Overview
We’ve all been there… one kid loves animals, another wants adventure, the parents are all about the culture, and the aunt’s keen on scenery. Well, lucky for you, Rwanda has it all – and then some!
Kigali will surprise you with how safe, clean, and family-friendly it is. And to start the trip right, you’ll visit the Genocide Memorial—a must for understanding Rwanda’s powerful, sobering past. From there, it’s non-stop adventure. Whether it’s tracking the Big Five in Akagera, Rwanda’s great conservation success story, kayaking on Lake Kivu, or trekking through the jungle to see the gorillas up close, this trip’s packed with bucket-list experiences.
There’s also plenty of time for culture: chat with the inspiring women at Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, stroll through the rolling hills on the Congo Nile Trail, or watch the herders guide the majestic Royal Cows. There’s something for everyone!
With a perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation, this trip connects families with Rwanda’s incredible wildlife, rich culture, and stunning landscapes—creating memories to last a lifetime.
What's Included?
- Airport Transfers & Local Transport
- Expert Local Guides
- 12 Nights in Hotels, Game Lodges & Bush Camps
- Chimpanzee Trekking, Gorilla Permits
- Game Drives in Akagera National Park
- 12 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches & 7 Dinners
- Park Fees, Entrance Fees & Permits
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Soft Drinks, Alcohol or Drinking Water
- Tips for Guides & Porters
- Personal Equipment & Clothing
- Souvenirs
Trip Highlights
- Big Five Safari in Akagera National Park: One of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories, with plenty of wildlife to spot.
- Gorilla Trekking: An unforgettable trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Lake Kivu: A peaceful retreat where you’ll kayak, visit local fishing villages, and even witness fishermen singing as they head out for the night.
- Nyamirambo Women’s Centre: Meet and support local women, explore their community, and shop for handmade crafts that support literacy and empowerment initiatives.
- Royal Cows in Nyanza: A unique cultural experience to learn about Rwanda’s royal history and see the majestic long-horned cows serenaded by their keepers.
Daily Itinerary
Welcome to Rwanda! After touching down at Kigali Airport, our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for the night. Depending on your arrival time, feel free to get an early night as adventure waits, starting first thing tomorrow! Or, if you're up for exploring, take a wander around Kigali. The city is incredibly safe and welcoming, and the Kigali Convention Centre is especially impressive when lit up at night.
Start your day with a powerful and moving visit to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial—a deeply impactful experience that provides insight into Rwanda’s history. This is a must-see for any visitor, giving the whole family a moment to reflect and understand how Rwanda has moved forward in such a positive way.
Next, get to know Kigali’s vibrant culture with a stop at the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, a community-driven project empowering local women through literacy, sewing, and various skills programs. You’ll hear personal stories from women who live and work in Nyamirambo, get a true sense of the local culture, and have the opportunity to buy some beautiful handmade crafts. It’s an inspiring visit that helps support the local community.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Today, head out for a scenic drive from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park, with several fascinating stops along the way. As you make your way to the King’s Palace in Nyanza, prepare for a step back in time. The palace itself is a stunning example of traditional domed architecture, but the real stars here are the royal cows. Known for their impressive long horns, these cows are treated like royalty, with their caretakers singing to them in a way that keeps them calm and docile. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Rwandan royal traditions, and you’ll even get the chance to be crowned as a king or queen for a moment—perfect for a memorable photo op!
Nyungwe Forest is one of the most bio-diverse rainforests in Africa, and you’ll be immersed in its lush beauty as soon as you arrive. With towering trees and winding trails, this park is home to hundreds of species of birds and primates.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise before dawn for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest! Accompanied by experienced local guides, you’ll head into the forest, listening closely for the sound of chimps calling to each other—often you’ll hear them long before you see them! When you do spot them, you’ll be in awe as they swing through the trees and play on the ground. Afterwards, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon back at the lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Before heading to Lake Kivu, you’ll have a chance to track the playful black-and-white colobus monkeys. These primates are social and curious, often swinging down close to visitors. With stunning forest views all around, it’s another great wildlife experience.
Then it’s off to Lake Kivu, where the pace slows down. This massive lake is perfect for relaxing by the water, and you’ll have time to unwind after the morning’s excitement.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the day on a kayaking adventure, paddling across Lake Kivu’s calm waters, soaking up the views and meeting local fishermen along the way. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop at small fishing villages or explore nearby Napoleon Island, home to a raucous bat colony. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a swim in the lake’s warm waters!
