Our tour begins at the Red Rocks Community Centre, where guests are immersed in an authentic cultural experience. Here, visitors have the unique opportunity to participate in the traditional banana beer-making process, a cherished local custom. This hands-on activity provides insight into Rwanda's rich cultural heritage and traditional brewing techniques. In addition to the banana beer experience, the community centre offers a variety of engaging cultural activities. These may include traditional dance performances, storytelling sessions, or craft workshops, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Rwandan culture and traditions. This immersive start to the tour sets the stage for a memorable and culturally enriching journey through Rwanda.

We visit Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, a vibrant community-based initiative that offers an immersive experience into traditional Rwandan culture. This authentic village showcases local customs, crafts, and performances, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with and learn from the indigenous people. Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, guests gain valuable insights into Rwanda's rich heritage and the daily lives of its rural communities.

The Ellen Campus, nestled in the foothills of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, was created to accelerate scientific research and on-the-ground conservation work in the Volcanoes National Park which is the natural habitat of the mountain gorillas. The journey from Kigali city to the park takes around 3 hours. We take a lunch break in Musanze town before checking in the lodge and visiting the museum.

Briefing for the trackers begins at 7.00am and vehicles begin transporting gorilla trackers to several gorilla trek starting points. If you don’t turn up at the appointed time you risk invalidating your permit and having to pay again. Guests are allocated a gorilla family on the very day of tracking. The guests who feel physically weak are allocated the nearest groups that only require at least an hour to find. Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from 1 hour to 4 hours depending on the family allocated to your group and their location. The journey back can take just as long, but you are often carried along by the euphoria you feel seeing the gorillas!

After our thrilling gorilla trek, we journey to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi, just an hour from Volcanoes National Park. This serene oasis offers the perfect respite after our wildlife adventure. Lake Kivu provides a stunning backdrop for relaxation. As day turns to night, guests are treated to a mesmerising sunset, best enjoyed over a lakeside dinner. This transition from mountainous terrain to peaceful lakeside exemplifies Rwanda's diverse beauty. It combines wildlife adventure with tranquil relaxation, creating an unforgettable Rwandan experience.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we embark on an enriching journey to Kinunu village for an immersive coffee tour experience. This excursion offers guests a unique opportunity to explore Rwanda's renowned coffee culture and learn about the intricate process of coffee production from bean to cup.

Following our coffee adventure, we proceed to the picturesque town of Kibuye, nestled along the shores of Lake Kivu. Here, guests can indulge in a delightful fishing experience and a scenic boat cruise. As we navigate the tranquil waters, we explore the lake's stunning islands, including the captivating Napoleon Island, home to a fascinating colony of bats. Throughout our journey, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, characterised by lush green hills and vibrant banana plantations. This excursion seamlessly blends cultural immersion, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, providing a memorable and diverse experience for our guests.

After enjoying our morning breakfast, we continue our adventure to Nyungwe Forest. Here, we have the opportunity to participate in an engaging tea plantation tour or embark on an exhilarating hike along the canopy trail. These activities offer unique experiences that showcase the natural beauty and rich agricultural heritage of Rwanda. The tea plantation tour provides insight into Rwanda's thriving tea industry, allowing visitors to learn about the cultivation and processing of this important export. Meanwhile, the canopy trail offers a thrilling perspective of the forest from above, giving adventurers a chance to observe the diverse flora and fauna of Nyungwe from a bird's-eye view.

After enjoying our breakfast, we return to Kigali, making two significant stops along the way. Our first destination is the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, where we immerse ourselves in Rwanda's rich culture and traditions. This enlightening experience provides valuable insights into the country's heritage.

Following our cultural exploration, we proceed to the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza. This visit offers a captivating journey through Rwanda's royal history, providing an in-depth look at the monarchy's role in shaping the nation. The museum's exhibits and architecture combine to create a truly insightful and memorable cultural experience.

Our safari adventure begins with a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's hidden gem of biodiversity. Upon arrival, we check into our comfortable lodge nestled within the park's lush surroundings.

As the day winds down, we embark on a breathtaking sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, one of the park's crown jewels. Gliding across the tranquil waters, we're treated to an up-close encounter with the park's diverse wildlife. Massive Nile crocodiles bask on the shoreline, while pods of hippos grunt and snort as they surface nearby. The lake's shores teem with a vibrant array of birdlife, from majestic fish eagles to colourful kingfishers darting above the water. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in a spectacular array of oranges and purples, we're rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This magical experience not only offers a unique perspective of Akagera's ecosystem but also sets the stage for the exciting safari adventures that await us in the coming days.

After our hearty breakfast, we embark on our safari game drive through the diverse landscapes of Akagera NP. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to witness wildlife up close. Visitors can expect to encounter a variety of animals, including majestic zebras, towering elephants, graceful antelopes, powerful buffalos, and playful baboons. As midday approaches, we pause for a picturesque picnic lunch by one of the park's serene lakes. This tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop to observe crocodiles and hippos. The park serves as a haven for over 500 species of birds, making it a paradise for both casual nature enthusiasts and avid birdwatchers alike. In the afternoon, our journey continues as we venture into the northern part of the park. This area is characterised by its lush, verdant plains, offering a stark contrast to the southern savannah. The changing landscape not only showcases the park's ecological diversity but also increases our chances of spotting elephants.