Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

   • On arrival at Kigali International Airport, pass through passport control and collect your luggage. Your luggage will be scanned through an X-ray machine before you head to the arrivals hall.
   • Once you have reached the arrivals hall, meet our representative, who will help you with your luggage and take you to your rental vehicle in the car park. They will meet you in the arrivals hall, holding a board with your name displayed.
   • On arrival, you will be met on the tarmac. With priority luggage collection, you will be assisted by customs and immigration until your driver picks you up outside the arrivals gate.
   • Transfer to Heaven Boutique Hotel.

   Please note that the following items are strictly prohibited: plastic bags, drones and any radio/walkie-talkie equipment. We recommend that you draw some local currency at the airport before you head to your hotel. Many local businesses around Rwanda prefer to process Rwandan Franks rather than US Dollars, so you must draw some local currency from an ATM before leaving the airport. As you depart the airport, there is also a small charge that must be settled in the local currency. There are several ATMs near your hotel and along your journey, and we are very happy to make recommendations for the best places to draw money during the rest of your trip.

2. Day 2: Explore Kigali's Vibrant neighborhoods

   • On this day, you will do a Kigali city tour by visiting different attractions in the city, including:
     • Nyamirambo
     • The Kigali Genocide Memorial
     • The Belgian Memorial
   • Overnight at Heaven Boutique Hotel.

3. Day 3: Akagera National Park Safari & Boat Ride

   • Set off early to explore Akagera's diverse ecosystems, including low-lying plains, savannah, woodlands, and wetlands.
   • Spot common species such as zebra, giraffe, buffalo, topi, and impala. Look out for elephants, rhinoceros, defassa waterbuck, roan antelope, eland, duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, and bushbuck.
   • Choose the Giraffe Area Loop or Rurama Loop for a shorter drive, or the full Rwisirabo, Kitabili, & Kajumbura circuit for a comprehensive day trip. 
   • If starting early, visit Kageyo Peninsular or Nyampiki Peninsular.
   • Experience Lake Ihema’s wildlife on a boat ride, spotting birds like the African fish eagle, crowned cranes, cormorants, hippos, and crocodiles. Sunset trips offer a breathtaking end to the day.

   Overnight stay at Ruzizi Tented Lodge.

   Important Notes: Bring enough drinking water as it is not available outside lodges. Adhere to park rules and only leave the vehicle in designated areas.

4. Day 4: Game viewing in Akagera National Park - Night Game

   • Begin your adventure early to explore Akagera's varied landscapes, including low-lying plains, savannahs, woodlands, wetlands, and lakes.
   • Common sightings include zebra, giraffe, buffalo, topi, and impala. Keep an eye out for elephants, rhinoceros, defassa waterbuck, roan antelope, eland, duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, bushbuck, spotted hyaenas, lions, leopards, serval, side-striped jackal, and various mongoose species.
   • Drive the Rwisirabo, Kitabili, and Kajumbura circuit. Optionally visit Kageyo and Nyampiki Peninsulas or head to the Mohana Plain for open plains wildlife viewing.
   • Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park’s designated picnic spots.
   • Experience a nocturnal safari to discover hidden wildlife. Expect to see birds and small primates, with a chance of spotting predators more active at night.
   • Operate from Ruzizi Lodge and Akagera Game Lodge using official park vehicles.
   • Pick-up at 5:30 PM and return around 8:00 - 8:30 PM.

   Self-drive and other guided safari options are not permitted.

   Adhere to park rules, stay in designated areas, and bring sufficient drinking water and a packed lunch for designated picnic sites. Toilets are available at a few locations.

5. Day 5: Game viewing in Akagera and drive to Volcanoes National Park

   • Set off early to explore Akagera’s diverse landscapes, including low-lying plains, savannahs, woodlands, wetlands, and lakes.
   • Spot common species such as zebra, giraffe, buffalo, topi, and impala. Look out for elephants, rhinoceros, defassa waterbuck, roan antelope, eland, duiker, oribi, bohor reedbuck, klipspringer, and bushbuck.

   Ensure you bring sufficient drinking water, as it is not available outside lodges.

   Stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, known for its quality and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy deluxe double/twin rooms, a Family Suite, a Volcano Manor house, a restaurant, a pool, and a beautiful garden. The welcoming staff will make your stay memorable.

6. Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking

   • Assemble at Volcanoes National Park headquarters by 07:00.
   • Begin your hike at 08:00 to track the endangered Golden Monkeys. Spend one hour observing a troop of 40-100 playful monkeys in their natural habitat.
   • Enjoy close-up views of these rare, leaping primates. Ask guides about local bird species, including the impressive Blue Turaco. Trek in a small group of no more than six people.
   • Enjoy a flat and gentle walk along the shores of Lake Ruhondo, guided by an experienced Kingfisher Journey’s leader.
   • Take a motorboat trip to explore islands on the lake, with options to visit a local restaurant or have a picnic lunch on a small island. 
   • Marvel at views of the five Virunga Volcanoes and spot aquatic birds, local fishermen, beehives, and friendly communities.

   Return to Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel for an overnight stay.

7. Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking and Community Experience

   • Upon arrival, you will be split into groups of up to 8 people and paired with a ranger.
   • Drive a short distance to the trailhead and begin your trek, which may last from 1 to 3 hours, to find the mountain gorillas.
   • Spend an unforgettable hour observing a family of mountain gorillas. Experience their daily life up close, including interactions among adolescents, playful infants, and the silverback.
   • Enjoy the rare opportunity to walk among these majestic creatures, becoming momentarily part of their extended family.
   • After your trek, return to headquarters and then head back to your hotel for a celebratory lunch.
   • Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or choose to visit local community projects. Engage in a community walk experience to learn more about local culture and projects.

   Overnight at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

8. Day 8: Visit Ellen DeGeneres campus - Transfer back to Kigali

   • Today, your driver will collect you from your lodge and transfer you back to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.
   • But if you want, you will also have a chance to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.