In the evening, settle into your adventure camp on Gishayu Island—a remote, unspoiled spot perfect for some family bonding around the campfire.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, make your way from Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park, one of the most famous locations for wildlife enthusiasts. The road to Volcanoes National Park is scenic, and you’ll pass through small villages and rolling hills along the way. You'll really get a sense for why this country is nicknamed "Land of 1,000 Hills"!
Once you arrive, take the rest of the day to relax or explore the park’s visitor centre.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Begin your day with a leisurely lakeshore walk, enjoying stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes. The kids will love spotting birds, beehives, and small villages along the way. In the afternoon, take a canoe trip across Lake Ruhondo, where you’ll have a picnic lunch on a small island and soak in even more spectacular scenery.
The gentle pace of the day is perfect for relaxing after yesterday’s travel. Plus... you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow!
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Today is the one of the highlights of the trip (of any trip!) - the Mountain Gorilla Trek. You’ll wake up early and head into Volcanoes National Park with your guide. After a short hike, you’ll meet a group of endangered mountain gorillas, an encounter that is truly once in a lifetime. Watch as they play, feed, and interact with each other in their natural habitat. It’s an experience you and your family will never forget.
Afterwards, return to the lodge for some well-deserved relaxation.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a hearty breakfast, make your way to Akagera National Park. Along the way, stop in Kigali for lunch at a popular local restaurant—don’t miss the chance to try some authentic Rwandan dishes!
Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah park and is home to the Big Five. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Once on the brink of destruction, Akagera National Park is now a shining example of conservation success, thanks to local communities and park authorities working together to protect its wildlife. Today, you’ll go on a full-day game drive, hoping to spot the Big Five. Watch for lions, rhinos, and elephants roaming the savannah.
In the evening, head out on a night safari—a thrilling chance to see nocturnal animals in action, from predators like leopards and hyenas to smaller mammals and birds.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the morning exploring the northern plains of Akagera, where herds of antelope, buffalo, and zebras roam freely. After a morning of wildlife watching, head back to Kigali for a farewell dinner and some final souvenir shopping.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Bid farewell to Rwanda and reflect on the incredible adventure you've just experienced. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. If you have some extra time, feel free to squeeze in a final stroll around Kigali. Safe travels!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Where We'll Stay
We’ve taken on the tough task of staying at some of the best hotels and guesthouses around the world to hand-pick those that we think you’ll love. For this trip, you’ll experience a mix of family-friendly hotels and guesthouses.
In Kigali, expect modern comforts in hotels that offer a peaceful escape from the city. As you head toward Akagera National Park and other rural areas, you’ll stay in cozy lodges and guesthouses that offer incredible views of Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes. Along Lake Kivu, you’ll enjoy lakeside accommodations perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure. And, in Nyungwe, you’ll rest in nature-focused lodges that immerse you in the surrounding rainforest.
Though we can’t guarantee the exact accommodations for each night, we always choose places that are comfortable, clean, and welcoming for families. Every spot we stay will help you feel right at home as you explore the incredible sights and experiences Rwanda has to offer.
Like the sound of this trip, have a question or want to check something before you book? Maybe even have a great idea to customise this itinerary? Get in touch and start your adventure!
Interactive Route Map
Check out the interactive map of this trip below. You can simply zoom in and have a look at the route.
Or, if you’re wanting to get a feel for the route or to dive into the daily details then click on any of the steps and you’ll be redirected to our Polarsteps page.
What is Polarsteps?
We’ve loaded all of our itineraries onto Polarsteps. It’s an app that can help you plan, track and relive your travels. We’ve used it to display our trips in all their glory but anyone can easily create on-the-go mementos of their adventures.
Carbon Emissions
This trip emits approximately 418 kg of carbon per person. This includes emissions from transport, accommodation, food, activities, and the operations behind the scenes to run the trip.
What does this mean?
This is roughly equivalent to driving a typical petrol car about 1,340 miles.
It’s similar to the carbon emissions from heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for about 19 days during winter.
Our Approach
We are mindful of the environmental impact of travel and are committed to supporting conservation efforts in Rwanda. By choosing this itinerary, you contribute to community projects and wildlife conservation initiatives that aim to preserve the country’s unique natural heritage. This carbon estimate helps you make informed choices about your travel footprint and consider ways to offset it responsibly.
More Information
What's the fitness level required for this trip?
We grade all of our trips to try and make it easy to understand the fitness levels required. These are broad guidelines however so you’re welcome to chat to us about any specific concerns you might have.
