Discovering Rwanda: From vibrant Kigali to Gorilla Encounters in Volcanoes National Park
Day 1: 24 Hours in Kigali - History, Art, and Soul Food After a smooth direct flight from Heathrow (with a cheeky Premium Economy upgrade which was an unexpected treat), we landed in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Our ground team swept us off to a private lounge to freshen up whilst they collected our luggage - we were off to a good start! Eric, our guide helped us through immigration, and after a delicious Rwandan breakfast at our hotel, we dove headfirst into a city tour. First stop was the Kigali Genocide Memorial & Museum — an incredibly powerful and emotional visit that’s absolutely essential on any visit to Rwanda to help really understand the past and everything this country has been through. The resilience of the Rwandan people really blew me away.
To lighten things up, we wandered through a craft market, chatting with locals and picking up some souvenirs. This was quite the contrast to our morning so I'll be honest, I did find it a little overwhelming. Maybe save this for your last day? Lunch at La Creola was an absolute treat — epic views, delicious local dishes, and fruity mocktails helped re-energise us for the afternoon ahead!
In the afternoon, Kigali’s art scene was calling us! The community galleries we visited showcased stunning local talent — I seriously wanted to pack up every piece and take it home.
Back at our hotel - The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali - I couldn’t resist a site visit to see their Pool Villas, followed by a heavenly complimentary massage (an absolute must after 36 hours awake, if you ask me). Dinner was a blur because we were so tired at this point that we were in bed before turndown service even had chance to do their thing!
Days 2-3: Safari Magic at Akagera National Park Next up, safari time!! Akagera National Park, located in the east of Rwanda, was home for the next two nights. We stayed at Magashi Camp, a luxurious, intimate retreat with just eight tents, each with stunning views of a peaceful lake where hippos and crocodiles lounge like they own the place.
Our days were a whirlwind of game drives and boat safaris. Akagera is home to the Big Five (we checked off four of them - leopard eluded us this time but there’s always next time!), plus giraffes, zebras, silver monkeys, eland, and enough birdlife to keep even the most dedicated twitcher happy.
Magashi’s private concession gave us the chance to go off-roading like real safari pros. The exclusivity and personalised service made every moment feel special, whether we were relaxing by the pool or sipping vino around the boma under the stars.
The food? Phenomenal. Endless choices, tasty snacks, and enough culinary creativity to keep even the pickiest eaters happy! If you wanted something off menu - as long as they had the ingredients, no problem!
Akagera was the perfect lead-in to the next chapter: the legendary Volcanoes National Park and the experience of a lifetime — gorilla trekking.
Days 4-6: Into the Misty Mountains - Volcanoes National Park & Gorilla Trekking Volcanoes National Park is a place that lives up to the hype and then some. We checked in to Bisate Reserve, perched inside an extinct volcanic crater with views of the Virunga Mountains that made me pinch myself. This place is pure luxury meets understated wild beauty - from soaking in a hot tub with forest views to indulging in in-room massages, every moment was unforgettable.
The highlight? Gorilla trekking. After a challenging hike through dense jungle, we found the Izuba family and spent an hour watching these incredible creatures in their natural home. It was emotional, humbling, and absolutely magical. Honestly, that hour flew by much faster than I wanted.
We also tracked the cheeky Golden Monkeys, whose bamboo forest antics were a delight to watch. Plus, we got involved in Bisate’s reforestation project, planting trees with GPS certificates as proof. Yes - I am already plotting a return visit so I can check on my tree babies!
Bisate’s food was next-level delicious, and the staff anticipated our every need before we even knew what we wanted. Despite the luxe feel, there’s a deep connection here — to the land, the local community, and crucial conservation efforts that make experiences like this possible.
This was hands down the most special place I’ve ever stayed. Rwanda stole my heart — and I can’t wait to go back.
If you’re dreaming of a trip that blends history, culture, heart-pounding adventure, and luxury with purpose, Rwanda is calling your name. Whether you’re wandering Kigali’s vibrant streets, spotting elephants by a lake, or sharing space with gorillas in the mist, this is travel that touches your soul.
Need help crafting your own unforgettable Rwandan journey? You know who to call.
