Rwanda’s Picturesque Lakes
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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You are met by your Travulous guide and transferred to one of the most serene spots in Rwanda, Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, also known as Rwanda's Twin Lakes.
With perfect views of 3 of the Virunga Mountain's extinct volcanoes, namely Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo, the shores of Lakes Burera and Ruhondo rank as one of the most scenic spots in East Africa.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying your accommodation’s facilities. Make sure not to miss the dramatic landscapes and wonderful views of the majestic Virunga volcanoes and Lake Burera and Ruhondo.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After an early morning breakfast, we embark on a scenic boat journey boasting fantastic bird spotting opportunities, including cormorants, darters, stalks, hammerkops, cranes, kingfishers and herons. Lunch is served on one of the lake's islands, followed by an afternoon stop-over to visit to one of the local communities living on the shores of the lake.
The evening is spent with a local cultural troupe, who will perform traditional songs and dances. At the end of the night you return to your accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After breakfast, we depart on a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, offering breathtaking landscapes all the way to Lake Kivu. The road gently curves back and forth as it weaves through hills terraced with bananas, and covered in pines and eucalyptus.
Part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu has deep emerald green waters aid is surrounded by magnificent mountains. It is Rwanda’s largest lake and the sixth largest in Africa.
Upon arrival at your accommodation, check in and spend the rest of your afternoon at leisure enjoying the facilities. The views across the lake are breathtaking, with sandy beaches and grassy banks leading down to the shore.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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Spend the morning enjoying your accommodation’s facilities and the lake’s activities. Kayaking tours on Lake Kivu are particularly popular, as is sailing, mountain biking or hiking the stages of the spectacular Congo Nile Trail.
In the afternoon you have the option of visiting Imbabazi Orphanage, founded by Rosamond Carr in 1994 at the age of 82. Rosamond and her staff cared for up to 400 children in the ensuing years.
Today, Imbabazi is dedicated to the continuation and preservation of Roz Carr’s legacy of nurturing and empowering Rwanda’s children and local communities through education, skills training, and income generating opportunities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Overnight: Accommodation options
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After breakfast, we 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
RWANDA’S LAKES
Visit Lake Kivu, Burera and Ruhondo, 3 of East Africa's most beautiful freshwater lakes
CULTURAL EVENING
Spend an evening with a local cultural troupe, performing traditional songs and dances
LAKE ACTIVITIES
Enjoy boat cruises, sailing excursions, kayaking tours, island picnics, mountain biking and hiking
IMBABAZI ORPHANAGE
Visit Imbabazi, one of the oldest orphanages in Rwanda, founded by Roz Carr in 1994 at the age of 82
Accommodation Options
Click on each photo to learn more about the featured property, or click here to discover additional accommodations.
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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“The dogs race ahead as I stop to survey the gardens and marvel at the dazzling sunset casting a golden glow on Lake Kivu in the distance. The crested cranes have come to roost on their leafy perches atop the dracaena trees”