Despite its modest size, Rwanda, often dubbed the "Land of a Thousand Hills," is a treasure trove of experiences for the intrepid traveler. A mere seven days is hardly enough to uncover all its secrets, but it provides a tantalizing glimpse into the nation’s beauty, resilience, and vibrant culture. This itinerary focuses on showcasing the best of Rwanda, from the bustling capital of Kigali to the mist-shrouded slopes of Volcanoes National Park, famed for its majestic mountain gorillas.
While a visit to Akagera National Park, offering classic Big Five game viewing, is a tempting alternative, this itinerary prioritizes the unique Rwandan experiences found in Nyungwe Forest National Park. However, the choice is ultimately yours. If you seek an immersive journey through the heart of Rwanda, read on for a meticulously crafted seven-day adventure. This One Week in Rwanda will be an unforgettable journey.
Day One: Kigali
Your Rwandan adventure begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. After settling in, the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre stands out as an excellent choice due to its strategic location between the airport and the city’s main attractions.
Start your day with a five-minute drive to Shokola Café, a local gem perched atop the Kigali Public Library. Savor your first cup of authentic Rwandan coffee while enjoying a delicious breakfast and panoramic city views from the balcony. The rich aroma and robust flavor of the coffee are the perfect introduction to Rwandan hospitality.
After breakfast, take a leisurely five-minute walk to Niyo Art Gallery, a showcase of Kigali’s thriving contemporary art scene. Explore the light-filled exhibition space and admire the diverse artwork of resident Rwandan artists. You might even catch them at work in the courtyard. Niyo Art Gallery provides a unique opportunity to acquire meaningful souvenirs that reflect the country’s artistic spirit.
Next, drive to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a somber but essential stop for understanding Rwanda’s recent history. The memorial offers a comprehensive overview of the Rwandan Genocide, which began in April 1994, resulting in the tragic loss of nearly one million Tutsi lives. The exhibits detail the background, events, and devastating aftermath of this dark period. A quarter of a million victims are buried in mass graves at the memorial, offering a space for quiet reflection and remembrance.
Leaving the memorial, embark on a 2.5-hour drive to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Your accommodation for the night is the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, a serene retreat nestled amidst lush gardens on the road from Musanze to the park headquarters. Settle into your Deluxe Room, complete with a king-size bed and rainfall shower, before indulging in a delectable three-course dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, which boasts breathtaking volcano views.
Day Two: Volcanoes National Park
Day two dawns early with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a brief 10-minute transfer to the park headquarters at Kinigi. Arrive by 7:00 AM for your gorilla trekking briefing. Securing gorilla permits well in advance is crucial. The hotel can assist with this process. During the briefing, you’ll be assigned to one of the park’s habituated gorilla troops. The trek to find them can range from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the troop’s location. However, the reward is immeasurable: an hour spent observing these magnificent great apes in their natural habitat. Ensure you are prepared with sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes.
Upon your return from the gorilla trek, head back to the hotel for a well-deserved three-course lunch. With all meals included in your room rate, make the most of this culinary offering. The afternoon’s activities depend on the length of your morning trek. If time permits, a 2.5-hour tour of the nearby Musanze Caves is highly recommended. Your guide will lead you through the mile-long cave system, sharing insights into the resident bat colony, the genocide massacre that occurred here, and the periods of conflict when the caves served as a refuge for locals.
If visiting the caves is not feasible or you are simply too tired after the gorilla trek, spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel’s pool, strolling through the garden, or indulging in a massage before dinner.
Day Three: Karisoke Research Center and Musanze
Day three allows for a slightly later start. After breakfast, return to park headquarters for the 30-minute drive to the Karisoke Research Center trailhead. From here, a ten-minute hike leads to the research station founded by the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey. Fossey lived and worked here from 1967 until her murder in 1985, dedicating her life to studying and conserving the park’s gorillas. After touring the center, embark on a 1.5-hour hike to visit her grave. Fossey is buried alongside approximately 20 of her gorilla friends. Along the way, you have a good chance of spotting other primates and forest wildlife.
