The 8 Days Best of Rwanda Safari Adventure takes you on an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s most iconic destinations, including Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and the beautiful Lake Kivu. Combining wildlife encounters, primate trekking, breathtaking scenery, and cultural experiences, this safari offers the perfect introduction to the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Begin in Akagera National Park, where you’ll enjoy exciting game drives in search of the Big Five and a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, home to hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience and the famous canopy walk, offering spectacular views over one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Next, unwind along the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu before heading to Volcanoes National Park for the ultimate wildlife experience—mountain gorilla trekking. You’ll also enjoy golden monkey trekking and a cultural visit to learn about Rwanda’s traditions and conservation efforts.
This safari showcases Rwanda’s incredible diversity, from savannah plains and lush rainforests to volcanic mountains and scenic lakes, making it an ideal adventure for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Safari Highlights
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat ride in Akagera National Park and Lake Kivu
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden Monkey tracking
- Lake Kivu
Detailed 8 Days Best of Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll receive a briefing about your safari itinerary, safety guidelines, and what to expect during your adventure. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing after your flight.
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Scheba Hotel / Chez Lando Hotel
- Mid-range: Heaven Boutique Hotel / Hôtel des Mille Collines / Lemigo Hotel
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel / The Retreat
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and other cultural landmarks. After lunch, drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. In the late afternoon, head out on an exciting game drive in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and, with luck, lions and leopards before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Akagera Game Lodge
- Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Luxury: Magashi Camp
Day 3: Morning Game Drive, Boat Cruise and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Start the day with an early morning game drive to explore more of Akagera’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. Return to the lodge for breakfast before enjoying a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you’ll spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a variety of water birds.
After lunch, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, driving through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside with a stop in Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum and learn about Rwanda’s history and culture. Continue to Nyungwe and arrive at your lodge in the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
- Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Wake up early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park. After a briefing by park rangers, venture into the rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees and spend one hour observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
After lunch, enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended approximately 40 meters above the forest floor. The walkway offers spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and excellent opportunities to spot birds and other primates.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
- Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hotel
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the lakeshore or take an optional boat cruise to explore the islands and surrounding fishing villages. You may also visit the nearby hot springs before returning to your lodge for dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Palm Beach Resort
- Mid-range: Paradise Kivu Resort
- Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Golden Monkey Trekking
After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park, arriving in time for a briefing before your golden monkey trekking adventure. Hike through the bamboo forests in search of these rare and playful primates, known for their striking golden fur and energetic behavior. After the trek, check in to your lodge and relax for the remainder of the day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Ingagi Park View Lodge
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Sabyinyo Lodge / Virunga Lodge
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience
Following an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on the highlight of your safari—mountain gorilla trekking. Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, trek through the Virunga Mountains in search of a habituated gorilla family. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village) for an authentic cultural experience featuring traditional dances, local crafts, and insights into Rwanda’s heritage and conservation efforts.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Ingagi Park View Lodge
- Luxury: Bisate Lodge / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Sabyinyo Lodge / Virunga Lodge
Day 8: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali. Depending on your departure schedule, you may have time for lunch or last-minute souvenir shopping before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable Rwanda safari to an end.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
End of the 8 Days Best of Rwanda Safari
What is Included
- Accommodation and full board basis
- One Gorilla Permit per person
- Park Entrance Fees
- Internal local flights
- Sightseeing with private guide as per the itinerary
- Transfers as detailed
What is excluded
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visa