Red Rocks Rwanda tours offer a captivating journey through this East African nation known for its rich heritage and tumultuous past. Ideally suited for travellers interested in culture, history and wildlife, these tours provide an all round understanding of the country’s heritage, from its pre-colonial roots to the post-genocide era of reconciliation and growth. Highlights include a Kigali city tour, cultural encounters, ethnic heritage, Gorilla trekking, historical sites, scenic landscapes, Rwandan cuisine and local markets. They are a great choice for those seeking meaningful and educational travel experiences.
The tours provide a profound and enlightening journey through a country that has overcome significant challenges to become a symbol of resilience and progress. From its tragic past to its vibrant present, Rwanda offers a unique blend of experiences that leave travellers with a deep appreciation for its people and heritage.
Tour Provider: Red Rocks Rwanda
Red Rocks Rwanda is a social enterprise that focuses on community, wildlife and tourism. We promote sustainable tourism through a number of community and conservation programs, a cultural tourism scheme that involves developing community and promoting nature preservation through tourism. Red Rocks Rwanda brings poor community members residing on the slopes of the Virunga massif into the tourism supply chain and supports community development projects that help people help themselves through Red Rocks Initiative for Sustainable Development, a non-profit organisation.
Our local guides are deeply familiar with Rwanda. They have extensive knowledge of the local geography, flora and fauna, enabling them to provide visitors with insights into the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. They also serve as cultural ambassadors, introducing visitors to the vibrant traditions, customs and history of the local communities. Typically, they are multilingual, with proficiency in languages such as English, French, Kinyarwanda, and sometimes other languages like Swahili. Given the centre’s emphasis on environmental conservation, the guides are well-informed about the conservation efforts in the area, including the protection of mountain gorillas and other endangered species.
Most importantly, they are skilled in creating interactive and engaging experiences for visitors, sharing captivating stories about the country’s history, from the pre-colonial era to the challenges faced during and after the Rwandan Genocide. Red Rocks Rwanda’s local guides are passionate about sharing their love for their country and its cultural and natural treasures.
Tour Details & Itineraries
7-Day Rwanda Itinerary - Culture, History & Nature
Arrival in Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali international airport, you will be picked by your driver guide and drive you to your booked hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Nest Guest House, Kigali
Day 1
Today morning after breakfast at your hotel, start your day with historical exploration of Kigali city with visits to official landmarks and places from colonial, post-independence, genocide and post-genocide times to have the most educative and incredible historical facts about Rwanda. You will be able to visit Kigali Genocide memorial site where over 250,000 genocide victims were put to rest in mass graves, visit the Belgian camp where they killed the 10 Belgian UN soldiers who were protecting the moderate prime minister before the start of genocide, explore old and new Kigali and in the evening return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Nest Guest House, Kigali
Day 2
In the morning after breakfast, you will head to Nyanza to visit the Royal Kings Palace, some 88 km south of Kigali City, this museum is less about ancient history and more about royal residences. The displays centre on a replica king’s ‘palace’ made entirely with traditional materials and offer a detailed look into the Rwandan traditional seat of their monarchy. You will learn about some of the architectural habits inside the royal compound, including why the royal beer brewer’s hut had an entrance without a lip, and other curiosities such as why the woman who looked after the king’s milk was never able to marry, traditional Rwandan royal cows known for their impressive horns, a colonial building which was also used as the palace for a time sits next door that contains a series of exhibits on the monarchy and court customs. On the neighbouring hill of Mwima, you can also visit the burial grounds of King Mutara III and his wife Queen Rosalie Gicanda. Thereafter proceed to Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum, with Rwanda’s finest ethnographic collection. Its seven galleries cover an impressive array of topics on almost anything about Rwanda you can imagine: banana beer, geology, cosmology, farming, music, dance, poetry, history, tools, hunting, animal husbandry, weaving, woodwork and transport are all profiled here, giving visitors a rich insight into culture of Rwandans.
Overnight: Hotel Maison Sifa, Butare
Day 3
After breakfast drive to Rusizi district, past the natural forest of Nyungwe well known for having 13 species of primates, then proceed to Nkanka sector of Rusizi district, to learn more about the Kinyaga Kingdom. Historically King Rwabugiri went to fight for and redeem Rwanda borders. When he arrived at Nkombo Island he shot a bullet between two mountains, and named the place Kinyaga, thus conquering his enemies.
Overnight: Peace Guests House, Rusizi
Day 4
In the morning after the breakfast, you will have a transfer to Rubavu with en route visit to Kinunu Coffee plantation and experience the process from seeds to cup of coffee, later after lunch proceed to Rubavu for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Inzu Lodge, Rubavu
Day 5
After breakfast visit the Ibere rya Bigogwe , a cattle farming region. Cows have a very special place in Rwanda both as an economic asset and as a symbol of wealth and social status. Most activities at Ibere Rya Bigogwe are obviously related to cows, but there are also nice trails for hiking and even a rock face used for rock climbing. Milking cows and tasting various dairy products such fresh cheese or Inshyushyu a pasteurized milk served hot are must-do experiences. Visitors also have the opportunity to take part in the specific Rwandan traditions and culture associated with cows and cattle keeping. Thereafter proceed to Musanze, on arrival proceed to Red Rocks Intercultural center and be introduced to drumming lessons our skilled and highly experienced local team will teach rhythms, and explaining more about our traditional drums
Overnight: Red Rocks Campsite, Musanze
Day 6
After breakfast, engage in becoming part of a village. Visit a family and be introduced to their traditional methods of farming, cutting grass for domestic animals and other agricultural activities. Be involved in conservation activities: Learn how to make traditional beer from bananas. Later after lunch, join the local women’s association for handicraft lessons. Learn how to make a decorative basket (AGASEKE), a precious feminine gift that has connotations of beauty and love.
