Begin getting to know Rwanda with an exploration of its bustling capital, Kigali. It’s impossible to understand the country’s journey without reflecting on its difficult recent history at the Genocide Memorial, erected in remembrance of the more than 1 million Rwandans that died during those 100 days in 1994. Here you will learn how the country reconciled and became an advocate for peace and genocide prevention. After this sobering experience, meet a local family for a home-cooked lunch in their home and walk through the markets and businesses of the vibrant Nyamirambo neighborhood. After lunch, visit one of the remaining local independent milk bars, the Kuruhimbi Milk Bar, an embodiment of Rwanda’s cultural and spiritual connection to cattle.

Journey from the city into Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. Along the way, stop at the Ethnographic Museum in Butare and the King's Palace, a stunning thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive. Arrive this afternoon in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and settle in at our hotel perched dramatically above the vast rainforest below.

Take to the slopes of the Nyungwe forest in the morning to track humanity’s closest living primate relative—the chimpanzee. This trek can be a strenuous activity over rugged, slippery terrain, but well worth the effort for the time spent with these close human cousins. Enjoy the afternoon to yourself to relax and recuperate in the misty mountain air or explore more of the park’s scenery before rejoining the group for dinner.

Wake up early for a walk on the forest’s edge to search for furry, tree-dwelling colobus monkeys. Visit a local tea producer and enjoy a cup of world-renowned Rwandan tea. In the afternoon, head for Kibuye, set spectacularly on the shores of Lake Kivu. This evening, take to the water to follow the local anglers as they fish for sambaza, a sardine endemic to the lake.

Journey today along the waters of Lake Kivu, a unique way to experience Rwanda. Stop at Nyamunini Island to witness the large colony of fruit bats, where as many as 50,000 call the island home. Traveling close to the shore, you’ll see the coffee washing stations and villages that dot the coast. After a local lunch at a coffee washing station in Cyimbili, enjoy a coffee cupping experience led by a co-op member. Coffee producers and buyers use this tasting technique worldwide to check and score the quality of coffee. In the evening, you have the option to hit a local lakeside pub. 

Journey from the calm waters of Lake Kivu to the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park, visiting with local communities along the way. Stop along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo before continuing on to the rainforests of Volcanoes National Park. The afternoon is even more immersive as you take a guided walk through local villages to meet the people who live in this gorgeous, remote pocket of Africa. There is a lot of excitement when visitors arrive, and you’ll be welcomed with uniquely Rwandan flare. 

Start the day with a trek to observe the rare and endangered golden monkey. These charismatic primates are a delight to watch as they swing from bamboo trees and communicate with each other through hand gestures and facial expressions. The afternoon will be yours to relax at the lodge before dinner. A gorilla doctor will join us for dinner to present their work and prepare the group for tomorrow’s main event! 

Today is the day; set out on foot to find one of the animal kingdom’s most magnificent creatures, the mountain gorilla, in the wild. With around 1,000 gorillas left in the wild, Volcanoes National Park is home to half of them. The trek can be challenging, but the reward of spending time with these iconic animals makes the effort worthwhile. Once back at the lodge, reflect upon your great ape adventure or head into town to explore the local markets and art galleries. This evening, share stories and photos over dinner. 

After breakfast, head back to Kigali, stopping to visit the factory that makes the famed Akabanga chili oil. At 15,000+ Scovilles (the scale used to measure spiciness), this chili oil is one of the hottest edibles on the planet and is added to food one drop at a time using an eye-dropper. After arriving in Kigali, you’ll have time to freshen up before catching your evening flight home. If you are continuing with the extension, you’ll have time to relax and shop before

For those who want to see even more of Rwanda’s incredible wildlife, extend your trip to explore Akagera National Park in the far east of the country. On the border with Tanzania, the park is the last refuge in Rwanda for savannah wildlife. After settling in at your hotel in the southern part of Akagera National park, head out for a guided game drive. Be on the lookout for some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.

Set out early for a morning safari, watching as the park’s early risers wake from their slumber. This excursion is a great time to see the park’s herbivores, including zebras, elephants, giraffes, and more. The park is home to more than 8,000 wildlife species and more than 500 types of birds, including the rare shoebill stork and the much sought after red-faced barbet. In addition to wildlife spotting, your day in the park includes a special behind-the-scenes tour to learn about conservation efforts in the national park. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Ihema, home to hippos, crocodiles, and many rare bird species.

Now that you’ve explored all the corners of Rwanda, it’s time to say goodbye to this magnificent country. Enjoy a safari drive as you leave Akagera National Park . Then return to Kigali and enjoy some shopping before catching your flight home.