Overview
Experience the very best of Rwanda on this 9-Day Cultural Rwanda Safari, an unforgettable journey through the country’s diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant capital of Kigali to the wildlife-filled plains of Akagera National Park, the mist-covered Volcanoes National Park, and the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, this safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, luxury, and authentic experiences.
Enjoy thrilling game drives and a scenic boat cruise in Akagera National Park in search of the Big Five and other iconic African wildlife. Venture into the Virunga Mountains for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking endangered mountain gorillas before immersing yourself in Rwanda’s culture through visits to the Gorilla Guardians Village and Gatsura Village. Continue to Nyungwe National Park for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure and the spectacular canopy walk, where breathtaking views of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests await.
With luxurious accommodations, scenic drives through the Land of a Thousand Hills, and expertly guided experiences throughout, this 9-day safari showcases the very best of Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, and warm hospitality, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional representative and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. After check-in, enjoy a short safari briefing outlining the exciting experiences ahead. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and recovering from your journey while enjoying the comfort of one of Rwanda’s finest luxury hotels.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital and one of Africa’s cleanest cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history, resilience, and remarkable journey toward reconciliation. Continue exploring the city, discovering its modern developments, bustling neighborhoods, and local culture before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. Upon arrival, enjoy an evening game drive through the park’s rolling plains, acacia woodlands, and lakes, where you may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species.
Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Rise early for breakfast before setting off on an exciting morning game drive through Akagera National Park. Explore its diverse ecosystems while searching for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, black rhinos, giraffes, zebras, topis, waterbucks, impalas, elands, hyenas, and many other wildlife species. The park is also home to over 500 bird species, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema. This relaxing excursion offers excellent opportunities to spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and an abundance of water birds along the shoreline.
After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Akagera National Park and travel back through Kigali before continuing to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s northwestern region. The scenic drive showcases Rwanda’s breathtaking rolling hills, terraced farms, and picturesque rural communities.
Upon arrival, check in to your luxury lodge nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend the evening relaxing while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Gorilla Guardians Village
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi for registration and a briefing by park rangers. You will then be assigned a habituated mountain gorilla family and begin your trek through the lush rainforest.
Depending on the location of the gorillas, the trek may last between 2 and 6 hours. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates as they interact, feed, and care for their young in their natural habitat.
After lunch and some relaxation at the lodge, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village). Here, experience Rwanda’s rich cultural traditions through music, dance, storytelling, traditional crafts, and community demonstrations while learning how former poachers have become conservation ambassadors.
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Gatsura Village Community Experience
Following breakfast, visit the nearby Gatsura Village for an authentic cultural experience. Spend time interacting with local families and participate in traditional daily activities such as milking cows, basket weaving, pottery, banana beer brewing, farming, and preparing local dishes.
This immersive community visit offers a unique opportunity to learn about rural Rwandan life while supporting sustainable community tourism initiatives.
Return to the lodge in the afternoon to relax before dinner and your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park – Canopy Walk
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and enjoy a scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse montane rainforests. The journey passes through spectacular landscapes, tea plantations, and charming rural villages.
Upon arrival and check-in, head to the park for the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. Suspended approximately 70 meters above the forest floor, this thrilling walkway offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest canopy and excellent opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and other forest wildlife.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Wake early for breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a briefing ahead of your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, venture into the ancient rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees while also looking out for other primates, colorful birds, butterflies, and unique forest flora.
Once the chimpanzees are located, enjoy observing their energetic behavior as they communicate, forage, and swing effortlessly through the trees.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the peaceful surroundings of the rainforest.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Return to Kigali – Departure
After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin the scenic drive back to Kigali. Along the way, admire Rwanda’s beautiful countryside and, if time permits, stop at local craft markets or souvenir shops for some last-minute shopping.
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable luxury Rwanda safari to a close.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of 9-Day Rwanda Cultural Safari