Rwanda has a rich culture and tradition. In this beautiful, tiny country of Africa, there are several sites of interests to travelers interested in learning about the culture and the people of Rwanda. We offer several tours that enable culture-minded people to learn appreciate and experience the culture of the Rwanda people. Our culture tours are filled with adventure visits to several cultural sites including genocide memorial sites and interactions with the Rwandan people.
The National Museum of Rwanda
Inaugurated on September 18th 1989 and located in Huye, the National Museum of Rwanda is the most well-known museum in Rwanda and houses perhaps the finest ethnographic and archaeological collections in East Africa with more than 10,000 artifacts’. Absorbing displays of traditional artifacts are illuminated by a fascinating selection of turn-of-the-century monochrome photographs, providing insight not only into pre-colonial lifestyles, but also into the subsequent development of Rwanda as a modern African state.
Nyanza Royal Palace, Rukari
Under the reign of King Yuhi V Musinga in 1899, Nyanza became the royal capital of the country. The court became the home of the artistic and intellectual activities and was also a place for economic exchange. Today, a replica of the traditional Royal Palace sits at Rukari. The impressive, enormous domed structure is made entirely with traditional materials, has been painstakingly restored to its 19th century state and is now maintained as a museum.
The Museum of Rwandan Ancient History
Once the residence of King Mutara III Rudahingwa, this museum also sits at Rukari near to the Royal Palace. This Palace has been restored and offers a glimpse into Rwandan life as it once was. On the neighboring hill of Mwima, King Mutara III and his wife Queen Rosalie Gicanda are buried.
Rwesero Arts Museum
Located across the valley from the Museum of Rwandan Ancient History and the Nyanza Royal Palace, the Rwesero Arts Museum displays contemporary artwork which testifies to the originality of Rwandan creativity, while not overlooking either tradition or national history. The museum was originally built as a Palace for King Mutara III Rudahingwa but he passed away before occupying it. Both the Museum of Rwandan Ancient History and the Rwesero Arts Museum are located 2km from Nyanza town.
The Museum of Natural History
The Nyarugenge residence in Kigali City once occupied by German Richard Kandt has been turned into the Museum of Natural History. A scientist by profession, Richard Kandt was the first German Imperial resident in Rwanda and this museum is homage to his work.
The 4 days Rwanda culture safari takes you to Rwanda cultural genocide memorial sites and at these sites you will experience Rwanda cultural safaris, Rwanda cultural tours, Rwanda cultural adventure!
Day1: Kigali City Tour
Upon your arrival at Kigali international airport, meet our guide and thereafter transfer to Kigali the Rwanda capital city and visit Nyanza the historical seat of the earliest Rwandan king’s and get exposed to true traditions that live forever. Lunch, and then take inside and outside tour of Mwami’s hut and the more modern stone palace. Then have your dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Hill Top Hotel/Gisakura guest house. Meal plan: H/B
Day2: Visit Butare museum and the hot springs
Have breakfast and thereafter transfer to Butare town the finest ethnographic collection in East Africa that displays advanced traditional artifacts that are illuminated by attractive selection of turn-of-the-century colorless photographs providing insight not only into pre-colonial lifestyles but also Rwanda’s cultural lifestyles, the National Museum for an additional sighting of genocide fact displays that were designed out of experience. Have lunch and later visit the hot spring in Bugarama. Dinner and overnight at the lodge, Meal plan: F/B
Day3: Genocide memorials (Kabgayi and Murambi)
After breakfast visit Kabgayi Church the massive cathedral of Kabgayi which is 3 km from Gitarama along the Butare road. Drive to Kigali Rwanda’s capital city and have en-route stop at Murambi Genocide Memorial Site known for the dead remains of the massacred people like torn old clothes, skeletons of twisted group of people who were killed in groups’ young and elderly, Then dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel/Hotel Chez Lando/Hotel Milles Collins. Meal plan: F/B
Day4: Departure
Have breakfast and then visit to Nyamirambo Moslem quarter and with time visit to Franco cultural center, have lunch and later transfer to the airport for your return flight back home. End of services
The 6 Days Rwanda cultural tour takes you to Rwanda cultural genocide memorial sites and the lakes at these sites you will experience Rwanda cultural safaris, Rwanda safaris, Rwanda tours, Rwanda gorilla safaris, Rwanda cultural expeditions, Rwanda cultural tours, Rwanda cultural adventure!