Overnight: Red Rocks Campsite, Musanze
Day 7
After breakfast drive to Mulindi to visit the museum which will tell you the Rwandan liberation struggle, untold stories of courage and determination, victory and defiance, heroics and heartbreaks that brought to an end the genocidal regime that had unleashed one of the worst atrocities in human history, the Genocide against the Tutsi. The struggle was initiated by a political wing known as Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF). It also illustrates the sequence of events before, and after the struggle through visuals that include texts and artefacts. Thereafter drive to Kigali (your hotel or Kigali International Airport).
5-Day Rwanda Itinerary - Cultural & Natural Heritage
Day 1
For morning arrivals at Kigali International Airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel in Kigali for breakfast. Take a rest or enjoy a swim and/or a sauna. Later in the afternoon take a city tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial site, a grim reminder of senseless massacre during the 1994 genocide.
Overnight: Nest Guest House, Kigali
Day 2
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Musanze. On arrival proceed to your hotel. Later after lunch you will spend the afternoon hours on a gentle river in the lush countryside, near the gorillas, canoeing amongst the hills of Rwanda. Discover a special way of travel; soak up impressive views, watch Abundant birdlife, float past rural communities and find excitement on the river. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. Later in the evening, traditional dancers will be there to entertain, feel free to join and have an experience of dancing and drumming.
Overnight: Red Rocks Campsite, Musanze
Day 3
After breakfast visit Red Rocks initiatives for the promotion of decent work and economic growth, we support an association of local artists to produce and sell attractive art pieces to tourists. The art pieces also have the message on conservation. Talented youth have the opportunity to profit from their artistic skills. Afternoon join beekeeping association to their bee hives that they place in swamps forest areas rich in certain types of plants. Traditionally honey was used to cure several local diseases, you will be introduced to herbs and plants that help cure different diseases.
Overnight: Red Rocks Campsite, Musanze
Day 4
After breakfast, engage in becoming part of a village. Visit a family and be introduced to their traditional methods of farming, Milking, cutting grass for domestic animals and other agricultural activities. Be involved in conservation activities: Learn how to make traditional beer from bananas. Have lunch then get involved with the local women’s association for handicraft lessons. Learn how to make a decorative basket (AGASEKE), a precious feminine gift that has connotations of beauty and love.
Overnight: Red Rocks Campsite, Musanze
Day 5
After breakfast drive to the two compellingly twin lakes Bulera and Ruhondo, located just adjacent to the volcanoes. Take a boat to explore the breath-taking scenery or even join fishermen with their local canoes on the lake. You will visit one of the communities living on an Island and the highest point to have some good photos of the volcanoes especially during a clear day. Afterwards drive to Red Rocks for lunch, check out the camp and bid farewell to the locals. Later in the evening, drive back to Kigali (your hotel or Kigali International Airport).
2-Day Rwanda Itinerary - History & Genocide Memorial Tour
Day 1
Today morning after breakfast at your hotel, start your day with historical exploration of Kigali city with visits to official landmarks and places from colonial, post-independence, genocide and post-genocide times to have the most educative and incredible historical facts about Rwanda. You will be able to visit Kigali Genocide memorial site where over 250,000 genocide victims were put to rest in mass graves, visit the Belgian camp where they killed the 10 Belgian UN soldiers who were protecting the moderate prime minister before the start of genocide, explore old and new Kigali. Afternoon drive to Bugesera to visit a ‘Reconciliation’ village. The village is a social experiment – a part of the ‘Unity & Reconciliation’ whereby survivors of the genocide live side by side with the repentant ex- ‘perpetrators’ of the genocide. Hear about the ‘forgiveness’ process from both the ex-perpetrator and the Survivor, you will believe that forgiveness for horrific crimes is actually possible in reality. Later in the evening return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Nest Guest House, Kigali
Day 2
After breakfast drive to Mulindi to visit the museum which will tell you the Rwandan liberation struggle, untold stories of courage and determination, victory and defiance, heroics and heartbreaks that brought to an end the genocidal regime that had unleashed one of the worst atrocities in human history, the Genocide against the Tutsi. The struggle was initiated by a political wing known as Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). It also illustrates the sequence of events before, and after the struggle through visuals that include texts and artefacts.
Tour Prices
2 - Day
History & Genocide Tour-
Private transportation
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Services of an interpreter
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Audio simultaneous translations equipment’s to assist in listening to survivor’s testimonies
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Accommodation & meals
5 - Day
Cultural & Natural Heritage Tour-
Fees to all cultural/historical sites mentioned in the itinerary
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Private transportation on 4x4 comfortable safari vehicles
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Services for the professional safari guide/driver
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Accommodation and meals
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Payments for your full time English speaking tour guide/driver
-
En route meals
-
Bottled mineral water for refreshment
7 - Day
Culture, History & Nature Tour-
Fees to all cultural/historical sites mentioned on the itinerary
-
Private transportation on 4x4 comfortable safari vehicles
-
Services for the professional safari guide/driver
-
Accommodation and meals
-
Payments for your full time English speaking tour guide/driver
-
En route meals
-
Bottled mineral water for refreshment
Send an Enquiry
If you have any questions, or if you wish to proceed with a reservation, fill in the form below. Your enquiry will be sent directly to Red Rocks Rwanda, who will get back to you as soon as is possible.
