9 Day Rwanda Gorilla Tour and Trekking (8 Nights)
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9 Day Gorilla Tour Rwanda Package
Experience an unforgettable 9-day journey through the heart of Rwanda, where breathtaking landscapes intertwine with rich cultural experiences and poignant historical reflections. The Amahoro Tours 9 day (8 night) tour package is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your adventure starts in the capital of Kigali, where you’ll explore memorial sites that share powerful stories of resilience and unity. As you travel through lush volcanic mountains and serene lakes, immerse yourself in local traditions, from the lively Nyamirambo neighborhood to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu. This tour provides a unique chance to track the majestic mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys in their natural habitats while connecting with the warm-hearted people of Rwanda. Prepare for an incredible exploration of this beautiful "Land of a Thousand Hills"! Learn more from the best gorilla trekking company, Amahoro Tours, on our incredible 9 day gorilla tour in Rwanda today.
DAY 1: ARRIVE KIGALI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, an Amahoro driver/guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali, where you will enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast included.
Driving distance: 30 Minutes
Activity: 0
Overnight: Ubumwe Grande Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed & breakfast
DAY 2: NYAMATA & NTARAMA MEMORIAL CENTERS TOUR
After an early breakfast depart for a visit to the Ntarama church where mass killings occurred during the 1994 genocide; more than 5000people were killed in the church. The Ntarama Genocide Memorial is located about 30 kilometers south of the capital city of Kigali. Located in the Bugasera region, this church and its contents are a reminder of the horrifying violence that took place at this site during Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. Learn more about the unity and reconciliation commission.
Proceed to Nyamata memorial site- a church where around 2,500 people were killed and it has become emblematic of the barbaric treatment of women during the genocide. Continue to Nyamata a church where around 2,500 people were killed and it has become emblematic of the barbaric treatment of women during the genocide. In the church at Nyamata, there will be graphic and audio-visual displays that will focus particularly on the mass rape, brutalization of women and the use of HIV as a deliberate weapon of genocide. Return to the city for lunch then later stay overnight.
Driving distance:
Activities: Ntarama & Nyamata Memorial Visit
Overnight: Ubumwe Grande Hotel
Meal Plan: Half board – Lunch, bed & breakfast
DAY 3: NYAMIRAMBO WOMEN’S CENTER VISIT + DEPART FOR MUSANZE
After breakfast drive to the Nyamirambo women center arriving for a walking tour that begins at the Women’s Center with a traditional snack, a quick Kinyarwanda language lesson, and an introduction to the Center and its activities. It then weaves through Nyamirambo, one of Kigali’s oldest neighborhoods. Along the way guides lead you into a women's hairdressing salon where the adventurous type can get a free braid; into a family compound to pound cassava leaves; by two mosques and a lookout view over Kigali; and into a tailor shop to feel the fabrics you'll otherwise see styled on the streets. The tour concludes with a traditional lunch made and served in the home of Aminatha, NWC's best cook.
From market to meal, every step of the process of cooking is shared by Aminatha and participants in this tour. After buying the produce and ingredients at several markets we walk just around the corner from the Center to Aminatha's home. There you will get to work at a wooden table in her courtyard, chopping countless vegetables and starting the charcoal stoves. Under the guidance of Aminatha six traditional delicious and gratifying dishes are prepared and then shared by all involved. Later head to Musanze the second largest town in Rwanda, with its stunning backdrop of five volcanic mountains – The great Virungas; arriving at your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Driving distance:
Activity: Intercultural Exchange
Overnight: Red Rocks Cottages
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast
DAY 4: LOCAL COMMUNITY VISIT (BEE KEEPING +LOCAL VILLAGE MARKET PHARMACY VISIT)
After breakfast and with your packed lunch we depart for a VILLAGE WALK-This is a walk through one of the villages in Musanze; this helps visitors gain a broad perspective of a Rwandan way of life. The walks go through the villages residing the volcanoes and you will have views of the volcanoes – enjoy the mountainous vegetation in its natural state. Continue for a visit to the bee keepers. Members of various bee keeping associations produce bee hives that they place in swamps or forest areas rich in certain types of plants. Depending on what kind of honey is desired, these plants for example could be banana trees or certain flowers.
