Day Trips from Kigali

Imagine yourself in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city, setting out early in the morning for an unforgettable safari or cultural adventure beyond the city limits. After a full day of exploration, you return to Kigali by evening to relax, enjoy the city’s nightlife, or prepare for your departure to your next destination. Whether you are in Kigali on a short layover, attending meetings, or simply looking to make the most of a free day, we’ve got you covered. Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris some most popular day trips from Kigali, each designed to give you a taste of Rwanda’s remarkable natural beauty, wildlife, and culture.

1 Day Gorilla Trekking Highlights

• Early Morning Departure: Depart Kigali around 4:30 a.m. for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s northwestern highlands. Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills and local villages en route.
• Arrival & Briefing: Upon arrival at Kinigi Park Headquarters, enjoy a cup of Rwandan coffee or tea while being assigned to a gorilla family group. Receive a detailed pre-trek briefing from park rangers on gorilla behavior and trekking guidelines.
• Gorilla Trekking Experience: Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trek through the lush rainforest of Volcanoes National Park in search of the majestic mountain gorillas. The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location.
• Magical Encounter: Spend a full one hour observing the gorilla family in their natural habitat — a profound and emotional wildlife encounter unlike any other on earth.
• Scenic Return & Lunch: After the trek, return to the park headquarters and enjoy a relaxing lunch at a nearby lodge or restaurant in Musanze before heading back to Kigali.
• Evening Return: Drive back through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside, arriving in Kigali by evening.

1 Day Akagera National Park Safari Highlights:

• Early Morning Departure: Depart Kigali at 5:30 a.m. for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park. Enjoy Rwanda’s stunning countryside views along the way.
• Big Five Game Drive: Experience an exciting full day game drive across the park’s diverse landscapes, rolling hills, savannah plains, lakes, and wetlands in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.
• Birdwatching Paradise: Spot a variety of birdlife, including African fish eagles, crowned cranes, and papyrus gonoleks, along Lake Ihema.
• Scenic Picnic Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch at one of the park’s scenic picnic spots overlooking the plains or lakes.
• Evening Return to Kigali: Exit the park in the late afternoon and drive back to Kigali, arriving in the evening.

1 Day Kigali City Tour Highlights

• Evening Return to Kigali: Exit the park in the late afternoon and drive back to Kigali, arriving in the evening.
• Morning Pickup: Meet your professional driver guide at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for a warm welcome and briefing on the day’s experience.
• Kigali Genocide Memorial: A moving and educational visit offering deep insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and path to reconciliation.
• Nyamirambo Suburb: Visiting the old city of Kigali to experience the real life of the area
• Kimironko Local Market: Immerse yourself in Kigali’s vibrant daily life, explore colorful stalls filled with fresh produce, textiles, crafts, and the friendly energy of local traders.
• Inema Arts Center: Discover contemporary Rwandan art, sculptures, and crafts created by talented local artists showcasing the country’s creative spirit.
• Lunch Experience: Enjoy authentic Rwandan or international cuisine at one of Kigali’s top restaurants, such as Heaven or Pili Pili, with panoramic city views.
• Kacyiru & Nyamirambo Drive: Experience the contrast between Kigali’s modern districts and the vibrant cultural neighborhoods, highlighting the city’s diversity and progress.
• Evening Drop-off: Return to your hotel or airport in the late afternoon, enriched by an in-depth understanding of Rwanda’s capital.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the tour essentials for a day trip from Kigali?

Our day trips are designed for maximum comfort and value, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. Each day trip includes:

• • • A private tour with a professional English or French-speaking guide
    • A comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle
    • Entrance fees or permits for all activities included in the itinerary
    • Delicious lunch during the excursion
    • Unlimited bottled mineral water throughout the trip

Do I have a guarantee to see gorillas on a 1-day trip?

Absolutely. Gorilla trekking is 100% guaranteed. Once your trekking permit is confirmed, you are assured of seeing the gorillas and spending one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.

What animals will I see on a 1-day Akagera trip?

During your game drive in Akagera National Park, expect to encounter a rich variety of wildlife including:

• • • The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino)
    • Various species of antelopes, giraffes, zebras, and hippos
    • A remarkable diversity of birdlife With a bit of luck, you might spot all five of the Big Five in a single day!

Where will you pick me up for the day trip from Kigali?

We offer door to door service for all our clients. Whether you are staying at a hotel, guesthouse, or private residence in Kigali, simply share your location or hotel name, and our professional driver guide will pick you up right from your doorstep to begin your safari adventure.

Why Travel with Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris?

Choosing a short safari doesn’t mean settling for less. At Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris, we transform every journey into a meaningful, responsible, and inspiring experience.

What Sets Us Apart

• • • • Expertise: Over 10 years of experience designing exceptional East African safaris.
      • Responsible Tourism: Deep commitment to sustainable travel that benefits both people and nature.
      • Local Ownership: 100% Rwandan-owned, with strong ties to local communities.
      • 24/7 Support: Personalized assistance before, during, and after your safari.