9-Day Rwanda Safari.

Overview

Discover Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity on this 9-day immersive safari. From the savannah plains of Akagera to the lush rainforests of Nyungwe and the volcanic slopes of the Virunga Mountains, each stop offers unique wildlife encounters and scenic beauty. Track the Big Five, walk suspended above a rainforest canopy, kayak on Lake Kivu, and come face-to-face with mountain gorillas. This journey combines adventure, comfort, and authentic Rwandan hospitality, making it one of East Africa’s most rewarding itineraries.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali – Transfer to Akagera National Park

Arrive in Kigali early morning and meet your guide. Drive to Akagera National Park, a 4–5 hour journey through Rwanda’s green hills and farmlands. The road is smooth and paved until the final section inside the park.
Arrive at your lodge in time for lunch or afternoon relaxation.

Later in the evening, enjoy a sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second-largest lake. Watch pods of hippos wallow in the water and crocodiles bask along the shoreline. Birdlife thrives here—expect to see fish eagles, African jacanas, and kingfishers.
Overnight: Lodge inside Akagera National Park

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera

Rise early for a full-day safari drive with your expert guide. Drive through open plains, acacia woodlands, and along lake edges to search for Akagera’s top wildlife species. You may spot elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and hyenas.

Akagera now thrives after successful conservation efforts. Since 2010, the park has seen the return of lions and black rhinos, and a significant boost in wildlife numbers.

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the scenic spots within the park. End the drive in the late afternoon and return to the lodge for a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Same lodge in Akagera

Day 3: Fly to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to Nyungwe. Once you arrive, drive into the mountainous southwest region of Rwanda, home to Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest and most biologically rich rainforests.

In the afternoon, walk the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway—a suspended bridge 50 meters above the forest floor. This thrilling walk offers panoramic views of the treetops, birdlife, and distant mountains.
Overnight: Eco-lodge near Nyungwe Forest

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

Set off early for your chimpanzee trek. Walk through tea plantations before entering the dense forest, where your guide will help you locate a troop of habituated chimpanzees. Watch them leap between trees, play, and forage in their natural habitat. You’ll have one hour with the chimps once located.

Nyungwe is home to 13 primate species, over 300 bird species, and more than 1,000 plant species. After the trek, return to your lodge for rest or join an optional guided nature walk to explore more of the forest.
Overnight: Same eco-lodge in Nyungwe

Day 5: Scenic Drive to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, take a 3-hour scenic drive north along the Kivu Belt Road to Lake Kivu. The road winds through banana plantations, terraced hills, and lakefront villages.

Check in at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, a luxurious lakeside retreat. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing—swim in the lake, paddle a kayak, or unwind by the pool. Optional activities like canoeing, biking, and community walks are available through Kingfisher Journeys.
Overnight: Serena Hotel, Lake Kivu

Day 6: Lake Kivu – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Spend a peaceful morning at Lake Kivu. After lunch, drive northeast toward the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, arriving at Volcanoes National Park by afternoon.

Check in at your lodge surrounded by bamboo forests and volcanic peaks. Prepare for tomorrow’s gorilla tracking experience.
Overnight: Safari lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Wake before sunrise and head to the park headquarters for a short briefing. With the help of trackers and a guide, begin your gorilla trekking adventure. The trek may last between 1.5 and 5 hours depending on the gorilla family’s location.

Once you reach the group, spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watch silverbacks display dominance, mothers cradle infants, and juveniles tumble through the forest. This moment is often described as life-changing.

Return to the lodge for lunch and a restful afternoon.
Overnight: Same lodge near Volcanoes National Park

Day 8: Golden Monkey Tracking – Return to Kigali

After breakfast, head back into the forest to track golden monkeys, an endangered primate found only in this region. These agile monkeys live in bamboo forests and are active, curious, and fast-moving—perfect for adventurous travelers.

After the trek, return to the lodge for a light lunch, then begin your drive back to Kigali. Arrive in the evening and check into a comfortable hotel for your final night in Rwanda.
Overnight: Hotel in Kigali

Day 9: Kigali – Departure

Enjoy a relaxed morning at the hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft markets, or the vibrant Kimironko Market before your airport transfer.

Depart with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s nature, wildlife, and warmth.