Hotel des Mille Collines is located in the heart of Kigali City and is one of Rwanda’s most iconic and historic hotels. Its name is inspired by Rwanda’s famous nickname, “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” reflecting the country’s breathtaking rolling landscapes. The hotel is internationally renowned for the remarkable role it played during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, when it provided refuge to more than 2,000 people seeking safety.

Today, Hotel des Mille Collines seamlessly blends history, elegance, and warm Rwandan hospitality. Guests can indulge in exceptional dining featuring both authentic Rwandan specialties and a variety of international cuisines, while enjoying panoramic views of Kigali’s picturesque hills. Beautifully curated artwork, stylish décor, and luxurious amenities create a sophisticated atmosphere, making the hotel an unforgettable destination for both leisure and business travelers.

You will travel by road with your driver to Nyungwe Forest National Park, enjoying a scenic journey through Butare, where you will stop for lunch at a selected restaurant before continuing to the park.

Located in southwestern Rwanda near the Burundi border, Nyungwe Forest National Park is Africa’s largest protected montane rainforest, covering more than 1,000 square kilometers. Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, the park is home to over 1,000 species of plants and animals, making it one of the continent’s best-preserved natural ecosystems. Upon arrival, you will experience the park’s world-famous Canopy Walk—a suspended bridge soaring approximately 60 meters above the forest floor. This unforgettable adventure offers breathtaking panoramic views of the lush rainforest, spectacular birdlife, and one of Rwanda’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Your overnight stay will be at the luxurious Nyungwe Forest Lodge, beautifully positioned on the edge of the rainforest. Offering elegant villa-style accommodation, exceptional five-star service, and warm African hospitality, the lodge provides stunning forest views and an ideal retreat for relaxation after a day of exploration.

After an early breakfast, you will transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park for an unforgettable Chimpanzee Trekking experience. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, you will venture into the rainforest in search of one of humanity’s closest relatives. As you follow the forest trails, you may also encounter a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including colorful bird species, butterflies, orchids, and several other primates such as the Rwenzori colobus and grey-cheeked mangabey. We recommend wearing long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy hiking boots, and carrying a light rain jacket, as Nyungwe is a tropical rainforest.

After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch before departing for Kibuye via Nyamasheke, enjoying a scenic drive along the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Upon arrival, you will check in, relax, and enjoy dinner at your lodge.

Your overnight stay will be at Moriah Hill Resort, beautifully perched above the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the resort offers stylish accommodation, modern comforts, warm Rwandan hospitality, and spectacular lake views, providing the perfect setting to unwind after a day of adventure.

After breakfast at Moriah Hill Resort, you will check out and embark on a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu, exploring some of the lake’s beautiful islands. During the cruise, you may visit the famous fruit bat colony and spot a variety of birdlife, including pelicans, crowned cranes, and malachite kingfishers, while taking in the spectacular scenery of one of Africa’s Great Lakes.

Following the cruise, you will continue to Gisenyi (Rubavu) for lunch before spending the afternoon relaxing along the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, which lies within the Albertine Rift Valley—the western branch of the Great Rift Valley. As evening approaches, you will witness one of Rwanda’s most breathtaking sunsets before enjoying dinner at your hotel.

Your overnight stay will be at the elegant Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, where luxury meets the serenity of the lakeshore. Managed by the renowned Serena Hotels collection, the hotel offers beautifully appointed rooms with private balconies overlooking Lake Kivu, complemented by exceptional amenities, refined African-inspired décor, and warm hospitality, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay.

You will enjoy a full day at leisure to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate on the beautiful white sandy shores of Lake Kivu. Spend the day soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, taking in the breathtaking lake views, or making use of the hotel’s excellent facilities as you prepare for the adventures ahead. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

You will travel by road with your BIC Tours driver to Kinigi, Ruhengeri, located near the magnificent Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, you will check in at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge and enjoy lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you will visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive experience into Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. You will discover traditional lifestyles, local crafts, music, and vibrant cultural performances while learning about the community’s efforts to support conservation and protect the endangered mountain gorillas and their natural habitat. After this memorable cultural encounter, you will return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Your overnight stay will be at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, ideally located at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, just a short drive from the entrance of Volcanoes National Park, the starting point for Rwanda’s famous gorilla trekking adventures. Overlooking the majestic Mount Karisimbi, one of the volcanoes of the Virunga Massif, the lodge offers comfortable chalet-style accommodation, each featuring en-suite facilities and tea/coffee-making amenities, providing the perfect base for your gorilla safari experience.

After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) headquarters in Kinigi for a comprehensive pre-trek briefing. During this session, park rangers will explain the essential guidelines and safety procedures for gorilla trekking before assigning you to a gorilla family and introducing your experienced guides. As the location of the mountain gorillas varies each day, the trek can last anywhere from a few hours to most of the day. To ensure you are well prepared, you will depart with a packed lunch from the lodge, plenty of drinking water, and appropriate hiking gear. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, you will set off into the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. The trek culminates in an extraordinary encounter with one of the habituated gorilla families, allowing you to spend a magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat—an unforgettable wildlife experience and one of Africa’s greatest safari highlights. After your gorilla trekking adventure, you will return to the lodge to relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Packed Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast at the lodge, you will check out and enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali, a journey of approximately two hours. Upon arrival, you will embark on a brief city tour, giving you the opportunity to explore Kigali’s vibrant craft markets and souvenir shops, where you can purchase authentic Rwandan handicrafts and gifts for family and friends. Lunch will be served at a selected restaurant in the city. Later, you will transfer to Kigali International Airport (Kanombe), arriving well in advance of your departure to allow ample time for check-in and departure formalities, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwandan adventure.