Accommodation: Lemigo Hotel, Kigali

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be greeted by our professional and friendly driver-guide holding a sign with your name. Experience a moment of ease as you are assisted with your luggage and escorted to your private, air-conditioned vehicle.

We will transfer you to the Lemigo Hotel, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Kigali. As you drive through the city, you'll be immediately struck by its cleanliness, order, and the vibrant energy of its people—a testament to the nation's remarkable progress.

Once at the hotel, check in and take the rest of the day to relax, acclimatize to the gentle Rwandan climate, and perhaps enjoy the hotel's amenities. Your guide will brief you on the incredible journey ahead and answer any questions you may have.

Accommodation: Lemigo Hotel, Kigali

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a day dedicated to understanding the soul of Rwanda. We journey south of Kigali to the Nyamata Church Memorial. This former church stands as a deeply moving and raw testament to the horror of the 1994 Genocide. You will bear witness to the preserved site where tens of thousands sought sanctuary but found none. It is a powerful and somber experience, essential for comprehending the scale of the tragedy.

In the afternoon, we shift from remembrance to rebirth. We will visit a Reconciliation Village, a unique community where both survivors and perpetrators of the genocide live side-by-side. Here, you will have a humbling and insightful Rwandan genocide discussion with community members. You will listen to their personal stories of loss, forgiveness, and the challenging path to national unity.

Lunch will be a simple, authentic meal shared at the village, offering a chance for more informal conversation.

We return to Lemigo Hotel in the late afternoon for reflection. Dinner will be served at the hotel, allowing you to process the day's profound experiences.

Accommodation: Igangi Park View Lodge, Musanze

This morning, we visit the official Kigali Genocide Memorial, an impeccably curated institution that documents the history of the genocide and serves as a final resting place for over 250,000 victims. The exhibits provide global context, detail the events leading up to 1994, and share personal testimonies of survivors, creating a powerful narrative of loss and resilience.

Following this moving visit, you'll enjoy lunch at one of your guide's favorite local restaurants in Kigali, offering a taste of authentic Rwandan cuisine.

After lunch, the journey's tone shifts as we begin our scenic overland drive to Musanze, the gateway town to Volcanoes National Park. The 2-3 hour drive is a visual feast, winding through the iconic rolling hills that give Rwanda its nickname. As you ascend, the air becomes cooler and the views more dramatic, with the majestic peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes looming on the horizon. Upon arrival, you will check into your charming Lodge, your home for the next two nights, perfectly positioned for your gorilla adventure. Enjoy a hearty dinner at the lodge and rest well in anticipation of tomorrow's trek.

Accommodation: Igangi Park View Lodge, Musanze

Today is the day,. After an early and energizing breakfast, we will drive to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. Here, you will be assigned to a specific gorilla family group and receive a comprehensive briefing from the expert park rangers.

The trek begins! You will venture deep into the mystical bamboo forests, led by experienced trackers. The hike can range from moderate to strenuous, but every step through the lush, misty jungle is part of the adventure. Suddenly, you will hear them—the gentle grunts and movements of the gorilla family.

You will spend a magical, unforgettable time in their presence.

Watch as playful youngsters tumble through the vegetation, observe the powerful silverback keeping a watchful eye, and witness the tender interactions of a mother and her infant. It is an incredibly intimate and humbling wildlife encounter that very few people ever get to experience.

After the trek, you will return to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax and reflect on this extraordinary experience. You may choose to rest at the lodge, look through your photos, or take a short, guided walk to the nearby village.

Dinner will be served at the lodge, filled with memories of your time with the gentle giants.

After a final breakfast overlooking the volcanoes, our day begins with a visit to the state-of-the-art Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This is the heart of gorilla conservation. Through immersive and interactive exhibits, you will learn about Dian Fossey's legacy and the crucial, ongoing work to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitat.

Next, for a truly personal and poignant conclusion to your cultural journey, we will arrange a visit to meet a local family for an intimate conversation. Here, you will hear a first-hand account of their life, their experience during the 1994 genocide, and their perspective on Rwanda's bright future. This is a unique opportunity to connect on a human level and understand the story of Rwanda through the eyes of its people.

Enjoy another lunch at the lodge before we begin the scenic drive back to Kigali. Your guide will ensure you arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL) in ample time for your onward flight to Kenya, Tanzania, or your home country, carrying with you memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready for Your Rwandan Adventure?

This journey is more than just a tour; it’s an invitation to witness the power of the human spirit and the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. From the solemn grounds of Nyamata to the joyful presence of a mountain gorilla family, Rwanda will leave an indelible mark on your soul.