This 9 day Rwanda safari takes you deep into the heart of one of Africa’s most beautiful and safest destinations. From the vibrant streets of Kigali to the wildlife-rich savannahs, ancient rainforests, and mist-covered volcanoes, every day offers a unique experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide who will brief you about your journey ahead.
You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kigali, a city known for its cleanliness, safety, and modern African charm. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a short evening drive through the city, giving you your first glimpse of Rwanda’s rolling hills and vibrant neighborhoods.
You can relax at your hotel, recover from your flight, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: Hotel in Kigali
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, your day begins with a meaningful and immersive Kigali city tour. The highlight is a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you will learn about Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of recovery and unity.
You will also explore local markets, craft centers, and art galleries, giving you a taste of Rwanda’s culture and creativity.
After lunch, depart for Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. The drive offers scenic landscapes, dotted with farms and rolling hills.
Arrive in the evening, check in at your lodge, and enjoy dinner overlooking the wilderness.
Overnight: Lodge in Akagera
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Akagera National Park
Wake up early for a sunrise game drive—this is the best time to spot wildlife when animals are most active.
Akagera is home to the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. You may also encounter giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and a variety of bird species.
Your guide will help you track animals and share insights about their behavior and the park’s conservation success story.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you will see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the shores.
Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Lodge in Akagera
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin your scenic journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests.
This is a long but incredibly beautiful drive, passing through Rwanda’s famous terraced hills and vast tea plantations. You may stop at a tea estate for photos and a short walk.
Arrive in the late afternoon, check into your lodge, and enjoy the peaceful forest atmosphere.
Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk Adventure
Today begins early with a briefing before heading into the forest for chimpanzee trekking. Nyungwe is home to a large population of chimpanzees, as well as other primates like colobus monkeys.
The trek can be challenging but rewarding. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will spend an hour observing their behavior—watching them swing through trees, communicate, and interact.
In the afternoon, experience the famous canopy walk, a suspended bridge high above the forest floor. This offers breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the rainforest ecosystem.
Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Lodge near Nyungwe
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Relax and Unwind
After breakfast, depart for Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes.
Arrive in time for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing by the lakeshore. You can enjoy optional activities such as:
- Boat rides
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Visiting nearby fishing villages
Lake Kivu offers a peaceful break from the more active safari days.
Overnight: Lake Kivu
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After a relaxed morning, depart for Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountains.
This park is world-famous for its mountain gorillas and was the base for primatologist Dian Fossey.
Arrive in the afternoon and check into your lodge. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking guidelines.
You will then be assigned a gorilla family and begin your trek into the forest. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
Once you find them, you will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Watching their social interactions up close is an unforgettable wildlife experience.
After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and celebrate this incredible achievement.
Overnight: Lodge near Volcanoes
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking & Departure
On your final day, you may choose to go for golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are fast-moving and entertaining to watch.
After the activity, begin your journey back to Kigali. Enjoy lunch in the city before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
Safari Highlights
Cultural immersion in Kigali
- Big Five safari in Akagera National ParkBoat cruise on Lake IhemaChimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Canopy walk experience
- Relaxation at Lake Kivu
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey trekking