Private/Group Tour Highlights
- Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial, honoring Rwanda's tragic history and victims.
- Explore Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve.
- Game drive and boat safari in Akagera, spotting wildlife and birds.
- Tour Kigali’s local markets, arts, and craft workshops.
- Trek through Nyungwe National Park's lush rainforest for chimpanzee encounters.
- Walk above the treetops on Nyungwe's breathtaking Canopy Walk.
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas.
- Trek through Bwindi National Park, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the lush landscapes and wildlife wonders of Rwanda and Uganda. This immersive experience begins in Kigali, where you’ll explore the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial and vibrant local markets. Discover the Big Five in Akagera National Park with thrilling game drives and serene boat safaris. Venture into Nyungwe National Park for a canopy walk above the rainforest and intimate chimpanzee encounters. The adventure continues to Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll trek to see mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, gaining rare glimpses of these majestic creatures in their natural habitats.
Cross into Uganda to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity and enchanting gorilla trekking experiences. Along the way, enjoy luxurious accommodations blending comfort with eco-conscious design, from serene tented lodges to lakeside retreats. Whether marveling at breathtaking landscapes, engaging with local cultures, or observing the extraordinary wildlife, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.
Inclusions
- Accommodations, Meals, Activities:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial visit
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat safari in Akagera National Park
- Canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park
- Tea plantation visit
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund visit
- Reusable metal water bottle for drinking water in the safari vehicle
- AMREF Flying Doctor emergency evacuation insurance for the duration of the trip
- 24/7 service support from our regional office
- Government taxes and VAT where applicable
Exclusions
- Medical and travel insurance
- Meals that are not indicated on the itinerary
- Deviations from the itinerary or optional activities
- Items of a personal nature
- Drinks and laundry service unless noted
- Gratuities and tipping
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Rwanda
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits.
You’ll be assisted through entry formalities and, once outside the airport, introduced to your dedicated driver/guide. Sit back and enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey ahead.
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits.
You’ll be assisted through entry formalities and, once outside the airport, introduced to your dedicated driver/guide. Sit back and enjoy a seamless transfer to your hotel, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey ahead.
Kigali Genocide Memorial and Akagera National Park
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Begin the day with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a significant site of remembrance and learning, where over 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi are honored.
The Memorial features three exhibitions: a detailed account of the genocide, a children’s memorial, and a global history of genocidal violence. Visitors can explore mass graves, a wall of names, and reflection gardens. Guided tours, lasting approximately 90 minutes, provide deep insights into this tragic history. The Memorial also hosts annual remembrance events, particularly during the April 7–July 4 commemoration period.
Following this profound experience, embark on a road transfer to Akagera National Park (approximately 2.5-3 hours). Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and an afternoon game drive to explore the park’s incredible wildlife. For an added adventure, opt for an exciting night game drive before retiring for the evening.
Overnight in Akagera National Park. ...read less
Akagera National Park
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Explore the diverse landscapes of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve, on exciting game drives and a scenic boat safari.
The park's unique mix of lakes, marshes, savannah, and woodland offers a rich array of wildlife, including rare species like the Sitatunga and the Shoebill stork. With over 500 bird species recorded, Akagera is a haven for birdwatchers. Enjoy a thrilling six-hour game drive across the park’s varied terrains, and, if desired, opt for a night drive. The park also offers relaxing amenities, including a swimming pool and tennis court.
Overnight in Akagera National Park. ...read less
Akagera National Park to Kigali
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Start the day with a morning game drive in Akagera National Park before transferring back to Kigali (approximately 2.5-3 hours).
Upon arrival, enjoy leisure time at the hotel or explore optional activities in Kigali. Options include taking a Nyamirambo walking tour with a traditional lunch, birdwatching at Umusambi Village, shopping at local markets or Caplaki Craft Market, or immersing in the local arts scene at galleries like Inema Arts Centre.
You can also engage in a traditional craft workshop, coffee workshop, or savor Kigali's vibrant dining scene. Some activities may require pre-booking and incur additional costs.
