Forget the rigid schedules of a standard safari.. this is about taking the wheel of our own adventure across one of the most breathtaking, vibrant countries in Africa! Over 11 extraordinary days, we will self-navigate the lush, mist-shrouded landscapes of Rwanda on our own exact terms. This bespoke journey is for you if you demand both the thrill of raw, unscripted exploration alongside the absolute pinnacle of luxury; navigating a premium, fully-equipped 4x4 through ancient landscapes. A trip like this is not ordinarily known to be the cheapest.. however, I've designed it as a group to allow us to experience the forest canopy in the most budget friendly way possible without sacrificing the fun. The itinerary is ACTION PACKED from start to finish. See you in Africa 🫡 TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: 🇷🇼 Experience the hustle and bustle of Kigali 🇷🇼 Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National park 🇷🇼 Canopy walk in Nyungwe National park 🇷🇼 Explore the tea plantations at Gisovu tea estate 🇷🇼 Enjoy a boat tour on Lake Kiva to see the islands and the swimming cows 🇷🇼 Meet with the 'Rwandan cowboys' 🇷🇼 Explore Muzane & the Dian Fossey gorilla fund 🇷🇼 Visit the Gorilla guardians - reformed poachers turned Gorilla protection activists 🇷🇼 Visit Volcanoes National park and hike based on your preference 🇷🇼 Wild camp in Agakera national park to spot the Big 5! Disclaimer: As much as Tripleaders try to stick to our plans, itineraries can be subject to change due to weather, travel logistics, safety or other unexpected reasons. 👥 OUR GROUP: We will be a group of 2 vehicles with 8 people (including myself). I am looking for TripMates similar to myself - laid back in character but organised enough to get ready to leave on time by themselves! Happy to have good conversation whilst spending time in our group but also independent enough to be able to make their own choices and explore themselves as well. People who as I would describe are 'all-rounders' - you love a mixture of chilling on a beach, the adventure of a hike, the want to learn and explore culture and at the same time have downtime for a wine or to read a book/watch a movie/enjoy the sunset. If you request to travel as part of the group, I will set up a call with you prior to accepting the request. This was I can ensure we have the right fit for the most pleasurable experience for all of us. 📍 MEETING POINT: Kigali accommodation (Most likely Yambi) 📝 VISAS: Please check BEFORE booking that you are eligible for a visa & you have a valid passport – these essentials are down to yourself to check & ensure validity. You will also need to check if Rwanda has any alternative entry requirement forms or documents essential to be granted entry to the country for your nationality. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on prior to arrival for Rwanda. 💉 VACCINATIONS: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Rwanda only if you are arriving from or have transited through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Vaccinations and medications should be discussed with your healthcare professional. ❤️🩹 INSURANCE: Travel insurance is included if you are a resident of Germany or Austria. You can view all the inclusions & exclusions of this insurance here: www.joinmytrip.com/en/t/travel-insurance. For any other TripMates, you will need to purchase your own Travel Insurance, which also covers you for Medical expenses should you need it whilst we are away. 📱WHATSAPP GROUP: I will be making a ‘Rwanda’ specific group WhatsApp before we depart for us to start these conversations where I can answer any questions you may have about the trip.
🙋🏽♀️ ABOUT ME: I'm Jemima! 🍰 34 🇬🇧 British 🇶🇦 Living in Doha, Qatar 🌍 Just finished travelling to my 80'th country 💸 After 12 years working in the travel industry, I am now an independent travel agent I LOVE a hobby: 🏐🏇🏻⛷️🏄♀️🛥️🛼🎨✝️🥾🧳🐚🥢🏋️♀️🎥 🔧 I design my trips with the following in mind: Keeping costs minimal but with comfort. Maximising time on ground but allowing for flexibility and independent exploring. Experiencing as many different sides of a country as possible - if a country has beach, forest, mountains AND cities to experience... you best believe I will be allocating the appropriate number of days there to get to see a bit of it all! Ensuring a range of activities that suit my multiple personalities! To find out more about me, please head to my profile 😌
WHERE YOU'LL STAY: 🚙 4x4 Toyota land cruiser - Unlimited mileage per day - Comprehensive car insurance for all drivers - GGTO cover ⛺ Tents - Shared rooftent 🎒 Camping sets - Sleeping bags - Pillows - Bedsheets - Air mattress with pump - Camping chairs - Camping table - Thermos bottle and foldable water jerrycan - Lamp, shovel, and solar shower - LED headlights - Cool box 🍳 A complete kitchen & campset in durable boxes: - Gas stove, bottle, and lighter - BBQ-grid for outdoor cooking - Cooking pans and kettle - Plates, cutlery set, bowls, mugs, and glasses - Chopping board and salad bowl - Washing and cookware sets 💸 KEEPING IT FAIR: To keep things affordable and stress free whilst in Africa, we’ll use Splitwise to track all shared costs whilst away - primarily the petrol and groceries.
