Rwanda Authentic Traditional Cultural & Historical Sites Tour - 8 Days

Rwanda Gorilla & Cultural Tour – 8 Days

The Rwanda cultural tour begins with a trip to Omwami’s palace in Nyanza, proceeding to the locally revered hot springs of Rugarama near Nyungwe Forest in the south-west of Rwanda.

You may drive to Gisenyi, where Ross Carr’s orphanage with thousands of orphans is found. Visit a local lake.

End your trip in Ruhengeri, where the Batwa pygmies, an animist community were recently resettled. Here a cultural performance by the Batwa can be organized for you.

In case you are interested in visiting the genocide memorials in Gisenyi, Butare and Ruhengeri, our tour guide will be able to take you there. You can now return to Kigali.

Day 1: Meet in Kigali, and drive to Nyungwe with several historical sites’ stops along the way.

Day 2: Visit the Butare Cultural Museum

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Kivu enjoying the beautiful landcapes along

Day 4: Tour Ross Carr’s Orphanage

Day 5: Ruhengeri | Community Visits | Dian Fossey Projects

Day 6: Community Walk | Batwa Traditional Dance

Day 7: Tour Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre

Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Nyungwe Tour

After breakfast transfer to Nyungwe Forest with stopover at local markets along the way.

Visit the traditional palace of Rwanda’s Former King in Nyanza. Drive past green fields of tea scattered across the hillsides and the small wooden houses characteristic of the surrounding forest.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Upmarket: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top Hill Lodge

Lower Budget: Chimpanzee lodge Nyungwe

Full board

Day 2: Butare Cultural Museum

After breakfast tour the Botanical Gardens and a cultural museum in Butare. Then transfer to the hot springs in Bugarama.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Upmarket: Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Mid-range: Nyungwe Top Hill Lodge

Lower Budget: Chimpanzee lodge Nyungwe

Full board

Day 3: Lake Kivu Tour

After breakfast undertake a primate tracking tour in the Nyungwe Forest in search of immense troops of Angolan colobus, golden monkeys and chimpanzees.

In the afternoon, after your lunch, drive to Gisenyi. Enjoy swimming in the bilharzia-free fresh water of Lake Kivu. The background of the lake is beautified by Nyiragongo Volcano which recently erupted in 2002.

Accommodation options available (all on full board basis)

Up-market: Serena Lake Kivu Hotel

Moderate: Paradise Malahide.

Low Budget: Paradise Malahide

Day 4: Tour Ross Carr’s Orphanage

Stay in Kigali for overnight.

Day 5: Ruhengeri | Community Visits | Dian Fossey Projects

Early in the morning transfer northwards to Ruhengeri. In the afternoon visit the surrounding communities. Visit local Dian Fossey projects.

Dinner and overnight Gorilla Nest Lodge | Kinigi Guest House

Day 6: Community Walk | Batwa Traditional Dance

After breakfast undertake a community walk. A local traditional dance by the Batwa (pygmies) can be pre-arranged for you upon your request.

Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge | Kinigi Guest House

Day 7: Tour Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre

After breakfast tour Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre started by Dian Fossey, the famous primatologist.

Later in the day transfer back to Kigali. In case you still have time, you can have a city tour - visit the Nyabugogo market, the Moslem quarter in Nyamirambo, the Franco-Rwanda cultural Centre and a genocide memorial center.

Day 8: Departure

This day is reserved for your flight out of Rwanda