Overview
10 Day Rwanda Safari, is an incurable and interesting Safari experience. This trip will offer you a great opportunity to experience the beauty of Rwanda – the “land of a thousand Hills.” Enjoy the different backdrops and Landscape of Rwanda as you turn along the hilly roads. The parks are a mixture of savannah, forest, and mountainous. You will trek Chimps in Nyungwe forest, and gorillas in Volcanoes national park and enjoy game drives in Akagera National Park and relaxation on the beautiful lake Kivu.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
- Day 2: City tour and transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 3: Morning game drive and afternoon Boat cruise on lake Ihema
- Day 4: Transfer from Akagera to Nyungwe forest National Park
- Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy Walk
- Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 7: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda
- Day 8: Golden monkey trekking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
- Day 9: Lake Kivu experience
- Day 10: Transfer to Kigali for Departure
Day to Day Detailed Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour guide. Followed by a short transfer to the hotel where you will spend your first night. The hotel offers exquisite rooms, top-notch amenities, and stunning views of the city. After checking in, you can relax and unwind from your journey. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, featuring both local and international cuisine.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meal plan: Dinner
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a city tour of Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which offers a poignant insight into Rwanda's past, and then explore local markets to experience the vibrant culture. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will embark on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into Ruzizi Tented Lodge, a beautiful eco-friendly accommodation on the shores of Lake Ihema. Enjoy an evening game drive, followed by dinner at the lodge and overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Ruzizi Tented Lodge/Magashu Camp, Mantis Akagera Lodge (Luxury), Akagera Transit Lodge (Mid-range), Dereva Hotel (Budget).
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Wake up early for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and various antelope species, Mornings offer the best wildlife sighting when the animas are most active since they are coming out to craze. Return to the lodge for breakfast, and spend the rest of the morning relaxing. After lunch, take a boat trip on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The day ends with a sundowner and dinner at the lodge.
Accommodation options: Ruzizi Tented Lodge/Magashu Camp, Mantis Akagera Lodge (Luxury), Akagera Safari Camp(mid-range), Akagera transit lodge (Budget)
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
After an early breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, a journey that offers picturesque views of Rwanda’s rolling hills. En route, stop for lunch in Huye (formerly Butare) and visit the National Museum of Rwanda. Arrive at Nyungwe in the late afternoon and check into the lodge for relaxation. Later enjoy dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Mantis Kivu (Luxury), Nyungwe Hill top (Mid-range), Ear Ken Barham Guest House/ Kitabi Eco Centre (Budget)
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Start your day with an early breakfast before heading out for chimpanzee trekking. Accompanied by experienced guides, explore the dense forest and observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. First you will attend a briefing from the park rangers then after you will start the trek in the forest. The trek may last from 1-4hours and one hour which you will spend with them after you have found them. After, return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or enjoying optional activities such as a canopy walk or tea plantation tour. Dinner and overnight at Nyungwe House.
Today, you can choose from several activities in Nyungwe Forest. Consider a guided nature walk to spot other primates, birds, and the diverse flora of the forest. Alternatively, participate in a cultural visit to a nearby community. After a day of exploration, return to the lodge for a relaxing evening and a delicious dinner.
Accommodation options: Mantis Kivu (Luxury), Nyungwe Hill top (Mid-range), Ear Ken Barham Guest House/ Kitabi Eco Centre (Budget)
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park, home to the famous mountain gorillas. The drive offers breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains. Arriving in the lodge in time for lunch. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the lodge as you prepare for gorilla trekking the following day.
Accommodation options: La Palme Hotel or Muthaura Hotel (Budget), Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Gorilla Solutions Lodge (mid-range), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Ingagi Park view Lodge, Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco lodge (Luxury)
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today is the highlight of your safari – gorilla trekking. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on the trek. Accompanied by experienced trackers and guides, hike through the forest to find a gorilla family and spend a magical hour observing these incredible creatures. Return to the lodge for lunch. After lunch, you will go for Iby’iwacu cultural visit to the Nearby community where you will meet and interact with the locals and learn more about the Rwandan culture. You will also enjoy some local performances like the traditional dances among others. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
You will wake up and have breakfast, just like the Gorilla trekking, you will head out to the park headquarters for another briefing on the does and the don’ts for Golden monkey trekking. After, you will be accompanied by the rangers to start the trek. Although not as hectic as the gorillas, the Golden monkeys are easier to find since they are ambit nosier and the trek follows the bamboo shoots left behind when feeding. Once you have found them, you will be allowed one hour with them as you watch them go about their daily activities. Return to the lodge for lunch and exit the park and drive to lake Kivu one of Africa’s Great Lakes. you will arrive here in the afternoon check in to the lodge for relaxation. Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation options: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury)
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
This day is dedicated to relaxation and enjoying the serene beauty of Lake Kivu. After breakfast, you can choose to take part in various water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply lounging by the beach. Visit local fishing villages or hike along the lakeshore for a more active day. Return to Cormoran Lodge for dinner and a peaceful night.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Wake up and have a relaxed morning breakfast and thereafter, check out of the lodge a drive back o Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may opt for city tour and final shopping for some beautiful souvenirs of your liking. You will have lunch and then the driver guide will drop you off at the Kigali airport for your departure flight back home. Marking the end of the 10 days Rwanda safari.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
End of tour
Tour Includes & Excludes
The Tour Includes
- Accommodation and meals
- Transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle
- Services of professional safari driver guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Golden monkey permit
- Iby’iwacu cultural tour fees
- Park entrance fees
- Boat fees
- Canopy walks
- All other activities included in the itinerary
The Tour Excludes
- Visas
- Personal insurance
- Tips for guides, porters, and services staff at the hotels
- Laundry services
- Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Optional activities
- All other items of personal nature