This is my tried and tested 10-day itinerary for showing off Rwanda to friends and family who visit. I planned it to make sure to hit (almost) all corners of the country and have visitors see each province.
This is a starting point, and of course add in your own favorite spots. Your favorite restaurant, your favorite bar, and the places that are special to you. (I took my friend to my old village in Nyamasheke and we had to skip the hot springs because the nuns insisted on feeding us lunch).
It is possible to travel by bus, taxi or moto, but is easiest if you rent a car (with 4-wheel drive!). Accommodations can be changed to fit budgets and comfort levels, so I focused on the ‘what to see and do’ more, rather than where to sleep.
Pro-tip: For those visitng from abroad, many international flights arrive in the evening, so get to your hotel/hostel/friend’s house and shower, eat something, drink lots of water and go to sleep!
SOUTHERN PROVINCE
Day 1
Morning: Drive to Nyanza to visit the King’s Palace, then drive to Huye. Visit the Ethnographic Museum, have dinner at Hotel Ibis (great people watching!) and visit Inzozi Nziza for soft serve ice cream.
Walk around the National University of Rwanda Arboretum, if there’s time and day-light. Stay the night at Mont Huye Motel.
Day 2
Drive to Nyamagabe, visit Huye Mountain Coffee for a tour and tasting, visit Kitabi eco center and stay night there or drive through Nyungwe and stay a night at Nyungwe/Gisakura guest house.
Have drinks at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (for the view!).