8 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.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Sat): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Kigali, then view the masterpieces at Ivuka Arts Studio, then stop by Azizi Life Boutique, and finally take in the exciting artwork at Choose Kigali Art Gallery. On the next day, take in the history at Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial, then pause for some serene contemplation at Saint-Famille Church, and then see Off-Road Tours.

To find traveler tips, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Kigali day trip site.

If you are flying in from Canada, the closest major aiport is Kigali International Airport. In April, daytime highs in Kigali are 30°C, while nighttime lows are 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to drive to Ruhengeri.

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

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Congo Nile Trail and Iby'iwacu Cultural Village. Visiting Kayaking & Canoeing and Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo will get you outdoors. There's still lots to do: look for gifts at Umuzabibu Mwiza - Home to Handspun Hope and make a trip to Karisoke Research Center - Dian Fossey Camp.

To see traveler tips, reviews, photos, and tourist information, read our Ruhengeri trip itinerary builder.

Drive from Kigali to Ruhengeri in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. While traveling from Kigali, expect slightly colder days and about the same nights in Ruhengeri, ranging from highs of 25°C to lows of 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Wed) to allow time for the car ride 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 4th (Thu): get curious at Museum of Environment, then explore the activities along Lake Kivu, and then cast your line with Kivu boat tours.

To see maps, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Kibuye online road trip planner.

Drive from Ruhengeri to Kibuye in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In May, plan for daily highs up to 28°C, and evening lows to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Thu) early enough to drive to Butare.

Butare is a city in the Southern Province of Rwanda and capital of Huye district. Kick off your visit on the 5th (Fri): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Butare catholic Cathedral and then see the interesting displays at Murambi Genocide Memorial Center. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: don't miss a visit to The Royal Palace, then get engrossed in the history at King's Palace Museum, and then see the interesting displays at Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda.

For traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Butare online travel planner.

You can drive from Kibuye to Butare in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. May in Butare sees daily highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive back home.