The cultural trip starts with a visit to Omwami’s palace in Nyanza, continuing to the locally revered hot springs of Rugarama near Nyungwe Forest in South West of Rwanda, a huge afro-montane forest. With over 10000sq.km in size, Nyungwe is the undisputed giant in Central Africa, rich in birds, butterflies, over 300 bird species and a large host of chimpanzees, monkeys and other primates. A visit to the forest is possible. Proceed to Gisenyi, where Ross Carr’s orphanage with thousands of orphans is found. Explore Gisenyi and visit a local lake. End your trip with the North, in Ruhengeri, where the Batwa pigmies, an animist community recently resettled, live. For those who wish, visit genocide memorials as well, in Gisenyi, Butare and Ruhengeri. Back in Kigali, the Capital, an attractive city spread over many hills for which Rwanda is prominent, enjoy local dances and see local cultures. The City has a pleasant, buoyant air and its peoples are some of the friendliest in the world. Local crafts can be bought.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Start for Nyungwe. Along the way, make stops at places of interest including local markets, the traditional palace of Rwanda’s Former King in Nyanza. Drive past green fields of tea scattered across the hillsides and the small wooden houses unique to the areas surrounding the forest. Arrive late afternoon. Overnight : Local home or ORTPN Rest House. Includes (B), (L), (D).
Day 2: Visit the Botanical Gardens and a cultural museum in Butare. Visit the hot springs in Bugarama. Overnight: Local home or ORTPN Rest House. Includes (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Half day visit to Nyungwe Forest or relax at Camp. In the afternoon, drive via Kibuye on the stunningly beautiful Lake Kivu to Gisenyi; through beautiful countryside, crossing valleys full of agricultural produce. Go water skiing, or take a boat out on the lake to see the various islands. Swim in the refreshing, bilharzias free waters of the Lake or stroll about in the nearby villages rambling across a number of hills. Overnight: Local home or hotel nearby. Includes (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Visit Ross Carr’s Orphanage. Stroll about/relax at lake. Overnight: Local home or hotel nearby. Includes (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Drive further northwards to Ruhengeri. Afternoon visit to the surrounding communities. See local Dian Fossey projects. Overnight: Local home or hotel/Camp/Guest House. Includes (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: A visit to the Batwa pigmies and other local communities for the whole day. Overnight: Local home or hotel/Camp/Guest House Includes (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Trek to Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre which Dian Fossey, the famous primatologist, set up, or visit local communities. Alternatively for those who are not up to it, simply relax at Camp. Later in the day leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including shopping. Transfer to airport for your flight. [Approximate driving time: 3 hours] Return to Kigali. Overnight: Local home or hotel. Includes (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Visit the markets, the handicraft shops and the genocide sites. Time permitting, visit the Nyabugogo market, the Moslem quarter in Nyamirambo, the Franco-Rwanda cultural center and a genocide memorial. Many hotels and restaurants prepare local dishes. Buy crafts. Attend a traditional dance. Overnight: Local home or hotel. Includes (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Fly out. Tour Ends.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Safari car for the itinerary stated
- Accommodation on a shared basis
- Meals
- 1 Boat/launch trip
- Park fees
- Chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit.
Price Excludes:
- Entry visas
- Airport taxes
- All personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Rwanda
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
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