Overnight in Kigali. ...read less
Journey to Nyungwe National Park
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Embark on a scenic road transfer to Nyungwe National Park (approximately 5-6 hours), with a lunch stop along the way and a visit to a local tea plantation.
Nyungwe, one of Africa's oldest rainforests, spans 1,019 km² of diverse habitats, including dense forests, bamboo slopes, grasslands, and wetlands. It's home to over 1,100 plant species, 345 bird species, and 85 mammal species, including chimpanzees and the rare Ruwenzori black-and-white colobus. A successful partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and African Parks aims to restore and protect the park’s rich biodiversity while supporting the surrounding communities.
After arriving in the region, enjoy dinner and overnight at your hotel. ...read less
Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
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After a morning transfer to Nyungwe Park headquarters for a pre-trek briefing, embark on an unforgettable Chimpanzee Trek.
This three to four-hour trek takes you through Nyungwe's dense forests, guided by trackers who help locate chimpanzee communities. Spend an hour observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat as they swing through the trees.
Later, enjoy a Canopy Walk suspended high above a ravine, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest and treetops. This two-hour walk takes you through lush terrain, where you may spot vibrant birdlife, butterflies, and even the region’s resident primates.
Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. ...read less
Volcanoes National Park
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Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 5-6 hours). Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Volcanoes National Park, located just a three-hour drive from Kigali, covers 160 km² of lush montane ecosystems, including evergreen and bamboo forests. The park is home to five of the eight Virunga Mountains, with Karisimbi standing tall at 4,507 meters. Known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, it offers one of the world’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences: encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Nearly half of the world’s wild population of mountain gorillas resides here, and the park is also famous as the backdrop for Gorillas in the Mist, the story of Dian Fossey's pioneering research on gorilla conservation.
Overnight in Volcanoes National Park. ...read less
Gorilla Trekking and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Visit
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Start with an early transfer to park headquarters, followed by a trek to encounter one of the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park.
Spend an hour with the gorillas before returning to your vehicle. Afterward, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about conservation efforts and Dian Fossey's legacy.
Optionally, participate in the Beyond The Trek session, an hour-long interactive discussion with gorilla experts about conservation, behaviors, and the community’s role in protecting the gorillas.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your lodge for your overnight stay. ...read less
Golden Monkey Trekking
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Transfer to park headquarters for a morning of golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Trek through lush bamboo forests, guided by experienced rangers, to encounter the elusive and critically endangered golden monkeys in their natural habitat. This moderate hike offers intimate moments with the playful monkeys as they leap through trees and interact with their troop. Enjoy breathtaking views of the volcanic peaks and learn about the conservation efforts protecting this unique species.
Afterward, you can relax or enjoy optional activities in the park.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your lodge for your overnight stay. ...read less
Transfer to Bwindi National Park, Uganda
Transfer by road to southern Bwindi National Park (approximately 4-5 hours). Check in at the lodge in the afternoon and unwind with evening sundowners.
Transfer by road to southern Bwindi National Park (approximately 4-5 hours). Check in at the lodge in the afternoon and unwind with evening sundowners.
Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park
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In the morning, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for your pre-trek briefing, followed by gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to approximately 400 mountain gorillas and is one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans 321 km² and is known for its lush bamboo forests, hardwoods, and over 350 species of birds. The park, dating back over 25,000 years, also hosts a variety of mammal species, including elephants and antelopes.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your lodge for your overnight stay.
Overnight in Bwindi National Park. ...read less
Flight Home
In the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Kisoro airstrip (approximately 2 hours) for your scheduled flight home.
In the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Kisoro airstrip (approximately 2 hours) for your scheduled flight home.
Kigali, Rwanda
Akagera National Park, Akagera Road, Akagera, Rwanda
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri, Rwanda
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
Places You'll See
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Kigali
Spread across a hilly region, the populous city of Kigali is a modern feat of Rwanda. Visit the Ivuka Arts center and other museums and appreciate the thriving culture in this emerging city and Capital of Rwanda. Enjoy some locally grown coffee just before hiking up Mount Kigali for its spectacular views, or take a taxi ride on the back of a motor bike at sunset.
