Arrival in Kigali – Beginning the One Week Rwanda Tour

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, our professional safari guide from Envubu Africa Safaris Limited will warmly welcome you. Your journey begins with an introduction to Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali, a vibrant metropolis known for its cleanliness, safety, and charm. Depending on the time of arrival, you’ll embark on a detailed Kigali city tour that introduces you to both historical and contemporary Rwanda. The tour includes visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful site dedicated to the memory of the 1994 tragedy, offering insight into Rwanda’s resilience and journey toward peace.

The city tour also extends to Nyabugogo Market, where local vendors sell everything from fresh produce to colorful fabrics, providing a sensory immersion into daily Rwandan life. In Nyamirambo, a predominantly Muslim neighborhood, explore the cultural diversity of Kigali, where mosques stand beside churches and local street food aromas fill the air. You’ll also have a chance to visit Gikondo’s artisan markets to shop for wooden carvings and local souvenirs. End your day at the Franco-Rwanda Cultural Centre, where art, music, and language intertwine to showcase Rwanda’s vibrant creativity. After your tour, you’ll check in at Kigali Chez Lando Hotel, a comfortable mid-range accommodation.

• Destination: Kigali City
• Accommodation: Kigali Chez Lando Hotel

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

 Transfer to Nyungwe National Park – Heritage Meets Nature

After breakfast, your adventure continues as you depart from Kigali and head south toward the stunning Nyungwe National Park, a verdant expanse known for its ancient rainforests and remarkable biodiversity. Along the way, stop in Butare (Huye), the intellectual and cultural capital of Rwanda. Here, you’ll explore the Rwanda National Museum, an architectural marvel housing artifacts that trace Rwanda’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history. Next, proceed to Nyanza, the former royal capital of Rwanda, and tour the King’s Palace Museum. This reconstructed traditional palace gives visitors a rare glimpse into Rwanda’s monarchical history, complete with Inyambo cows known for their enormous horns and symbolic dance rituals.

As you journey deeper into the southwest, marvel at Rwanda’s scenic countryside: rolling hills, banana plantations, and quaint rural villages unfold before you. Arrive in Nyungwe in the afternoon and enjoy a refreshing break at your lodge. Later, embark on a serene waterfall walk, a short forest trek that takes you to one of the park’s picturesque waterfalls. As you hike through the lush greenery, keep your eyes open for unique birds and butterflies that thrive in the forest.

• Destination: Nyungwe National Park
• Accommodation: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk – A Primate Adventure

Rise early for a hearty breakfast and prepare for a day dedicated to chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest. After a briefing at the park headquarters, join an expert ranger and venture deep into the rainforest. Nyungwe is home to over 500 chimpanzees, and tracking them is an exhilarating experience. Listen for their whoops and howls as you navigate thick vines and mossy trees. When you encounter a troop, observe their behavior – grooming, feeding, playing – and witness the intelligence and social structure of these closest relatives to humans.

Beyond chimpanzees, Nyungwe Forest is a sanctuary for over 13 species of primates, including L’Hoest monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed monkeys, and colobus monkeys. Bird lovers will be thrilled to spot species like the Ruwenzori turaco and great blue turaco among the canopy.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on the famed Canopy Walk – a suspended bridge 70 meters above the forest floor. This thrilling walkway offers panoramic views of the lush treetops, valleys, and distant hills. You might spot monkeys swinging through branches or birds soaring past you at eye level. This experience combines adventure with serenity, making it one of Nyungwe’s signature activities.

• Destination: Nyungwe National Park
• Accommodation: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Transfer to Gisenyi – Royal Heritage and Lakeside Tranquillity

Today, your journey transitions from the rainforest to the shores of Lake Kivu as you drive north toward Gisenyi. Along the route, stop again in Nyanza for a more immersive experience at the King’s Palace, this time including interaction with local guides who explain the traditional rites, governance systems, and symbolism behind Rwanda’s royal heritage.

Upon arrival in Gisenyi, a charming lakeside town located on the northern edge of Lake Kivu, you’ll check in at Paradise Malahide, a beautiful and serene lodge known for its proximity to the lake and lush garden setting. Spend your afternoon exploring the lakefront area. Take a gentle walk to the lake, feel the cool breeze, and watch fishermen in their traditional boats.

Later, visit a local village to engage in a cultural tour. Learn about traditional farming, basket weaving, and Rwandan dances performed by community groups. This grassroots engagement supports local livelihoods and offers a window into the authentic way of life in Rwanda’s countryside. Enjoy your evening by the lake, watching the sun set over the water – a perfect time for reflection and relaxation.

• Destination: Gisenyi, Lake Kivu
• Accommodation: Paradise Malahide Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – The Gateway to the Mountains

After breakfast, depart Gisenyi for the legendary Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains, home to Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas. As you ascend into the highlands, the air becomes cooler, and the landscape more dramatic, dominated by volcanic peaks and terraced hills.

Upon arrival near Kinigi, you’ll enjoy lunch before heading out to visit the Dian Fossey Tomb Site, an optional activity that pays tribute to the pioneering primatologist whose conservation work brought global attention to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. The hike to her former research station at Karisoke offers striking views and a deeper understanding of gorilla protection efforts.

Spend the evening at your lodge preparing for the next day’s adventure. Settle in at Classic Lodge, known for its cozy ambiance, stunning mountain views, and proximity to the park entrance.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Classic Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Golden Monkey Tracking or Volcano Hiking – A Thrilling Finale

This day offers flexible options tailored to your interests. For those seeking a unique primate encounter, golden monkey tracking is a fantastic choice. These playful and rare monkeys are endemic to the Virunga forests and live in large, social troops. Your guide will lead you through bamboo forests, where you can observe the monkeys’ acrobatics, feeding patterns, and social interactions.

Alternatively, if you crave a more physically challenging experience, consider a volcano hike, such as the Mount Bisoke Crater Lake Trek. This full-day adventure rewards hikers with panoramic views and a crater lake at the summit. Along the way, you’ll trek through lush vegetation, spot wildlife, and perhaps even encounter gorillas in the wild.

After your morning activities, return to the lodge for a relaxing evening. Enjoy the serene environment, delicious local cuisine, and a chance to share stories around the fireplace.

• Destination: Volcanoes National Park
• Accommodation: Classic Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Return to Kigali – Farewell

After breakfast, you’ll depart Volcanoes National Park and make your way back to Kigali, a drive that winds through terraced hills, tea plantations, and scenic countryside. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for lunch or enjoy a final visit to a craft market for last-minute souvenirs.

Our team will ensure timely arrival at Kigali International Airport, where your 7 Days One Week Rwanda Tour officially comes to a close. It’s the end of a journey filled with heartfelt cultural interactions, thrilling wildlife experiences, and unforgettable landscapes – a week that defines why Rwanda is one of Africa’s most captivating destinations.

• Destination: Kigali International Airport
• Accommodation: No Accommodation
• Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch