This 9 days Rwanda safari combines the country’s famous primate experiences with wildlife viewing. The journey takes you through Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, you will enjoy game drives, boat cruises, chimpanzee tracking, canopy walks, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and cultural experiences. The safari also includes quieter places that offer a deeper look into Rwanda’s landscapes and local communities.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Day 2: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Day 5: Nature Walk and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 6: Explore Lake Kivu and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience
Day 8: Golden monkey tracking and twin Lakes
Day 9: Return to Kigali and Departure
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Your guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport before beginning the drive to Akagera National Park. The journey takes about 2½ to 3 hours through Rwanda’s countryside.
Akagera National Park lies in eastern Rwanda near the Tanzanian border. It is Rwanda’s only savannah national park and covers grasslands, woodlands, 0lakes and wetlands. The park is home to the Big Five, many antelope species, hippos, crocodiles and over 500 bird species. It offers a different safari experience from Rwanda’s mountain and rainforest parks.
After arriving, enjoy an evening game drive if time allows. Wildlife is often active during the cooler hours of the day. You may spot giraffes, zebras, buffaloes or antelopes before sunset. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit one of the park’s scenic viewpoints overlooking Lake Ihema. Accommodation options include Magashi Camp (Luxury), Akagera Game Lodge (Mid-range) and Akagera Rhino Lodge (Budget).
Day 2: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
Start early with a morning game drive across the northern plains. This area offers excellent opportunities to see elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and several antelope species.
After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Hippos, crocodiles, African fish eagles and many water birds are common along the shoreline. Later, explore some of the quieter southern wetlands. These less-visited areas attract many birds and provide peaceful scenery away from busy safari routes. Return to your lodge for dinner. Accommodation optuions include Magashi Camp, Akagera Game Lodge and Akagera Rhino Lodge
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Leave Akagera after breakfast and drive to Nyungwe National Park. The journey takes about 6 to 7 hours. Along the way, stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza. The museum explains Rwanda’s royal history and traditional culture. Continue to Huye for a visit to the Ethnographic Museum before driving through rolling hills and tea plantations.
Arrive at Nyungwe in the evening. Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest mountain rainforests. It protects a rich variety of plants and wildlife including chimpanzees and many monkey species. The park is also known for bird watching, forest walks, waterfalls and the famous canopy walkway. Accommodation options include One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Mid-range) and Gisakura Guest House (Budget)
Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Leave early for chimpanzee tracking after a ranger briefing. Listen for loud calls as your guide leads you through the forest. Spend one hour observing the chimpanzees after locating them.
Later, enjoy the canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor. The bridge offers excellent views of trees, birds and butterflies. If time allows, visit the nearby tea plantation for a guided walk and learn about tea production. Return to your lodge. Accommodation options include One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel and Gisakura Guest House.
Day 5: Nature Walk and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Begin the day with a guided nature walk inside Nyungwe Forest. Your guide will explain forest plants, birds, insects and medicinal trees. You may also hike the Waterfall Trail. This route passes through dense forest before reaching a waterfall.
After lunch, drive to Lake Kivu. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes. It sits along Rwanda’s western border and offers peaceful scenery, sandy beaches, fishing villages and small islands. It provides a relaxing break between forest adventures. Accommodation options include Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Luxury), Kivu Serena Hotel (Mid-range) and Paradise Malahide (Budget)
Day 6: Explore Lake Kivu and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy a morning boat trip on Lake Kivu. Visit Napoleon Island which is home to fruit bats or explore nearby fishing villages. The lakeside town offers a slower pace than the national parks. It is an excellent place to experience local life.
After lunch, drive to Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes about 2½ to 3 hours. Volcanoes National Park forms part of the Virunga Mountains. It is Rwanda’s leading destination for mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking. The park also protects volcanic forests, bamboo zones, and several mountain peaks. Accommodation options include Bisate lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique hotel (mid-range) and Da Vinci gorilla lodge (budget)
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience
After an early briefing, begin your gorilla trek with experienced park rangers. The hike may last between two and six hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Spend one hour watching the gorillas feed, play, and interact with one another.
In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Local residents share traditional dances, crafts, farming methods and conservation stories. Return to your lodge for dinner. Accommodation options include Bisate lodge, Five Volcanones boutique hotel and Da Vinci gorilla lodge.
Day 8: Golden monkey tracking and twin Lakes
After breakfast, track golden monkeys in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These colourful primates are active and often move quickly through the trees.
Later, visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. The lakes offer beautiful views of the Virunga Volcanoes and receive fewer visitors than many other attractions. If time allows, visit a nearby coffee farm to learn how local farmers grow and process coffee. Return to your lodge. Accommodation options include Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel and Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Day 9: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. The journey takes about 2½ to 3 hours. Before your flight, visit Caplaki Craft Village for locally made souvenirs or enjoy a final cup of Rwandan coffee. Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your Rwanda primates and wildlife safari.
End of Safari
This Safari Package Covers:
Gorilla Permit
Entrance Fee to Genocide Memorial Museum
Boat Ride fees on lake Kivu
Park Ranger Fees
Relevant Government Taxes.
Full Board Accommodation (3 nights) and en-route meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Full time English speaking Driver/Guide
Ground Transportation by a 4×4 safari vehicle
Airport transfer, as long as your flight is on the same day on which the safari ends.
Safari Exclusions:
Airfares
Visa Fees
Personal Insurance
Expenses of personal nature such as; drinks, tips, laundry, telephone, cigarettes, accommodation & meals not indicated in the itinerary and optional activities.
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