Safari in Rwanda, Land of a Thousand Hills

Early morning departure towards Rwanda's main nature reserve, the Akagera National Park. As you progress, the trails, located between 1,200 and 1,800 meters altitude, reveal great landscape diversity:

• hills covered in savanna,

• high plateaus offering clear views extending to the Virunga mountains,

• lacustrine zones where varied wildlife develops. Vast papyrus marshes, fed by a winding river, connect a succession of lakes with calm waters. These natural environments characterize the Akagera park, a reserve of approximately 112,000 hectares. You will be able to observe buffalo, zebras, elephants, elands, warthogs, as well as numerous topis and impalas. The park is also home to nearly 500 bird species, including the anhinga, the shoebill stork and the gonolek.

Upon arrival, you set off on a safari (game drive) to discover the park's wildlife. This first exploration gives you the opportunity to observe animals in their natural environment. You then return to your lodge for lunch, followed by a time of relaxation.

In the afternoon, you set off on a boat excursion on Lake Ihema, one of the largest lakes in the Akagera National Park.
As you navigate, you observe crocodiles basking in the sun as well as hippopotamuses that regularly emerge from the calm waters.
Around the Nyirabiyoro island, you discover a great diversity of aquatic birds, among the rarest in Rwanda. This boat ride immerses you in a rich natural environment, conducive to wildlife observation and immersion in the park's landscapes.

Between the Akagera National Park and the Southern Province in Huye, passing through Kigali, you cross the heart of Rwanda.
The landscapes display different shades of green: the blue-green of eucalyptus trees that structure the plots, the dark green of cypress trees lining the paths, and the softer green of rice paddies nestled in the valley bottoms. This route offers you an overview of the Rwandan rural landscape, characterized by land fragmented into small cultivated plots, favored by a climate conducive to agriculture.

You observe varied crops, from coffee and sorghum to tobacco, alongside fields of beans, potatoes and corn, forming an agricultural mosaic characteristic of the country. As you traverse these landscapes, you reach Huye, ready to continue your journey.

In the morning, you begin with a visit to the Huye national museum, an essential stop to better understand Rwanda's history and cultures. This museum houses an important ethnographic collection from Central Africa, offering a detailed overview of local traditions and ways of life.

After this visit, you head towards the Nyungwe national park. Spanning 970 km² and situated between 1,600 and 2,950 meters in altitude, this park benefits from a cool climate. It is home to rich biodiversity, with over 200 tree species and more than 100 varieties of orchids. It also serves as a habitat for 13 primate species, including the baboon, Hoest's monkey and the grey-cheeked mangabey.
A network of well-maintained trails provides access to waterfalls and a high-altitude marsh. In the heart of this forest, you make a stop at Uwinka for a guided walk on the canopy. This crossing on suspended walkways offers you a different perspective on the forest environment.
Following this activity, you continue your journey towards Gisakura, where you settle into your lodge for the night.

After breakfast, you will head towards Kibuye, one of the emblematic regions of the Lake Kivu, located at 1,460 meters altitude. Bordered by dense vegetation, this lake is distinguished by its indented shores and wide viewpoints over the surrounding landscapes.
By taking a long and winding track, you will cross a succession of panoramas over the numerous islands scattered across the lake. Your journey will be punctuated by passages through the surrounding villages, with stops encouraging exchanges with the locals.
Stop for lunch at a lodge on the shore of the lake.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a boat excursion on the waters of Lake Kivu, heading towards Nyamunini Island, recognizable by its shape evoking Napoleon's hat. This navigation will allow you to observe the numerous bats present on the island, while enjoying fresh guavas. You will also benefit from the clarity of the water and the landscapes of the bay, dotted with surrounding islands.

Start your morning by enjoying a moment of relaxation on the shores of the Lake Kivu, while contemplating the landscapes of the bay and the surrounding islands. After this break, you will take an asphalt road that winds through dense vegetation, composed of plantain bananas and coffee fields. This route will offer you clear viewpoints along the Virunga mountain range.

You will end your day by reaching the gates of the Volcanoes National Park, one of Rwanda's emblematic sites.

Discover the Rwandan capital, Kigali, and explore its different neighborhoods that illustrate the diversity and dynamism of the city. You will visit the Kimironko market, a lively place where fresh produce, spices and local crafts blend together. You will discover a vibrant atmosphere, punctuated by colors and scents.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the city's museums, which allow you to explore the history and culture of Rwanda and enhance your understanding of the country.

After lunch in the city, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight, with memories of your stay in Rwanda.

Discover the Rwandan capital, Kigali, and explore its different neighborhoods that illustrate the diversity and dynamism of the city. You will visit the Kimironko market, a lively place where fresh produce, spices and local crafts blend together. You will discover a vibrant atmosphere, punctuated by colors and scents.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the city's museums, which allow you to explore the history and culture of Rwanda and enhance your understanding of the country.

After lunch in the city, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight, with memories of your stay in Rwanda.