What's included?
4X4 Landcruiser - unlimited mileage/help
Comprehensive car insurance & GGTO
All campsite charges
Camping equipment hire/loading/cleaning
Activities specified in the itinerary
Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking permits
All 7 game park entrance fees
Local guide, Self drive, & Vehicle fees
2 nights accommodation in Entebbe
TripLeader & pre-departure advice
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You can chat with Jemima once you reserve your spot.
Trip Itinerary
1
Kigali
Day 1-2
DAY 1: Our journey officially kicks off in the clean, green, and vibrant heart of Kigali! Perched among Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, this is the perfect place to catch our breath, shake off the jet lag, and get excited for the road ahead! Here is how our afternoon will unfold: 👊🏽 Our fully equipped vehicle (4X4 Land cruiser) will be delivered directly to our accommodation 👊🏽 We will do a comprehensive walk-around to inspect the rig. We'll run through how to set up the rooftop tent and on-ground tents. We'll check that the camping fridge and equipment are humming along nicely. We'll organize our belongings into a tidy fashion and finally become accustomed to the recovery gear. By the time we're done, everyone should be an expert on their setup! 👊🏽 We’ll grab groceries and ensure the Bluetooth is readily hooked up so we can roll out first thing tomorrow morning! 🌇 The evening plan: Tonight is all about settling in and toasting to the upcoming adventure. We'll enjoy a welcome drink together as the city lights begin to twinkle across the ridges. Your first round should definitely feature a 'Primus' or a 'Virunga'. These are the local favorite beers —refreshing, crisp, and perfect for the Rwandan climate🍻 We'll spend the evening getting to know each other and soaking in the cool, high-altitude breeze of this remarkable city 😌. (If you arrive early - check out things to do in Kigali as written in my day 11 summary)
2
King's Palace Museum
Day 2
DAY 2: It's finally time to get the engine started! We're heading out after a hearty breakfast with authentic Rwandan coffee to Nyungwe National Park (approx 5 hour drive). 🛖 En route, we'll visit The King's Palace Museum in Nyanza - it's a beautifully reconstructed royal residence that offers a glimpse into Rwanda’s pre-colonial monarchy. The site features a traditional, beehive-shaped thatched palace built with authentic materials, standing alongside a modern 1930s European-style villa used by King Mutara III Rudahigwa. 🐄 Keep your eye out for Inyambo (the sacred royal long-horned cattle) which are cared for by herders who still perform traditional songs and poems for them as they have for centuries. Together, these elements serve as a powerful cultural archive of Rwanda's royal history and traditional architectural heritage. We'll enter into the national park and set up camp before spending this evening surrounded by L’Hoest’s, Black & white Columbus, Golden, Owl faced, Red tailed, Blue, Grey, Vervet and Baboon Monkeys! 🙊
3
Nyungwe National Park
Day 2-4
DAY 3: Before the sun has even pierced the thick forest canopy, we’ll enjoy a "jungle breakfast" whilst the wildlife continues to make it's own music around us. 🐒 Nyungwe is home to over 500 chimpanzees, and today.. we are heading in to find them! Led by expert rangers, we’ll push through the ancient ferns and mahogany trees. Chimps are mobile and vocal; we’ll follow the sound of their "pant-hoots" echoing through the valley. Once we find a troop, we’ll spend an unforgettable time observing their remarkably human-like behaviour. We’ll be visiting one of the habituated groups (likely in the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sectors), meaning they are accustomed to human presence, allowing us to see their authentic social dynamics up close. Sometimes you're even allowed by the rangers to stay up to a couple of hours observing. You’ll see them grooming, playing, and swinging with incredible speed through the high branches. 🌳 Now is the time for anyone afraid of heights to NOT LOOK DOWN!! Rwanda is home to the only canopy walkway in East Africa and a true adrenaline pumping highlight of the trip! We'll start at the Uwinka Visitor Center and take the Igishigishigi Trail - a 2.1km walk through the forest floor. Giant ferns and ancient mahogany trees will be surrounding us and we'll step out onto the 160 meter long suspension bridge. It hangs at 70 meters above a deep, forested gorge. You’ll be at eye-level with rare birds and monkeys, looking out over a 360 degree panorama of rolling hills, misty peaks, and the endless "green wave" of the canopy. It absolutely unforgettable despite the swaying!!