Day1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon your arrival, meet the guide and thereafter transfer to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Meal plan: B/B
Day2: Transfer-Ruhengeri
Have breakfast, and after transfer to Ruhengeriin the north, the land of a Thousand Hills. Have lively and friendly tour to town centre; visit the group of brick makers. Thereafter transfer to your hotel of accommodation and have a traditional dinner and entertainment by local dance group, to experience the cultural dances. Dinner and overnight at Lebombou lodge/Laplame Hotel/Kinigi guest house. Meal plan: F/B
Day3: Visit to the Lakes
Have breakfast, and then visit the beautiful region of the twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo. You will be introduced to traditional sustainable farming methods with African vegetables and fruits, visit the local fishermen and also see the fishing competition with children from the adjacent villages. You will then have a launch cruise in one of the traditional canoes and have a visit to the convent Foyer de Charity, visit the local witch doctors and the snake man, return to lodge for dinner and overnight, meal plan: F/B
Day4: Visit Lake Kivu and tea plantations
Have breakfast, and then drive to Gishenyi at the northern shores of Lake Kivu, visit the tea plantations, do some shopping at a farmers market then, have a tour of the city which repeatedly gained tragic publicity in the past decade because of enormous refugee camps, hunger, epidemics and, recently, a devastating volcanic eruption that reminded of the fate of the historic town of Pompeii and then drive to Kigali and have your dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel/Demilles Collin Hotel. Meal plan: F/B
Day5: Visit to the Palace
Have breakfast, and then drive to Nyanza, the historical seat of the ancient Rwandan kings and visit the Palace, then drive to Butare, Rwanda cultural centre and visit the National Museum. Drive to Kigaliand tour the city. Evening experience the cultural performances of the Batwa Pottery Project with an introduction to the life of the first Rwandans, their art of pottery as well as singing, drumming and dancing. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight, meal plan: F/B
Day6: Departure
Have breakfast, then drive to Kigali, first have a look at the genocide memorial sites or lively in Kigali suburbs en-route and then depart back home.
The package includes:
Ground transportation
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
Visit cultural sites
Visit the palace
Visit the Lake Kivu and the Crater Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo)
English speaking guide
En-route luncheon
Mineral water on board
Exclusions:
The expenses of personal nature like: Air fare, Visa, Luxury drinks, laundry, tips to local guides, telephone calls, and porter fee while trekking, personal insurance, personal shopping bills.
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International airport
After completion of customs and immigration formalities you will be met at the airport by our representative/driver guide, have your safari briefings and then drive to Musanze town home to the Mountain Gorillas found in Volcanoes National Park.
Overnight: Home Inn Hotel
Meal Plan: Full Board
Home Inn has Modern comfortable self-contained rooms fully equipped with satellite TV with more channels, wireless network, external phone line and warm water in modern bathrooms. With special cuisine acquainted to; Continental, Oriental, African and Rwandan cuisines, Home Inn ensures that every traveler has a restful and productive stay.
Day 2: Volcanoes National – Mountain Gorillas trek
Breakfast, then report to the park headquarters for gorilla trekking formalities and briefing on “gorilla etiquette”. After locating your assigned Gorilla group you will spend one hour in their company. After your trek, descend to the vehicle parking and then drive back to the Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, do inspection of other lodges with an optional visit to the little known but compellingly beautiful twin lakes of BULERA and RUHONDO
Overnight: Home Inn Hotel
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Volcanoes National – Golden Monkeys
After an early breakfast we report again to the Volcanoes National Park’s Office to undergo the now Golden monkeys trekking formalities. Then enter the forest for the golden monkey trek. After locating the Golden monkey group you will spend a time in their company and then retrace your steps back down the volcano slopes, Have lunch and then drive to Gisenyi a beautiful developed lake resort town on the shores of the Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is the greatest Lakes in Rwanda and is in the Albertine (western) Rift valley. Spend your evening at the lake shores.
Overnight: Palm Garden Resort
Meal Plan: Half Board
Is a very beautiful comfortable resort on the shores of Lake Kivu that offers affordable accommodation and enjoyable authentic African cuisine! You will be amazed by its professional staff and its beautiful location.
Day 4: Gisenyi – Nyungwe Forest National Park
Spend your morning at the Lake shores with an optional boat ride (to be booked & paid locally) and thereafter, enjoy the scenic drive to Nyungwe via Kibuye another beautiful lake resort town (where you will have lunch) before proceeding to Nyungwe. The drive is through beautiful rolling hills enclosed by steep and green terraced hills along the way. The road winds endlessly in a countless number of twists and turns, and the common storm clouds lend a raggedly romantic panorama to this region.
