Tour Overview

The 8 Days Explore Rwanda Safari Tour is a comprehensive journey through Rwanda’s most remarkable destinations, combining primate encounters, wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences. This safari takes you to all three of Rwanda’s national parks including Akagera National Park for classic game drives and a boat safari, Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking, and Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking.

Along the way, you will also enjoy a relaxing visit to Lake Kivu and a Kigali city tour. From the savannah plains to the lush rainforest and volcanic mountains, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

8 Days Rwanda Safari 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 National Park.
Day 6: Transfer from Nyungwe Forest to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 7: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and transfer to Lake Kivu.
Day 8: Boat cruise and return to Kigali International Airport for a departure flight.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport, City Tour and Hotel Transfer
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your safari guide who will brief you about your trip. 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, Budget – Iris Guest House

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Evening Game Drive
After breakfast, you will drive to Akagera National Park, a journey of about 2 to 3 hours. Upon arrival, you will check in and have lunch before heading out for an evening game drive. Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, as well as giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and many bird 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
You will start the day with an early morning game drive in the park, offering more opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. After returning to the lodge for lunch, you will enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema. This experience provides excellent views of hippos, crocodiles, and birds, with occasional sightings of animals along the shoreline.
Accommodation Options: Luxury – Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mid-range – Akagera Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

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

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
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 rainforest in search of chimpanzees. Once located, you will spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Same as Day 4

Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will transfer to Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours and offers scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, you will check in at your lodge, relax, and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation Options: Luxury – Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Mid-range – Gorilla Solution Lodge, Budget – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
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 a few hours depending on their location. Once found, you will spend one hour observing these gentle giants.

After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and later transfer to Lake Kivu for relaxation by the lakeside.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Options: Luxury – Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Mid-range – Paradise Malahide, Budget – Stipp Hotel

Day 8: Boat Cruise and Return to Kigali for Departure
On your final day, you will enjoy a morning boat cruise on Lake Kivu, offering scenic views and a chance to explore nearby islands. After breakfast, you will depart for Kigali. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Kigali International 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