Tour Overview

The 10 Days Complete Rwanda Safari Experience offers an immersive journey through Rwanda’s most iconic destinations, combining primate trekking, wildlife safaris, scenic landscapes, and cultural encounters. This well-rounded itinerary takes you to Akagera National Park for classic Big Five game viewing, Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk, and Volcanoes National Park for unforgettable gorilla and golden monkey trekking.

You will also enjoy a relaxing stay at Lake Kivu and a Kigali city tour, making this safari a perfect blend of adventure and leisure in the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

10-Day Rwanda Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport, short Kigali city tour, and transfer to hotel
Day 2: Drive to Akagera National Park and have an evening game drive
Day 3: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest.
Day 6: Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 7: Transfer from Nyungwe Forest to Volcanoes National Park
Day 8: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 9: Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park and transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 10: Boat cruise and return to Kigali International Airport for a departure flight.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, City Tour and Hotel Transfer
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and briefed about your journey. You will then proceed for a Kigali city tour including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers. After lunch, you will transfer to your hotel for check-in, dinner, and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury – Serena Hotel Kigali, Mid-range – Hotel Chez Lando

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, you will depart Kigali for Akagera National Park, a scenic drive of about 2 to 3 hours. Upon arrival, you will check in, have lunch, and later head out for an evening game drive. Akagera is home to the Big Five including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, along with giraffes, zebras, and a variety of antelope species.
Accommodation Options: Luxury – Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mid-range – Akagera Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Start your day with an early morning game drive, offering excellent chances to spot wildlife in the savannah plains. After returning for lunch, you will enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema, known for its large populations of hippos and crocodiles as well as diverse birdlife.
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 2
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will leave Akagera and travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s scenic countryside with rolling hills and tea plantations. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge, have lunch, and relax for the rest of the day.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury – One and Only Nyungwe House, Mid-range – Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your chimpanzee trekking experience. Guided by experienced rangers, you will trek through the dense rainforest in search of chimpanzees. Once located, you will spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat before returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 4

Day 6: Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will proceed for the famous canopy walk experience in Nyungwe Forest. The suspended walkway stands about 70 meters above the forest floor and stretches approximately 160 meters, offering stunning views of the rainforest canopy, birdlife, and surrounding landscapes. After the activity, return to the lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 4

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will depart Nyungwe and drive to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda, a journey of about 5 to 6 hours. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge, relax, and prepare for the gorilla trekking experience the following day.
Accommodation Options: Luxury – Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Mid-range – Gorilla Solution Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your gorilla trekking adventure. You will hike through the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family, a process that may take several hours. Once found, you will spend one hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation.
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 7
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, you will head for golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These lively and colorful primates are unique to the Virunga region and are often seen in the bamboo forests. After the trek and lunch, you will transfer to Lake Kivu for a relaxing evening by the lakeside.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury – Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Mid-range – Paradise Malahide

Day 10: Boat Cruise and Return to Kigali for Departure
On your final day, you will enjoy a morning boat cruise on Lake Kivu, exploring nearby islands and taking in the scenic beauty. After breakfast, you will return to Kigali and be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Inclusions

English-speaking driver-guide
Park entry fees and government taxes
Gorilla trekking permits
Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Accommodation as per itinerary
Meals as indicated
Drinking water during the safari