbour, Gisakura Guest House. Following lunch, guests can choose to tour the tea plantation or take a walk in the forest, if time permits. Your guide will return you to your lodging for dinner and the night once you have finished your afternoon activities.

Day 10: Return to Kigali

On day ten of your 11-day Rwanda Safari: Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife tour, you will start your return trip to Kigali after breakfast. You will make a stop in Nyanza, the former capital of the Kingdom of Rwanda (1958–1962), and the location of the Royal Palace, which is now the Rwesoro Art Museum. One of the biggest Tutsi and Moderate Hutu atrocities took place in the town of Nyanza. You will enjoy Rwandese cuisine in a local Nyanza restaurant with your guide. Following lunch, you will proceed to Kigali. You can make several stops along the way; your guide will tell you about the options, especially regarding local markets and handcraft workshops. After arriving in Kigali, you will head over to your hotel. Your guide can help you see the city’s highlights, or you can choose to relax or have a swim. Dinner in Kigali at your hotel.

Day 11: Departure

After your morning meal you will head to Kigali International Airport for your flight.

Tour included;

• Park fees
• All activities
• A professional driver/guide
• All Taxes/VAT
• Meals
• Mineral water bottle

Tour excluded;

• International flights
• Roundtrip airport transfer
• Tips
• Personal items like souvenirs ,travel insurance ,visa fees etc