The cultural tour of Rwanda starts with a visit to Omwami’s palace in Nyanza, followed by a trip to the well-known hot springs of Rugarama, located near Nyungwe Forest in the southwestern part of the country.
From there, you can travel to Gisenyi, home to Ross Carr’s orphanage, which supports thousands of orphans. A visit to a nearby lake is also included in this part of the journey.
The tour concludes in Ruhengeri, where the Batwa pygmies, an animist community, have been recently resettled. Here, you have the opportunity to arrange a cultural performance by the Batwa people.
If you are interested in exploring the genocide memorials located in Gisenyi, Butare, and Ruhengeri, our tour guide will be available to take you there before you return to Kigali.
Tour Highlights.
Rwanda Gorilla & Cultural Tour – 8 Days
The cultural tour in Rwanda kicks off with a visit to Omwami’s palace located in Nyanza, and then continues to the well-known hot springs of Rugarama, situated near Nyungwe Forest in the southwestern region of the country.
Next, you will head to Gisenyi, home to Ross Carr’s orphanage, which supports thousands of orphans. There, you can spend time at a nearby lake.
Your journey concludes in Ruhengeri, where you’ll meet the Batwa pygmies, an animist group that has recently been resettled. It is possible to arrange a cultural performance featuring the Batwa community during your visit.
If you’re interested, our guide can also take you to the genocide memorials located in Gisenyi, Butare, and Ruhengeri before returning to Kigali.
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, followed by a drive to Nyungwe with various historical site visits along the way.
- Day 2: Explore the Butare Cultural Museum.
- Day 3: Travel to Lake Kivu while enjoying the stunning landscapes.
- Day 4: Tour the Ross Carr’s Orphanage.
- Day 5: Visit Ruhengeri for community interactions and the Dian Fossey Projects.
- Day 6: Participate in a community walk and enjoy a Batwa traditional dance.
- Day 7: Visit the Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre.
- Day 8: Departure.
Detailed Tour itinerary.
Day 1: Exploring Kigali and Journey to Nyungwe National Park
Your driver and guide will meet you at your hotel for a comprehensive tour of Kigali, which includes a visit to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial site. This significant stop lasts approximately two hours, offering insights into the history of genocide in Rwanda and globally.
Following the memorial, you’ll head to Kimilonko Market, recognized as one of the largest and busiest markets in the city. The tour continues with a visit to Nyarutarma Golf Club, followed by the Belgium Memorial Site and the Richard Kandt Historical Museum. Here, you’ll stand at the historical site where a German colonialist established Kigali in 1907.
After the city tour, you’ll embark on a drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park with stops at local markets along the route. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the traditional palace of Rwanda’s former king in Nyanza and enjoy views of lush tea fields dotting the hillsides, along with the small wooden homes that are typical of the nearby forested areas.
Available Accommodation Options (all on a full board basis)
Upmarket: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Mid-range: Nyungwe Top Hill Lodge
Lower Budget: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe.
Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Your day begins at 5:00 am with breakfast, followed by a trip to the Nyungwe National Park headquarters for an exciting venture—tracking habituated chimpanzees along with twelve other resident primate species. After a briefing at the park office, you will set off on a guided trek into the rainforest to locate the playful chimpanzees in their natural environment. This hike offers a rich experience amid the vibrant sounds and sights of the forest, leading to a memorable encounter with these intelligent beings.
Accommodation Options Available
Upmarket: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge
Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge
Lower Budget: Chimpanzee Lodge Nyungwe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 3: Journey to Gisenyi, Lake Kivu
Following a leisurely morning, we will begin our drive to Lake Kivu/Gisenyi. The route will take you through stunning views of tea plantations and scenic glimpses of Lake Kivu.
Accommodation Options Available (Full Board)
Upmarket: Serena Lake Kivu Hotel
Moderate: Paradise Malahide.
Low Budget: Paradise Malahide.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4: Boat Trip on Lake Kivu and Leisure
Today holds the promise of an exceptional boat trip on Lake Kivu. Absorb the breathtaking sights of the calm waters and the surrounding landscapes. You will witness herdsmen navigating their boats with cattle, swimming between islands in search of grazing areas—a truly remarkable spectacle. Continue your boat trip by exploring several fascinating islands on Lake Kivu, each presenting its own unique charm and beauty.
Accommodation options available (all on a full board basis)
Upmarket: Serena Lake Kivu Hotel
Moderate: Paradise Malahide.
Low Budget: Paradise Malahide.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Visit to Ross Carr’s Orphanage
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, we will head to Ross Carr’s Orphanage, which cares for a number of orphans. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with both the founders and the children, as well as bring gifts for them. Later on, we will transfer north to Ruhengeri. In the afternoon, explore the surrounding communities and learn about local Dian Fossey projects.
Accommodation Options in Volcanoes National Park
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solutions Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 6: Traditional Cultural Experiences at Iby’iwacu Village, Rwanda
Following breakfast, we will visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, where local residents have successfully persuaded former poachers to abandon their past ways and form a traditional dance troupe that entertains visitors during cultural tours. This performance group, known as The Intore or The Heroes, showcases an ancient celebratory dance that originates from the victorious traditions of Rwandan monarchs. While enjoying the traditional drumming and dance performances, you can also explore the habitation of the local king, observe a traditional healer preparing herbal remedies, or practice with the traditional bows and arrows.
Music and dance are vital elements of Rwandan culture, and one of the most dynamic yet lesser-known musical heritages on the continent is the Ballet of Rwanda, performed by the Intore. Historically, these performances were reserved for the royal court. The dance features men adorned with grass wigs and wielding spears, accented by jingling bells on their feet that create a rhythmic sound to accompany the music. The ‘Dance of Heroes’ commemorates returning warriors and celebrates their triumphs in combat. The intricate choreography exhibits a blend of agility, elegance, and fierce intensity as performers move side to side.
Accommodation Options in Volcanoes National Park
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solutions Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7: Visit to Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre
After breakfast, we head to the Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre, established by the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to the conservation of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Accommodation Options in Volcanoes National Park
Luxury level: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Moderate: Gorilla Solutions Lodge
Low Budget: Muhabura Lodge
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8: Departure
This day is designated for your departure flight from Rwanda.
