6 Days
Touch down at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be greeted by your driver-guide. During the transfer to your accommodation, they’ll offer a brief introduction to Rwanda—known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”—and help you get oriented for the days ahead. The rest of the evening is yours to settle in and unwind.
After breakfast, take a guided tour of Kigali. A key stop is the Genocide Memorial, where thoughtful exhibits and multimedia displays provide powerful insights into the events of 1994. Later in the day, continue north to Musanze, a town nestled near Volcanoes National Park. On arrival, check in and relax ahead of tomorrow’s early start.
Set out early for the park headquarters, where you’ll register and receive a short briefing from your ranger team. From there, begin your trek into the forest, often misty and cool, to find one of the habituated mountain gorilla families. The hike can take two to three hours, depending on the group’s location. Once found, you’ll have about an hour to observe the gorillas in their natural environment. In the afternoon, there’s an optional visit to the Iby’Iwacu Gorilla Guardians Village, offering cultural experiences and community interaction.
Following breakfast, continue your journey west toward Gisenyi, a town on the shores of Lake Kivu. Along the way, stop at local markets for a look at everyday commerce and meet traders going about their work. Once in Gisenyi, enjoy lunch and take in the lake views. The afternoon is free—relax by the water or take a walk as the sun sets over the lake.
Spend the morning exploring Rubavu District. A visit to a nearby coffee plantation gives you a closer look at the bean-to-cup process, and you’ll have the chance to engage with local farmers and community members involved in tourism initiatives. Later, stop by the Petite Barrière border crossing to observe the activity between Rwanda and the DRC. The evening is yours to rest and reflect.
After a final breakfast, begin the drive back to Kigali. The road offers time to take in the last glimpses of Rwanda’s hills and reflect on your trip. You’ll be dropped off at the airport in time for your flight home.
