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.

Take a break from the city and head to Safaris and Nature & Wildlife Tours. Head to Inema Arts Centre and Azizi Life Boutiquefor plenty of shopping. Next up on the itinerary: relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, brush up on your knowledge of spirits at 1000 Hills Distillery, wander the streets of Muslim Quarter, and view the masterpieces at Ivuka Arts Studio.

For ratings, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, go to the Kigali road trip app.

Lagos, Nigeria to Kigali is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Lagos to Kigali. Traveling from Lagos in December, expect Kigali to be little chillier, temps between 31°C and 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) 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.

Escape the urban bustle at Volcanoes National Park and Kayaking & Canoeing. Step out of Ruhengeri to go to Rubavu and see Congo Nile Trail, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. It doesn't end there: look for gifts at Umuzabibu Mwiza - Home to Handspun Hope and make a trip to Karisoke Research Center - Dian Fossey Camp.

For maps, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Ruhengeri online trip maker.

Traveling by car from Kigali to Ruhengeri takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Kigali in December; daily highs in Ruhengeri reach 26°C and lows reach 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly back home.