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3 days
Specific Tour
100 people
English, French, Kinyarwanda, Swahili
This two-day itinerary is crafted to showcase the “undiscovered” charm of Rutsiro, a district that acts as the bridge between the misty rainforests of Gishwati and the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu.
Since today is December 25th, you will experience Rutsiro in its vibrant holiday spirit, with lush green landscapes following the short rains.
Focus: Primates, Biodiversity, and the “Green Gold” of Rwanda.
| Time | Activity | Description |
| 06:00 | Gishwati-Mukura Expedition | Start early for Chimpanzee or Golden Monkey tracking. This is Rwanda’s newest national park and offers a more intimate, “raw” feel than the larger parks. |
| 10:00 | Kazeneza Waterfall Hike | A guided nature walk to the heart of the forest. Watch for the Rwenzori Turaco and other Albertine Rift endemic birds. |
| 12:30 | Gishwati Farming Experience | Visit a local community farm. Learn about the unique Gishwati Honey and tree-tomato (Ikimenke) cultivation. |
| 14:00 | Rutsiro Tea Masterclass | Tour the Rutsiro Tea Factory and its sweeping plantations. You’ll witness the high-altitude plucking process and enjoy a tasting of some of the world’s highest-quality black tea. |
| 16:30 | Congo-Nile Center Market | Immerse yourself in the local trade. In December, the market is full of seasonal fruits like passion fruit and avocados. |
| Overnight | Stay in Rutsiro | Options include the Dian Fossey Hotel Rutsiro or the Bumba Base Camp for a more “trail-head” atmosphere. |
Focus: Water adventure, Congo-Nile Trail logistics, and relaxation.
08:30 – Fruit Tour & Hiking: Join a local guide for a walk through the Boneza sector. Rutsiro is known as the “fruit basket” of the west; you can pick and taste fresh fruits directly from community orchards while hiking the ridges of the Congo-Nile Divide.
11:00 – The Descent: Travel down the winding roads from the high mountains toward the shores of Lake Kivu. The temperature will noticeably warm up as you descend.
13:00 – Boat Ride & Island Hopping: Depart from the Kinunu or Boneza shores. Explore the hidden inlets of Rutsiro that larger tourist boats from Rubavu rarely reach.
14:30 – Lake Swimming & Relaxation: Swim in the clear, BILHARZIA-FREE waters of Lake Kivu. The water is naturally warm and calm, perfect for a post-hike recovery.
16:00 – Coffee on the Shore: Visit the Kinunu (Rushel Kivu) coffee washing station. See how the proximity to the lake influences the “washing” process of the beans.
Terrain: Rutsiro has some of the steepest roads in Rwanda. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially for the sections of the Congo-Nile Trail.
Weather: Even in December, the Gishwati forest can be chilly and damp. Bring a high-quality rain jacket and hiking boots with good grip for the forest floor.
Permits: Ensure your Gishwati-Mukura permits are booked through the RDB (Rwanda Development Board) or a licensed operator in advance.
Member Since 2025
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