Overview
10 Days Best of Rwanda Safari Holiday takes you on an incredible journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills, exploring Rwanda’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and remarkable wildlife experiences. This safari includes visits to the Gisozi and Murambi genocide memorial sites, thrilling gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey tracking, wild chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, and exciting wildlife encounters in Akagera National Park. The trip also features cultural encounters, the Nyungwe canopy walk, and relaxation at the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, making it one of the most comprehensive Rwanda safari experiences.
Tour Highlights
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport and Kigali city tour including visits to the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site, national library, local markets, and craft shops.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park with an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Day 3: Morning game drive in Akagera National Park and afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park with en-route visits to Nyanza Museum, Butare Museum, and scenic stopovers.
Day 5: Chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 6: Nyungwe Forest canopy walk and community cultural tour.
Day 7: Scenic transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 8: Mountain gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 9: Golden monkey tracking or Dian Fossey hike at Karisoke Research Center, followed by transfer to Lake Kivu.
Day 10: Boat cruise on Lake Kivu and transfer back to Kigali for departure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Kigali Tour
Pick up by our company tour guide upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. Depending on your arrival time, you will enjoy a Kigali city tour exploring Rwanda’s history and culture. Visits include the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site, the national library, local markets, and craft shops. Later you will have dinner and overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel / Flame Tree Village / Garr Hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
Wake up for breakfast and begin the journey to Akagera National Park, arriving in time for lunch at Akagera Game Lodge. After lunch, go for an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema where you may see hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds. Dinner and overnight at Rusizi Tented Camp (luxury) or Akagera Game Lodge (deluxe).
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Early in the morning, you will go for a game drive towards the northern part of the park to see animals before they retreat into hiding. Wildlife sightings may include lions, giraffes, antelopes, bushbucks, and many other species. Return to the lodge around 11:00 am for relaxation and lunch.
After lunch, enjoy another boat cruise on Lake Ihema, offering views of wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. Dinner and overnight at Rusizi Tented Camp (luxury) or Akagera Game Lodge (deluxe).
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, depart Akagera and travel to Nyungwe National Park. Along the way you will stop at Nyanza Museum and Butare Museum, with additional scenic stopovers ideal for photography and exploration. Lunch will be taken en route.
Arrive in Nyungwe in the evening for dinner and overnight at Nyungwe Forest Lodge / Nyungwe Top View Lodge / Gisakura Hotel.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking
After an early breakfast, proceed with your guide to the Nyungwe Forest headquarters for a briefing before starting chimpanzee tracking. The rangers know the best areas where chimpanzees are commonly found.
During the forest hike you may encounter other primates such as monkeys and several bird species. Once the chimpanzees are located, you will spend time observing them in their natural habitat. After the experience, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 6: Canopy Walk – Community Walk
In the morning you will experience the famous Nyungwe canopy walk, which offers breathtaking views above the forest canopy. In the afternoon, enjoy a community tour to learn about the local culture and lifestyle of the surrounding communities. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel to Volcanoes National Park. The journey offers spectacular scenery with several photography stopovers and lunch along the way.
Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / La Palme Hotel / Muhabura Hotel.
Day 8: Gorilla Tracking
Wake up early for breakfast before transferring to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing at around 7:30 am. After learning the rules and guidelines of gorilla trekking, you will enter the rainforest in search of the mountain gorillas.
Once the gorillas are located, you will spend up to one hour observing them as they interact, feed, and move through the forest. In the afternoon you may enjoy nature walks or a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 9: Golden Monkey / Dian Fossey – Transfer to Gisenyi
This day offers two optional activities. You may go for golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park or take the Dian Fossey hike to the Karisoke Research Center, where the famous American primatologist conducted her gorilla research and conservation work.
After the activity, transfer to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi where you can relax by the beach. Dinner and overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / Stipp Hotel / Paradise Malahide.
Day 10: Boat Cruise and Transfer to Kigali
In the morning, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Kivu to Coffee Island, offering views of the surrounding islands and landscapes. After the cruise, begin the journey back to Kigali.
Upon arrival, you will have time for shopping or sightseeing before being dropped off at your hotel or transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
End of Tour