7 Days Big 5 Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Included with this package

  • Accommodations and Meals mentioned
  • English-speaking Resident Driver Guide 
  • 4×4 Custom built safari vehicle and Fuel
  • Park Entrance Fees in all mentioned national parks
  • Government taxes
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Airport transfers

Overview

During this week’s tour in the country of a thousand hills, you will be experiencing the wildlife, the history, the culture, and the tradition. Canoeing and the village walk are on the menu when we go to Lake Kivu.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

When you arrive at Kigali International airport, the first impression is the availability of the airport staff and the cleanliness. The formalities are quickly settled and recovered. Here they don’t lose time for trivialities and our drive guide will welcome you with humbleness and a smile. With listening and caring, speak with your courtesy, he will guide your Hotel and wish you a pleasant stay for your first night

Day 2: Kigali City tour 

You will be picked up from your hotel by your driver and start the Kigali City Tour. Kigali City tour will introduce you to the capital of the land of Thousand Hills, Rwanda, will do so by visiting museums, markets and city sightings.

– Drive to Kigali Genocide Memorial

– Visit Inema Arts Center, sighting to Kacyiru administrative areas. 

– Drive to Kimironko Market and experience local shopping for fruits, vegetables, clothes and handcrafts.

– Make a visit to Umusambi Village for Cranes and different bird species viewing.

– Drive to Camp Kigali Memorial & Kandt House.

– End your Visit with Nyamirambo Women’s Center.

Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park: Boat cruise on Lake Ihema

After breakfast, you will transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park through Kigali. On arrival at the park, we shall proceed to our accommodation. 

We order lunch and later take a boat trip on Lake Ihema to watch Hippos and crocodiles in the water or by the shores.

Included: boat cruise on Lake Ihema

Day 4: Full day game drives in Akagera National Park

Enjoy early morning breakfast and start your game drives in an open-roofed vehicle. A full-day game drive here offers you an opportunity to spot a variety of game including elephants, buffalos, hippos, lions, Masai giraffe, gazelles, impala, baboons, oribi, Butchel’s zebra, topi, bush baby, leopard, and bushbuck, etc. Proceed for an evening game drive after lunch. 

Return to your lodge for dinner.

Included: game drives

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, we will drive to Lake Kivu belt road for lunch, rest, and entertainment. Here canoeing and boat riding are incredible experiences. Lake Kivu is the most beautiful lake in Africa and has a splendid view colored by its thousand green islands. You can even sit in the pirogue in the boat as a passenger and be able to touch the water and ride to Island after island for various views. Over the evening, you will be hosted there.

Day 6: Local Fishing activities on Lake Kivu

Early in the morning, we will sit in a boat and follow Lake Kivu’s local fishermen who will show us how they use traditional Techniques of trapping the small fish called Sambaza to make a daily sauce for Karongi citizens. Very tasty and healthy. We should try them.

After lunch, we will drive through the Congo Nile crest and borrow the road to Musanze and stay at Red Rocks Rwanda, a Rwandan indigenous village in the countryside.

Included: local fishing on Lake Kivu

Day 7: Cultural Village Walk and transfer back to Kigali

In the morning after breakfast, we will get our breakfast with the local community in the Rocks cultural village where you should experiment the Rwandan Culture through local factories, cuisine, dancing and weaving.

This time you will again be traditionally entertained by Rwanda villagers. The “Intore” were known for their remarkable technique allowing them to jump over 2m40. The warriors dance is a jewel of the choreographic heritage of Rwanda. Dressed with a man made of sisal fiber, tied up on ankles, little bells jingle on each step, giving the warriors dance a thrilling rhythm. Through the Intore ballet, physical confrontation turns into artistic rivalry and then at “the end” comes out into vigorous hug of the warriors. This is the most artistic gesture of friendship, mutual aid and protection.

Again, through this cultural experience, you will be taken through the traditional and authentic wedding and practices and catch the long-time lifestyle of the Rwandan people.

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Travel Information

UGANDA AND RWANDA VISA INFORMATION

Uganda Visa Information

  • Tourist visas to Uganda MUST be applied for online prior to travel. Visitors are advised to upload all required documentation, online visa applications are made at https://visas.immigration.go.ug/
    Please click this link to see Visa exempt countries to Uganda
  • Visitors should not overstay their visa validity otherwise they will be subjected to a fine of U$ 30 per day and other appropriate legal action.
  • Visitors who seek to stay longer than the period granted on arrival, extension of the period should be sought from the Immigration Headquarters in Kampala before expiry of the initial visitor’s pass. All visitors must comply with immigration legislation and other national laws of the country during their stay in Uganda. For further information on immigration go to: mia.go.ug

Rwanda Visa Information

  • Citizens of all countries are allowed to get visa upon arrival without prior application. Apply online here.
  • Citizens of country members to the African Union, Commonwealth and La Francophonie can get free visas upon arrival in Rwanda for a visit of 30 days.
  • A citizen of East African Community Member States can receive a pass/entry visa free of charge upon arrival for a six-month stay in Rwanda.
  • Visitors from the following countries can be granted 90-day visas at no cost upon arrival in Rwanda: Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Ghana, Guinea, Indonesia, Haiti, Mauritius, Philippines, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Singapore and the State of Qatar.
  • Citizens of countries that are not visa exempt have an option of applying online or at the Rwanda Diplomatic Mission of the country of residence before departure. Those applying online have the option to pay online or upon arrival. There is no single affiliated agent that is authorised to apply for a visa on your behalf.
  • The visa fees must not exceed 50 USD for single entry visa or 70 USD for multiple entry.

Note:  This information is subject to change! Always consult the Rwandan embassy in your country if you are not sure.

What to Pack for This Adventure

Planning a safari in Uganda or Rwanda can be an exciting experience, but it’s essential to ensure that you pack all the necessary items for a comfortable trip. Here’s a list of items you need to pack:

Clothing – The weather can be unpredictable, so bring lightweight and breathable clothing that can be layered. Long-sleeved shirts and pants are great for protection against mosquitoes, while waterproof jackets are crucial for rainy seasons.

Footwear – Comfortable and sturdy hiking boots are ideal for walking on the rough and uneven terrain. Open-toe shoes and sandals are not recommended.

Sun Protection – Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF rating to protect from the intense sun while on safari.

Insect Repellent – Mosquitoes and other insects are present throughout the parks, so carry a potent insect repellent.

Binoculars – A good pair of binoculars will help you spot wildlife from a distance and enhance your overall safari experience.

Camera – A camera or a smartphone with a great camera will allow you to capture memorable experiences while on safari.

Medications – Don’t forget to carry a personal first aid kit with essentials such as pain relievers, antihistamines, and anti-diarrhea medicine.

Finally, pack light as some of the safari lodges or accommodations have luggage weight restrictions. Plan accordingly to avoid any surprises and make the most of your adventurous journey.