Hello safari enthusiasts! Welcome back for another safari itinerary blog post, this time covering the beautiful country of Rwanda!
In May 2024, Shelley and I experienced a life-changing itinerary in the Land of a Thousand Hills. Today I’ll be recapping our immersive 4-day experience, sharing travel highlights, and breaking down each day of our trip.
About Me: If you’re new here, welcome to my website! It’s great to see to see you here. My name is Jeff Hyer and I’m an eco-travel content creator and a safari travel advisor. This means I design personalized itineraries in wildlife destinations across Africa. If YOU want to embark on your dream safari, I can arrange everything for you! With my trusted team of on-ground experts, I’m ready to put together an all-encompassing itinerary for you and your group. Every detail will be accounted for: transport, guides, trekking permits, accommodations—all the logistics so you can enjoy a stress-free, perfectly-planned trip. To kickstart the plan-making process, simply send me a safari inquiry (click here).
My Experience in Rwanda: Being a nature enthusiast who loves immersive experiences in the wild, Rwanda had been calling my name for years! I’ve always been allured by this country’s rich ecology, history, and culture. I knew so much about Rwanda before visiting. I worked with tour operators that offered trips here, I’d heard positive experiences from safari clients, and I’d read many books about conservation history in this region. Having been to neighboring Uganda many times, I’d also heard many comparisons being made between the countries that both offer similar experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking. In May 2024, I arranged my first trip here and it was finally time to experience it for myself.
Ecotourism in Rwanda: A Conservation Success Story. Rwanda is a shining example of what ecotourism is all about. The country’s commitment to sustainable travel and conservation has turned it into a global leader in protecting endangered wildlife, particularly mountain gorillas. Visiting Rwanda gives you a chance to support this important work while exploring its magnificent ecosystems. Every aspect of this itinerary is designed to offer responsible travel experiences that benefit local communities, protect natural habitats, and ensure that Rwanda’s beauty and biodiversity are preserved for generations to come.
When you embark on a safari in Rwanda, you’re not just seeing incredible wildlife; you’re contributing to meaningful conservation efforts and local communities that thrive on ecotourism. The country’s focus on low-impact, high-value tourism makes it an ideal destination for responsible travelers who want to make a positive impact while exploring nature at its finest. For these reasons and more, I’m passionate about promoting this eco-destination.
I’m very excited to be sharing a bit more about our experience in this destination! Let’s dive into it!
Full Itinerary Video: To watch the full breakdown of this adventure, make sure to check out the itinerary video below showcasing our recent experience in Rwanda. If you don’t feel like reading the blog write-up, this video fully captures our trip.
Itinerary Overview: As covered in the comprehensive video, this is a quick summary of our 4-day Rwanda Itinerary.
Day 1: Crossing into Rwanda, Visiting the Ellen Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Our Rwandan safari adventure began with a scenic drive from Uganda into Rwanda. As we made our way across the border, the landscapes opened up into a breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, lush greenery, and scattered lakes that have earned Rwanda its nickname: “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” The journey was a peaceful introduction to the natural beauty of Rwanda. The vibrant energy of the people and the richness of the land set the tone for an unforgettable journey.
After our scenic drive, we checked into our first and primary lodge of the trip: The Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. We really enjoyed our cozy and homey stay at this mid-range accommodation. Shoutout to our server Gilbert for the great hospitality and for greatly enhancing our experience!
Once settled in, we walked over to the newly constructed Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Nestled at the base of Volcanoes National Park, this groundbreaking conservation center is dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas and their habitat. The campus offers an in-depth look at the incredible conservation work inspired by the late Dian Fossey, whose legacy lives on through the continued protection of these magnificent creatures.
During our visit, we had the chance to engage with experts and learn about the research, education, and conservation programs that are helping to ensure the survival of mountain gorillas. It’s a powerful reminder of the role that responsible tourism can play in preserving our planet’s most vulnerable species.
Day 2: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The highlight of your Rwandan safari was an exhilarating Mountain Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the few places in the world where you can trek to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The experience of coming face-to-face with a family of gorillas is truly life-changing, as you witness their gentle interactions and unique personalities.
Guided by expert trackers, we hiked through the dense bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains, following the paths used by these majestic primates. While the trek can be challenging, the reward is incomparable—standing just a few meters away from these remarkable animals in their own environment.
Day 3: Hiking to Dian Fossey’s Tomb in Volcanoes National Park
On your final day in Volcanoes National Park, we embarked on a hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb. This trail leads you through lush forests and provides the opportunity to reflect on Fossey’s pioneering work in gorilla conservation. The weather this day created some very muddy conditions, so unfortunately we did not make it all the way to her grave; however, we still found this to be a very enriching experience.
The hike is not only a chance to honor Dian Fossey’s legacy but also an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Rwandan highlands. Along the way, you may encounter rare birds, forest animals, and even signs of gorilla activity, making it a serene and meaningful conclusion to your wildlife adventure.
Day 4: Visiting Kigali and the Kigali Genocide Memorial
After our time in the wild, we headed to Rwanda’s vibrant capital city, Kigali. Kigali is known for its cleanliness, progressive attitude, and rich cultural scene. Here, we stopped at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The memorial offers a poignant exploration of Rwanda’s recent history and the resilience of its people, who have rebuilt their nation from tragedy. This visit provided a powerful reminder of Rwanda’s remarkable transformation and its commitment to unity and healing. It’s an essential part of understanding the country’s story and the importance of promoting peace and reconciliation.
After exploring the city, we checked into the Heaven Boutique Hotel. It was time to hit the pillow after an action-packed 4 days. We went to bed early before an early-morning flight the next morning. Aaannnnnnd that’s a wrap on our first trip to Rwanda!
This 4-day Rwanda safari itinerary offered a perfect balance of wildlife, culture, and history, designed for the mindful traveler. If you’re interested in visiting Rwanda, this is a great starting point itinerary that covered a bit of it all.
Ready to Experience Rwanda? A journey through Rwanda is more than just a safari—it’s an immersion into the heart of Africa’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and conservation efforts. Whether you’re tracking mountain gorillas in the misty rainforests or learning about Rwanda’s vibrant past and future, every moment of this itinerary is crafted to inspire and transform. Let me help you plan a custom safari that matches your personal travel goals. Fill out my safari inquiry form today, and let’s start designing your unforgettable Rwandan adventure!
Packing for Safari: Need help packing for your next wildlife adventure? I invite you to explore my curated storefront featuring all the gear I used on this trip, including must-have attire for trekking. For more travel essentials and gear options, you can also explore this Amazon selection to ensure you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. Safe travels!
Thank you for reading this safari insights post! I greatly appreciate your support and allowing me to bring you valuable content. I’ll see you next time for more wildlife adventures!
Jeff Hyer 