4
Gisovu Tea Estate
Day 4
DAY 4: Another day waking up to Jungle noises! This morning, we'll be hiking to Kamiranzovu waterfall. It's around a 4 hour hike give or take, and absolutely worth it! We'll then enjoy some lunch and a cold bevvy to reward ourself for all our hard work - it's all about balance!! 🫖 Perched on the northern edge of Nyungwe at an elevation of 7,500 feet is the Gisovu Tea Estate. This isn't just a plantation; it's a "crop-to-cup" journey in a setting that feels like a bright green velvet dream. We’ll walk through the shimmering, parallel ridges of tea that contrast sharply against the dark, wild edge of the rainforest. After learning the art of the perfect "two leaves and a bud" pick, we’ll head to the factory for a professional tasting. You’ll see why Gisovu tea is a global gold-standard. It is incredibly peaceful. We can sit for a moment with a fresh cup, looking out over the misty valleys that feed the furthest source of the Nile.
5
Kibuye
Day 4-6
DAY 5: Carrying on our journey… 🛶💦🐃🥑 Last night, after the tea plantation, we drove over to Kibuye (approx 1 hour drive). Welcome, to the shores of Lake Kivu! Today, we'll take a boat tour.. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s "Great Lakes," but it feels more like a calm, inland sea. We’ll spend five hours discovering Monkey island (as the name says), Peace island (the perfect place for swimming), Napoleon island (for hiking & fruit bats) and the island of plantation (with many different plants like coffee, macadamia and avocado). We'll also see the swimming cows (quite literally) and the small fishing villages. If we time it right, we’ll also see the famous "Singing Fishermen" heading out for the night in their unique boats.
6
Ibere rya Bigogwe Tourism
Day 6
DAY 6: Travel through the 'Land of a Thousand Hills'! 🐄 As we leave the calmness of the lake, you’ll see hillsides draped in perfectly manicured tea bushes. Escape to the stunning Rwandan countryside for an unforgettable camping experience at Ibere rya Bigogwe (approx 3 hour drive). Join the Rwandan cowboys on a thrilling adventure - learn the art of hand-milking, taste our special fresh milk (known as Bigogwe Cappuccino) and immerse yourself in traditional games, songs, and stories.
7
Musanze
Day 6-7
Our final leg for the day is a short, scenic drive to Musanze (approx 1 hour drive) - the vibrant gateway to many national parks. The town is literally shadowed by the conical peaks of the Virunga Volcanoes. On a clear day, the sight of Karisimbi and Bisoke towering over the town is breathtaking. We’ll head to our lodge which doubles up as someone's back garden and then head into Musanzes to zap up some of that energy. There's plenty of local markets, cafes and bars to explore if you have any spare energy! DAY 7: We start the day at the world-class Dian Fossey research and education center. Opened in 2022, the campus is a stunning piece of modern architecture nestled in the foothills of the volcanoes. It’s a self-guided journey through Dian Fossey’s legacy. You’ll see a replica of her forest cabin, interactive exhibits on gorilla behavior, and a 360-degree theater. This isn't just a museum; it’s a living lab. You’ll likely see scientists and students at work, continuing the 50-year mission to save the mountain gorilla. It’s the perfect "final chapter" to our gorilla trekking experience! 🔬 🛒 Before we head back into the rainforests, we need to top up our supplies. Musanze is the last major hub for a while, so we’ll swing by Taufique’s Supermarket or Rukara Supermarket to grab fresh produce, dry goods, and perhaps some Rwandan coffee for the road.
