10 Days Best of Rwanda Safari

Explore the land of a thousand hills on this 10-day best of Rwanda safari, exploring Rwanda’s top tourism destinations. The 10-day Rwanda safari rewards you with life-changing experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and big game in Akagera National Park.  You will also explore Kigali city, the capital of Rwanda, cruise on Lake Ihema and Lake Kivu, not forgetting a visit to local communities. Experience the highlights of Rwanda’s biodiversity, culture, historical treasures, and natural landscapes on this 10-day Best of Rwanda safari.

Hit the ground running in Kigali with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Museum and the Art scene. Then, drive to the Eastern border of the country for the Akagera National Park tour that includes exploring the wildlife-filled game tracks, enjoying a hot air balloon ride, and cruising the calm Lake Ihema for some of the aquatic-dwelling species. Afterwards, head to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking and the Canopy walk. Your last stop is Volcanoes National Park, where you will join a gorilla trekking tour, and learn about Rwandan ancient traditions and customs at the Gorilla Guardians’ Village.

Highlights

• Explore the Kigali Genocide Museum to learn about the country’s 1994 Genocide history.
• Spend a day with the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
• Take a boat cruise on Lake Ihema for a chance to sight Hippos, crocodiles, and other species visiting the shores of the Lake.
• Relax on the pristine shores of Lake Kivu.
• See Big Five game- Buffaloes, Elephants, Leopards, Lions, and Rhinos in Akagera National Park.
• Visit the Gorilla Guardian Village to learn about traditional Rwandan life and customs from the locals.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in the “Land of a Thousand Hills”.

Day 2: Short City Tour and transfer to Akagera National Park, afternoon game drive.

Day 3: Akagera game safari: Hot air balloon tour and Lake Ihema Boat ride.

Day 4: Akagera National Park- Nyungwe National Park.

Day 5: Nyungwe safari: Chimpanzee tracking and tea plantation tour

Day 6: Canopy walk and drive to Lake Kivu, relaxation

Day 7: Drive to Volcanoes National Park and enjoy a village tour.

Day 8: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Day 9: Optional golden monkey tracking and visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.

Day 10: Return to Kigali, Depart Rwanda.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in the “Land of a Thousand Hills”

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at the International Airport in Kigali, your safari driver/guide will transfer you to your Hotel, which is only about 25 minutes away from the Airport. Your guide will brief you on the details of your 10-day Best of Rwanda safari and what to expect during the upcoming days. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a little City exploration. This City is known for its Art and craft galleries, Genocide Museums, and most interestingly, restaurants and Cafes that serve local and regional cuisines.

Overnight at: The Retreat by Heaven (luxury), Kigali Serena Hotel (midrange), Karenge Bush Camp (budget).

Meal Plan: Meals on the visitor’s account.

Day 2: Short City Tour and transfer to Akagera National Park, afternoon game drive

Enjoy an early breakfast at your Hotel in Kigali City before meeting your safari driver to start the day’s adventures, beginning with a short City tour. Check out the Genocide Museum, Nyamirambo Women’s Center, and the Art Galleries. Stop for a coffee/tea break at one of the restaurants, then begin your journey to Akagera National Park.

Just three hours into the journey, you will arrive at Akagera National Park and check into your accommodation set within or outside the Park. In the afternoon, venture into the sprawling savannah for a game drive with the hope of sighting Topis, Impalas, Zebras, Masai giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, Olive baboons, and many other species.

Overnight at: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (luxury), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (midrange), Akagera Tourist Hotel (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Akagera game safari: Hot air balloon tour and Lake Ihema Boat ride

Have a hearty breakfast before embarking on another wildlife viewing experience in Akagera National Park. We introduce you to an exceptional way to view wildlife action from the sky, as you head for the sunrise hot air balloon ride over the varying ecosystems and spot different wildlife species. Expect sights of African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, impalas, Topis, Olive baboons, Defassa waterbucks, blue monkeys, lions, spotted hyenas, Rhinos, leopards, and Masai giraffes, among others.

The afternoon is for a water safari on Lake Ihema, where you will embark on a 2-hour boat ride to explore the wildlife and bird species in the calm waters and surrounding wetlands. Here, sights of semi-aquatic species such as Nile crocodiles and Hippos, as well as visiting elephants and buffalo looking to quench their thirst, are unmissable. As you enjoy this ride, your guides will also help you search for the different bird species that include Grey crowned cranes, African fish eagles, and many others. In the evening, you will retire to your accommodation for dinner and overnight.