You’ll find more information about these levels here and you can find the difficulty rating for this specific trip at the top of the page.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Yes, it is. We run adventurous trips and it’s mandatory that you have suitable travel insurance in place to cover overseas medical treatment as well as evacuation or repatriation.
We can’t recommend which provider you use but the main things we’d encourage you to look out for is that you’re fully covered for the activities you’re taking part in (i.e., covers you up to the altitude you’ll be trekking at) and that it covers cancellation in the event that illness or other circumstances prevent you from travelling.
How much should I tip in Rwanda?
Tips are not included in any of our trips. They are entirely discretionary but in most cases are expected by the teams that will be looking after you. We know it can be daunting to work out exactly what to give so whilst this guideline hopefully helps, please remember that it’s a completely personal choice and you should feel free to tip more or less based on the quality of service that you receive.
Trekking Guide: $10-20 USD per day
Porters or Support Staff: $5 USD per day
Drivers: $10 USD per day
Again, tipping is not compulsory and please only do so if the service you’ve received warrants it. It’s hugely appreciated and a way for the teams looking after you to supplement their income.
How do I find out which hotels, meals and activities are included?
Unfortunately we can’t provide an exhaustive list of everything included in the ‘What’s Included’ section of this page as we include a whole bunch of stuff on our trips!
If it’s in the itinerary and we’ve not explicitly said that it’s an optional activity, then yes – it’s almost certainly included. If you’re not sure, please ask.
The meals that are included are all listed on the daily itinerary.
For the accommodation, we’ve got a shortlist of properties that we use. You can get a sense of the types of accommodation we use higher up the page in the ‘Where We’ll Stay’ section. We cannot guarantee any specific properties for your trip as it’s based on availability. If you are wanting to specifically request a property then please get in touch as we’re able to customise our trips.
Which airport do I need to fly into and out of for my trip to Rwanda?
Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the only airport for trips starting and finishing in Rwanda.
What are your payment terms and is my booking financially protected?
Yes, absolutely. Here’s a link to where you can read more about how we are an ABTOT member and have an ATOL licence and what this means for your financial protection when booking a trip with us.
Deposits vary from destination to destination and from trip to trip. Generally speaking we require a deposit of 25%. This amount may be higher for certain trips where more services that usual need to be booked and paid for in advance (such as gorilla permits in Rwanda). Deposits are non-refundable.
Balance payments are required up to 70 days prior to travel.
If you need to cancel your booking, the following fees will apply based on the time before your scheduled departure:
- Immediate loss of deposit (25% of total cost) upon cancellation.
- 50% of the total cost if cancelled after the balance is paid and up to 45 days before departure.
- 75% of the total cost if cancelled 30 to 45 days before departure.
- 100% of the total cost if cancelled within 30 days of departure.
These fees compensate for expenses and bookings made on your behalf in anticipation of your trip.
Can I customise this trip in any way?
- adding in extra days or cutting out a day here or there;
- squeezing in other destinations or removing them;
- starting or finishing the trip in a different place;
- staying in a hotel or guesthouse that we don’t list as an option.
What if someone under the minimum age wants to travel?
It might not be an issue. Some destinations such as Rwanda have firm rules in place about how old people should be in order to visit the gorillas. In other destinations it’s more of a guideline.
Please do contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
What information will I receive after I book?
After you book, we’ll get to work confirming that the dates you’ve selected are completely available.
There are extremely rare circumstances that may mean we’re unable to confirm your booking. These circumstances are limited to events beyond our control or not being able to secure the services that you wanted to book.
In the extremely rare event that we’re unable to confirm your booking you will be offered an alternative itinerary or a full refund without any fees. Please do not book any non-changeable travel plans until you receive the confirmation from us. This will be within 72 hours.
A detailed Trip Dossier will then be sent to you after you make your booking. It’ll contain all the information you might need to help you pack and get prepared for your trip, including information on visas, vaccinations, packing and training.
We encourage you to refer to the UK Government’s official travel advisory service when planning your trips. You can find the FCDO advice here.
And when you travel, we work closely with local experts to put together the best itineraries. We’ve worked with them exhaustively to provide safe adventures at great value. They know their destination better than we ever could so you’ll be in good hands! You can read a bit more about why we will only ever have locally-led trips here.
Book Now
Whether you’d like more information about this itinerary or to customise it to exactly what you want to do, drop us a line and let us know your plans!
