Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali
Kigali Serena Hotel/Lemigo Hotel (D)
Enjoy a personal welcome at the airport before being transferred to the hotel for check in and a welcome dinner.
Day 2: Kigali – Historic Introductions
Kigali Serena Hotel/Lemigo Hotel (B,L,D)
Today you will embark on a historical exploration of Kigali with highlights of pre-colonial, colonial, independence, genocide and post-genocide times. You’ll also visit the Kigali Memorial Center at Gisozi, the country’s most important genocide memorial site.
Day 3: Gitarama – Cultural Immersion
Kigali Serena Hotel/Lemigo Hotel (B,L,D)
Set off for a fascinating and unforgettable day excursion to Gitarama. Women from one of the Azizi Life artisan cooperatives will host a small group of visitors in their homes and invite you to work with them in their fields. You’ll also enjoy a delicious midday meal together and meet with other community members in the afternoon in order to weave.
Day 4: Gashora – Education: Rural Development
Kigali Serena Hotel/Lemigo Hotel (B,L,D)
Today’s activities include a day excursion to Gashora where you will visit a Vision 2020 Umurenge village to learn about Rwanda’s rural development challenges and the successful interventions that were modeled on the concepts of the UN Millennium Villages Project.
Day 5: Gisenyi – Education: Historically Marginalized People
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (B,L,D)
On schedule for today is a transfer to Gisenyi at the northern tip of the beautiful Lake Kivu. Here you will visit the Kanembwe community where over 600 families relocated from landslide and flood areas have found new homes. Learn about and celebrate their cultural heritage.
Day 6: Gisenyi – Economy: Coffee Production
Lake Kivu Serena (B,L,D)
Spend today visiting a local coffee plantation and the Nkora washing station, the largest washing station in the country. Get an in-depth introduction to the coffee production process “from crop to cup”, combined with the beautiful surroundings of Lake Kivu.
Your afternoon is yours to spend at leisure or own exploration.
Day 7: Volcanoes NP & Kigali – Education: Youth
Virunga Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (B,L,D)
Visit Imbabazi, the former orphanage of the colorful late Roz Carr (Land of 1000 Hills), that is now becoming a community youth center and still houses Roz’s flower gardens. There’s even a small museum dedicated to Roz and highlighting her friendship with Dian Fossey.
Later in the day, transfer to Musanze and spend the afternoon at your leisure relaxing at the lodge.
Day 8: Volcanoes NP & Kigali – Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Virunga Lodge or Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (B,L,D)
Take an exhilarating day excursion to Volcanoes National Park where you will participate in mountain gorilla trekking activities. When you’ve had your fill of these magnificent creatures, return to the lodge for another relaxing afternoon to be spent however you prefer.
Day 9: Kigali (B, L)
On this final day of your journey, transfer to Kigali and participate in optional activities, including souvenir shopping to find a treasure or two to remember your adventure with. Finally, transfer to the airport and bid farewell.
