15 days in Rwanda Itinerary

A vacation in Kigali, Rwanda's capital city and economic hub, lets you experience the very heart of a landlocked country from a pleasant, safe, and organized base point.

Spend the 15th (Wed) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. Spend the 16th (Thu) spotting exotic species with a safari tour. The adventure continues: see the interesting displays at Kigali Genocide Memorial, take in the exciting artwork at Ivuka Arts Studio, stroll the grounds of Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial, and steep yourself in history at Ntarama Church.

For ratings, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Kigali trip itinerary builder tool.

Sydney, Australia to Kigali is an approximately 24.5-hour flight. Traveling from Sydney to Kigali, you'll gain 8 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Sydney in February, plan for little chillier nights in Kigali, with lows around 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Ruhengeri.

Most tourism in Ruhengeri revolves around the famous national park, which shelters mountain gorillas of the volcanic Virunga range.

Spend the 19th (Sun) exploring nature at Volcanoes National Park. Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Iby'iwacu Cultural Village, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, don't miss a visit to Karisoke Research Center - Dian Fossey Camp, and stop by Umuzabibu Mwiza - Home to Handspun Hope.

For maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Ruhengeri trip planner.

You can drive from Kigali to Ruhengeri in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Kigali in February, expect nights in Ruhengeri to be about the same, around 17°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) to allow time to drive to Kibuye.

Kibuye is a city in Karongi District, and the headquarters of the Western Province in Rwanda.LocationThe city lies on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu, between Gisenyi and Cyangugu, approximately 135km, by road, west of Kigali, the capital and largest city in the country. Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Wed): contemplate the long history of Bisesero Genocide Memorial, then explore the activities along Lake Kivu, and then take a tour by water with Kivu boat tours.

To see where to stay, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read Kibuye travel planner.

Traveling by car from Ruhengeri to Kibuye takes 3 hours. In February, daily temperatures in Kibuye can reach 27°C, while at night they dip to 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) so you can go by car to Butare.

Butare is a city in the Southern Province of Rwanda and capital of Huye district. On the 23rd (Thu), see the interesting displays at Murambi Genocide Memorial Center and then see the interesting displays at Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate the long history of The Royal Palace, take an in-depth tour of King's Palace Museum, and then steep yourself in history at The Palace of King Mutara III Rudahigwa.

Before you visit Butare, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Traveling by car from Kibuye to Butare takes 3.5 hours. When traveling from Kibuye in February, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Butare: temperatures range from 32°C by day to 19°C at night. You will leave for home on the 25th (Sat).