Kigali

Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be welcomed and picked up by an Afri Safaris driver-guide, occasionally accompanied by an office representative, and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and explore Rwanda’s clean, orderly, and vibrant capital, often referred to as the “Singapore of Africa.” Kigali offers a range of cultural attractions, bustling local markets, and scenic viewpoints. Check in at your hotel, where you can refresh, unwind, or enjoy a swim, depending on your arrival time. Dinner and overnight stay at Mövenpick Hotel Kigali.

Kigali Center City Walk

After breakfast, your Afri Safaris guide will meet you for a private Kigali city tour. Visit key landmarks, explore cultural sites, and gain insight into Rwanda’s history. The tour concludes around 4:00 PM. Dinner & Overnight: Movenpick Hotel Kigali

Mt. Kigali

Mount Kigali – highest point in Kigali (1850m) Afri Safaris driver guide will take you to the highest point of Kigali and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Could take you about 15 - 20 minutes from the city center, driving around Biryogo and Nyamirambo up to the summit. In the center of the hustle and bustle of Kigali City in Nyarugenge District is a car free zone which is a stretch covering an entire street. It is a pedestrian only stretch and it is lovely to walk, take a rest or buy souvenirs from craft shops. Often there will be exhibitions and entertainment on the weekend hence a nice place to check out while on your visit to Kigali. Old and New Kigali Kigali has a plan of what they want the city to look, and there is already a new Kigali that is developing to take the old Kigali. So crossing between the new and old Kigali gives you a picture of what Kigali has been and what it will be in the next decade.

Kandt House Museum

Richard Kandt was the first colonial governor of Rwanda, on behalf of Germany, until the early 1900s. At present, the Kandt House Museum in Kigali comprises three main parts. The first part presents Rwandan life in all its aspects – social, economic, and political – before the colonial period. The second part traces the experience of the Rwandan people during the colonial period. Following the Berlin Conference in 1884, the Germans ruled Rwanda until 1916, when the Belgians took over under the League of Nations Mandate after World War I. Richard Kandt’s life and deeds in Rwanda are covered here. The third part covers the history of Kigali, before, during and after the colonial era. Kigali was made the capital upon independence in 1962

Kigali Genocide Memorial

The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a place of remembrance and learning dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda & the road to recovery Kigali genocide memorial site is a UNESCO World heritage site and built at the burial site of 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The museum contains documentation of the genocide and one has to visit this place to learn about Rwanda’s recent tragic history if one is to appreciate the immense progress the country has achieved to date, in terms of reconciliation and development. The museum also contains examples of other genocides in the world. It thus seeks to provide a vital lesson on what blind hate can cause. The museum is free to visit and you can walk through it on your own. There is an audio guide if you want one but for a fee of $15. Allow at least 2 hours for the visit. For more on the happenings of the genocide you can add visits to other museums in Kigali covering incidences pivotal to the genocide

After visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, you will be transferred to Elikapeka Resto for lunch, where you will enjoy a traditional Rwandan meal an excellent opportunity to experience authentic local flavors and try something new.

Campaign Against Genocide Museum

After lunch at the restaurant, you will proceed to the Campaign Against Genocide Museum. This modern museum highlights the heroic role of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), led by President Paul Kagame, in ending the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and showcases Rwanda’s journey of rebuilding into one of Africa’s most progressive nations. On the way, you will enjoy scenic views of the Kigali Golf Club and Nyarutarama Golf Lake. The Kigali Golf Club is a beautiful 9-hole course set in a lush environment and can also be visited simply to enjoy the peaceful scenery. Nearby, Lake Nyarutarama offers a tranquil natural setting surrounded by bush and woodland, making it ideal for nature lovers and birdwatching within the city of Kigali.

Niyo Art Gallery

Niyo Arts center is a place for creativity to thrive; a safe haven where Rwandan artists can come and experiment with their art form, be it painting, sculpture, dance, music or drumming. The artists in residence come from all over Africa, so you can expect to see a vast array of African art on display. Niyo Art center provides a space where Rwandan creative artists can explore their talents and express themselves freely. In addition to the art, We dedicate the efforts to improving our community by giving 40% of the profit to Niyo foundation, NGO that supports women and children living in poverty in Rwanda."

Kimironko Market

This is the biggest and busiest market in Kigali where almost everything is sold from foodstuffs, fabrics to clothing. This is an economic landmark which should not miss out on your Kigali day tout itinerary. You have your measurements taken by a skillful tailor and get a colorful African wear made for you in a matter of hours. or Nyamirambo Women's Center The Nyamirambo Women’s Center is a cooperative by local women which offers skills to other women in the area as a way of uplifting them economically and socially. The center teaches basket weaving, Handicrafts making, cooking, computer literacy, sewing, etc… You can visit the center to see a variety of handicrafts' made by the women. After purchasing souvenirs, you will be transferred back to your hotel to freshen up, relax, enjoy a swim, and have dinner.

Akagera National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali around 7:00 AM and drive east to Akagera National Park (approx. 2.5–3 hours). En route, stop at Imigongo Art Coffee Shop to stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee, and admire local artwork. Upon arrival, check in, relax, and enjoy: Half-day game drive at Nyamwashama Sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema to spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife Dinner & Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge

Akagera National Park

Start with an early morning game drive in the southern plain, followed by lunch at Karenge Bush Camp. Continue your safari, seeking lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other Big Five species in the Norther plains. Afterward, transfer back to your stays. Dinner & Overnight: Karenge Bush Camp

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Begin the day with a pre-breakfast morning game drive in Akagera’s northern plains, after breakfast then transfer to Volcanoes National Park with packed lunch or lunch on the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes en route. Overnight: Ingagi Park View Hotel, Musanze

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

After an early breakfast, head to RDB Headquarters in Kinigi for a gorilla trekking briefing. Your assigned park rangers will lead you into the forest to track your gorilla family. Trekking can take 2–6 hours, depending on location, and you’ll have one incredible hour observing these majestic primates. After the trek, return to the starting point where your driver-guide will be waiting to transfer you for lunch.

Lake Kivu Rwanda

After lunch, you will be transferred to Lake Kivu (Rubavu or Karongi) for relaxation, with optional evening and nightlife experiences. Dinner & Overnight: Cormoran Lodge, Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu Rwanda

Enjoy a morning boat cruise on Lake Kivu, exploring its islands, beaches, and scenic shores.

Nyungwe National Park - Rwanda

After lunch, drive to Nyungwe National Park, the jewel of Rwanda’s rainforests. Dinner & Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or Munazi Lodge

Nyungwe National Park - Rwanda

Begin with an early morning chimpanzee trekking experience. Your expert guides will lead you through lush rainforest trails to observe chimps in their natural habitat a dynamic, vocal, and unforgettable encounter lasting 3–5 hours. After lunch, enjoy the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway and a nature walk at Uwinka Visitor Center, with opportunities for birdwatching and breathtaking forest views. Dinner & Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or Munazi Lodge

Nyungwe National Park - Rwanda

After breakfast, depart for Kigali on a scenic drive (approximately 5–6 hours). En route, enjoy a relaxing stop at Stafford Coffee, renowned for its premium Rwandan coffee, where you will have refreshments and lunch. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight or dropped off at your pre-booked hotel within the city. End of the 9-Day Rwanda Safari. We hope you have enjoyed an unforgettable journey through Rwanda. Your professional driver-guide will ensure a smooth and timely drop-off, marking the conclusion of your remarkable safari experience with Afri Safaris.