A 5-day Romantic Getaway in Rwanda

  • Day 1: Kigali
    10 minutes (5 miles) from Kigali International Airport

    Begin your honeymoon with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. It’s a historic site that provides insight into the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Afterward, have lunch at the Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, which offers a wide range of international and local cuisine. You can also enjoy views of the city from their rooftop terrace. End your day with a visit to the Kimironko Market, where you can purchase local souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

  • Day 2: Volcanoes National Park
    2.5 hours (62 miles) from Kigali

    Wake up early for a thrilling adventure at Volcanoes National Park. You can either hike or take an ATV ride through the park's rugged terrain. Along the way, you will see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Afterward, have lunch at the Gorilla's Nest Lodge, which offers a serene view of the mountainous terrain. End your day with a visit to the Musanze Caves, which are about a 30-minute drive from the lodge. The caves offer a unique atmosphere to relax and unwind.

  • Day 3: Lake Kivu
    2 hours (50 miles) from Volcanoes National Park

    Enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, one of the largest freshwater lakes in Africa. Start your day with a visit to the shores of the lake, where you can rent paddle boats or go for a swim. Afterward, have lunch at the Inzozi Beach Hotel, a boutique resort that offers amazing views of the lake. End your day with a visit to the Hot Springs in Nyamyumba, which are a few miles from the hotel. The springs offer a soothing atmosphere for couples to unwind and relax.

  • Day 4: Nyungwe Forest National Park
    5 hours (171 miles) from Lake Kivu

    Journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the largest mountainous rainforests in East and Central Africa. Enjoy a guided nature walk along their wooden trails to enjoy views of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. Afterward, have lunch at the Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the forest. End your day with a visit to the Gisakura Tea Estate, which is about 20 minutes from the hotel. You can tour the tea fields and sample different tea varieties.

  • Day 5: Akagera National Park
    5 hours (215 miles) from Nyungwe Forest National Park

    End your honeymoon with a thrilling safari experience at Akagera National Park. Enjoy a guided game drive through the park where you will see big game like lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat. Afterward, have lunch at the Ruzizi Tented Lodge, which offers a serene and tranquil environment to relax. End your day with a visit to the Rushaya Gorilla Camp, located a few miles away from the lodge. The camp offers a one-of-a-kind gorilla tracking experience in the heart of the park.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial (2 hours, $15)
  • Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel (1 hour, $30)
  • Kimironko Market (2 hours, flexible budget)
  • Volcanoes National Park (5 hours, $1,500 per person)
  • Gorilla's Nest Lodge (2 hours, $90)
  • Musanze Caves (1 hour, $20)
  • Lake Kivu (3 hours, free)
  • Inzozi Beach Hotel (1 hour, $80)
  • Hot Springs in Nyamyumba (2 hours, $5)
  • Nyungwe Forest National Park (7 hours, $300 per person)
  • Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (2 hours, $70)
  • Gisakura Tea Estate (1 hour, $20)
  • Akagera National Park (7 hours, $500 per person)
  • Ruzizi Tented Lodge (2 hours, $160)
  • Rushaya Gorilla Camp (1 hour, $50)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $2,410 per person

Transportation

Transportation in Rwanda ranges from private charters to public buses, but the most convenient way is to hire a private driver throughout your trip. This should be included in your budget. Expect to spend $200 - $300 per day, depending on the specific needs and requirements.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a visit to the Nyamirambo Women's Center, Akagera Aviation Helicopter tour, and a visit to the Kigali Art Museum. If you're short on time, you can exclude one of the locations in the itinerary based on your preferences.

Airports

Kigali International Airport (KGL) is Rwanda's primary airport, located in the city center, about 5 miles from Kigali. As a major hub for international travel, it has several flights to European and African cities.

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