Overnight at: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (luxury), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (midrange), Akagera Tourist Hotel (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Akagera National Park- Nyungwe National Park

After a leisurely breakfast at the Lodge, you will make your way to another incredible destination on our 10-day Best of Rwanda safari, Nyungwe Forest National Park. Today’s highlight includes breathtaking views of the countryside and a picnic lunch. Situated in the southwestern side of Rwanda, Nyungwe Forest National Park consists of over 85 mammal and 320 bird species. Its landscapes feature montane rainforests, high-altitude wetlands, and bamboo thickets. On arrival at Nyungwe Forest National Park, check into your accommodation and relax for the remainder of the day.

Overnight at: One & Only Nyungwe House (luxury), Munazi Eco Lodge (midrange), Gisakura Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Nyungwe safari: Chimpanzee tracking and tea plantation tour

The 100000-hectare Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the most popular chimpanzee tracking destinations in the World, and on this day, you will visit one of its two habituated communities. Starting at 4:00 am or 5:00 am (depending on which community you are booked to track and the location of the Lodge), you will start hiking through the rugged slopes with an armed Ranger and an experienced guide to find these Great Apes. Just 1-4 hours into the hike, you will locate them and be allowed to spend 60 minutes watching and taking photos before returning to the Lodge.

The landscape of Nyungwe is generally hilly with rugged terrains, but seeing these creatures playing and exhibiting human-like behavior makes the trek worthwhile. Return to the Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have a walk through the nearby tea plantation. You don’t have to be a tea lover to enjoy this walk, as it is not only informative but refreshing. In the evening, you will enjoy relaxing at the Lodge lounge or pool before dinner and overnight.

Overnight at: One & Only Nyungwe House (luxury), Munazi Eco Lodge (midrange), Gisakura Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Nyungwe Canopy walk and drive to Lake Kivu, relaxation

Breakfast at the Lodge, and later head back into the forest to explore the canopy walkway, built high into tree canopies. Here, you will learn about the different animal and bird species sighting along the way, with breathtaking views of the forest ravines and other areas of the forest.

Have lunch at the Lodge, check out, and leave for the Lake Kivu area.

Overnight at: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (luxury), Hotel Paradis Malahide (midrange), INZU Lodge (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 7: Drive to Volcanoes National Park and enjoy a village tour

In the morning, you will explore Lake Kivu through Kayaking or paddling to enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the surrounding Hills, spot different bird species, and most interestingly, see fishermen in their traditional fishing boats returning from their overnight fishing journeys.

Later, trade the Lakeshores for the Volcanoes by leaving for Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, you will get a chance to visit the Gorilla Guardians’ Village to learn from former poachers details of Rwandan rural culture and livelihoods. Enjoy visits to the traditional healer, listen and take part in traditional dances and songs, and learn how to prepare a local dish.

Overnight at: The Bishop’s House (luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (midrange), Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Another morning starts as you head to Kinigi Park Headquarters after breakfast, for a briefing on the guidelines to be followed by searching and spending time with the Giant Apes. Afterward, hop on the safari jeep for a transfer to the trailhead/starting point, then embark on the guided trek through the forest while sighting several bird species, primates, and finally encountering the mountain gorillas. You will have only one hour to observe them as the guide provides information on their behavior and characteristics, such as rest, play, and many other playful antics.

In the afternoon, you will have a village tour. With the help of an expert guide from the village’s local community, you will learn how life operates in typical Rwandan villages.

Overnight at: The Bishop’s House (luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (midrange), Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 9: Enjoy an optional golden monkey tracking and visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus

Enjoy breakfast at the Lodge before embarking on another Volcanoes National Park adventure. You will enjoy an optional golden monkey tracking adventure, which should be confirmed at least two days before the actual tracking. If not, you can take part in the Dian Fossey Gravesite hike or simply relax at the Lodge.

In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, which was opened in 2022 to continue Dian Fossey’s legacy and work towards the protection of the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda. There are several tour options here, some of which need to be booked in advance.

Overnight at: The Bishop’s House (luxury), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (midrange), Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 10: Return to Kigali, Depart Rwanda

For your final day in the “Land of a Thousand Hills”, you will make your way back to Kigali and get dropped off at the Airport, where you will catch your flight home. Safe travels!

Our 10-day Best of Rwanda package includes;

• Gorilla trekking permit/s.
• Chimpanzee permit/s.
• Entry fees for all sites- National Parks, the Museum, and others.
• Nyungwe Canopy walk fees.
• Game viewing experiences.
• Ground transportation with a 4X4 Safari Vehicle.
• Services of a qualified English-speaking guide.
• Bottled water.
• Hot air balloon tour fees.
• Tea Plantation tours.

Our 10-day Best of Rwanda package includes;

• Laundry fees.
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Telephone calls.
• Porter fees.
• Airfares.
• Visa fees.
• Medical and travel insurance.
• Pre and post-safari accommodation in Kigali City.
• Gratuities to the guide/s, Rangers, Lodge staff, and others.