8
Gorilla Guardians
Day 7
🦍 We’ll visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (approx 30 minutes drive). This is a powerful success story of community led conservation. Many of the guides and performers here are former poachers who now protect the gorillas they once hunted. We’ll be welcomed by the thundering rhythm of Intore dancers. You can visit a replica of a King's palace, try your hand at archery, learn how to grind millet, or even watch a traditional healer prepare herbal medicines. It’s an interactive, high-energy celebration of Rwandan heritage.
9
Volcanoes National Park
Day 7-9
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park is arguably the most iconic corner of Rwanda. This isn't just a park; it’s a prehistoric wonderland where the mist clings to ancient bamboo forests and five of the eight Virunga volcanoes stand as silent sentinels. This is the sanctuary where Dian Fossey dedicated her life to the mountain gorillas, and it remains one of the few places on Earth where you can lock eyes with a silverback in his own backyard. The energy here is palpable - it's raw, green, and completely unforgettable. Your park fee is included in the itinerary cost, however you'll need to decide what you'd like to take part in during your time in the park at an additional cost - this will need to be decided in advance so permits can be requested in time: ➡️ Gorilla trekking: The gold standard of wildlife encounters. A life-changing hour spent just meters away from a gorilla family (USD 1,500) ➡️ Golden monkey trekking: A high-energy, playful experience. These rare, blue-faced monkeys live in the bamboo zones and are a photographer's dream (USD 100) ➡️ Mount Bisoke Crater Hike: A challenging but rewarding trek to the summit (3,711m), where a stunning crater lake awaits (USD 75) ➡️ Dian Fossey Tomb Hike: A pilgrimage for conservation lovers. Visit the ruins of the Karisoke Research Center and Dian’s final resting place (USD 75) ➡️ Musanze Caves Tour: A 2km walk through ancient subterranean lava tubes—a cool, dark contrast to the humid jungle above (USD 50) ➡️ Twin Lakes Boat Trip: A more relaxed afternoon exploring Lakes Burera and Ruhondo by boat, surrounded by terraced hills (USD30-50)
10
Akagera National Park
Day 9-11
DAY 9 & 10: After the misty rainforests, we transition to the sprawling savannahs of eastern Rwanda. The drive from Volcanoes National Park to Akagera National Park winds through scenic mountain passes before descending into the warmer, flatter plains. (approx 6 hour drive). 🦁 Akagera National Park: Rwanda's Big Five Sanctuary Akagera National Park is a remarkable conservation success story. Now home to the "Big Five" (lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos) after successful reintroductions. It is one of the most diverse scenic reserves in Africa, characterised by a complex mix of acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and a labyrinth of lakes and papyrus swamps along the Akagera River. We will do 2x half day game drives and 1 full day game drive here. The park offers a classic safari experience. The northern sector is famous for its wide-open plains where you can spot giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species, while the southern lake-heavy areas are prime territory for elephants and buffalo.
11
Kigali
Day 11
After a final guided morning game drive, we'll set off back to Kigali (approx 2.5 hours drive). Once we reach Kigali, we'll hand the 4x4 keys back to the rental company and get ready for our flights. If you have some time here, I recommend a few essential stops before your plane leaves: 👉🏽 The Kigali Genocide Memorial: A deeply moving and beautifully maintained site. We’ll spend some time here to understand the incredible journey of reconciliation and growth Rwanda has undertaken. It is an essential visit for anyone wanting to truly understand the spirit of the Rwandans. 👉🏽Niyo Art Gallery & Cultural Experience: Visit the Niyo Arts Center in Kigali, a hub for, local artists who use creativity for community empowerment. 👉🏽Kimironko Market: If we need any last-minute Rwandan bits and bobs, colorful kitenge fabrics, or fresh tropical fruit for the road, this is the place - it’s a sensory explosion of color and commerce!
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Camping & Hostel
11 days trip
Kigali, King's Palace Museum & 9 more
Transportation
Car, Other
What's excluded?
International flights
Visas & vaccinations
Souvenirs
Food & Drink (Approx 10-25 USD per day)
Petrol (Estimated 50-125 USD total)
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Rwanda
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