Day 2: The Spirit of Kigali & The East

• Morning: A private tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a vital experience for understanding Rwanda’s journey.

• Afternoon: A 2.5-hour drive east to Akagera National Park.

• Lodge: Magashi Camp (Wilderness) (Ultra-luxury tents overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga).

• Meals: Full Board.

Day 3: Savannah & Water Safari

• Morning: Game drive in North Akagera. Look for lions, leopards, and the recently reintroduced black rhinos.

• Afternoon: A private boat safari on Lake Ihema to see large pods of hippos and crocodiles. Akagera is also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 480 species.

• Lodge: Same as Day 2.

• Meals: Full Board.

Day 4: The Long Scenic Drive South

• Morning: A long but breathtaking drive (approx. 6–7 hours) toward the southwest. You will pass through terraced hillsides and vibrant local villages.

• Afternoon: Arrive at the edge of the Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa.

• Lodge: One&Only Nyungwe House (Set within a working tea plantation at the forest’s edge).

• Meals: Full Board.

Day 5: Chimpanzees of the Rainforest

• Morning: Early departure for Chimpanzee Trekking. Listen for their deafening hooting in the canopy before finding them as they forage.

• Afternoon: Return to the lodge for a signature spa treatment using local botanicals.

• Lodge: Same as Day 4.

• Meals: Full Board.

Day 6: Heights & Harvests

• Morning: The Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspend yourself 70 meters above the forest floor on a 160m long bridge for incredible views of the Virunga Mountains.

• Afternoon: A "Cuppa Tea" experience. Walk through the tea fields and learn the art of harvesting and processing Rwandan tea.

• Lodge: Same as Day 4.

• Meals: Full Board.

Day 7: The Shores of Lake Kivu

• Morning: Drive north to Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu.

• Afternoon: A sunset boat cruise to Napoleon Island to see the fruit bat colony, or simply enjoy the lake’s Mediterranean-like atmosphere.

• Lodge: Cormoran Lodge (Boutique wooden chalets built into the hillside).

• Meals: Full Board.

Day 8: The Congo-Nile Trail

• Morning: Drive along the scenic Congo-Nile Trail toward Musanze, the gateway to the gorillas.

• Afternoon: Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about the history of primatology in Rwanda.

• Lodge: Bisate Lodge (Wilderness) (Iconic thatched "pods" with views of the Bisoke volcano).

• Meals: Full Board.

Day 9: The Gorilla Encounter

• Morning: Mountain Gorilla Trekking. After a briefing, you will trek through the bamboo forest. Spending one hour with these gentle giants is often cited as the world's most profound wildlife experience.

• Afternoon: A relaxing foot massage back at the lodge.

• Lodge: Same as Day 8.

• Meals: Full Board.

Day 10: Golden Monkeys & Twin Lakes

• Morning: Trek for the Endangered Golden Monkeys. These playful primates are endemic to the Virunga Massif and move quickly through the bamboo.

• Afternoon: Drive to the Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo) for a quiet afternoon boat ride with the volcanic peaks in the background.

• Lodge: Same as Day 8.

• Meals: Full Board

Day 11: Farewell to the Hills

• Morning: Enjoy a slow breakfast. Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to see traditional Intore dancing.

• Afternoon: Drive back to Kigali (approx. 2.5 hours) for last-minute souvenir shopping at the Kimironko Market before your flight.

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch.

Crucial Planning Notes for Rwanda

1. Permit Costs: Gorilla permits are $1,500 USD per person. Chimp permits are $150 USD. These must be secured months in advance.

2. Trekking Fitness: Gorilla treks can range from 30 minutes to 6 hours. "Porters" are available at the park HQ; hiring one ($20) is highly recommended as they assist you on slippery slopes.

3. Plastic Ban: Rwanda is strictly plastic-free. Do not bring plastic bags into the country; they will be confiscated at the airport.

4. Weather: It is a rainforest environment. Even in the dry season (June–Sept), bring high-quality rain gear and gaiters for your boots.