Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport for your 12 Days Best Rwanda primate safari and Burundi cultural safari tour holiday, you will meet your guide, who will transfer you to the Hotel des Milles Collines. This iconic hotel provides a comfortable setting to relax after your flight. Take time to unwind and acclimatize to the local atmosphere. Depending on your arrival time, you might explore nearby attractions or enjoy the hotel's amenities. Discover the beauty of Kigali, known for its cleanliness and vibrant culture. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner featuring traditional Rwandan cuisine, such as grilled meats or plantains. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss the exciting itinerary with your guide, setting the stage for the upcoming adventures that await you in Rwanda.

After breakfast, your day starts with an enriching Kigali City Tour at 9:00 AM. Explore the cultural side of the capital, beginning with a visit to the Nyamirambo Women Center. This community-based project empowers Rwandan women through various classes like cooking, sewing, and literacy. Participate in a cooking class where you’ll prepare and taste a fresh local meal. Following this, spend the afternoon visiting local markets, where you can shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. This experience provides a deeper understanding of Rwandan culture and daily life. By the end of the day, return to Hotel des Milles Collines to unwind and reflect on the highlights of Kigali. Enjoy a peaceful night to prepare for the next day's adventures.

Start your morning with a focus on one of Rwanda’s most cherished exports: coffee. In a Coffee Master Class, you will learn about the entire process of coffee production, from cherry picking to brewing. Gather fresh coffee cherries from trees right in the café’s courtyard garden, followed by learning how to roast and prepare them. Rwandan coffee is celebrated for its delicate flavors, making this experience particularly rewarding for coffee lovers. After enjoying your freshly brewed cup, you’ll drive to Kayonza for an overnight stay at Dereva Hotel. This charming hotel provides a comfortable atmosphere to relax and wind down after a productive day. Take some time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and anticipate the cultural experiences waiting for you in the days ahead.

After breakfast, embark on a Rwanda Cultural Heritage Tour. Experience local traditions by participating in milking cows and learning about the rituals associated with milk production. This hands-on activity gives you a glimpse into rural life and the importance of dairy in Rwandan culture. Next, visit local homes to see traditional methods of preserving and storing milk. In the afternoon, head to the Imigongo Art and Craft Centre. Known for its unique art made from cow dung, this center empowers local women by providing them with skills and employment opportunities. Here, you can appreciate the creativity and resourcefulness of the artisans. Stay overnight at Dereva Hotel, reflecting on the day's rich cultural experiences and the warm hospitality of the Rwandan people.

Day five brings you to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you'll gain insight into the lives of locals who transitioned from poaching to becoming guardians of the gorillas. Engage with community members participating in traditional activities, including pottery making, brewing local beer, and dancing. This interaction fosters a deeper understanding of conservation efforts and the community's role in protecting wildlife. You might also opt for a Mukungwa River Canoe Trip. This optional adventure provides a different perspective of the local environment and wildlife. After a fulfilling day, return to La Palme Hotel for an overnight stay. This evening is a great time to relax and reflect on the meaningful connections you’ve made throughout the day, enhancing your cultural understanding of Rwanda.

Following breakfast, depart for Gisenyi, known for its scenic beauty along Lake Kivu. After checking in at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, enjoy a boat trip on Lake Kivu, where you will visit the Nyamyumba Hot Springs and a local fishing village. Witness the local community's lifestyle as you sail across the lake’s clear waters. The hot springs present an opportunity to soak in their warmth while enjoying the serene surroundings. Additionally, explore Amahoro Island before embarking on a walking tour of Gisenyi's charming city center. After a full day of adventure, return to your hotel for dinner. Relax by the lake or enjoy the hotel’s amenities, reflecting on the beautiful experiences of Gisenyi.

On this day, you will delve into Rwanda’s rich history and culture, starting with a visit to the Nyanza King’s Palace. Once the residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa, the palace offers a unique glimpse into Rwanda’s royal history. The museum is restored to reflect its 19th-century glory, constructed with traditional materials. Next, visit the Butare Ethnographic Museum to learn more about Rwanda's diverse cultures and heritage. This museum showcases various artifacts, traditional crafts, and exhibits on Rwandan life through the ages. After a day rich in learning and exploration, you will stay overnight at Mater Bon Consilii Hotel in Butare. Enjoy dinner and share your newfound insights about Rwanda’s history with fellow travelers.

After breakfast, you’ll set off toward Burundi, crossing the Rwanda-Burundi border. A brief stop for entry formalities, which takes about 10-15 minutes, leads you into a new cultural environment. Once in Burundi, visit Kibira National Park for a nature walk among its trees. Take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant park before heading to the “Grottes Inangurire,” two caves that provide a fascinating geological exploration. Afterward, visit the Teza tea plantations and factory to learn about the local tea production methods. In the afternoon, drive to Bujumbura and relax at a hotel located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. Enjoy the beach and complementary services, wrapping up the day with a refreshing view or spa treatment.

Enjoy breakfast and coffee before embarking on a Bujumbura City Tour. Start at Rusizi National Park, where you may enjoy a boat trip along the Rusizi River. This affords you a close look at hippos and diverse bird species in their natural habitats. Continue your tour with visits to the Independence Hero Mausoleum and Unity Monument, landmarks reflecting Burundi’s rich history. Additionally, stop by Belvedere Hill for panoramic views of Lake Tanganyika and the city. Also, see "La Pierre Livingstone et Stanley," commemorating the famous explorers. In the afternoon, you will drive to Gitega, the political heart of Burundi, where you’ll stay overnight at Tropitel Hotel. Use the evening to rest and prepare for the adventures awaiting you in Gitega.

After breakfast, visit the Gishora Drum Sanctuary, where you will witness a vibrant drum performance, celebrating Burundi’s rich cultural traditions. This sanctuary preserves ceremonial drums and community history, showing you the significance of drumming in local culture. After the performance, travel to the Source of the Nile in Rutovu, where you can appreciate this vital waterway's origins. Next, visit the German Falls and the stunning Karera waterfalls, highlighting the natural beauty of Burundi. You’ll spend the day traveling through beautiful terrain before concluding your journey in Rumonge. By evening, relax at the Blue Bay Resort, reflecting on the day’s activities while enjoying the serene atmosphere by the lake.

On your penultimate day, visit the Kigwena National Reserve for a nature walk, where you might spot chimpanzees, owl-faced monkeys, and baboons among other wildlife. The reserve's lush greenery makes for an enjoyable stroll, enhancing your wildlife observations. Afterward, you’ll visit a local fishing village, witnessing daily life and traditional fishing practices. In the afternoon, you can relax at the beach of Lake Tanganyika, enjoying the tranquil environment. Alternatively, return to Bujumbura for your final night, staying at the Tanganyika Blue Bay. Prepare for the end of your journey, taking this chance to reflect on the diverse cultures and wildlife you've encountered throughout your 12 Days Best Rwanda primate safari and Burundi cultural safari tour holiday.

On the last day of your 12 Days Best Rwanda primate safari and Burundi cultural safari tour holiday, enjoy breakfast and check out of your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or exploration in Bujumbura. Reflect on the thrilling moments you've encountered and the rich cultural insights you’ve gained throughout your trip. Your guide will assist with transportation to the airport, ensuring a smooth departure. As you leave, carry with you the memories of Rwanda's wildlife, Burundi's culture, and the incredible connections made along the way. This journey is not just an adventure but a vibrant tapestry of experiences that will stay with you long after returning home.