Rwanda-5-day-itinerary

Rwanda 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Kigali City Tour

  • Arrival: Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL)
  • Accommodation: Check-in at a hotel in Kigali city, such as the Hotel des Mille Collines or similar
  • Morning: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre to learn about Rwanda’s history and pay respects to the victims of the 1994 genocide
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Kigali city, visiting the markets, craft shops, and trying some local street food
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Rwandan dinner and relax at your hotel

Things to know:

  • Rwanda is a cashless economy, so it’s essential to have a credit or debit card for transactions
  • The country has a strong focus on cleanliness, with regular cleaning exercises (Umuganda) taking place every Saturday morning
  • Respect the local culture by dressing modestly and removing your shoes when entering homes or places of worship

Day 2: Volcanoes National Park

  • Morning: Drive to Volcanoes National Park (~2 hours), home to the majestic mountain gorillas
  • Gorilla Trekking: Embark on a guided hike through the park’s lush forests, tracking and observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat
  • Afternoon: Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation, or explore the nearby villages and scenic views

Transportation:

  • Hire a car with a driver for the duration of your trip, as public transportation is limited
  • Ensure your vehicle has 4WD capabilities, especially when traveling to Volcanoes National Park

Day 3: Lake Kivu

  • Morning: Drive to Lake Kivu (~4 hours), a stunning inland lake surrounded by lush green hills and scenic villages
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or take a boat tour of the lake
  • Evening: Relax at your lakeside lodge, such as the Cormoran Lodge or similar

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of certain countries can obtain an e-visa online prior to arrival
  • Check with the Rwandan government’s website for specific requirements and fees

Day 4: Gisenyi and Rubavu

  • Morning: Explore the charming town of Gisenyi, visiting the bustling market and waterfront
  • Rubavu Beach: Spend the afternoon relaxing on this beautiful beach, with optional water sports activities
  • Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation

Other things to know:

  • Rwanda is a malaria-free country, but still take precautions against mosquitoes
  • The local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF), although USD is widely accepted
  • Respect the environment by not littering and keeping noise levels down when near wildlife

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Drive back to Kigali International Airport (~4 hours) for your departure flight
  • Last-Minute Shopping: Stop at a local craft shop or market to purchase souvenirs
  • Departure: Fly out of Rwanda, bringing back memories of this incredible country

Additional Tips:

  • Pack comfortable hiking shoes and clothes suitable for the African climate
  • Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a water bottle to stay hydrated
  • Learn some basic Kinyarwanda phrases, such as “Muraho” (hello) and “Webare” (thank you)

Enjoy your trip to Rwanda!