Upon returning, make a detour through Musanze for a quick lunch at Migano Café, a laid-back eatery offering tasty burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Afterwards, continue the 1.5-hour drive to northern Lake Kivu. Your destination is the Kivu Paradis Resort, a blissful retreat with a lakefront location and rustic, African-style rooms set amidst stunning tropical gardens. After unpacking, enjoy sundowners overlooking the water, where local fishermen are embarking on their evening fishing expeditions. Dinner is served at the atmospheric hotel restaurant, featuring Lake Kivu specialties such as grilled tilapia and deep-fried, sardine-like fish known as sambaza.
Day Four: Lake Kivu
Day four is dedicated to relaxation, and as the only truly relaxing day of this itinerary, make the most of it. The resort offers a variety of activities, allowing you to do as much or as little as you desire. Treat yourself to a soothing massage, spend the morning sunbathing on the private beach, or explore the extensive gardens, renowned for their diverse birdlife. Kayaking and fishing tours offer the chance to experience Lake Kivu from the water. If you’re up for more hiking, join a guided tour of a local village or coffee plantation. All meals are enjoyed at the hotel.
Day Five: Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast on day five, it’s time for the lengthy transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive takes approximately four hours, with your final destination being the luxurious One&Only Nyungwe House. This resort offers an exclusive location on a private tea plantation surrounded by virgin forest. Each luxury suite overlooks the treetops from generous balconies, while outdoor showers and rain-soaking tubs offer perfect privacy. With dining being all-inclusive, arrive in time for a three-course lunch.
In the afternoon, explore your surroundings in a variety of ways, from a visit to the hotel’s five-star forest spa to a tea plantation tour and traditional tea ceremony, or a visit to the craft stalls of local Banda Village. Dinner is a four-course extravaganza served in the magnificent dining room, where floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning tea plantation views. Expect farm-to-table cuisine inspired by traditional Rwandan recipes and served in gourmet style.
Day Six: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day six begins before dawn for a guided chimpanzee trekking experience into the heart of ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park. While trekking, look out for the park’s other 12 primate species, including endangered golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and Ruwenzori colobus. Spend an hour observing the chimpanzees, marveling at their familiar behaviors as our closest living relatives. Permits for this activity must be booked through the Rwanda tourist board in advance.
The afternoon is reserved for the longest transfer of the trip, a 5.5-hour drive back to Kigali. Consider staying at the Radisson Blu again, as they offer convenient luggage storage ahead of your departure the next day. If you are exhausted after a long day, the hotel’s Filini Restaurant serves excellent Italian fare. Alternatively, nearby The Hut is renowned as one of the best restaurants in the city, specializing in global dishes infused with uniquely Rwandan flavors. It’s also a great spot for enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail while admiring the inspiring views of the surrounding Kigali hills.
Day Seven: Kigali
On your last day in Rwanda, start early with breakfast at Rwandan-Belgian bakery Baso Pâtissier. Enjoy exceptional coffee and flaky fresh croissants, beignets, and cream puffs to fuel your morning tour at the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, a ten-minute drive away. You have two options: a walking tour of the capital’s historic Nyamirambo neighborhood, including visits to a local hair salon, tailor’s shop, and two mosques, followed by a traditional lunch at the home of the center’s renowned cook, Aminatha; or learning to prepare authentic Rwandan cuisine under Aminatha’s guidance, shopping for ingredients at the local markets, preparing them in her courtyard kitchen, and cooking them over traditional charcoal stoves. You will prepare six dishes to be shared as a delicious last lunch in Rwanda, including staples such as ugali (stiff maize porridge) and isombe (pounded cassava leaves), and stews made with plantains, meat, and peanuts. After lunch, collect your bags and head back to the airport for your flight home, filled with memories of an incredible One Week in Rwanda.
This One Week in Rwanda itinerary offers a blend of cultural immersion, wildlife encounters, and relaxation, leaving you with a deep appreciation for this remarkable nation. You will leave with amazing memories of One Week in Rwanda.
