Rwanda’s history dances with charm and intrigue, unraveling tales from the heart of Africa. Locals guide you through haunting genocide memorials but Rwanda’s history doesn’t just start in 1994. Wind back in time to the Nyanza kings and the indigenous Batwa pygmies, discover all the tales from the pre-colonial era and immerse yourself in rural communities. Including a gorilla trek, this exclusive 11-day tour takes you on an intimate journey through a fascinating nation.
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Kigali - 1994 and the National Genocide Memorial
You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to a five-star base in the heart of the capital city, the perfect place to recuperate from the flight and gaze out on the hills of Rwanda. Take your time, enjoy your lunch, and then visit the memorial in the afternoon. Tens of thousands are buried in mass graves here, a very moving sight as locals regularly visit the memorial. Almost as poignant is the story on the inside, a detailed walk through the events that led to the genocide. It doesn’t hold back any punches in the complicity of the United Nations, and a poignant phrase sticks in the memory: the world was silent when we died. Another intriguing piece of complicity comes from early colonial times when the two ethnic groups – Hutus and Tutsis – were created from one harmonious people. While this may not be a happy place, understanding what happened in detail evokes real admiration for the country of today.
What's Included:
Day 2
Kigali - From 1907 to the Colorful Markets of Today
Day 3
Nyungwe Forest - 19th-Century Kings of Nyanza
Day 4
Nyungwe Forest - Rwanda’s Rich Pre-Colonial History in Butare
Day 5
Lake Kivu - Primate Tracking and the 2002 Nyuragongo Volcano
Day 6
Kigali - From 1994 to Today, A Tour of Ross Carr’s Orphanage
Day 7
Ruhengeri - Exploring Dian Fossey Projects and Community Walk
Day 8
Ruhengeri - Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 9
Ruhengeri - Rwanda’s Ancient Forest Dwellers
Day 10
Kigali - Gorilla Research Centre and National Liberation Museum
Day 11
Kigali - Departure
Trip Highlights
- Journey back to the 19th century and the kings of Nyanza, an insight into the tribal history of the land
- Follow the narrative from pre-colonial times to the colorful markets of today, immersing yourself in the vibrant heart of Africa
- Go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and meet the oldest of Rwanda’s residents, wild mountain gorillas
- Discover the story of the Batwa pygmies, semi-nomadic people who have occupied the forests for some 60,000 years; you’ll spend an intimate day in their communities
- Explore the intricacies of the 1994 genocide, with visits to a variety of memorials across the country
- Visit buildings untouched since 1994 and be guided by those that lived through the tragic atrocities
- Explore some of Dian Fossey’s projects, visit Ross Carr’s orphanage, and spend a morning in the Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre
- Track the primates of the Congo Basin in Nyungwe Forest, admiring Angolan colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, and possibly chimpanzees
Starting Price
$19,700 per person (excluding international flights)
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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