Exclusive History of Rwanda Tour

Former King's Palace in Nyanza, Rwanda

What to expect on this itinerary

Rwanda’s history dances with charm and intrigue, unraveling tales from the heart of Africa. Locals guide you through haunting genocide memorials but Rwanda’s history doesn’t just start in 1994. Wind back in time to the Nyanza kings and the indigenous Batwa pygmies, discover all the tales from the pre-colonial era and immerse yourself in rural communities. Including a gorilla trek, this exclusive 11-day tour takes you on an intimate journey through a fascinating nation.

Countries Visited

Rwanda

Places Visited

Kigali, Nyungwe Forest, Ruhengeri, Volcanoes National Park

Suggested Duration

11 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Kigali - 1994 and the National Genocide Memorial

You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to a five-star base in the heart of the capital city, the perfect place to recuperate from the flight and gaze out on the hills of Rwanda. Take your time, enjoy your lunch, and then visit the memorial in the afternoon. Tens of thousands are buried in mass graves here, a very moving sight as locals regularly visit the memorial. Almost as poignant is the story on the inside, a detailed walk through the events that led to the genocide. It doesn’t hold back any punches in the complicity of the United Nations, and a poignant phrase sticks in the memory: the world was silent when we died. Another intriguing piece of complicity comes from early colonial times when the two ethnic groups – Hutus and Tutsis – were created from one harmonious people. While this may not be a happy place, understanding what happened in detail evokes real admiration for the country of today.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Tour
Day 2

Kigali - From 1907 to the Colorful Markets of Today

Day 3

Nyungwe Forest - 19th-Century Kings of Nyanza

Day 4

Nyungwe Forest - Rwanda’s Rich Pre-Colonial History in Butare

Day 5

Lake Kivu - Primate Tracking and the 2002 Nyuragongo Volcano

Day 6

Kigali - From 1994 to Today, A Tour of Ross Carr’s Orphanage

Day 7

Ruhengeri - Exploring Dian Fossey Projects and Community Walk

Day 8

Ruhengeri - Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Day 9

Ruhengeri - Rwanda’s Ancient Forest Dwellers

Day 10

Kigali - Gorilla Research Centre and National Liberation Museum

Day 11

Kigali - Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Journey back to the 19th century and the kings of Nyanza, an insight into the tribal history of the land
  • Follow the narrative from pre-colonial times to the colorful markets of today, immersing yourself in the vibrant heart of Africa
  • Go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and meet the oldest of Rwanda’s residents, wild mountain gorillas
  • Discover the story of the Batwa pygmies, semi-nomadic people who have occupied the forests for some 60,000 years; you’ll spend an intimate day in their communities
  • Explore the intricacies of the 1994 genocide, with visits to a variety of memorials across the country
  • Visit buildings untouched since 1994 and be guided by those that lived through the tragic atrocities
  • Explore some of Dian Fossey’s projects, visit Ross Carr’s orphanage, and spend a morning in the Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre
  • Track the primates of the Congo Basin in Nyungwe Forest, admiring Angolan colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, and possibly chimpanzees

Starting Price

$19,700 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 74 reviews

Byron G.
Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Seychelles Trip Review: Gorilla Trekking, Safari, 10 Days

This was our first adventure into Africa. Zicasso's travel agent and the team put together the perfect itinerary. It provided an excellent overview of various African cultures and, of course, exposure to all the wildlife and scenery that Africa offers. This included gorilla trekking in Rwanda and 10 days on safari at three different bush camps. Prior to heading home, we relaxed in the island paradise of Seychelles.

Our travel agent handled all the details, including reservations, transportation, and communications. In addition to a printed itinerary, she provided a phone application that allowed us to access our itinerary at any time. The application included emergency contacts, airline e-tickets, and detailed information pertaining to each location we stayed.

In addition, our travel agent set us up with our local hosts to meet us at each destination, handle baggage, and provide necessary transportation. This made our adventures relaxing and completely stress-free. We can't say enough about her expertise and services. Her attention to detail and knowledge of the African continent is beyond compare. We highly recommend her when planning your African adventure.

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Donna D.
Botswana Travel Review: Wildlife, Safari, Local Cuisine, 1 Week

Our trip to Botswana, arranged by Zicasso’s travel agents, was fantastic. They listened to our needs and desires for the trip and arranged everything perfectly. They also helped us prepare for the trip, answering our questions about accommodations, luggage, tips, and other details. We appreciated their local knowledge and expertise and could not have asked for a better experience.

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Shreemayee D.
Uganda, Rwanda Adventure Review: Murchison Falls, Jinja, Sipi Falls, National Parks, Bwindi Forest, Bungee Jumping, River Tubing, Horseback Riding, Whitewater Rafting, Coffee Experience, Dance Performance, Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Boat Ride, 19-Day Trip

The trip went smoothly and was well executed, thanks to our guide. It was because of him that the experience was enjoyable, as he was very knowledgeable and resourceful, and had his own network. He was very patient with me and always encouraging. There are not enough words to describe how grateful I am to him for dealing with me for 19 days. 

