Itinerary
Arrival in Kigali – welcome by your tour guide – check-in at hotel – ONOMO HOTEL
Start historical-minded exploration of Kigali with visits to landmarks from colonial, post-colonial, independence era, genocide and the current times by visiting places such as Kigali Genocide memorial site, Richard Kandt Museum, Belgian camp.
Transfer to Bugesera in the afternoon to visit the reconciliation village where the survivors of genocide live together in harmony with the perpetrators that killed their own families. Hear testimonies from both sides and engage in different traditional activities such as; agricultural activities, farming, traditional dancing and cooking, basket weaving, etc. Later visit one of the memorial churches where thousands of Tutsis were butchered during Genocid expecting to be safe in the house of God. Depending on the time you will visit Nyamata or Ntarama genocide churches. Overnight at ONOMO HOTEL
Pick up in Kigali (7am) and transfer to Butare visit Ethnographic museum and the King’s palace. Start with the Kings palace in Nyanza, 88 km south of Kigali City; this was the residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa and the Royal Palace that was traditionally built.
This Palace offers a detailed look into Rwandan traditional seat of their monarchy, it is an impressive museum, restored to its 19th century state and made entirely with traditional materials.
Recently the Long-horned Traditional cows, known in Kinyarwanda as "Inyambo" were also introduced because of the fact that cows form an integral part of Rwandan Culture. On the neighboring hill of Mwima, you can also visit the burial grounds of King Mutara III and his wife Queen Rosalie Gicanda. After lunch transfer to ethnographic museum
Proceed with the Ethnographic Museum which gives introduction to Rwanda’s kingdoms.
The Ethnographic Museum is one of the six museums that make up the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda. This Museum was built in 1987, and now houses one of Africa's finest ethnographic collections. Its seven galleries display historical, ethnographic, artistic and archaeological artifacts accompanied by visual aids, giving visitors a rich insight into the culture of Rwandans. Overnight at ONOMO HOTEL
Lunch in Butare then head back to Kigali.
Transfer to Akagera National Park – Game drive (Opportunity to see over 12 species of antelopes, over 525 species of birds including the rare ones such as the shoe bill stock, papyrus gonoleks and the big 5 i.e. Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant) to mention but a few. The park has the highest concentration of birds per square kilometer, very beautiful undulating landscapes, high species numbers and endemic species plus historical and cultural sites inside the park. Overnight: - AKAGERA GAME LODGE
Early morning, search for some of the big 5 plus the 12 species of antelopes including the biggest antelopes such as the eland cape and roan antelopes; your favorite ungulate, the topi, some of the 525-bird species including 4 Albertine rift endemics, reptiles, amphibians, plants, magnificent landscapes, historical sites; a place with the highest concentration of birds per square kilometer in any national park of Africa and hundreds of hippos etc. Transfer to the pastoralist village for dinner and overnight – Home stay
Pastoralist Heritage: The culture of pastoralist has been hereditary; the social characteristics of the Rwandese pastoralists can still be traced in parts of the eastern province in Gatsibo district and Nyagatare district. The rural life in these villages elegantly and conventionally gives a very unique experience about the culture of grazing, introduces you to the history and values of cows in Rwanda including the INYAMBO cows which were very significant in many cultural festivals brought up by Kigwa. The beauty of a cow is exhibited in the cultural dances of Rwanda. The tour takes to the pastoralist village where observe and participate in the tradition cattle grazing; get ready to make your own traditional rain coat from grass, learn how to milk with your own hands and no machines here.
After milking, the pastoralist will show you different calabashes used in preserving milk and qualification it takes to make one; this goes in line with norms of handling calabashes, drinking milk etc. Milk is used in different ways for example taken fresh after milking, fermented to make yoghurt in a traditional way and the unforgettable experience of making ghee which ends with cooking local food with you own ghee and eating your own ghee. Tour ends with visiting some monuments left behind by the form. Transfer to Musanze for an overnight at St. Anne hotel
After breakfast you will transfer to the village for the cultural experiences, start with banana/sorghum beer production, banana and sorghum are some of our staple food products in Rwanda and they are used in different ways i.e.as food, local beer/drinks and very important in the cultural practices most especially during our traditional weddings ceremonies, settling of disputes between community members, bonding relationship between different families etc. Rwanda has four different species of banana plants and each species of banana plant has got unique uses and values; practically, the visitors will learn and understand while in the field. Sorghum production is quite complicated but made simple to experience and really a thrilling experience.
In the afternoon after lunch you will visit the Ibyiwacu cultural Village, get to understand the culture of the Rwandese through their daily life and knowledge of the environment, poetry, folklores, dancing, singing, pottery and the theoretical hunt gathering skills. It's one of the thrilling experiences and very adventurous as you try to adapt to the traditional hut homes and lifestyle. Overnight at St. Anne hotel
Transfer to Gisenyi on the Lake Kivu enjoy the swimming at the lake beaches, experience the community activities around the like traditional fishing methods, visit the hot springs in the area. Overnight at Hotel Paradis Malahide
Breakfast then transfer to Kibuye. Kibuye is the Rwanda’s most attractive of lake ports, nestled in a series of interwoven and undulating hills and offering visitors spectacular views of the lake, its islands and the stunning surrounding countryside. It is considered one of Rwanda’s hidden treasures, with its lush green hills and peaceful breeze.
On arrival you will drive to the shores of Lake Kivu, enjoy the boat ride to Napoleon and Peace Islands. The islands introduce you to many wonders of Rwanda; the beautiful scenery and breathtaking landscapes; birds and fruit bats etc. An exclusive nature walk on both islands will be very rewarding for any visitor. Overnight at Bethane hotel
Breakfast at the hotel, then enjoy a morning at leisure at the hotel. Lunch and check-out at the hotel later head back to Kigali. Transfer to the Airport. END OF SERVICE!
