10 days Rwanda safari is a thrilling journey that takes you through Rwanda’s diverse landscapes and national parks, offering unforgettable encounters with wildlife, primates, and cultural experiences. You’ll explore Akagera National Park for game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, experience the famous canopy walk, and hike through Volcanoes National Park to meet mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The adventure concludes with relaxation at Lake Kivu and a return to Kigali for a city tour before departure.

Tour Highlights 

  • Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
  • Mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park
  • Boat safari on Lake Ihema
  • Kigali city tour, including the Genocide Memorial and local attractions
  • Relaxation and boat cruise on the scenic Lake Kivu
  • Coffee experience on Coffee Island
  • Cultural encounter at the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’Iwacu)
  • Visit the picturesque Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo

Detailed Itinerary For 10 Days Rwanda Safari.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour & Hotel Check-in

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport by our professional guide, who will be holding a placard with your name. After introductions, you’ll embark on a short Kigali city tour. The tour includes visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an emotional yet insightful experience that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide. You’ll also explore local markets and cultural centers, offering an opportunity to interact with Rwandans and learn about their traditions. Lunch will be at a top-rated restaurant in the city before transferring to your hotel for check-in, relaxation, and dinner.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Serena Hotel Kigali

  • Mid-range: Hotel Chez Lando

  • Budget: Iris Guest House

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2 of 10 Days in Rwanda Safari: Drive to Akagera National Park – Evening Game Drive

After an early breakfast, you’ll depart Kigali for a 2.5-hour scenic drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on an evening game drive, exploring the diverse habitats of the park. Expect sightings of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos), along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and numerous bird species. The golden light of the sunset provides the perfect backdrop for photography.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp

  • Mid-range: Akagera Game Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

You’ll start your day with a morning game drive at sunrise, the best time to spot predators such as lions and leopards on the hunt. The savannah plains offer breathtaking views of diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. After the game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, home to hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. The peaceful cruise provides an excellent contrast to the excitement of the game drive.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp

  • Mid-range: Akagera Game Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 of 10 Days in Rwanda Safari : Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, you’ll set off for Nyungwe Forest National Park, a 5-hour drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. The journey offers stunning views of rolling hills, terraced farms, and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge, enjoy a warm meal, and have the evening to relax in preparation for the next day’s adventure.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House

  • Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

  • Budget: Gisakura Guest House

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Early morning, you’ll have breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Guided by experienced rangers, you’ll venture into the dense rainforest in search of chimpanzees. Upon locating them, you’ll spend an hour observing their playful behavior and interactions.

After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon is free for optional activities such as nature walks or cultural interactions with local communities.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 4

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Canopy Walk Experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, head to Nyungwe Forest National Park for the famous canopy walk, one of East Africa’s most thrilling forest adventures. Suspended about 70 meters above the forest floor, the canopy walkway offers breathtaking views of the lush rainforest, waterfalls, and rolling hills. As you cross the bridge, keep an eye out for playful monkeys, colorful butterflies, and a variety of bird species that inhabit the forest canopy.

After the experience, return to the lodge for lunch and spend the remainder of the day relaxing or enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Nyungwe Forest.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 4
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy breakfast before departing Nyungwe Forest National Park for a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The journey takes approximately 5–6 hours, passing through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills, tea plantations, rural villages, and breathtaking countryside. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax as you prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure the following day.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
  • Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge
  • Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) rangers. You will then be assigned a habituated gorilla family and begin your trek through the dense rainforest. Depending on the gorillas’ location, the trek may last between 2 and 6 hours.

Once you encounter the mountain gorillas, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, and interact in their natural habitat. This extraordinary wildlife encounter is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest safari experiences.

After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 7
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Lake Kivu

Following breakfast, return to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out to track the endangered golden monkeys. These energetic and colorful primates are known for their playful behavior and are often easier to locate than mountain gorillas, making for a rewarding wildlife experience and excellent photography opportunities.

After the trek, enjoy lunch before driving to the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, check in to your lakeside lodge and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the beach, taking in the tranquil atmosphere, or exploring the nearby lakeside town.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
  • Mid-range: Paradise Malahide
  • Budget: Stipp Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Boat Cruise & Return to Kigali

Your final morning starts with a boat cruise on Lake Kivu, exploring islands and enjoying scenic views. After breakfast, you’ll transfer back to Kigali for a final city tour (if time allows) before heading to the airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

End of Safari