Starting with receiving me at Entebbe International Airport, he gave me a friendly assurance that I would have a smooth and secure adventure. He kept me very safe and in a few days, I was able to trust him with all my belongings and my life. This was very important for somebody who does not live in Uganda and Rwanda, and was here for just a few days to learn and explore these two beautiful countries.

Let's do a breakdown of each of the places I went to:

Entebbe: I can't comment too much about this place because I only arrived at the airport and stayed at the guest house. The staff and the guest house were nice as I tried to get settled after a long plane ride and prepare myself for the adventures ahead.

Murchison National Falls Park: I won't forget this experience. I saw the wildlife as it is and enjoyed it so much. There are not enough words to describe the beauty of this beautiful savannah and the species that inhabit it. I fell in love with the giraffes, almost got charged by an elephant, and was very lucky to see a hyena, a leopard, and two lionesses in one day. I learned so much about Murchison Falls that I did not know, including that it is the world's most powerful waterfall, and I felt honored to see it in front of me during an afternoon boat ride.

Kampala: Kampala is very congested, but it was nice to see what the capital city was like and I somehow enjoyed visiting the Gaddafi mosque.

Jinja: I will never forget the day I saw the origin of the Nile River. That feeling cannot be replaced. I am proud of myself for celebrating the Nile River by doing bungee jumping, tube river riding, horseback riding, and whitewater riding. I'm so proud of myself for bungee jumping for the first time in my life, and over the Nile River.

Sipi Falls: This is a hidden secret that not many tourists know about and must be seen. These three waterfalls are just one long Sipi Falls flowing in Mt Elgon… breathtaking. The hike was very challenging, but necessary to appreciate the beauty of Sipi Falls. I really enjoyed my time with a nice couple who showed how they process coffee beans and also appreciated the Kapchorwa community for showing me their dance performance in their ancestral mountain cave. The hotel in the Sipi Falls area was not really a resort. They have more work to do to make this a very tourist-friendly accommodation. However, I did not complain much as it was all part of the experience. Therefore, I just made my stay for those two nights the way I could, knowing this was the best accommodation in the Sipi Falls area.

Kibale National Park: It was an honor to cross the equator more than once. My stay at the lodge in Kibale National Park was amazing. I enjoyed my stay and really loved the friendly staff who took care of me. I will not forget my experience of seeing the chimpanzees in the wild at the Kibale National Park. We were told we were very lucky to see all the chimpanzees sitting on the ground before they all headed up in the trees. To see the chimpanzees up close, a few feet from you, and lock your eyes with theirs is an experience you won't forget.

Queen Elizabeth National Park: Again, I crossed the equator at least three times during this experience. It's a different savannah that you appreciate in its own way. I was very lucky that with the help of our guide's contact, I was able to see, in an open spot, two lionesses with three baby cubs. I enjoyed my afternoon boat ride, surprisingly, in the Kazinga Channel, especially with the tourists I was riding the boat with.

Bwindi Forest: I enjoyed my 12km walk into the windy forest and into the Buhoma community to get to a car to drive me to my hotel. The next day, seeing the gorilla after trekking a very steep slope was an unforgettable experience. It was thanks to the porter who helped me trek these challenging slopes that I was able to see a gorilla community that I will never forget. I did enjoy my small amount of time in the Batwa community.

Volcanoes National Park: I enjoyed my stay at our hotel in Volcanoes National Park, as the staff were very friendly and made sure I was warm at night. The next day, I enjoyed my not-too-hard trek to see the golden monkey before heading to Kigali.

Overall, it was a beautiful adventure and I don't think I would have planned it any other way. I do wish I were able to see Kidepo National Park, as I was told multiple times how beautiful that park is.

Thank you so much for helping me organize this wonderful adventure, especially since this was my first African adventure.

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Mary-Ellen M.
Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya Safari Review: Hot-Air Ballooning, Nature, 12-Day Trip

Zicasso’s travel professional helped us plan a fabulous two-week safari, which was a bucket-list trip for my husband and me! He is very knowledgeable about Africa and safaris, so once we told him what we were looking for, he helped us plan every aspect of the trip, from where to stay, visas, what to bring/wear, tipping, etc. He also had several recommendations for extras that we had not thought about, like hot-air ballooning!

We traveled to Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya, and the travel between each country was seamless. When we had questions during the trip, he was responsive and always followed up to make sure everything was good. We highly recommend this travel professional for your African safari or journey.

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Christine S.
Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda Grandparent-Grandson Trip Review: Gorilla Sightings, Nature, Wildlife, 10 Nights

My grandson and I had an amazing trip to Uganda and Zicasso’s travel partner made it easy, handling every detail. No matter the circumstance, we felt supported and had easy access to assistance if it was needed. Zicasso has always provided the best agents for our travels.

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Kenneth W.
Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya Vacation Review: 2 Weeks

The trip was wonderful! Zicasso's tour company did a magnificent job planning the trip and helping with visas, etc. We have no complaints. It was a first-class job!

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

29,000+ Verified Traveler Reviews