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Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, is the country’s only Big Five reserve. It features a diverse landscape of lakes, savannah, marshes, and woodlands, offering thrilling game drives and boat safaris. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, and is a prime destination for birdwatchers with over 500 species recorded.
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Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe Forest National Park is a beautiful and expansive rain forest filled with diverse species to be seen. From primates to hundreds of species of birds, Nyungwe is the animal enthusiasts dream destination. Enjoy activites such as Hiking and tracking animals or experiencing the canopy walk.
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Rwanda Volcanoes National Park
Known as a haven for mountain gorillas, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the prime habitat to spot these majestic primates. This mountain range stands high with five volcanoes covered in rich vegetation that feeds an assortment of wildlife that can be spotted while trekking the area. Along with visiting these magnificent creatures, Pay respects to the eminent primatologist Dian Fossey at her resting place.
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Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in southwestern Uganda and is home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The park, known for its dense tropical rainforest and rugged terrain, offers an intimate and immersive gorilla trekking experience. It is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, with a variety of mammals, birds, and plant species.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Akagera National Park : Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Akagera National Park , RWANDA
Ruzizi is an eco-lodge located on the banks of Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park. Its nine tents are set back from Ihema’s serene shores and hidden among swaying palms and fruiting fig trees. They flank a thatched reception and dining area, and wooden walkways lead to a stunning deck that hangs over the lake. The lodge was designed to blend in with its surroundings to ensure guests connect with nature. During construction, trees and vegetation were left undisturbed when possible. Some natural elements have been incorporated into the structure, and many of Ruzizi’s decorations and furniture were hand-crafted by local artisans and cooperatives. The lodge is powered by solar energy and prides itself on being environmentally conscious.
Akagera National Park : Akagera Game Lodge
Akagera Game Lodge
Akagera National Park , RWANDA
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge stands on a hill at the southern tip of the Akagera National Park elevated above the savannah, with exceptional views of Lake Ihema. With 60 rooms, a conference venue, restaurant, bar, and a spectacular pool deck, the lodge is the perfect home base while exploring the conservation treasures of Akagera National Park. Akagera Game Lodge is the ideal base to experience the only Big Five reserve in Rwanda. The lodge has air-conditioned rooms with en suite bathrooms. Decorated in contemporary Rwandanese style, the rooms offer suitable workspace and Wi-Fi for busy travelers.
Experience & Activities
Guests can traverse the park from the southern tip to the north over a siz hour game drive over rolling highlands, savannah plains, and swamp-fringed lakes. Night drives can be arranged on request and there is also a swimming pool and tennis court
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, : Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, , UGANDA
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famously known for its endangered inhabitants, the mountain gorillas.
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, located in the park’s southern section of Bwindi, provides superb accommodation and a base for gorilla trekking in Uganda. The multi-award-winning eco-lodge offers mid-range to luxury forest escapes, including private garden cottages, family villas, and luxury suites nestled on a forested ridge with bewildering views of the rural landscape.
Experience & Activities
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge is located in a true gem of southwestern Uganda, where nature and community come together to create an awe-inspiring travel experience. The location of the lodge is simply breathtaking, offering some of the region’s most rewarding nature walking adventures and rural community experiences. And the experiences on offer are simply unforgettable.
Cultural encounters with the native Batwa Pygmies will give you a deep appreciation for their way of life, while local cuisine testing with the lodge’s celebrated chef will tantalize your taste buds with flavors you’ve never tried before. And, of course, the gorilla trekking experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will leave you in awe of these majestic creatures.
At Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge, it’s not just about the gorillas but the overall experience with the local people too. The lodge is situated in the heart of the Nkuringo local community, which means you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the surrounding villages.
5 Star Properties
Kigali Serena Hotel
Kigali , RWANDA
On an enchanting boulevard in the heart of Kigali, Rwanda, in a secure location just a five-minute walk from the CBD, lies Kigali Serena Hotel. A distinctively rich blend of Rwandan heritage, art and culture with contemporary 5-star comfort in 148 sophisticated rooms and suites, Serena Kigali hotel provides a private and peaceful retreat like no other for discerning international diplomats and executives. The hotel is renowned for going above and beyond and has a unique sense of place with restaurants, a health spa, and a tropically landscaped swimming pool.
