Relaxation Itinerary for Kigali, Rwanda in 15 days

  • Day 1: Nyamirambo Women's Center
    12 minutes (3.2 km) from Kigali city center

    Nyamirambo Women's Center is a non-governmental organization that offers cultural walking tours guided by local women. You will get to learn about the history and culture of Rwanda, interact with the local community, and support the economic empowerment of women.

  • Day 2: Nyungwe Forest National Park
    5 hours and 30 minutes (245 km) from Kigali city center

    Nyungwe Forest National Park is a beautiful rainforest with a variety of hiking trails, canopy walks, and primate safaris. You will get to see different species of monkeys, birds, and butterflies. The park is also home to the beautiful Kamiranzovu Waterfalls.

  • Day 3: Kigali Genocide Memorial
    5 minutes (2.4 km) from Kigali city center

    The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a museum that honors the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. It is a powerful and emotional experience that offers insight into the history and aftermath of the genocide.

  • Day 4: Akagera National Park
    2 hours and 30 minutes (125 km) from Kigali city center

    Akagera National Park is a wildlife park that offers game drives, guided walks, and boat safaris. You will get to see different animals such as elephants, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles. The park is also home to over 500 species of birds.

  • Day 5: Inema Arts Center
    20 minutes (6.2 km) from Kigali city center

    The Inema Arts Center is a contemporary art gallery that showcases the work of young Rwandan artists. You will get to see different forms of art such as paintings, sculptures, and fashion designs. The center also offers workshops and classes for those interested in learning about African art.

  • Day 6: Lake Kivu
    2 hours and 30 minutes (136 km) from Kigali city center

    Lake Kivu is a beautiful and serene lake that offers opportunities for relaxation and water activities such as swimming and boating. You can also visit the different fishing villages and enjoy the local cuisine.

  • Day 7: Caplaki Crafts Village
    16 minutes (4.2 km) from Kigali city center

    The Caplaki Crafts Village is a cultural center that showcases the work of different Rwandan artisans such as weavers, potters, and carvers. You can also buy souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones.

  • Day 8: Nyamata Church
    42 minutes (31.1 km) from Kigali city center

    The Nyamata Church is a memorial site that honors the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. It is a poignant and humbling experience that offers insight into the atrocities that took place.

  • Day 9: Presidential Palace Museum
    15 minutes (5.5 km) from Kigali city center

    The Presidential Palace Museum is a historic site that was once the residence of the Rwandan president. You will get to see different artifacts and documents that showcase the country's history and culture.

  • Day 10: Mount Kigali
    20 minutes (7.1 km) from Kigali city center

    Mount Kigali is a beautiful hill that offers hiking trails and spectacular views of the city. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Rwanda.

  • Day 11: Ivuka Arts Kigali
    15 minutes (4.4 km) from Kigali city center

    Ivuka Arts Kigali is an art gallery that showcases the work of different Rwandan and East African artists. You will get to see different forms of art such as painting, sculpture, and jewelry.

  • Day 12: Gishwati-Mukura National Park
    2 hours and 20 minutes (102 km) from Kigali city center

    Gishwati-Mukura National Park is a beautiful and tranquil park that offers hiking trails and the opportunity to see different species of primates and birds. It is also home to the beautiful Gishwati Forest.

  • Day 13: Kimironko Market
    10 minutes (4.4 km) from Kigali city center

    The Kimironko Market is a bustling and colorful market that offers a variety of goods such as fruits, vegetables, fabrics, and crafts. It is a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with the friendly vendors.

  • Day 14: Ntarama Church
    40 minutes (30.5 km) from Kigali city center

    The Ntarama Church is a memorial site that pays tribute to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. It is a somber and moving experience that offers insight into the tragedies that took place.

  • Day 15: Rwanda Art Museum
    13 minutes (3.3 km) from Kigali city center

    The Rwanda Art Museum is a beautiful museum that showcases the work of different Rwandan artists. You will get to see different forms of art such as painting, sculpture, and photography. The museum is also home to a beautiful sculpture garden.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Nyamirambo Women's Center (2 hours, US$10)
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park (2 days, US$250)
  • Kigali Genocide Memorial (2 hours, US$20)
  • Akagera National Park (2 days, US$300)
  • Inema Arts Center (1 hour, US$5)
  • Lake Kivu (2 days, US$200)
  • Caplaki Crafts Village (1 hour, US$10)
  • Nyamata Church (2 hours, US$20)
  • Presidential Palace Museum (1 hour, US$15)
  • Mount Kigali (4 hours, Free)
  • Ivuka Arts Kigali (1 hour, Free)
  • Gishwati-Mukura National Park (2 days, US$225)
  • Kimironko Market (1 hour, Free)
  • Ntarama Church (2 hours, US$20)
  • Rwanda Art Museum (2 hours, US$10)
  • Total Estimated Costs (15 days, US$1140)

Transportation

For transportation, it is best to hire a private driver or use a taxi service for longer distances to the national parks. Within Kigali, you can use the Kigali Bus Service or hire a taxi. The estimated cost for hiring a private driver is US$100 per day, and for a taxi, the cost is US$10-20 per hour. Travel time varies depending on the location and traffic conditions.

Useful Tips

If you have an extra day or two, you can visit the Volcanoes National Park to see the famous mountain gorillas. You can also do a coffee tour at one of the local coffee plantations. If you have less time, you can skip some of the national parks and focus on the cultural and historic sites within Kigali.

Airports

Kigali International Airport (KGL) is the primary airport in Rwanda, located in the city of Kigali. The airport is approximately 10 kilometers from the city center, and the estimated taxi fare is US$10.

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