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.

Mama Rwanda Village and Campaign Against Genocide Museum will appeal to museum buffs. Shop till you drop at Abien Arts Center and Niyo Arts Gallery. There's lots more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saint-Famille Church, look for gifts at Azizi Life Boutique, view the masterpieces at Inema Arts Centre, and explore the different monuments and memorials at Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial.

To see photos, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Kigali trip builder website.

Chicago, USA to Kigali is an approximately 24.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time (CST) to Central Africa Time (CAT) is 8 hours. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Chicago in May: high temperatures in Kigali hover around 78°F and lows are around 63°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) 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.

On the 12th (Fri), explore the striking landscape of Volcanoes National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for gifts at Umuzabibu Mwiza - Home to Handspun Hope, contemplate the long history of Iby'iwacu Cultural Village, and then don't miss a visit to Karisoke Research Center - Dian Fossey Camp.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Ruhengeri vacation planner.

You can drive from Kigali to Ruhengeri in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Kigali in May: high temperatures in Ruhengeri hover around 71°F and lows are around 58°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can travel back home.