Akagera National Park (Rwanda) has been named among the top 25 destinations by National Geographic. As you plan to experience Rwanda in 2026, please take a heed to this memorable experience.
This expedition to explore Rwanda in 2026 is a comprehensive adventure showcasing Rwanda’s geographical extremes, earning its name as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills.’ Starting from Kigali, the tour immediately ventures north to Musanze for high-altitude experiences like Golden Monkey trekking and enjoying the scenic Twin Lakes. The journey then arcs southwest to the stunning Lake Kivu, where travelers explore the coast and islands via the panoramic Congo-Nile Trail before diving into the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park for intense Chimpanzee trekking and a walk on the thrilling Canopy Walkway. After a necessary stop at the cultural and intellectual heart of Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum, the expedition traverses the country to the vast eastern savannas of Akagera National Park for a classic Big Five safari game drive, ultimately concluding back in Kigali. This itinerary ensures a deep, rich experience spanning primates, picturesque lakes, vital culture, and abundant savanna wildlife.
Don’t wait and send us your inquiry today to explore Rwanda in 2026.
What to expect
Your Rwandan journey begins with a warm welcome in Kigali followed by a highly scenic drive north to Musanze, the vibrant gateway town to Volcanoes National Park. This transfer offers your first view of the 'Land of a Thousand Hills' as you wind through lush, terraced hillsides to the cool, crisp mountain air. Upon arrival at the Gorilla Volcano Hotel, you will check in and spend the afternoon relaxing, soaking in the magnificent views of the Virunga Volcanoes, such as Mount Karisimbi, before enjoying a delightful dinner in anticipation of your primate encounters.
An early start takes you to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on an engaging Golden Monkey trekking adventure in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, offering a magical hour observing these endemic, playful primates with their vibrant golden-orange coats. In the afternoon, the expedition continues to the picturesque 'Twin Lakes' of Burera and Ruhondo, where you will enjoy a tranquil boat trip or relax by the shore, capturing stunning photographs of the deep, azure crater lakes and the immense volcanic landscapes that frame them.
Overnight at Gorilla Volcano Hotel (Midrange)
The day involves a transition from the cool mountains to the warm, tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, starting with a drive to Gisenyi (Rubavu) for a stroll along the lakeside beach and exploration of the charming town. The main highlight is the breathtaking afternoon drive south along the scenic panoramic Lake Kivu Road (part of the Congo-Nile Trail), which offers spectacular vistas of the lake and rural life, eventually leading to the equally beautiful resort town of Karongi (Kibuye) for check-in and an evening boasting spectacular sunset views over the water. Overnight at Home St Jean Hotel (Midrange)
You will begin the day with a refreshing Lake Kivu boat excursion from Karongi, where the main stop is the short hike up Napoleon Island (Munini) to observe a large colony of fruit bats and be rewarded with panoramic lake views, with an optional swim at nearby islands. After the lake activities, the journey continues further south, cutting inland to the ancient, misty rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through picturesque tea plantations before arriving at the Nyungwe Top View Hotel to settle in for dinner amidst the cool, tranquil forest air.
This is a day of deep rainforest immersion, starting before dawn with an exhilarating Chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest, following the energetic calls of our closest relatives through the dense canopy for an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Following the trek, you will gain a unique perspective on the forest from above on the thrilling Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk, suspended 70 meters in the air, offering incredible aerial views and birdwatching opportunities. After lunch, the day concludes with a scenic drive north-east to Huye (Butare), the country's cultural and intellectual capital, for an evening check-in.
The morning is dedicated to cultural immersion in Huye, where you will explore Rwanda's rich history at the exceptional Ethnographic Museum (National Museum of Rwanda), with an optional visit to the nearby King's Palace Museum to learn about the country's monarchy. In the late morning, you embark on a long but rewarding drive across the country, transitioning from the central highlands and culture to the vast, open savannas and wildlife of Akagera National Park in the east, arriving at your lodge near the park for dinner and a magnificent contrast to the mountain terrain.
Night at Akagera Transit Lodge (Midrange)
Your final day begins with an exhilarating early morning game drive (safari) in Akagera National Park, a successful conservation area where you have the chance to spot the 'Big Five' and numerous other species like giraffes and zebras against the spectacular backdrop of the sunrise over the eastern plains. After the safari and brunch, you will begin the approximately 2.5 to 3-hour drive back to Kigali, where your memorable 7-day Rwanda Expedition concludes with a drop-off at Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your outbound flight.