12 Days Rwanda Private Tour

Arrive in Rwanda and meet your friendly driver, who will take you to your first hotel. Settle in, relax, and enjoy your first moments in “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” This is a perfect time to rest after your journey and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Flame Tree Village (Breakfast)

Luxury: The Retreat by Heaven (Breakfast)

After breakfast, meet your guide for a short briefing before heading east to Akagera National Park. The drive is approximately three hours, giving you a first glimpse of Rwanda’s charming countryside and local life.

Akagera National Park
Akagera is one of Rwanda’s hidden gems, located along the border with Tanzania, separated only by the Akagera River. The park features a mix of landscapes, from golden savannas and rolling grasslands to swamps, hills, and beautiful lakes. Managed by African Parks, Akagera has seen the return of lions and rhinos and continues to recover from the setbacks of the 1990s. Its untouched and authentic atmosphere makes it a perfect place for a real safari adventure.

Morning Safari
Upon arrival, begin your first game drive through the park. Your ranger will guide you in search of wildlife, pointing out giraffes, rhinos, rare birds, and other fascinating species.

Afternoon Safari
After a rest and lunch at your lodge, set out for an afternoon game drive. Enjoy a refreshing drink from the cooler while watching the sunset across the savanna. As dusk falls, nocturnal animals begin to stir, giving you a chance to see species that are rarely active during the day.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Akagera Game Lodge (Half Board)

Semi-luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp (Full Board)

Today is dedicated to safari adventures in the diverse landscapes of Akagera National Park. From golden savannas and rolling grasslands to swamps, hills, and stunning lakes, the park offers a complete African wildlife experience. You will enjoy a morning game drive and an afternoon boat safari, with a delicious lunch at your lodge or during your safari.

Morning Game Drive
Set out early on a jeep safari to explore much of the park. Akagera’s scenic mix of lakes, hills, and plains provides a beautiful backdrop as you search for wildlife. While spotting animals here may be slightly more challenging than in some of East Africa’s famous parks, the extensive driving through the park gives you excellent opportunities to see giraffes, zebras, buffalo, elephants, and even the elusive predators.

Afternoon Boat Safari
In the afternoon, relax on a boat trip on Lake Ihema, the largest lake in southern Akagera. Glide across the calm waters while looking for hippos, crocodiles, and animals gathering at the water’s edge, and enjoy spotting the park’s rich variety of birds. The boat safari offers a peaceful contrast to the morning’s jeep adventure and highlights the park’s incredible diversity of habitats.

Accomodation Options:

Middle class: Akagera Game Lodge (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp (Full Board)

After a hearty breakfast overlooking the scenic landscapes of Akagera, begin your drive back to Kigali, then continue north toward Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery as Rwanda’s hills and valleys unfold. In the late afternoon, catch your first glimpse of the impressive volcanic peaks that dominate the region.

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is a breathtaking area dominated by eight Virunga volcanoes, two of which are still active. The slopes are covered in lush tropical rainforest, home to rare primates such as mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The 160-square-kilometer park also shelters 178 unique bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife lovers. This is one of Rwanda’s most extraordinary natural areas and a must-see for anyone visiting the country.

Ellen DeGeneres Campus Visit – Afternoon

In the late afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, part of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, located near the park. This eco-friendly campus includes the Research Center, Education Center, and Conservation Gallery. It provides a fascinating look into gorilla conservation efforts, involving researchers, local communities, and international visitors alike. This visit is a unique opportunity to understand the work being done to protect mountain gorillas for future generations.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Half Board)

Luxury: Sambora Kinigi Lodge (Full board with drinks)

Today is dedicated to Volcanoes National Park’s rare primates. You can choose between two unforgettable activities, depending on your interest:

Gorilla Trekking (Optional)

One of the most memorable parts of your trip awaits: gorilla trekking. Accompanied by a professional ranger, you will walk through the lush rainforest in search of one of the park’s gorilla groups. You may even meet the famous Susa group, studied for years by Dian Fossey. Spending time with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is a rare and unforgettable experience, leaving memories that will last a lifetime.

Golden Monkey Trekking (Optional)

Alternatively, you can trek to see the playful Golden Monkeys. Several habituated groups live in the park at the base of the Virunga volcanoes. Once you reach them, spend an hour watching these lively monkeys leap, swing, and play. Their quick movements make photographing them a fun challenge, and observing their behavior offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of this endangered species.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Sambora Kinigi Lodge (Full board with drinks)

After breakfast, you will be taken to the starting point for a canoe trip on the Mukungwa River. Paddle gently along the river while taking in the stunning backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes, surrounded by lush countryside and vibrant wildlife. Keep an eye out for otters and a variety of birds, and enjoy waves of friendly smiles from local children who often come to watch your journey. This peaceful trip is a wonderful way to see rural life in Rwanda up close.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant overlooking the twin lakes, with views that perfectly complement the morning’s adventure. The afternoon is free to relax at your lodge or take part in optional activities available on site.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Full Board)

Luxury: Sambora Kinigi Lodge (Full board with drinks)

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive of about 4–5 hours to the lakeside village of Kibuye (Karongi). Along the way, admire Rwanda’s rolling hills and picturesque countryside.

In the afternoon, take time to soak in the stunning views of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s largest and most beautiful lakes. Kibuye is a quiet, authentic village visited by few tourists, offering a peaceful and charming atmosphere. Watch local children playing along the shore, fishermen guiding their colorful boats, and women tending to plantations—a perfect glimpse into daily life in rural Rwanda. Optional activities on-site can be arranged for those who want a more active afternoon.

