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.
Customizable Itinerary
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:
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)
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.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.84 stars based on 64 reviews.
The trip was exhilarating and the job done by our Zicasso travel agent was second to none.
Our trip was 20 days, with multiple locations, flights, and activities. Our agent arranged things so well, we hardly had to do anything. Guides and contacts always arrived on time and led us through each location efficiently and safely.
The gorilla trek in Rwanda was amazing. On safari, we saw the Big Five by the end of day two and saw many, many unique animal encounters. We did a walking safari one day, which was also a highlight. Our agent recommended the Lewa Conservancy as a stop and this was wonderful for seeing many black and white rhinos.
I would give our travel company a 10/10 for personal care and attention. I highly recommended them for a high-quality, memorable African adventure!
Reviewed By Michael D.
We can't speak highly enough about using Zicasso's travel specialist and her company. They put together a complicated package covering three completely separate areas and were able to connect us with local guides in each place. The guides they worked with were all fabulous, as were the locations we stayed at.
At one point, the airline that was handling our trip out changed the flight due to local conditions. I learned of this first through our specialist, who was immediately on the situation and kept us apprised of the change. The company provided us with an online portal that covered every part of our trip. It was constantly updated and we always knew who the next contact was in the new area.
Throughout the process, we had constant questions and changes. Our travel company was very pleasant and accommodating of our concerns. Their work was in the middle of a larger trip. Even though they were not handling the stops before and after their portion, they were more than happy to help out with those portions and added that information to our itinerary at no cost.
In a word, they were fabulous. If you want more detail on their work and my unqualified recommendation of them, please reach out and I'm happy to provide you with more information.
Reviewed By John G.
Zicasso's travel agent is a superstar. We really didn’t know where to go and what to do in Africa, so his excellent advice was critical. We did exactly what he recommended and, as a result, our trip was just perfect. We are eternally grateful.
Reviewed By Peter D.
It was very well planned. Zicasso's travel specialist was responsive and flexible in the planning process and throughout the final details.
Reviewed By LESLIE W.
The trip was well organized and the handoffs across multiple locations were managed very smoothly, without any problems. Our Zicasso travel agent was very responsive throughout the planning process.
Reviewed By Kannan V.
"Working with Zicasso’s travel agent was wonderful. She answered every question and was available as needed."
Reviewed By JANA R.