Cultural Tourism - Rwanda (9 Days)

The cultural trip starts with a visit to Omwami’s palace in Nyanza, continuing to the locally revered hot springs of Rugarama near Nyungwe Forest in South West of Rwanda, a huge afro-montane forest. With over 10000sq.km in size, Nyungwe is the undisputed giant in Central Africa, rich in birds, butterflies, over 300 bird species and a large host of chimpanzees, monkeys and other primates. A visit to the forest is possible. Proceed to Gisenyi, where Ross Carr’s orphanage with thousands of orphans is found. Explore Gisenyi and visit a local lake. End your trip with the North, in Ruhengeri, where the Batwa pigmies, an animist community recently resettled, live. For those who wish, visit genocide memorials as well, in Gisenyi, Butare and Ruhengeri. Back in Kigali, the Capital, an attractive city spread over many hills for which Rwanda is prominent, enjoy local dances and see local cultures. The City has a pleasant, buoyant air and its peoples are some of the friendliest in the world. Local crafts can be bought.

Itinerary

Day 1: Start for Nyungwe. Along the way, make stops at places of interest including local markets, the traditional palace of Rwanda’s Former King in Nyanza. Drive past green fields of tea scattered across the hillsides and the small wooden houses unique to the areas surrounding the forest. Arrive late afternoon. O/N: Local home or ORTPN Rest House (FB).

Day 2: Visit the Botanical Gardens and a cultural museum in Butare. Visit the hot springs in Bugarama. O/N: Local home or ORTPN Rest House (FB).

Day 3: Half day visit to Nyungwe Forest or relax at Camp. In the afternoon, drive via Kibuye on the stunningly beautiful Lake Kivu to Gisenyi; through beautiful countryside, crossing valleys full of agricultural produce. Go water skiing, or take a boat out on the lake to see the various islands. Swim in the refreshing, bilharzias free waters of the Lake or stroll about in the nearby villages rambling across a number of hills. O/N: Local home OR hotel nearby (FB).

Day 4: Visit Ross Carr’s Orphanage. Stroll about/relax at lake. O/N: Local home OR hotel nearby (FB)

Day 5: Drive further northwards to Ruhengeri. Afternoon visit to the surrounding communities. See local Dian Fossey projects. O/N: Local home or hotel/Camp/Guest House (FB).

Day 6: A visit to the Batwa pigmies and other local communities for the whole day.
O/N: Local home or hotel/Camp/Guest House (FB).

Day 7: Trek to Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre which Dian Fossey, the famous primatologist, set up, or visit local communities. Alternatively for those who are not up to it, simply relax at Camp. Later in the day leave for Kigali. Time permitting, go for a tour of the city including shopping. Transfer to airport for your flight. [Approximate driving time: 3 hours] Return to Kigali. O/N: Local home or hotel (FB).

Day 8: Visit the markets, the handicraft shops and the genocide sites. Time permitting, visit the Nyabugogo market, the Moslem quarter in Nyamirambo, the Franco-Rwanda cultural centre and a genocide memorial. Many hotels and restaurants prepare local dishes. Buy crafts. Attend a traditional dance. O/N: Local home or hotel (FB).

Day 9: Fly out. Tour Ends.

Unless otherwise stated, prices quoted include a safari car for the itinerary stated, accommodation on a shared basis and meals (in Kampala/Kigali bed and breakfast only and on safari full board), 1 boat/launch trip, park fees, chimpanzee permits and one gorilla permit.

Prices do not include airfares to Uganda/Rwanda, entry visas and airport taxes, all personal expenditure such as tips, telephone calls, laundry and drinks. For single rooms, the supplement (SRS) has to be paid. Fees for mountain climbing, fishing and other specialist activities will attract an extra charge where not stated.

Prices are quoted in US Dollars. At the time of booking, clients should confirm with us the prevailing exchange rates for Pounds and Euros, if they wish to pay in those currencies. At the time of booking, the client(s) will need to pay for all gorilla permits needed in full otherwise a deposit equivalent to 20% of the cost of a safari paid, whichever is higher.

Departure Dates: Daily

Itineraries that include a visit to the gorillas are subject to availability of permits at time of booking. Unless otherwise stated, only one gorilla permit is included in the safari cost; the other trackings require a supplement to be paid at time of booking.

Key to Itineraries:

O/N:	Overnight
FB	Accommodation on Full Board basis. All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) are included in the safari cost.
HB	Accommodation on Half Board basis. One meal (either lunch or dinner) as well as breakfast are included in the safari cost.
BB	Accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis. Only breakfast is included in the safari cost at the stated property.
B	Accommodation on Bed Only basis. All meals at the stated property are not included in the safari cost. To be paid for directly by the client.