Overview

Experience the best of Rwanda on this 5-day journey covering Kigali’s cultural attractions, the Big Five in Akagera National Park, the serene beauty of Lake Kivu, and the cultural richness of the Volcanoes region. This itinerary focuses on wildlife, culture, nature, and relaxation without gorilla trekking, offering a smooth and memorable exploration of the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kigali – City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by our team and transferred to your hotel. Later, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, beginning with the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a moving historical insight. Continue to Kimironko Market to experience Rwanda’s vibrant daily life, fresh produce, and colorful crafts. End your tour with visits to art galleries and local cafés showcasing Rwanda’s creative culture. Afterward, return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

Day 02 :

Kigali – Akagera National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali and enjoy a scenic drive toward the eastern part of the country to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah wildlife reserve. Upon arrival, head straight to Lake Ihema for a peaceful boat safari where you will spot hippos, crocodiles, and elephants along the shoreline, as well as numerous bird species. In the afternoon, take a leisurely game drive through the park’s rolling plains, watching for giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and other wildlife before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Day 03 :

Full-Day Game Drive – Transfer to Lake Kivu

Begin the day early with a full classic game drive through Akagera’s northern savannahs, an excellent opportunity to search for the Big Five. Enjoy sightings of lions, buffalo, elephants, rhinos, and a variety of plains game as the sun rises over the landscape. After exiting the park, drive toward Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s beautiful freshwater lake along the Rift Valley. Upon arrival in Gisenyi, check in at your lakefront hotel and relax by the calm waters as the sun sets.

Day 04 :

Lake Kivu – Coffee Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes Region

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast by the lake before heading out for a coffee experience on a lakeside plantation or nearby island. This immersive tour takes you through the entire process from growing and harvesting to roasting and ends with a tasting of locally brewed Rwandan coffee. You may also enjoy optional water activities such as a boat ride or kayaking on Lake Kivu. In the afternoon, depart for Musanze in the Volcanoes region and settle into your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 05 :

Iby’iwacu Cultural Village – Return to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for an interactive and authentic cultural experience. Learn about Rwanda’s traditions through dance performances, drumming, storytelling, and demonstrations of traditional lifestyles and crafts. This community visit offers great insight into Rwanda’s heritage. Later, return to Kigali, stopping for lunch or last-minute shopping before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.