Rwanda's Grand Explorer: A 8-Day Luxurious Journey with Circle Line Tours
Discover the enchanting beauty of Rwanda with Circle Line Tours' 8-day exploration, venturing from the vibrant city of Kigali to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Akagera, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe National Parks.
Immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife, including the majestic gorillas in their natural habitat, and experience thrilling adventures such as safari drives, boat cruises, and canopy walks. Luxuriate in carefully selected accommodations that promise comfort and stunning views, complemented by delectable cuisine to savor along the journey.
With personalized services, including VIP airport meet-and-greet, expert English-speaking guides, and a 4WD safari cruiser equipped with Wi-Fi, your Rwandan adventure promises not just a vacation, but a profound journey into the heart of Africa's untamed beauty. Join us on this curated journey and embrace the spirit of Rwanda with Circle Line Tours.
Itinerary
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8 Day- Explore the Best of Rwanda
DAY1: ARRIVAL KIGALI -VIP MEET AND GREET AT THE AIRPORT
- Your adventure begins with your arrival at Kigali international airport (TBA)
- VIP Meet & Greet team will provide fast track and assistance including handling
VISA and luggage support at the airport.
- Meet your experienced guide who will be your trusted companions throughout
your entire adventure and receive a comprehensive on the exciting days ahead.
- Check in at the hotel for your restful nights.
o Main Destination: Kigali
o Accommodation: Four points by Sheraton (Mid-Range)
o Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
DAY 2: TRANSFER TO AKAGERA N. P – SHORT SAFARI- SUNSET BOAT RIDE ON LAKE IHEMA
- Morning breakfast
- Private road transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park, a drive lasting around
2.5hrs -3hrs drive. The journey is mainly on tarmacked good quality roads until the
final section.
- The 100,000-hectare Akagera National Park is situated in eastern Rwanda,
bordering Tanzania, and has been managed by African Parks in partnership with
the Rwanda Development Board since 2010. It comprises some of the most scenic
savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low
mountains. Akagera has undergone an incredible transformation in the last eight
years where poaching has essentially been eliminated and wildlife is now thriving.
African Parks reintroduced lions in 2015 after a 20-year absence and reintroduced
the black rhinoceros in 2017.
- Enjoy a sunset boat cruise across Lake Ihema spotting hippos and many different
species of birds.
o Main Destination: Akagera National Park
o Accommodation: Ruzizi tented lodge / Karenge Bush Camp (Mid-Range)
o Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
o Optional Accommodation for Big Groups: Akagera Game Lodge (Mid-Range)
DAY 3: SAFARI THROUGH THE PARK TO THE NORTHERN PLAINS
- Morning breakfast
- Wake early to enjoy a full day safari game drive accompanied by an expert guide, driving
through the incredible landscape of Akagera National Park. The varied landscape is
shown through the different species spotted here. Guests will be able to view a range of
wildlife on expertly-guided game drives, including buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant,
giraffe, spotted hyena, zebra and more. The park also boasts almost 500 species of birds
including the spectacular shoebill with its implausibly massive bill and the near-endemic
red-faced barbet.
- Picnic lunch in the park
- Check in at the lodge and enjoy the view over the plains with sunset.
o Main Destination: Akagera National Park
o Accommodation: Ruzizi tented lodge / Karenge Bush Camp (Mid-Range)
o Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
o Optional Accommodation for Big Groups: Akagera Game Lodge (Mid-Range)
DAY 4: EARLY MORNING SAFARI – TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES N.P- VISIT ELLEN CAMPUS
- Early morning wakes up and have a coffee/tea and some fruits.
- Enjoy an early morning safari with local ranger spotting for wildlife in the park, this safari
holds a full surprise as nature reveals its treasures in form of wonders that are so scenic,
the wildlife like buffalos, antelopes including the elands, topi, Masai giraffes, monkeys,
savannah birds, civets, leopards, the hyenas, as well as the serval cats including lions.