Nyungwe National Park : Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
Nyungwe National Park , RWANDA
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel offers a resort lifestyle in the Rusizi District of the Western Province of Rwanda. This luxury hotel is located in close proximity of Lake Kivu and Nyungwe National Park in the western region of the country and is located just 1km from Kamembe Airport in Cyangugu. It’s designed to accommodate a convention center, a lake view swimming pool, and a luxurious health spa.
Experience & Activities
The Kivu belt offers breathtaking scenery, exquisite weather, and many activities. It is rich with flora and fauna, cultural heritage sites, and nature trails and is a popular tourist destination given its proximity to the Volcanoes National Park, home of the mountain gorillas. Guests can tantalize their senses as they participate in coffee roasting and tasting at the coffee processing project which is accessible by boat. End your day off by watching as the fishermen make their way to the lake, and you may even hear the faint sound of the folk songs they chant to call on good luck for the night’s fishing.
Volcanoes National Park : Virunga Lodge
Virunga Lodge
Volcanoes National Park , RWANDA
The magnificent Virunga Lodge is perched high on a ridge with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and the Musanze valley to the west, and Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo to the east. The lodge offers some of the finest views in Africa, uniquely decorated rooms in the Rwandese style, fantastic food, and exceptional and personalized service by carefully trained staff.
Experience & Activities
Experiences include tracking mountain gorillas through the dense African forests, tracking golden monkeys, watching Intore dancers, visiting Dian Fossey’s Grave, bird watching, climbing a volcano, a Lake Bulera village walk, and assisting with community projects.
Testimonials
Deborah L.
Traveled December 2017
Thank you so much for making this a unique and very special adventure for us….
We had an outstanding trip, thanks to you!! We both feel that every travel detail was seamlessly handled for us so we did not have to think about anything but enjoying our travels. You did an amazing job for us!!
What was an incredible trip to view and photograph chimpanzees and gorillas also tuned out to be a trip to meet and fall in love with the land and people of Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda! Our guide in Tanzania, Sexton, was delightful and excellent in making sure our experience was exactly what we wanted. Although our time was short with him, we truly enjoyed every minute with him.
We also just couldn’t have had a better guide than, Eric Nodorere, who became a very dear friend and cherished travel companion throughout our extended travels through Rwanda and Uganda. Indeed we have never spent so much concentrated time with anyone except our children and wouldn’t have had it another way. Eric was very observant and sensitive to making sure everything went perfectly without our even noticing which is the definition of “exceeding expectations”! Our lively and open conversations together as we spent hours together only enhanced our experience and lead to a deep understanding for all of us which was very enriching and satisfying.
We truly shared some amazing experiences with Eric who was also astute enough to know that we like to be in charge of our own schedules and frequently like to wander off by ourselves. He graciously supported our requests and gave us space and time to do everything at our own pace. Having the freedom to get out on our own meeting and getting to know people in their own environment is one of the best ways to gain understanding and appreciation of the world and enrich our lives and perhaps the lives of those we encounter.
I will send you a couple of videos in a separate email that gives a glimpse of only some of our experiences. I am now looking forward to getting into my Art Studio and expressing our beautiful time in Africa.
Thank you so much, Stephanie, for making this a unique and very special adventure for us….
Traveled To
Patricia K.
Traveled October 2018
Care, Efficiency, Fun and No Worries in Your Travel!
I have done two extensive trips organized by Yampu Tours. These trips have covered 11 countries – 7 in Africa and 4 in Asia. Without a doubt Yampu has done an excellent job planning for us to see what we wanted and get among the countries comfortably. They are immediately responsive to every question. The itinerary that is sent is complete with details about each hotel, tent, airline and important highlights about each country. The contracted tour agencies in each country also live up to the standard set by Yampu and if you have even a slight problem and contact Yampu, it is taken care of before you even leave that country. We have traveled to 71 countries and used various travel agents. Hands down, Yampu has been the best.
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