Day 1 of the 8-day Rwanda tour itinerary starts with your arrival in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Kigali is a vibrant city known for its cleanliness and safety, and it is an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of the country.

The first activity on the itinerary is a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. This memorial is dedicated to the more than one million Rwandans who lost their lives during the genocide, which occurred over a period of 100 days between April and July 1994. The memorial serves as a reminder of the atrocities that occurred during the genocide, and it is a powerful way to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.

After the visit to the memorial, the itinerary includes a visit to the Kimironko Market, a bustling local market where you can purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the local culture and interact with the locals, who are known for their friendly and welcoming nature.

The final activity for the day is checking into your hotel and relaxing for the evening. The hotel is likely to be located in a convenient location that allows easy access to the other parts of the city. You can enjoy a relaxing evening, perhaps by indulging in the local cuisine or just taking in the stunning views of the city. Overall, Day 1 of the Rwanda tour itinerary offers an excellent introduction to the history and culture of Rwanda, as well as the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Day 2 of the 8-day Rwanda tour itinerary involves a drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is located in the southwestern region of Rwanda. Nyungwe Forest National Park is a protected area that boasts one of the oldest and most pristine rainforests in Africa, covering over 1000 square kilometers. With its lush vegetation, unique wildlife, and stunning landscapes, Nyungwe Forest National Park is a nature lover's paradise. The park is home to over 300 species of birds, 75 species of mammals, and 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, and baboons. This day is dedicated to exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of the park through two exciting activities.

Upon arrival at the park, the first activity on the itinerary is a visit to the chimpanzee trekking trail. This guided trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these amazing primates in their natural habitat. The chimpanzee trekking experience typically lasts 2-3 hours, during which you'll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will lead you to the best spots for spotting the chimps. The trek takes visitors through dense forest trails, and as you follow your guide's lead, you'll hear the calls and sounds of the chimpanzees in the distance. Once you find them, you'll spend an hour observing their behavior and taking photos, while learning about their habits and lifestyle. As you get closer, you'll be able to spot them moving through the trees or grooming each other.

Chimpanzees are social animals that live in large communities, led by an alpha male. They are known for their intelligence and ability to use tools, such as sticks and rocks, to help them gather food. It's a truly unforgettable experience that provides a unique insight into the world of these intelligent and fascinating animals.

In addition to the chimpanzee trekking, Nyungwe Forest National Park offers a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy, including a canopy walk. The canopy walk is a suspended bridge that is suspended over the forest floor, providing an incredible bird's eye view of the park. The walkway is suspended 60 meters above the ground and stretches over 200 meters across a lush valley. This is the only canopy walk in East Africa and offers a unique opportunity to see the forest from a different perspective. The walk takes you across a series of rope bridges and walkways, which are suspended between tall trees and lush foliage. From the top, you'll be able to see the park's incredible biodiversity, including monkeys, birds, and other animals. This is a great opportunity to take breathtaking photos and appreciate the forest's beauty from a unique vantage point. The canopy walk is a truly unique experience that offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and diversity of Rwanda.

Overall, Day 2 of the Rwanda tour itinerary is an action-packed day that offers an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful and diverse natural environments in the world. With activities like chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk, visitors are sure to have an adventure that they'll remember for a lifetime.

Day 3 of the 8 Days Rwanda tour itinerary involves exploring the Nyungwe Forest National Park and transferring to Lake Kivu. This day promises a great adventure with exciting activities that will leave you with lasting memories.

The day begins with a guided hike through the Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is one of the most biodiverse rainforests in Africa. The forest is home to primates, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and golden monkeys, birds and countless species of butterflies. The hike provides an opportunity to spot some of these incredible creatures and learn about their behaviors and habitats from your experienced guide.

