Uganda Rwanda Chimpanzee Tour - 12 days Uganda and Rwanda


Day 1: Arrival.

Arrive at Kigali airport where you will be welcomed by our driver and local guide for transfer to your Hotel where you will be briefed. The city has made terrific progress since 1994 genocide. It is considered to be one of the safest and friendliest of African capitals. Kigali is blessed with a moderate high altitude climate and inhabited by approximately 1 million people who now enjoy the benefits of peace. You will be pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it feels to be among the gentle people of Rwanda who will be delighted to welcome you to their beautiful, exceptionally friendly country. Stay overnight at Mille Collines/ Iris Hotel.

Day 2: Discovering Kigali and Its Surrounding

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. The exhibition in the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre tells the history of Rwanda leading up to genocide in 1994 and catalogues the details of the genocide using photographs, video, written accounts and a range of artifacts. It includes personal testimonies and a sad memorial of children in the Rwandan genocide. The exhibition also has a section called wasted lives, that reflects on the holocausts and genocides in Armenia, South-West Africa, Bosnia and Cambodia. The Kigali Memorial Centre has gained a word-wide reputation for the powerful exhibition and its work in promoting peace; take your time to absorb its important message. After lunch we proceed to Kinigi for gorilla trekking; a home to mountain gorillas, passing through magnificent views of the beautiful, hilly countryside which gives Rwanda its name as a country of a thousand hills. Spend the night at Muhabura Hotel / Kinigi Guest house.

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking

After early breakfast, you will trek in the forest on the edge of the Virunga mountain chain to find one of the last mountain gorilla families in the world. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Stay overnight at Muhabura / Kinigi Guesthouse.

Day 4: Golden Monkeys Trekking

Go for golden monkey trek after which you may choose to go on walks in villages surrounding the park and interact with local people. Make an optional visit to Ruhengeri Market, providing you with an opportunity to explore and buy local produce and Rwandan fabrics. Take some time to haggle for bananas and pineapples and have fun with the friendly, helpful stall holders.

We can organize optional traditional dance lessons to experience local culture and learn how it is embedded in the Rwandan traditions. Other optional trips include a visit to a local household and experience local lifestyle, or a trip to the learn how to make local banana beer. Well worth a flavor! You may also wish to visit the twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Virunga mountain chain. Transfer to Gisenyi for overnight stay at Serena Hotel / Paradise Malahide Hotel after Golden monkeys trek.

Day 5: Lake Kivu and Butare

After a pleasant lunch on the banks of Lake Kivu, proceed to Butare via Kibuye for lunch. Lake Kivu is a large deposit of fresh water that marks the western border with DR Congo and one of the Great Lakes of Africa. The lake lies in the Albertine Rift, a part of the Great Rift Valley and empties into the Ruzizi River, flowing southwards into Lake Tanganyika. Beneath the lake lie vast reserves of approximately 55 billion cubic of dissolved methane gas now being exploited. Lake Kivu is a wonderful tourist centre and safe for swimming, so bring your swim suit for a quick lunchtime dip. There are many stunning beaches, gorgeous landscapes and the sunsets are regularly stunning. Stay overnight at Ibisi or Credo Hotel.

Day 6: Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast we take a boat tour on the Lake Kivu then leave Butare for Nyungwe forest national park. We begin our trek into the forest to search for a hundred-strong troops of the delightful acrobatic Angolan Colobus monkeys and LHoest monkeys. Nyungwe Forest National Park is a rain forest and home to 13 different primate species, including the chimpanzee, L' Hoest monkeys, Angolan Colobus and blue monkeys which are observed around Uwinka. It also has at least 140 orchid species. The tall forest covers much of the fertile land with bamboo on the higher ridges and marsh habitats to the south of the National Park. Has an enormous range of plant, insect and mammalian species, making it a premier destination in East Africa for naturalist. Nyungwe deserves more time for anybody who wants to track chimps and see several varieties of smaller primate which can be two days there; especially birders might never want to leave! Stay overnight at ORPTN / Gisakura Lodge.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trek and Intore dance.

Early morning we start the trekking in Nyungwe Forest to find chimpanzees. Transfer in the afternoon to Butare for lunch before we drive to Nyanza, a historical seat of the ancient Rwandan kings where we visit the Palace and enjoy some traditional story-telling by some of the village elders.
The Intore, once the elite of the traditional Rwanda army, were not only trained as expert warriors but also in high jump and dance. They were known for their remarkable technique allowing them to jump almost 2.5 meters. The Intore gained an international reputation as dancers in 1958 when they performed at the World Expo held in Brussels. Today Intore dancers are part of the rich Rwanda folklore. Their unique dress code during the dance, accompanied by wonderful drummers and a beautiful choir is lovely. Transfer to Nyanza and stay overnight at Credo / Ibis Hotel.

Day 8: Visit of the Butare National Museum

The National Museum in Butare was donated in 1989 by the Belgium government who returned much of the ethnographic collection acquired during the colonial period. The design and concept of the museum was realized in co-operation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa of Tervuren, Belgium. On display are; a wide collection of monochrome pictures, traditional artifacts and objects, tools and other craft products. Ethnographic objects are grouped together according to themes giving excellent detailed information on the daily life of historical Rwanda. Traditional ceramics and basketry are the finest handicrafts in the region. The National Museum remained surprisingly untouched during the civil war in 1994. Transfer to Kigali, stay overnight at Gorilla Hotel/ Iris.

Day 9: Akagera National Park

After breakfast we drive on to Akagera National Park in the east of Rwanda. This park is known for having the best gaming experience in all 3 parks. Here we safari in the most complex savannah ecosystem of East Africa with impressive landscapes, extraordinary bird life and the occasional big game animal. There are many optional activities centered around the lake in the park, such as canoeing and fishing, or you can relax with a cool drink and enjoy the beautiful environment. There is the option of camping in the wild savannah for a magical night in and or around the park. Stay overnight at Akagera Lodge/ Umbrella Pine.

Day 10: Morning Game Drive

After an early breakfast we take a final game drive in Akagera National Park before returning to Kigali. Transfer to Kigali and stay overnight at Gorilla Nest/ Iris Hotel.

Day 11: Kigali.

Today is a day of rest and relaxation. You are free to take in the sights and sounds of Kigali and perhaps wonder around the shopping malls for Rwandan coffee or visits to the craft markets can be arranged on request. There are other optional excursions in and around Kigali, including a trip to the picturesque Rusumo Falls. Stay overnight at Gorilla Nest / Iris Hotel.

Day 12: Departure.

After breakfast there is time for a last-minute shopping trip in Kigali before transferring to the airport for our personal good-byes and your departing flight.

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