Accommodation Options

Middle class: Cormoran Lodge (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Full Board)

After breakfast, choose how you want to spend the day exploring the beautiful Lake Kivu area. Several optional activities are available, letting you tailor the day to your interests.

Congo Nile Trail Hike (Optional)

For those who enjoy adventure, hike a section of the famous Congo Nile Trail. This 227-kilometer trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Kivu and the surrounding hills. Along the way, connect with local communities, help prepare traditional meals, and even sample local cuisine—a wonderful way to experience rural life in Rwanda.

Lake Kivu Boat Trip (Optional)

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, take a scenic boat trip on Lake Kivu. Accompanied by a guide, sail past local fishermen, wave to children swimming, and spot playful otters and numerous bird species. This peaceful trip provides a unique perspective of the lake and its surroundings.

Napoleon Island Visit (Optional)

For wildlife lovers, visit Napoleon Island, a small island off the coast of Kibuye. Spend about three hours exploring with a birdwatching guide, observing the island’s many unique bird species.

Accommodation Options

Middle class: Cormoran Lodge (Full Board)

Semi-luxury: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Full Board)

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive along Lake Kivu as you travel to Nyungwe Forest. The route offers stunning views of the lake, rolling hills, and local villages, making the journey a memorable part of your day.

Accommodation depends on your choice. Mid-range guests will stay by the lake in the village of Kamembe, providing a charming local atmosphere. Luxury guests will stay inside the park with breathtaking views of the rainforest, fully immersing themselves in Nyungwe’s natural beauty.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the largest rainforests in East and Central Africa, rich in biodiversity. It is home to thirteen species of monkeys, making it a paradise for primate lovers. Birdwatchers will also be delighted, as the forest hosts over three hundred bird species, including twenty-six that are found nowhere else in the world. Nyungwe is a hidden gem, offering a peaceful and authentic rainforest experience.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Emeraude Kivu Resort (Half Board)

Exclusive: One & Only Nyungwe House (Full board with drinks)

A full day in the Nyungwe Rainforest awaits! In the morning, you'll embark on a beautiful chimpanzee trekking experience through the forest, followed by a canopy walk in the afternoon. Between the two activities, enjoy a packed lunch at the canopy walk's starting point. As the sun begins to set, return to your accommodation for a cold drink and a moment to reflect on an impressive day in the rainforest.

Chimpanzee Trekking Nyungwe Forest – Morning

The day starts with a hike to visit our closest relatives, the chimpanzees. Did you know that humans share 98% of their genes with chimpanzees? Accompanied by a ranger, you'll track these lively primates through the forest, following signs like broken branches, droppings, leftover food, and their calls echoing through the trees. Observing them interact in their natural habitat is a rare and unforgettable experience.

Canopy Walk Nyungwe Forest – Afternoon

In the afternoon, take on the thrilling canopy walk. Suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, the hanging bridge provides stunning views of the treetops, where monkeys and other wildlife can often be seen. The full walk to and from the bridge takes about four hours and offers a unique perspective on the rainforest’s rich biodiversity.

Accommodation Options:

Middle class: Emeraude Kivu Resort (Half Board)

Exclusive: One & Only Nyungwe House (Full board with drinks)

After breakfast, pack your belongings and set out to see the unique Angolan colobus monkeys before beginning the journey back to Kigali. The drive will take approximately seven hours, offering scenic views of Rwanda’s hills, valleys, and tea plantations along the way. Upon arrival in the capital, you can enjoy a delicious dinner either at your accommodation or at a local restaurant in town.

Colobus Monkey Walk Nyungwe Forest – Morning

Start the day with a drive through vibrant green tea fields to reach the starting point of your hike. From there, walk through the tea plantations and into the forest in search of the magnificent Angolan colobus monkeys. These striking black-and-white primates live in large groups and move gracefully through the treetops, creating a truly impressive sight. Observing them in their natural habitat is a wonderful way to conclude your time in Nyungwe.

Accommodation

Middle Class: Flame Tree Village (Breakfast)

Luxury: The Retreat by Heaven (Breakfast)

Today features a fascinating city tour of Kigali, including visits to the genocide memorial, the local market, and the large bus park. You'll also enjoy a walk to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the city and pass by the iconic Hotel Rwanda. Lunch is served at a local Indian restaurant. In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home, concluding your tour of the “Land of a Thousand Hills” and taking home a suitcase full of unforgettable memories.

Kigali

Kigali is the capital of Rwanda and has previously been voted the cleanest city in Africa. The city provides visitors with a unique insight into Rwandan history and a lively introduction to urban life in East Africa. It is a perfect place to begin or end a journey through Rwanda.

City Tour Kigali – Morning

The approximately five-hour tour begins at the centrally located Umbumwe Grande Hotel, offering panoramic views of the city. You'll visit the historic Hotel des Mille Collines, a symbol of hope during the genocide, and City Hall, where Rwanda’s ambitious vision is presented. Lunch will be enjoyed at an Indian vegetarian restaurant, providing insights into the Asian community in East Africa.

Next, explore the vibrant city center, noting the contrasts between Kigali’s hilltop neighborhoods and the lower-lying areas. At Kandt House, learn about Rwanda’s colonial past and its road to independence. After a short walk across the swamp, conclude the tour at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving place for reflection and remembrance.

Accommodation

Middle Class: Flame Tree Village (Breakfast)

Luxury: The Retreat by Heaven (Breakfast)