Destination

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Duration
8 Days
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Tour Type
Gorilla And Wildlife
Rwanda Culture and Gorilla Experience
Rwanda

8 Days Rwanda Culture and Gorilla Experience

Rwanda Culture and Gorilla Experience

Throughout your 8-day Rwanda Culture and Gorilla Experience, you will not only be mesmerized by the natural beauty of the country but also gain a deeper appreciation for its rich cultural heritage. Rwanda, a landlocked country in East Africa, is known for its rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty. One of the most iconic experiences in Rwanda is the opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This unique combination of culture and wildlife makes Rwanda a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.

Rwandan culture is deeply rooted in traditions that have been passed down through generations. The country is home to three main ethnic groups – the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa – each with its own distinct traditions, language, and customs. Traditional music and dance play a significant role in Rwandan culture, with performances often featuring energetic drumming and graceful movements that tell stories of the country’s history and daily life.

Visitors to Rwanda can immerse themselves in the local culture by participating in traditional activities such as basket weaving, pottery making, and learning about the art of banana beer brewing. The vibrant markets offer a glimpse into everyday life, where locals sell colorful fabrics, handicrafts, and fresh produce. Exploring the bustling streets of Kigali, the capital city, provides an opportunity to interact with friendly locals and gain insight into the daily rhythms of Rwandan life.

In addition to its vibrant culture, Rwanda is also renowned for its remarkable conservation efforts, particularly in the protection of mountain gorillas. With approximately one-third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population residing in the Virunga Mountains, Rwanda offers a rare opportunity for visitors to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

The Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest of Rwanda, is a primary destination for gorilla trekking. Experienced guides lead small groups of visitors through the dense forests, where they may encounter a family of gorillas going about their daily activities. The awe-inspiring experience of being in such close proximity to these gentle giants leaves a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of witnessing it.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is not only a thrilling adventure but also contributes to the conservation of these endangered animals. The revenue generated from permits and tourism activities directly supports conservation efforts and local communities, providing an incentive for the preservation of the gorillas’ natural habitat.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s conservation initiatives, a visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International is highly recommended. This renowned organization conducts research and implements programs aimed at protecting gorillas and their ecosystems. Visitors can learn about the challenges facing gorilla conservation and the efforts being made to ensure the survival of these remarkable creatures.

In addition to gorilla trekking, Rwanda offers a range of other wildlife experiences, including safaris in Akagera National Park, home to diverse wildlife such as elephants, lions, and giraffes. The park’s varied landscapes encompass savannah, wetlands, and lakes, providing a picturesque backdrop for memorable game drives and birdwatching opportunities.

To complement the Rwanda culture and gorilla experiences, Rwanda’s culinary scene offers a delightful exploration of local flavors and traditional dishes. Rwandan cuisine often features staples such as ugali (a maize porridge), plantains, and grilled meats, reflecting the country’s agricultural heritage and reliance on fresh ingredients. Visitors can savor these authentic flavors at local eateries or participate in cooking classes to learn how to prepare traditional Rwandan meals.

Accommodation options in Rwanda cater to a range of preferences, from luxury lodges nestled in the heart of nature to boutique hotels in urban centers. Many establishments prioritize sustainable practices and offer eco-friendly accommodations that blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.

Tour includes;

  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Professional English speaking driver guide
  • Full board accommodation
  • Park entrance fees
  • Transportation in a 4 X4 Safari Vehicle
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Cultural visits
  • Round trip/ airport pickups and drop off

Tour excludes;                     

  • International air flight tickets
  • Visas
  • Optional activities not included on the itinerary
  • Life insurance

Details

Tour highlights

  • Pick up and transfer to Akagera national park
  • Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on Ihema
  • Visit the traditional homestead
  • Transfer to Volcanoes national park
  • Gorilla trekking
  • Visit the Ibyiwacu cultural center
  • Transfer to Lake Kivu
  • Return to Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali international airport you will be met and picked up by a representative from African Safari Tour Holidays who will extend a warm welcome to the land of a thousand hills. You will go for Kigali city tour where you will visit the Kigali genocide, before continuing on to Akagera national park for the overnight stay.  
This morning, you have an early breakfast before embarking on an early game drive in Akagera National Park. During the game drive you may get a chance to come up closer to numerous wildlife animals as they roam this savanna area. On this game drive, you will encounter a variety of wildlife animals like lions, zebras, impalas, giraffes, Topis, elephants, and many other animals. Akagera National Park is known for its numerous species of wildlife as well as being the only Rwanda's only savannah park. You'll observe numerous bird species like papyrus gonoleks, massive kingfishers, grey-crowned cranes, open-billed stock, and Senegal lapwings. Following your game drive, you'll return to the lodge for lunch before taking a boat cruise on Lake Ihema in the afternoon. Enjoy breathtaking and picturesque views of various aquatic animals, such as hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and many more, while on this boat ride around Lake Ihema. Return to your lodge later in the evening for dinner and a night stay.
Following breakfast, we'll take you on an amazing cultural tour through the Eastern region of Rwanda, where you'll meet and interact with ancient pastoralists. You will visit different homestead of cattle keepers on this excursion, where you will partake in various cultural customs such as milking cows, grazing, and discovering the traditional methods of converting milk into cheese and ghee. After this full-day excursion, you will either spend the night in a local homestead later, or drive back to your lodge.
Following breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and embark on a 4- to 5-hour drive to the Volcanoes National Park, making a stop in Kigali for lunch en route. Upon arrival at the park you will check in to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast you will head to the park headquarters where you will meet other trekkers for a briefing about gorilla trekking experience. Following the briefing you will be allocated an habituated mountain gorilla group to trek and an experienced park ranger guide. Once you locate the gorillas you will be allowed to spend a home with them in their natural habitat as you witness them going through their daily activities like feeding, breast feeding, playing among others. After one you will be driven back to the starting point where you will meet your safari guide and drive back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, you'll drive to Ibyiwacu cultural center for a chance to encounter Rwanda's ancient culture. During this Ibyiwacu community visit you will have an opportunity to interact with local people and learn how they live their lifestyle. You will also learn how local craft and jewels are made. Following the cultural tour you will drive back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Following a relaxed breakfast at your lodge, we will depart from the Volcanoes National Park and head to Gisenyi, where Lake Kivu is located. Lake Kivu is located on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Because you have an entire day on Lake Kivu, you will take a boat ride to Beautiful Napoleon Island, visit the hot springs, and relax on the beach. In the late evening, take a village trip to a fishing community, where you can join fishermen to discover traditional fishing and preservation techniques. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay following your adventure encounter.
Today marks the end of your 8-day Rwanda Culture and Gorilla Experience. You will have a leisurely breakfast at your lodge, check out of your lodge and embark on your journey back to Kigali. Upon arrival in Kigali you will have lunch at one of the local restaurants for a chance to taste on local food. After lunch you will drive to Kigali international airport to catch your flight or you will be driven to a designated location of your choice.

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