Overnight: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Nyungwe Forest Lodge is situated in the Gisakura working tea plantation, on the edge of the Nyungwe National Park designed to fit harmoniously within its beautiful natural surroundings, the lodge offers guests exceptional 5-star comfort and ensures an experience rich in local culture, fluently fused with quality service and African courtesy.
Day 5: Nyungwe Forest National Park – Chimps trek
After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for trekking formalities then depart for a hike into Nyungwe Forest in search of chimps. There is a lot more in Nyungwe than just chimps. Colobus Monkeys, Mangabeys, various other primate species and lots of forest dwelling birds will be encountered on the way. For those interested in botany, the flora in Nyungwe comes as an added bonus, after trek drive back to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon, relax at the guesthouse or visit the nearby areas.
Overnight: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Nyungwe – Butare – Kigali
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe back to Kigali via Butare the Royal City have lunch, visit the National Museum and Kings’ palace and then proceed Kigali.
Overnight: Banana Boutique Hotel
Meal Plan: bed and breakfast
Banana Boutique Hotel is an oasis of luxury and enchantment where you can experience the true beauty and majesty of Rwanda and observe its natural surroundings. Friendly service and a lively atmosphere are key features of this hotel and you are assured of an extraordinary experience that blends African architecture and structure interspersed with luxurious surroundings plus modern amenities.
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, take up Kigali city tour including Gisozi Genocide memorial site, reflecting on the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Walk a unique experience!!!
The 8 days Rwanda gorilla & cultural tour takes you the Rwanda tourism sites and the cultural sites, first visit Nyungwe area visiting the historical places like the King Nyanza, visit the Butare cultural museum, Lake Kivu, the Karisoke Gorilla research centre. Other activities to encounter include the Rwanda gorilla trekking, Rwanda gorilla safaris, Rwanda gorilla tours, Rwanda gorilla adventure!
Day 1: Nyungwe Tour
After breakfast transfer to Nyungwe Forest with stop-over at local markets along the way. Visit 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 characteristic of the surrounding forest. Dinner and overnight Nyungwe Forest Lodge/Nyungwe Top Hill Lodge/Gisakura Guest House. Meal plan: F/B
Day2: Visit Butare Cultural Museum
After breakfast tour the Botanical Gardens and a cultural museum in Butare. Then transfer to the hot springs in Bugarama. Dinner and overnight Rest House, meal plan: F/B
Day 3: Lake Kivu Tour
After breakfast undertake a primates tracking tour in the Nyungwe Forest in search of immense troops of Angolan Colobus and the Golden monkeys, and the chimpanzees. In the afternoon after your lunch, drive to Gisenyi. Enjoy swimming in the bilharzia-free fresh water of Lake Kivu. The background of the lake is beautified by Nyiragongo Volcano which recently erupted in 2002. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Izuba-Meridien, meal plan: F/B
Day4: Lake Kivu-Ruhengeri
Early in the morning transfer northwards to Ruhengeri. In the afternoon visit the surrounding communities. Visit local Dian Fossey projects. Dinner and overnight Gorilla Nest Lodge/Kinigi Guest House, meal plan: F/B
Day5: Community walk
After breakfast undertake a community walk. A local traditional dance by the Batwa (Pygmies) can be pre-arranged for you upon your request. Dinner and overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge/Kinigi Guest House, meal plan: F/B
Day6: Touring Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre
After breakfast tour Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre started by Dian Fossey, the famous primatologist. Later in the day transfer back to Kigali. With time have a city tour – visit the Nyabugogo market, the Moslem quarter in Nyamirambo, the Franco-Rwanda cultural center and a genocide memorial Centre. Retire at lodge for dinner and overnight, meal plan: F/B
Day7: Rwanda gorilla Trekking-Golden Monkey Tracking
Have breakfast, after transfer to the volcanoes headquarters for briefing about the endangered mountain gorillas and the volcanoes as well, after enter into the tropical rain forest searching for the mountain gorillas and when you meet with the gorillas take the photos, videos and then have your lunch, after return to the park offices for your gorilla trekking certificate. Then in the evening take the golden monkey tracking and other primates! Return to lodge for dinner and overnight, meal plan: F/B
Day8: Departure
Have your breakfast, after transfer to Kigali airport for your flight departure back home. End of services
The package includes:
Ground transportation
Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
Visit cultural sites
Visit the palace
Visit the Lake Kivu
Gorilla permits
Golden monkey tracking
Visit Karisoke Gorilla Research centre
Community walk
English speaking guide
En-route luncheon
Mineral water on board
Exclusions:
The expenses of personal nature like: Air fare, Visa, Luxury drinks, laundry, tips to local guides, telephone calls, and porter fee while trekking, personal insurance, personal shopping bills.