10-Days Best of Rwanda Safari – Wildlife, Primates, Nature & Culture

From $6200 per person sharing.

 

Tour Overview

Welcome to Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills—a country where breathtaking landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, vibrant culture, and remarkable conservation stories come together to create one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.

This carefully curated 10-day safari takes you on an unforgettable journey across Rwanda’s most iconic attractions. Trek endangered mountain gorillas in the mist-covered forests of Volcanoes National Park, track playful chimpanzees in the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe, enjoy a classic Big Five safari in Akagera National Park, experience the thrilling canopy walkway suspended above the forest, relax on the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, and immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.

From dramatic volcanic peaks and lush tea plantations to peaceful lakes, thriving wildlife, and welcoming communities, this safari offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and authentic cultural experiences.

Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, honeymooner, birdwatcher, or first-time visitor to Africa, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime

 

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to the Heart of Africa

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our company’s professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided city tour of one of Africa’s cleanest and safest capitals.

Visit:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Kimironko Local Market
• Local craft centres
• Kigali Convention Centre (photo stop)

Your guide will introduce you to Rwanda’s remarkable transformation, conservation achievements, and vibrant culture.

Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring delicious Rwandan cuisine before relaxing for the evening.

Accommodation:

• Hotel des Mille Collines

Meals: Dinner

 

Day 2: Kigali – Akagera National Park

After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park and home to the Big Five.

The drive takes approximately three hours through picturesque countryside dotted with villages, rolling hills, and banana plantations.

After checking into your lodge and enjoying lunch, head out for your first afternoon game drive.

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

• African elephants
• Buffaloes
• Masai giraffes
• Zebras
• Hippos
• Impalas
• Topis
• Waterbucks
• Olive baboons
• Numerous bird species

As the golden African sunset paints the savannah, return to your lodge for dinner.

Accommodation

• Akagera Game Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Safari & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

Wake before sunrise for a full-day safari exploring Akagera’s northern plains, lakes, wetlands, and woodlands.

Your experienced guide will search for:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Rhinos
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Giraffes
• Hyenas
• Antelope species

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park before continuing your wildlife exploration.

In the late afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you’ll encounter hippos, Nile crocodiles, African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, cormorants, and numerous waterbirds.

Return to the lodge as the sun sets over the park.

 

Day 4: Akagera – Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, journey northwest through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills toward Volcanoes National Park.

The drive offers spectacular scenery with endless tea plantations, terraced farms, picturesque villages, and panoramic mountain views.

Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon with the majestic Virunga Volcanoes rising dramatically above the forest.

Relax while preparing for tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.

Accommodation

• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

 

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking – Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Today is the highlight of your Rwandan safari.

Following an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing by experienced park rangers.

You’ll then begin your trek into the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families.

Depending on the gorillas’ location, the trek may last between two and six hours.

Along the way you’ll discover:

• Ancient rainforest
• Bamboo forests
• Beautiful volcanic scenery
• Colorful birds
• Golden monkeys (occasionally)

When you finally encounter the gorillas, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing them as they feed, groom, play, and care for their young.

Few wildlife experiences on Earth compare to standing only metres away from these gentle giants.

In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where local communities share Rwanda’s traditional dances, music, royal traditions, and fascinating history.

Return to your lodge for dinner.

 

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking – Lake Kivu

After breakfast, enjoy an exciting Golden Monkey Trekking experience.

These playful and energetic primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and are renowned for their speed, curiosity, and striking golden-orange fur.

Following the trek, drive to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes.

Spend the evening relaxing on the lakeshore while enjoying spectacular sunset views.

Accommodation

• Paradise Kivu Resort.

 

Day 7: Lake Kivu – Nyungwe National Park

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before beginning the scenic drive south along Lake Kivu.

This route is widely regarded as one of East Africa’s most beautiful drives, winding through lakeside villages, tea plantations, fishing communities, and lush hillsides.

Arrive at Nyungwe National Park in the afternoon.

Visit a nearby tea estate to learn about Rwanda’s world-famous tea industry before checking into your forest lodge.

Accommodation

Mid-range

• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel.

 

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

Rise early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure.

Nyungwe Forest is home to one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and supports a rich diversity of primates.

Track chimpanzees while listening to their distinctive calls echoing through the forest.

Other primates frequently seen include:

• L’Hoest’s monkeys
• Black-and-white colobus monkeys
• Grey-cheeked mangabeys

Later, experience one of Rwanda’s most exciting attractions the famous Canopy Walkway.

Suspended approximately 70 metres above the forest floor, the bridge offers spectacular panoramic views of the rainforest canopy and an excellent opportunity to observe birds, butterflies, and monkeys from above.

Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

 

Day 9: Nature Walks & Return to Kigali

After breakfast, enjoy a guided nature walk through Nyungwe Forest, discovering orchids, giant trees, waterfalls, medicinal plants, butterflies, and exceptional birdlife.

Later, begin your journey back to Kigali, stopping at scenic viewpoints and local artisan markets along the way.

Enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating your incredible journey through Rwanda.

 

Day 10: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before transferring to Kigali International Airport.

Leave Rwanda with unforgettable memories of magnificent wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, inspiring conservation efforts, and the warmth of its people.

 

Safari Highlights

• Kigali City Tour
• Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Big Five safari in Akagera National Park
• Lake Ihema boat cruise
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Golden monkey trekking
• Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
• Relaxation on Lake Kivu
• Tea plantation experience
• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park
• Nyungwe Canopy Walk
• Guided rainforest nature walks
• Exceptional birdwatching
• Scenic drives through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills
• Luxury, mid-range, or budget accommodation options
• Professional English-speaking safari guide throughout the journey

Tour Includes

• Airport transfers
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with a professional driver-guide
• Accommodation for 9 nights
• Meals as indicated
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Golden monkey trekking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Park entrance fees
• Game drives
• Lake Ihema boat cruise
• Canopy walkway fee
• Cultural village visit
• Bottled drinking water
• Government taxes

Tour Excludes

• International flights
• Rwanda visa (where applicable)
• Travel and medical insurance
• Alcoholic and premium beverages
• Laundry services
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities not mentioned
• Tips and gratuities

Why Choose This Safari?

This 10-day adventure showcases the very best of Rwanda, seamlessly blending iconic wildlife encounters, dramatic volcanic landscapes, pristine rainforests, tranquil lakes, and vibrant cultural experiences. From the thrill of standing face-to-face with endangered mountain gorillas to walking high above the rainforest canopy and relaxing on the shores of Lake Kivu, every day reveals a new reason why Rwanda is considered one of Africa’s most remarkable safari destinations.