Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda is a country with a complex history marked by tragedy and triumph. Often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” this small but remarkable nation has made a remarkable transformation in the decades since the devastating genocide of 1994. Today, Rwanda stands as a testament to human resilience, environmental conservation, and a thriving culture.
Geography and Landscapes:
Rwanda’s geography is characterized by its lush, green hills, volcanic landscapes, and serene lakes. Located in the African Great Lakes region, Rwanda is home to numerous stunning lakes, including Lake Kivu, Lake Muhazi, and Lake Burera. The Virunga Mountains, with their majestic volcanoes, form a breathtaking backdrop to the country. The fertile soil and temperate climate have earned Rwanda the nickname “The Land of Eternal Spring.”
Gorillas in the Mist:
One of Rwanda’s most famous attractions is the opportunity to trek into the Volcanoes National Park to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Made famous by the work of primatologist Dian Fossey, this experience is both a conservation success story and a unique adventure for travelers seeking a connection with these magnificent creatures.
Cultural Heritage:
Rwanda is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The Rwandan people, predominantly of Bantu origin, have a strong sense of community and family ties. Traditional dance and music play a significant role in Rwandan culture, with performances showcasing vibrant costumes and rhythmic melodies. The Inyambo cows, with their gracefully curved horns, are a symbol of wealth and prestige and play a central role in Rwandan ceremonies.
Reconciliation and Unity:
Rwanda’s recent history is marred by the genocide that occurred in 1994, during which an estimated 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days. However, since then, Rwanda has made remarkable strides in reconciliation and healing. The nation has embraced unity and reconciliation as its guiding principles, and efforts have been made to bring communities together through various initiatives, including the Gacaca courts, which allowed perpetrators to confess and ask for forgiveness.
Environmental Stewardship:
Rwanda has also become a leader in environmental conservation. The country has banned plastic bags, and initiatives like reforestation and land conservation have led to impressive progress in preserving its natural beauty. Rwanda’s commitment to sustainability extends to wildlife conservation, with efforts to protect not only gorillas but also other endangered species.
Capital City Kigali:
The capital city, Kigali, is a vibrant and modern metropolis that embodies Rwanda’s spirit of renewal. Clean and orderly, Kigali is known for its bustling markets, cultural centers, and a thriving arts scene. The Genocide Memorial Center in Kigali serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s tragic past while promoting a message of peace and reconciliation.
City tour and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Your driver guide will pick you up from the hotel in the morning at 9:00 am and take you for a Kigali city tour Visiting the genocide memorial, and local markets. Then, you will drive north of Rwanda to Volcanoes National Park viewing the remarkable scenery of the Virunga Mountains
en route. You will have en route stopovers at some places of interest including the Nyabarongo River. Proceed to the park arriving in the afternoon. You will also go for a cultural walk to Iby’wachu and later have a rest at your lodge. Dinner and overnight stay at Da Vinci Lodge (Deluxe) / Five Volcanoes Hotel (Luxury)
Golden Monkey tracking & Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Uganda
In the morning, you will go for golden monkey tracking, where you will encounter other monkey species. Golden monkeys are very rare primates that are endemic to the Virunga volcanoes area. You will later be driven across the border to Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable NP. You will pass via the twin lakes for sightseeing and photography and proceed to Bwindi arriving in the evening for Meals and overnight at Bakiga Lodge (Deluxe)/ Mahogany Springs (Luxury)
Mountain Gorilla Tracking & Community Visit
In the morning, assemble at the park headquarters for a briefing from the park rangers about the dos and don’ts while with the gorillas. Proceed for the memorable adventure in the forest, an activity that may take 2-6 hours depending on the movement of the animals. Meet and stay with the animals for a maximum of one hour, then descend to the park headquarters and then to your Lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the evening, you will go for a community visit where
you will get to know about the local people’s culture. Meals and overnight at Bakiga Lodge (Deluxe)/ Mahogany Springs (Luxury)
Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Set off in the morning to Q.E.N.P, enter the park via the Ishasha sector for a game drive where you will view a number of wildlife including buffaloes, elephants, a number of birds, the topi, waterbucks and if you are lucky you will spot the tree climbing lions and then proceed to Mweya for a lunch break after which you will go for a boat cruise along the Kazinga Channel which has the highest concentration of Hippos. You will also see crocodiles, elephants as well as birds. Meals and overnight at Enganzi Lodge (Mid-range)/ Katara Lodge (Luxury)
Game drive (predator tracking) and Nature Walk
In the morning, you will go for a game drive in the Kasenyi sector featuring predator tracking where you will see lions and if lucky you will see leopards as well. You will also see other major wildlife in the park including hippos, and buffaloes among others. Later return to your lodge for a rest and lunch break. In the afternoon you will go for a nature walk in Kyambura Gorge which is home to a number of primates including chimpanzees. Enjoy the scenic views of the forest and the waterfalls and later return to your lodge. Meals and overnight at Enganzi Lodge (Mid range)/ Katara Lodge (Luxury)
Transfer to Kibale Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will have a relaxed drive to Kibale forest national park via the crater lakes of Ndali and Kasenda. Arrive at the lodge for a lunch break and spend the afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at Turaco Tree Tops Lodge (deluxe)/ Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury)
Chimpanzee Trekking & Nature Walk
Have an early breakfast and drive to the park headquarters, for briefing and later embark on chimpanzee tracking. The trek will expose you to other primates like Colobus Monkeys Giant Forest hogs, Vervet, red-tailed monkeys, the Grey Cheeked Mangabeys, Olive Baboons, and
over 350 bird species. In the afternoon, go for a nature walk to Bigodi Wetland where you will also see a number of birds. Dinner and overnight at Turaco Tree Tops Lodge (deluxe)/ Kyaninga Lodge (Luxury)
Departure (6 to 7 hours’ drive)
After a relaxed breakfast, you will set off to Entebbe. Transfer to the airport to check in for your departure flight if on schedule.
