Overview
Discover the very best of Rwanda on this 10 Days Rwanda Safari Experience, an unforgettable journey through the country’s diverse landscapes, exceptional wildlife, vibrant culture, and remarkable conservation success stories. From the rolling savannahs of Akagera National Park to the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe and the mist-covered volcanoes of Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary showcases Rwanda’s three iconic national parks in one seamless adventure.
Enjoy exciting game drives in search of the Big Five, cruise across the wildlife-rich waters of Lake Ihema, trek endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys, and track wild chimpanzees in the ancient Nyungwe Forest. Along the way, discover Rwanda’s fascinating history with visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, the King’s Palace Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum, while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of local communities.
This safari offers the perfect combination of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, breathtaking scenery, and comfortable accommodations, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic and comprehensive exploration of the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Tour Summary
- Day 1: Pick up and transfer to hotel
- Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park from Kigali
- Day 3: Full day Game drive
- Day 4: Transfer back to Kigali
- Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
- Day 6: Chimpanzee tracking and Canopy
- Day 7: Transfer to Musanze
- Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Experience
- Day 9: Golden Monkey and Transfer to Kigali
- Day 10: Transfer to back to Kigali
Detailed 10-Day Rwanda Safari Experience Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax after your flight or explore the surrounding neighborhood before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in Rwanda’s vibrant capital.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre
- Mid-range: Hôtel des Mille Collines, Heaven Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Five to Five Hotel, Inside Afrika Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
After breakfast, depart Kigali for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5 hours through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at your lodge before heading out for an afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema. The cruise offers excellent opportunities to observe hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, and a remarkable variety of water birds along the shoreline.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Wilderness Magashi Camp
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
- Budget: Akagera Safari Camp
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast before setting off on a full-day game drive through the diverse landscapes of Akagera National Park. Explore open savannahs, wetlands, woodlands, and lakes while searching for the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhinoceros.
Other wildlife commonly seen includes giraffes, zebras, impalas, topis, waterbucks, warthogs, hyenas, and numerous antelope species. With over 500 recorded bird species, Akagera is also one of East Africa’s finest birdwatching destinations.
After a picnic lunch in the park, continue exploring before returning to your lodge in the evening.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 2
Day 4: Return to Kigali – Kigali City Tour
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali and enjoy lunch upon arrival.
In the afternoon, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain insight into Rwanda’s tragic history and extraordinary journey toward reconciliation. If time permits, explore local craft markets or visit the Kimironko Market to experience everyday life in the capital.
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park via Cultural Museums
After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe National Park, traveling through Rwanda’s scenic southern province.
Along the way, visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s traditional monarchy, followed by the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, home to one of East Africa’s finest collections of Rwandan cultural artifacts and historical exhibits.
After lunch, continue to Nyungwe National Park, arriving in the late afternoon for check-in and relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Rise early for breakfast before heading to Nyungwe National Park headquarters for a briefing prior to your chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Accompanied by experienced ranger guides, hike through the ancient rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzees while encountering other primates, colorful birds, and unique flora. Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
After lunch, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended approximately 70 meters above the forest floor. This thrilling walkway provides spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and excellent opportunities to spot monkeys and birds.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 5
Day 7: Lake Kivu Excursion – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel north along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu. Stop for a relaxing boat excursion to explore one of the lake’s islands, where you may encounter fruit bats, beautiful birdlife, and stunning panoramic views.
After lunch, continue to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and relax for the evening while enjoying views of the Virunga Mountains.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Following an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure.
Accompanied by expert ranger guides, trek through bamboo forests and mountain vegetation in search of one of the park’s habituated mountain gorilla families. Depending on their location, the trek may last between 2 and 6 hours.
Once found, spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play, and interact within their natural environment.
After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 7
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking – Return to Kigali
After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. These endangered primates are known for their striking golden-orange fur and energetic behavior, making for a memorable wildlife encounter.
After the trek, enjoy lunch before driving back to Kigali. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend your final evening in Rwanda at leisure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 10: Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping at Kigali’s craft markets before your driver transfers you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Leave Rwanda with unforgettable memories of its extraordinary wildlife, welcoming people, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
End of Safari