Black rhinos returning, lions thriving and chimpanzees just habituated are just a few of the highlights found in a new national park in Rwanda. With a gorilla population that is stronger than it has been for centuries, now is the time to visit Rwanda. Best of all, this is the time to explore while tourists remain relatively thin on the ground. Connecting Rwanda’s old favorites and new experiences too, this signature safari will also celebrate the remarkable story of a country that has exceeded...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Kigali – A City and a Country Transformed: 24 Years On
Rwanda’s progress is remarkable. The country is clean and green, where plastic bags are illegal, and nothing ever looks out of place on the streets. The vibrancy you associate with East Africa – colorful dresses, beaming smiles, a gregarious atmosphere on the streets – is enhanced by a modern touch, especially in capital city Kigali. In your first two hours, you will be nearly unable to imagine that this is a country ravaged so recently. Make a stop at Kimironko Market to absorb the smiles and smells, along with the shouts of traders that flutter past laden stalls. Enjoy lunch at one of the up and coming restaurants in the city, where the food is building on the nourishment of tradition.
Through the afternoon, you will visit three genocide memorials, each with a different angle on the story to give you a complete perspective. The National Genocide Centre provides context, detailing the events leading up to the tragedy, pulling no punches in its vehement criticism of the UN and the broader international community. Beneath the ground are the bodies of more than 250,000, just one insight into the scale. At Nyamata Church and Murambi, you will witness what took place as clothes hang from rafters, blood stains cover walls, bones are stacked in piles while survivors narrate the tales, and it will be difficult not to be moved to tears, standing in these haunting places untouched since 1994. There is also the heartwarming element as when you look at the past, you can appreciate just how far Rwanda has moved forward. The evening is free as you settle in from any jet lag, and your hotel has an excellent restaurant at your disposal.
What's Included:
Day 2
Akagera National Park – Beauty of the Savanna
Day 3
Akagera National Park – A Remarkable Homecoming: Meeting the Black Rhinos
Day 4
Volcanoes National Park – Flight Between the Game and the Gorillas
Day 5
Volcanoes National Park – The Eternal Wonder of Gorilla Trekking
Day 6
Gishwati-Mukura National Park – Discover Golden Monkeys
Day 7
Gishwati-Mukura National Park – Exclusive Chimpanzee Trekking
Day 8
Gishwati-Mukura National Park to Kigali – Departure
Trip Highlights
- Discover some of Africa’s most remarkable characters as you follow the heartwarming story of ten black rhinos that were reintroduced to Rwanda in 2017
- Explore Rwanda’s newest national park as a trek in Gishwati-Mukura brings an intimacy with golden monkeys and other amazing primates
- Celebrate the longstanding highlight of Rwanda with a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park
- Enjoy Africa’s most exclusive chimpanzee trekking experience as you visit a newly habituated troop in the Gishwati Forest made even more special as the troop has seen very few sets of human eyes
- Take in the remarkable regeneration of Akagera National Park as it is becoming one of East Africa’s next little gems
- Feel intense admiration for the Rwandan people as 24 years on from the devastating genocide, you will share stories with survivors and be caught up in their hope and optimism
- Be impressed from the land and the air as The Land of a Thousand Hills will be seen on a guided drive to local villages and a sublime flight east to west across the country
Starting Price
$8,000 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.