*Rwanda Bucket List
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Every Village Experience Responsible Tourism program includes the following:
- One on one consultation with our travel experts
- Private registration and trip page
- Pretrip Packet
- Handpicked accommodations
- Experienced Private Guide
- Artisan shopping opportunities
- Our favorite tour activities
- Donation to one of TVE’s community partners
Rwanda is known by many as “The Land of a Thousand Hills” for it’s incredible mountainous beauty. Landlocked in East Central Africa, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and The Democratic Republic of Congo. This location has contributed to the rise in tourism in recent years post civil war.
Many “in the know” travelers include Rwanda on their Bucket List for the majestic Mountain Gorillas that reside in Volcanoes National Park – an easy 3 hour drive from Kigali. Imagine hiking through the forest to come upon a family of gorillas feeding on eucalyptus leaves, frolicking among the trees, or moving in search of water. Each gorilla family is lead by a mature Silver Back that can weigh up to 400 pounds and stand nearly 6 feet tall. This is the stuff dreams are made of!
The gorilla is listed on the critically endangered species list with little more than 1000 left in the wild. They are an incredible species that share nearly 98% of their DNA with humans. It is a privilege to witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat – no wonder Rwanda’s tourism sector has seen a boom in recent years.
A trip to Rwanda should also include trekking in search of Golden Monkeys, a safari in Akagera National Park, a serene boat ride on one of the many lakes, a visit to Nyungwe Forest, a moment of reflection at the Genocide Museum, time to sample local coffee, and of course, many visits to many artisan cooperatives, especially for colorful baskets.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive to Kigali International Airport. Meet your Village Experience representative and transfer to hotel. Our accommodation partner’s story is told in the popular book, “A Thousand Hills to Heaven: Love, Hope, and A Restaurant in Rwanda” by owner Josh Ruxin. Heaven Hotel and Restaurant, The Retreat, and Fusion Restaurant are set up as a social enterprise creating employment in Rwanda, showcasing local arts and crafts, and offering amazing local food. So you can feel good about staying here!
Day 2 – In the morning, meet your guide and visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Center to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide and learn about peace and reconciliation initiatives. Stop by Question Coffee to support sustainable women coffee farmers across the country. Visit our friends at Nyamirambo Women’s Artisan Center to shop fair trade and support their community initiatives. Return to hotel in the evening.
Day 3 – Drive to Volcanoes National Park, stopping along the way for lunch. Check into lodge and enjoy the bonfire in the evening.
Day 4 – Morning Trek in Volcanoes National Park to find the Golden Monkeys. This is an easy trek and a great way to see another part of the park – the bamboo forest is incredibly beautiful. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon boat ride on the twin lakes of Lake Bulera and Lake Ruhondo at the base of Mount Muhabura. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – Early morning breakfast and transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your gorilla trek. You will be assigned a family of gorillas to trek and head out on this adventure with your guide and trackers. This day is flexible as we have no idea when and where you will encounter your assigned gorilla family. Carry along a packed lunch. Enjoy dinner and rest at the hotel in the evening.
Day 6 – Morning drive to Kigali. Check into hotel and enjoy some time by the pool to recover after your two days of trekking.
Day 7 – Check out of hotel and drive to Akagera National Park. Check into Tented Camp in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of elephant, buffalo, lion, waterbuck, bushbuck, eland, zebra, giraffe and more. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 8 – Morning game drive in Akagera National Park. After lunch, embark on a boat safari on Lake Ihema and be ready to spot crocodiles and hippos. Return to camp for dinner and overnight.
Day 9 – Morning game drive. Return to Kigali in the afternoon. Check into hotel and relax for the evening.
Day 10 – Transfer to airport for international flight home.