Honey is an important means to cure a number of local diseases, so that it is shared with traditional doctors. The remaining honey is sold to local people and the benefits are shared with the other association. Take a tour to a local village market pharmacy and learn of the healing abilities in traditional medicine which has been used for ages by the Rwandan people. Later take a walk around Musanze town then a small hike around the Amahoro tours office that leads you to a small picnic site where you enjoy your packed lunch as get to see different types of birds while enjoying the view of all the Volcanoes. Later return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Driving distance:
Activities: Local Community Visit + Village walk
Overnight: Red Rocks Cottages
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast
DAY 5: GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING + INTERCULTURAL EXCHANGE
This day is set out for Golden Monkey tracking in the VNP. Entering dense stands of bamboo interspersed with open glades; you will make your way deep into golden monkey territory. Guides lead visitors to the habitat of groups of ‘habituated’ golden monkeys – monkeys that have become accustomed to human presence. Though viewing is kept to a maximum of one hour, travelers can get an up-close look at the golden monkey in its natural habitat. Adult monkeys frolic in plain view, feeding on bamboo leaves and leaping from perch to perch. Females carry their young, completely comfortable among onlookers.
Later join the local brew makers at Red Rocks to understand the chemistry about the process of brewing a local beer from banana fruits. If you find the activity interesting enough you can join the women in squeezing the juice out of the bananas and drink a glass of juice (Optional). Understand how long juice takes to turn into alcohol after adding in sorghum flour. Enjoy the big glass of our local brew. Among other activities they also do basket weaving and with your visit this local community will be proud of this activity and families supported financially.
Driving distance:
Activities: Intercultural Exchange + Karisoke Research Center tour
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast
DAY 6: GORILLA TRACKING IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK (RWANDA) + KAGANO COMMUNITY TOUR
After an early breakfast, you'll head to the National Park headquarters in Kinigi to meet your guides for an unforgettable day of mountain gorilla tracking. After completing the necessary park formalities, you'll set off on a unique adventure to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. As you trek through the lush mountain forest on the embankments the Virungas, you’ll have the chance to get within meters of a family of gorillas, where you can observe them for an hour—a truly breathtaking wildlife experience!
With fewer than 700 of these magnificent primates remaining, each sighting is a rare privilege. The trek can be physically demanding, lasting up to six hours at high altitudes, so it’s essential to ensure you’re in good health. Don't worry if you're not an experienced hiker; adjustments can be made for shorter treks upon request. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots and long trousers, and pack gloves for protection against stinging nettles, along with snacks and plenty of water to stay hydrated in the humid rainforest.
After your unforgettable hour with the gorillas, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch. Later, you'll visit the Kagano community village to learn about the community's history and their connection to the park. Finally, return to your hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
Driving distance: 45 minutes
Activities: 1 GorillaTrek + Kagano Community visit
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast
DAY 7: LOCAL SCHOOL VISIT + DEPART FOR GISENYI
After breakfast, explore Rwanda’s education system by visiting local schools, where you can engage with primary school children through teaching or games, fostering an appreciation for tourism (subject to school schedules). This is a wonderful opportunity to interact with the children and gain insight into their daily lives in this remote area. After lunch, you'll depart for Gisenyi, where you’ll check into your hotel. The afternoon is dedicated to discovering Gisenyi, the largest port on the Rwandan shoreline of Lake Kivu, accompanied by our knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a scenic boat ride to one of the lake's islands, and take time to explore the town, immersing yourself in the lively local market and admiring the charming old colonial buildings. Later, enjoy dinner and relax overnight at your hotel.
Driving distance: 2 Hours
Activities: Inter cultural exchange + 1 hour boat ride in Gisenyi
Overnight: Kivu Paradise Resort
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast
DAY 8: GISENYI
After breakfast the early part of the day is spent on the as a Lake Kivu tour. Take a swim at this lake that covers an area of 2,700 km² (1,040 sq. mi) and sits at an altitude of 1,460 m² (4,790 ft.) above sea-level. The lake-bed is situated in a rift valley that is slowly being pulled apart, causing volcanic activity and making it especially deep. Its maximum depth of 480 m (1,575 ft.) is ranked the fifteenth in the world. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains. This one of the African Great Lakes lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Later stay for dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Driving distance: 2 Hours
Activities: At Leisure
Overnight: Kivu Paradise Resort
Meal Plan: Full board – Lunch, Dinner, bed & breakfast
DAY 9: DEPART
After breakfast, say farewell to your host and set off for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Kigali. Take some time for last-minute shopping in one of Africa's friendliest capitals before heading to the airport for your international flight home.
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Driving distance: 3 ½ Hours
Activity: 0
Overnight: Own arrangement
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Request A Free Quote For Your 9 Day Gorilla Trekking Tour
Get ready for an unforgettable 9-day gorilla trek in Rwanda! Pack comfortable hiking gear, sturdy boots, and essentials like a reusable water bottle, snacks, a camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Our expert guides will support you throughout this incredible journey, ensuring you connect with the majestic mountain gorillas and experience Rwanda’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure—sign up today and create memories that will last forever on the best 9 day gorilla tour from Amahoro Tours today!