After the hike, you will visit the Kamiranzovu swamp, which is a large swamp area that attracts a variety of birdlife. This is a perfect location for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, as it offers a chance to spot some of the rarest bird species found in the park including the Ruwenzori Turaco, the Red-collared Babbler, and the Grauer's Swamp Warbler. These birds have adapted to the forest's diverse habitat and can be spotted in different areas of the forest. The Ruwenzori Turaco, for example, is known for its vibrant colors and can be found in the forest's high canopy. The Red-collared Babbler, on the other hand, is a ground-dwelling bird that feeds on insects and can be seen in the forest's undergrowth. Lastly, the Grauer's Swamp Warbler is a secretive bird that inhabits the forest's wetlands and is known for its distinctive song.  The marsh is also home to other wildlife such as antelopes, monkeys, and baboons.

In the afternoon, you will drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa's great lakes located in western Rwanda. This is a stunning location surrounded by lush hills and picturesque views of the lake. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge for dinner and relaxation. The lodge is located on the shores of the lake, providing a serene atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Overall, Day 3 of the 8 Days Rwanda tour itinerary offers a unique and exciting experience for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The guided hike through the rainforest provides an opportunity to spot some of Africa's most incredible creatures, while the visit to the Kamiranzovu Marsh and Lake Kivu offers a chance to relax and unwind in a stunning natural environment.

Day 4 of the 8 Days Rwanda Tour Itinerary begins with an early morning breakfast, setting the tone for an exciting day of adventure and exploration. After breakfast, the first stop of the day is a visit to the hot springs in Gisenyi.

Gisenyi is a beautiful lakeside town located on the northern shores of Lake Kivu. The town is known for its natural hot springs that are believed to have therapeutic properties. The hot springs are a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

After exploring the hot springs, the next activity on the itinerary is lunch at the shores of Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Africa and is situated between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The lake is known for its beautiful scenery, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Lunch at the shores of Lake Kivu is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of the lake while indulging in some delicious Rwandan cuisine.

Following lunch, the tour proceeds with a boat ride on the lake. The boat ride offers a chance to explore some of the small islands that dot the lake, each with its unique features and history. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the lake while enjoying the cool breeze and the sounds of the water. We'll also have the chance to visit a local fishing village and learn about the traditional methods used to catch fish. Lake Kivu also offers a range of water activities for visitors, including swimming, kayaking, and fishing. These activities are perfect for anyone looking to have some fun in the water while enjoying the beautiful scenery and serene environment.

As the day comes to an end, the final activity on the itinerary is a drive to Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to the famous mountain gorillas, one of the world's most endangered species. Visitors can enjoy a guided trek through the park to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat. Overall, Day 4 of the 8 Days Rwanda Tour Itinerary is an excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of Lake Kivu, indulge in some delicious cuisine, and enjoy some fun water activities. The day culminates with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, making it an unforgettable experience for any nature enthusiast.

Day 5 of the 8-day Rwanda tour itinerary includes a visit to the Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is an incredible wildlife adventure that allows visitors to explore the lush rainforests of Rwanda and observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. A gorilla permit goes for $1500 each person. This once-in-a-lifetime experience takes visitors through the stunning Virunga Mountains, where they can hike and witness these gentle giants up close, while learning about their behavior and conservation efforts to protect them. It is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique glimpse into one of the most incredible creatures on Earth.

The day starts with an early morning breakfast before heading to the park's headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking and the park's conservation efforts. This briefing is crucial as it helps visitors understand the importance of conservation efforts in protecting the mountain gorillas' natural habitat. After the briefing, the visitors embark on a guided trek through the park to see the gorillas in their natural habitat. The trek is guided by experienced rangers who are well-versed in the area and can lead the visitors to the best spots to observe the gorillas. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as visitors get to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The trekking experience may last for about two to three hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. The trek is an adventure in itself as you navigate through the lush green forest, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

In addition to seeing the gorillas, visitors also get to visit the Karisoke Research Center, which was founded by Dian Fossey to study and protect the mountain gorillas. The center has been instrumental in the conservation of gorillas in the area, and visitors get to learn about the center's efforts in protecting these endangered species.

After the trek and the visit to the research center, visitors return to their lodge for dinner and relaxation. The lodges in the area offer excellent amenities and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, providing the perfect setting to unwind after a day full of adventure.

