Day 1: Arrival In Kigali & Transfer To The Hotel
This is your first day of this 5 days expedition with wildlife tours – Rwanda. Upon arrival at the airport, our driver guide will receive and warmly welcome you to the Land of Thousand hills and million smiles. You will be given a full briefing about the trip as acclimatize to the weather and climate of Rwanda.
Meals Plan: Bed and Breakfast
4 star: Mille colline
5 Star: Radisson Blu Hotel
Day 2: Kigali City Exploration (Pre-Colonial, Colonial And Post-Colonial Era As Well As Genocide Times) And Transfer To Musanze
After breakfast you will start Kigali city exploration, Get to learn more about Rwanda from the pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial era as well as Genocide times. The pre-colonial society in Rwanda was ruled with a hierarchical structure, with a king or monarch at the top known as the “Mwami.” The Mwami held significant authority and was considered to be of divine origin, embodying both political and spiritual power.
The people of Rwanda were primarily engaged in agriculture, cultivating crops such as sorghum, millet, beans, and bananas. Livestock, particularly cattle, also played a crucial role in their society, serving as a symbol of wealth and status.
During colonial rule, Rwanda underwent a significant transformation during the period, as it came under the control of various European powers. The colonial era in Rwanda began in the late 19th century and lasted until the mid-20th century, with the country being successively colonized by Germany and Belgium.
Start with Visiting the Richard Kandt Museum. Richard Kandt was the first colonial governor of Rwanda, on behalf of Germany, until the early 1900s. Proceed to visit the Belgian museum. This museum displays the pre-colonial history of Rwanda and the influence of Belgian colonization. Explore the exhibits that highlight the culture, traditions, and artifacts of the region’s indigenous people. The second part traces the experience of the Rwandan people during the colonial period
In the afternoon you will proceed to visit the Richard Kandt Museum, Richard Kandt was the first colonial governor of Rwanda, on behalf of Germany, until the early 1900s. At present, the
Kandt House Museum in Kigali comprises three main parts, the first part presents Rwandan life in all its aspects – social, economic, and political – before the colonial period. The second part traces the experience of the Rwandan people during the colonial period. Following the Berlin Conference in 1884, the Germans ruled Rwanda until 1916, when the Belgians took over under the League of Nations Mandate after World War I. Richard Kandt’s life and deeds in Rwanda are covered here.The third part covers the history of Kigali, before, during and after the colonial era. Kigali was made the capital upon independence in 1962.Proceed to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial then campaign against genocide Museum where over 250,000 Genocide victims were put to rest in mass graves. The Rwandan Genocide in 1994 resulted in the loss of more than 800,000 lives and left the country in a state of social, economic, and political disarray.
Following the genocide, Rwanda embarked on a long and challenging journey of reconciliation, justice, and healing. After that you will continue to visit Kimironko market and Caplaki handcraft market for a taste of traditional Rwandan crafts. Caplaki handcraft market is an excellent destination that carries an unbelievable collection of arts and handcrafted treasures; you will look at beautifully carved woodwork and intricately woven baskets and other varieties of handmade items, each telling a unique cultural story.
After that you will have lunch and transfer to Musanze.
Activities: Kigali City Exploration
Meals Plan: Half Board (dinner & Breakfast)
4 star: Five volcanoes
5 Star: One & Only Gorilla Nest
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking And Ellen Degeneres Campus.
Early Morning breakfast at 6 am then transfers to Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at 7 am at reception for briefings and grouping, completing park formalities, then embark on a once in a lifetime experience of tracking mountain gorillas. Gorilla tracking is an extraordinary and life-changing adventure that allows you to come face to face with one of the world’s most iconic and endangered species: the mountain gorillas. This captivating experience takes place in the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park, home to several habituated gorilla families. Once the gorilla family is located, you approach them with utmost respect and caution, following the guidance of your guides. The first glimpse of these magnificent creatures is awe-inspiring — massive silverbacks, nurturing mothers, playful juveniles, and curious infants. Each gorilla family has its own unique dynamics and personalities, making every encounter a truly individual and unforgettable experience. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forest on the slopes of the Virunga is a magical experience.
After experiencing this magnificent encounter, you will descend for lunch and later proceed to visit Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian fosse fund this is multi-acre, eco-friendly facility adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park includes three main buildings – the Research Center, Education Center, and Conservation Gallery – as well as housing for visiting students and researchers. The Ellen Campus is designed to serve as a gateway to conservation for the many stakeholders as well as visitors from around the world, helping to create the next generation of conservationists.
Activities: Gorilla Trekking and Ellen DeGeneres campus
Meals Plan: Full Board
4 star: Five volcanoes
5 Star: One & Only Gorilla Nest
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking And The Gorilla Guardian Village.
Early Morning breakfast at 6 am then transfers to Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at 7 am at reception for briefings and grouping, completing park formalities, then embark on a once in a lifetime adventure. Golden monkey tracking offers a unique and captivating wildlife encounter in the lush and mountainous forests. These charismatic primates, known for their vibrant golden-orange fur, are a subspecies of the blue monkey and are endemic to the Virunga Mountains, which straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Once you reach the golden monkeys’ territory, the real magic unfolds. You may hear the distinctive calls and rustling of leaves as the monkeys jump from tree to tree, displaying their acrobatic skills. Golden monkeys are incredibly agile, leaping through the canopy with grace and agility, making for an awe-inspiring sight. Observing these playful creatures in their natural habitat is a truly mesmerizing experience.
You will witness their social interactions, from grooming one another to playful chasing and somersaults. Their distinctive golden coats, contrasting with the lush greenery, create a visual spectacle that is sure to leave a lasting impression. The tracking experience typically lasts around one hour, although the duration can vary depending on the monkeys’ movement patterns and behavior. After the encounter, you make your way back through the forest, reflecting on the incredible encounter.
After experiencing this magnificent encounter, you will descend for lunch and proceed to Ibyiwacu Cultural Village known as Gorilla Guardians village where you will learn more about Rwandan culture and lifestyles. Get to understand the culture of the Rwandans through their daily life and knowledge of the environment, poetry, folklores, dancing, singing, pottery and the theoretical hunt gathering skills. It is one of the thrilling experiences and very adventurous as you try to adapt to the traditional hut homes and lifestyle.
Activities: Golden Monkey Trekking & Ellen De Generes
Meals Plan: Full Board
4 star: Five volcanoes
5 Star: One & Only Gorilla Nest
Day 5: Transfer To Kigali International Airport And Departure
Breakfast then check out from the hotel. Bid farewell to Rwanda, reflecting on the incredible experiences and memories created during your visit. Transfer to Kigali International airport for your next flight back home.
