Rwanda 6 Day Itinerary

Rwanda 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

  • Morning: Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL)
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and explore the city, visit:
    • Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre
    • Caplaki Craft Village for local handicrafts
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Rwandan cuisine at a local restaurant

Things to Know

  • Rwanda is a cashless economy, credit cards are widely accepted
  • French and English are official languages, but Kinyarwanda is the national language
  • The country has a vibrant cultural scene, with many festivals throughout the year

Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

  • Morning: Drive to Volcanoes National Park ( approx. 2 hours)
  • Afternoon: Take a guided hike in the park to spot:
    • Golden monkeys
    • Waterfalls
    • Scenic views of the Virunga Mountains
  • Evening: Relax at your lodge, preparing for tomorrow’s gorilla trek

Transportation

  • Hire a car and driver for the duration of your trip (approx. $40-60 per day)
  • Alternatively, use public transportation (minibuses) for shorter distances

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking

  • Early Morning: Begin your guided gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park
  • Morning: Spend up to an hour observing the majestic mountain gorillas
  • Afternoon: Return to your lodge and relax, or take an optional:
    • Community tour (visit a local village)
    • Birdwatching excursion
  • Evening: Share stories of your gorilla encounter over dinner

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival ( approx. $30)
  • Check with the Rwandan Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration for requirements

Day 4: Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu

  • Morning: Drive to Lake Kivu (approx. 2 hours)
  • Afternoon: Enjoy water activities:
    • Boat tour
    • Swimming
    • Fishing
  • Evening: Relax at your lakeside lodge, taking in the serene atmosphere

Accommodation

  • Choose from a range of lodges and hotels, including eco-lodges and budget-friendly options
  • Book in advance, especially during peak season (June to September)

Day 5: Lake Kivu to Musanze Caves

  • Morning: Drive to Musanze Caves (approx. 1 hour)
  • Afternoon: Explore the caves, featuring:
    • Ancient rock art
    • Underground rivers
    • Unique geological formations
  • Evening: Return to your lodge and enjoy local entertainment options

Safety

  • Rwanda is generally a safe country, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings
  • Avoid traveling at night, if possible

Day 6: Departure from Kigali

  • Morning: Drive back to Kigali (approx. 2 hours)
  • Afternoon: Spend time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
  • Evening: Depart from Kigali International Airport

Tips and Essentials

  • Pack layers, as the weather can be unpredictable
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when interacting with communities
  • Learn some basic Kinyarwanda phrases to show appreciation for the culture