Day 6 of the 8-day Rwanda tour itinerary involves a thrilling adventure of golden monkey trekking. The day starts with an early morning breakfast to energize you for the trekking ahead. Golden monkey trekking takes place in the Volcanoes National Park, where you will have the opportunity to observe these beautiful and rare primates in their natural habitat.

Golden monkeys are a unique and endangered species found only in the Virunga Mountains of central Africa. They are named for their distinctive golden fur, which glitters in the sun. These monkeys are known for their playful nature and agile movements, making the trek to observe them an exciting and unforgettable experience. Visitors are required to obtain a permit from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to go golden monkey trekking. The permit costs $100 and allows visitors to spend up to one hour with the golden monkeys.

Trekking to see the golden monkeys is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that allows you to see these playful primates up close in their natural habitat. The trek can take anywhere from 1-4 hours, depending on the location of the monkeys and the difficulty of the terrain. It is advisable to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring a waterproof jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable.

After the golden monkey trek, the tour itinerary takes you to the twin lakes of Buhondo and Burera. These two beautiful lakes are located near the town of Musanze and are a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation and natural beauty. The twin lakes offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding hills and mountains, and the calm waters provide a serene atmosphere to unwind after the trek.

After the visit to the twin lakes, you will return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight stay. The lodge offers comfortable accommodation with all necessary amenities, allowing you to recharge after an eventful day. The lodge also offers a perfect opportunity to interact with other travelers and share experiences, making the Rwanda tour itinerary a social and enriching experience. The day ends with a comfortable stay at the lodge, preparing you for the remaining days of the tour.

Day 7 of the 8 Days Rwanda tour itinerary is a day filled with culture and nature. The day starts with a visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you will enjoy a cultural performance by the local community. This experience offers you an opportunity to learn about the traditional ways of life, customs, and beliefs of the Rwandan people. You will be amazed by the energy, dances, and songs of the local community, which will leave you with lasting memories.

The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village is located in Musanze district, in the northern part of Rwanda. It is a community-based tourism initiative that was created to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Rwanda. The village is home to various traditional activities, including pottery making, banana beer brewing, basket weaving, and traditional medicine preparation. You will have the chance to participate in some of these activities and learn from the locals.

After the cultural performance at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, you will drive to Akagera National Park for an unforgettable wildlife experience. The transfer to Akagera National Park takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the route taken. Along the way, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the countryside and stop at local markets to buy souvenirs or sample traditional Rwandan cuisine. Akagera National Park is located in the eastern part of Rwanda and is one of the country's most beautiful parks. The park is named after the Akagera River, which flows through it and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions, and leopards. The park also has over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for bird watchers.

Upon arrival at Akagera National Park, you will check in at your accommodation and enjoy some relaxation time. Later in the day, you can choose to embark on an evening game drive to explore the park's wildlife in the cooler hours of the day. This will give you a chance to see some of the park's nocturnal animals, such as hyenas, bushbabies, and genets.

In summary, Day 7 of the 8 Days Rwanda tour itinerary is a perfect blend of culture and nature.

Day 8 of the 8 Days Rwanda tour itinerary is all about experiencing the beauty of Akagera National Park. Akagera National Park is the largest protected wetland and savannah ecosystem in Rwanda, and it is home to a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and more.

The day starts with a morning game drive, which is an excellent opportunity to see the park's wildlife in their natural habitat. During the game drive, visitors are guided by experienced rangers who will take you through different parts of the park to spot various animals. The rangers are knowledgeable and provide interesting information about the animals and their behaviors, making the experience informative and enjoyable.

After the game drive, visitors will enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema. The boat cruise provides an opportunity to see the aquatic wildlife species such as hippos and crocodiles and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

After the boat cruise, visitors will transfer to Kigali International Airport for their departure flight. The transfer from Akagera National Park to Kigali takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. Visitors are advised to pack and prepare for their departure in advance to avoid delays.

In conclusion, Day 8 of the 8 Days Rwanda tour itinerary is a great way to end your trip to Rwanda by experiencing the beauty of Akagera National Park. The morning game drive and boat cruise offer unique and memorable experiences, while the transfer to Kigali International Airport ensures a smooth departure from Rwanda.