USD 5 685.00
FROM:
USD 5 685.00
TRIP TYPE:
SOLO/COUPLE/GRP
STYLE:
3*
ACTIVITY LEVEL:
HIGH
A richly varied exploration of the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” combining culture, rainforest primates, volcanic scenery and classic savannah safari.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS TRIP:
✔ Track chimpanzees in the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
✔ Experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
✔ Big Five safari in Akagera National Park, with game drives and boat safaris across its lakes and savannah.
✔ Witness the country’s dramatic landscapes known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills”.
COMPLETE RWANDA SAFARI
10 DAYS
FROM
USD 5 685.00
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1 - 3
On arrival in Kigali, you are met and transferred to the elegant Kigali Serena Hotel. Rwanda’s capital is clean, green and remarkably scenic, spread across rolling hills. Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel’s gardens and pool or take a gentle city stroll to ease into the journey ahead.
The next day, after breakfast, depart on a scenic six-hour drive south toward Nyungwe. En route, visit the King's Palace Museum, where you learn about Rwanda’s pre-colonial monarchy and see the traditional royal residence. Continue to Huye to explore the Ethnographic Museum, offering fascinating insight into Rwandan culture and history, before enjoying lunch.
By late afternoon you arrive near Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, and check in at Munazi Eco Lodge, surrounded by lush greenery and birdsong.
An early start on day 3 sees you depart with a packed breakfast for Cyamudongo Forest, part of the greater Nyungwe ecosystem. Here you begin your chimpanzee tracking adventure, hiking through dense forest in search of these lively primates. The experience is immersive and exhilarating, with expert guides interpreting forest life along the way.
In the afternoon, return to the main forest for the famous canopy walkway — suspended high above the forest floor — offering panoramic views across the treetops. After this thrilling perspective, return to Munazi for a relaxed evening.
DAY 4 - 6
After breakfast, depart on a scenic seven-hour drive north toward Kinigi. En route, stop for lunch in Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu, where sparkling waters contrast beautifully with the surrounding hills.
Continue through Rwanda’s rolling countryside to Kinigi, gateway to Volcanoes National Park, and check in at Virunga Inn Resort, with views toward the Virunga volcanoes.
After an early breakfast on day 5, transfer to park headquarters for briefing before setting out to track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Hiking through bamboo forests and mist-covered slopes, you search for one of the habituated gorilla families. Spending a precious hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
In the afternoon, if time and weather permit, visit the scenic twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo or explore local markets in Musanze town before returning to Virunga Inn.
Following another early breakfast the following day, return to park headquarters for golden monkey tracking. These rare and energetic primates inhabit the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes and offer a lively and photogenic experience distinct from gorilla trekking.
The afternoon is at leisure at Virunga Inn, allowing time to relax and reflect against the dramatic volcanic backdrop.
DAY 7 - 10
After breakfast, drive approximately five hours east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s savannah park known for classic safari landscapes and diverse wildlife. Arrive in time for lunch and check in at Ruzizi Tented Lodge, beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Ihema.
Spend the afternoon at leisure or head out on a game drive to begin exploring this contrasting ecosystem.
Two full days are dedicated to exploring Akagera’s varied habitats of open plains, wetlands and woodlands. Morning and afternoon game drives offer opportunities to see lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and a wide variety of antelope species. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema provide a different perspective, with hippo, crocodile and prolific birdlife along the shores.
These days offer a classic Big Five safari contrast to Rwanda’s forest primate experiences.
After breakfast, drive approximately three hours back to Kigali for your onward transfer to Kigali International Airport and your departure flight.
READ
ABOUT
GORILLA
TREKKING
ON THE MAP
Gorilla Trekking Permits prices are indicated
Private guide and vehicle throughout
Accommodation in standard rooms
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Transfers from airport/city/mountains and park headquarters
Accommodation taxes, the applicable Tourism Levies and all relevant VAT