- Hot breakfast at the lodge / Transfer back to Kigali
- Transfer to Volcanoes National park
- Late evening visit Ellen Campus and learn more about conservation in Africa and how the campus helps to educate tourists and local communities on the importance of conserving
gorillas as well as provide a state-of-the-art facility to train the next generation of
conservationists.
o Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
o Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Mid-Range)
o Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
o Optional Accommodation for Big Groups: Amikusi Hotel (Mid-Range)
DAY5: UNFORGETTABLE MOUNTAIN GORILLA EXPERINCE – AFTERNOON LEISURE
- Morning breakfast, wake up at sunrise and transfer to the park headquarters where
briefing, porters and tea and coffee will be given before starting the adventure into the
forest.
o We offer complementary Local porters who can help with the guide to complete the
gorilla tracking experience. Who will assist you with your daypack, and give you
hand when the path is slippery, steep, or irregular.
- Your guide will drive you to the starting point: Tracking can be between 90 minutes and
the whole morning depending on what family group is assigned. You will spend one
hour with the gorillas – sometimes moving around to stay with the gorillas or following
them. The guide will ensure you are in the best spots to take the most beautiful pictures
and experience the breath-taking experience properly.
- If time allows, return to your lodge for your delicious lunch and leisure time.
o Main Destination: Volcanoes National Park
o Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Mid-Range)
o Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
o Optional Accommodation for Big Groups: Amikusi Hotel (Mid-Range)
DAY6: VOLCANOES NP TO NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK- EXPLORE AFTERNOON CANOPY WALK
- After breakfast you will have a private transfer from volcanoes NP to Nyungwe national
park.
- Covering over 1000 square kilometres, Nyungwe is surely one of the world’s most
beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. It’s believed to be one of Africa’s oldest
forests, staying green even through the Ice Age, which explains its diversity.Home to
habituated chimpanzees and 12 other primates species (including a 400-strong troop of
habituated Ruwenzori Black & White Colobus), it’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise with over
300 species, including 16 endemics, and is home to 75 different species of mammal.
- This majestic rainforest is filled with nature and wildlife experiences for you to emerge
yourself in. Hiking or even biking the beautiful terrain, tracking the famous chimpanzees,
experiencing the canopy walk, witnessing beautiful birds, relaxing by waterfalls are just a
glimpse of activities that Nyungwe offers. Sounds and views collaborate to create a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Exploring through the forest, travellers will witness the lush green mountains and cooling mist in a landscape that won’t be soon forgotten.
- Afternoon experience the only canopy walk in East Africa before heading to your hotel.
o Main Destination: Nyungwe National Park
o Accommodation: Nyungwe Hill Top View (Mid-Range)
o Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
o Optional upgrade Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury)
DAY7: CHIMPANZEE TRAKKING IN NYUNGWE FOREST – AFTERNOON LEISURE
- Wake up early to go chimpanzee tracking in the Nyungwe Forest. After a short briefing by your guide, walk through stunning tea plantations before entering the thick luscious
forest. There are over 13 species of monkey found in the forest and excellent birding
opportunities with over 100 species of butterflies and the occasional chameleon.
- The excursion can last from one to four hours but you will definitely hear the chimpanzees from the moment you enter the forest. Once found you will stay for an hour with the chimpanzees, watching them play, fight and eat in the atmospheric forest.
- Enjoy lunch at your Lodge
- Leisure afternoon at your lodge or enjoy services/activities offered complimentary by the
lodge
o Main Destination: Nyungwe National Park
o Accommodation: Nyungwe Hill Top View (Mid-Range)
o Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch &Dinner
o Optional upgrade Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury)
DAY8: TRANSFER BACK TO KIGALI – DEPARTURE
- Morning after breakfast and check out
- Transfer back to Kigali, you will pass by Huye and Butare, the formal capital city of
Rwanda. If you like you can stop ant visit the Kings Palace (5 hours’ drive)
- Lunch en route – own account
- Proceed with your transfer to Kigali International Airport to connect with your departure
flight
- Departure (TBA – Evening)