Africa remarkable recovery! Rwanda transformed from 1994 genocide tragedy to safest cleanest country Africa impressive development story land of thousand hills terraced hillsides tea plantations. Kigali capital immaculate clean streets plastic bag ban, Kigali Genocide Memorial sobering emotional educational understanding 1994 Tutsi genocide 800000 killed 100 days mass graves gardens, recovery reconciliation hope transformation inspirational. Volcanoes National Park Virunga Mountains 8 habituated mountain gorilla families trekking bamboo forests 2-6 hours hiking altitude 2500-4000m life-changing encounter silverback gorillas family groups Dian Fossey legacy Gorillas in the Mist conservation success critically endangered species permits 1500 USD per person advance booking essential limited daily permits. Golden monkeys playful endangered endemic bamboo forests alternative trek. Lake Kivu fourth largest African Great Lakes beaches Gisenyi Kibuye volcanic islands boat rides Congo Nile Trail cycling hiking scenic. Clean orderly impressive transformation.
Day 1:
Arrive Kigali, city tour Kigali Genocide Memorial sobering emotional understanding 1994 history, local markets craft centers, evening Inema Arts Center contemporary Rwandan art|
Day 2:
Drive Volcanoes National Park Musanze Ruhengeri (2.5hrs, 116km), briefing gorilla trekking next day, visit Dian Fossey museum or relax lodge|
Day 3:
Gorilla trekking early morning (permit 1500 USD required advance, 2-6hrs hiking bamboo forests altitude, 1 hour with gorilla family silverback females babies playing feeding, life-changing emotional encounter)|
Day 4:
Optional golden monkeys trekking playful endangered bamboo forests or Dian Fossey grave hike Karisoke Research Center 3000m altitude memorial legendary conservationist|
Day 5:
Drive Lake Kivu Gisenyi (1.5hrs), afternoon beaches swimming volcanic lake, boat rides islands, Congo across lake visible|
Day 6:
Lake Kivu leisure kayaking cycling Congo Nile Trail, Rubona Peninsula coffee plantation tour optional, evening sunset boat ride|
Day 7:
Morning lake, drive return Kigali (3hrs), last shopping crafts Kimironko Market, departure evening