The Old Kingdom of Rwanda
Overview
To give an insight into the types of luxury travel experiences we create, please view the sample itinerary below. It can either be treated as a standalone program, incorporated into a longer itinerary, or modified to match your particular interests and budget. Alternatively, you may wish for us to start with a blank canvas, to handcraft a personalised itinerary based on what you want and nothing more. Prices will fluctuate based on the time of year, length of stay, accommodation choices, number of participants and inclusions.
We pride ourselves in our ability to plan and execute every trip to perfection.
Contact us to request the itinerary in PDF format.
Itinerary
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Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your Travulous guide and transfer to your accommodation in Kigali.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation's facilities or head out and explore Kigali, either on your own or on a guided city tour.
Some sites to consider visiting are the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Centre, 1000 Hills Distillery, Nyamirambo Women’s Center, Caplaki Craft Village, and Umusambi Village, to name a few.
In the evening, there are many charming restaurants in Kigali to choose from for dinner, many featuring panoramic views over the city.
Meals: All meals at own arrangement.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After breakfast, meet your Travulous guide and transfer to Nyanza. Known as the cultural centre of the country and the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Rwanda in pre-colonial days, Nyanza is the location of King Mutara III Rudahigwa’s Palace and mausoleum.
After enjoying lunch with a cultural scholar specialising in the 15th century, visit the replica of the King’s traditional palace, which offers an insight into royal life, the monarchial system and its abolition in the early 1960’s. Included is a visit to the King’s modern palace, which showcases Rwandan history dating back to the 15th century.
Before transferring to the accommodation of your choice, visit the long-horned Ankole cattle, known as Inyambo which descended from the King’s original herd. These cattle are of great cultural significance and whose keepers groom and sing to them.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Enquire for details
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After breakfast, visit the Ethnographic Museum (formerly known as the National Museum of Rwanda) which houses a selection of ethnographic and archeological collections from East Africa with more than 10,000 artefacts and photographs. The museum provides visitors with an insight into pre-colonial lifestyles through to the development of Rwanda as a modern African nation.
After lunch, depart for Kigali airport and your homebound flight.
Meals: Breakfast included, lunch and dinner at own arrangement.
Alternatively, consider extending this trip by adding one of our Extension Ideas (see below) to this program.
General Info
Highlights
VISIT NYANZA
Visit Nyanza, showcasing Rwanda’s centre of learning, culture, history and traditions
RWANDAN HISTORY
Visit the King’s modern palace, which documents Rwandan history dating back to the 15th century
THE KING’S PALACE
Visit the King’s traditional palace, to learn about royal life, the monarchial system and its abolition
SPECIALIST TOUR LEADER
Enjoy the company of Rose-Marie, Travulous’ specialist historian, language expert and cultural scholar
Map
Extension Ideas
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
Visit world famous safari highlights including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the Gorillas
BEHIND THE SCENES
Gain unique insights into Wildlife Conservation, Educational Experiences and History & Traditions
BEACH DESTINATIONS
Round-off your safari in East Africa with a great choice of world-class Indian Ocean beach destinations
WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
Visit a wildlife sanctuary and learn about the increadibe work they do to safeguard Africa’s wildlife
Climate
Rwanda has a year-round tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary by location and altitude, with little variation throughout the year. Rain is commonplace in Rwanda. The driest months are June to mid-September and the wettest from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December.
The dry season sees cloud cover and light rainfall. Roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate during this period.
Visas
All foreign nationals require a visa for entry to Rwanda. Please check with your local Rwandan Embassy or our travel team for further information. Tourist visas can be obtained, on arrival, for all travellers at all ports of entry. Visitors from the African Union, the Commonwealth of Nations and Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie are waived visa fees for visits up to 30 days.
For travellers of other nationalities, a visa fee is payable. The Rwandan government has introduced an online ‘e-visa’ application system for obtaining tourist visas in advance of travel. Travellers who choose to arrange their visa prior to arrival should carry a printed copy of their visa to present to immigration officials.
Language & Currency
The official languages of Rwanda are Kinyarwanda, French, English and Swahili. Generally all Rwandans speak Kinyarwanda. French, English and Swahili is widely spoken in tourist areas, with varying degrees of fluency.
The local currency is the Rwandan franc, which divides into 100 centimes. US dollars are widely accepted; local currency is best for tipping and small purchases. Very few places accept credit cards outside of the major hotels in Kigali.
Access to cash machines is available in most major towns, and exchanging currency can be done in banks and foreign exchange bureaus.
Health
At least 6-8 weeks before departure, please visit your local health care provider or travel clinic for any vaccination requirements and to discuss any other potential health risks, such as malaria (where applicable). All travellers should ensure they have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place.
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