Overview
11-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari. This 11-day safari in Rwanda is designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering an exceptional blend of gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. Your journey will take you through Rwanda’s most iconic national parks, including Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Each day is meticulously planned to provide you with a comprehensive and immersive experience, ensuring that you make the most of your time in this beautiful country. Highlights include gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, game drives, boat safaris, and a canopy walk, promising a diverse and thrilling adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will transfer you to your hotel in Kigali. After a long flight, take some time to rest and acclimatize to your new surroundings. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel, where you can savor local Rwandan cuisine and begin to immerse yourself in the culture. This first night in Kigali sets the tone for the exciting journey ahead.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a city tour of Kigali. Your first stop will be the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a poignant and moving experience that provides deep insights into Rwanda’s history and resilience. Following this, explore the vibrant local markets, where you can interact with local artisans and purchase unique souvenirs. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, a journey that takes you through lush landscapes and quaint villages. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening as you prepare for the gorilla trekking adventure the next day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Driving Plan: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (~2.5 hours)
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing on gorilla trekking. Equipped with the necessary information and accompanied by expert guides, venture into the dense forest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can be challenging, traversing steep and sometimes muddy terrain, but the reward is unparalleled. Spending an hour in the presence of these magnificent creatures is a truly awe-inspiring experience, providing intimate insights into their behavior and social dynamics. After this unforgettable encounter, return to the lodge for a well-deserved rest and reflection on the day’s adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking and Transfer to Lake Kivu
This morning, enjoy a unique experience tracking the playful and endangered golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. These vibrant primates are known for their energetic antics and make for an exciting trek. Afterward, embark on a picturesque drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, renowned for its serene beauty and tranquil waters. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing by the water or exploring the nearby areas at your leisure. The serene environment of Lake Kivu offers a perfect respite from the previous day’s exertions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Driving plan: Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu (~2 hours)
Day 5: Relaxation and Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu
Today is dedicated to relaxation and enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake Kivu. Spend the morning at your leisure, perhaps taking a stroll along the lakeshore or indulging in some water activities. In the afternoon, embark on a boat cruise that takes you across the calm waters of the lake. This leisurely cruise offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and islands, as well as opportunities to spot various bird species and local fishermen at work. The day concludes with a peaceful evening at the hotel, where you can unwind and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. En route, stop at local villages and markets to experience the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda. These stops provide a glimpse into the daily lives of Rwandans and offer opportunities to interact with local communities. Upon arrival at Nyungwe Forest, check into your lodge and enjoy the serene surroundings. The lush greenery and diverse wildlife of Nyungwe set the stage for the adventures to come.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Driving Plan: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park (~5 hours)
Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Rise early for a thrilling chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe Forest. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, trek through the dense forest in search of a chimpanzee troop. The forest is alive with the sounds of various primates and birds, creating an immersive and captivating experience. Once you locate the chimpanzees, spend time observing their behaviors and interactions. This encounter offers a unique opportunity to witness the similarities between these primates and humans. After the trek, return to the lodge for a relaxing afternoon, reflecting on the extraordinary wildlife encounters of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Day 8: Canopy Walk and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Begin the day with a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, an exhilarating adventure that provides a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy. Walking across suspension bridges high above the ground, you’ll have a unique perspective of the lush vegetation and wildlife below. After this thrilling experience, enjoy lunch at the lodge before embarking on a drive to Akagera National Park. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes and offers glimpses of rural Rwandan life. Upon arrival at Akagera, check into your lodge and prepare for the wildlife adventures that await.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Driving Plan: Nyungwe Forest National Park to Akagera National Park (~6 hours)
Day 9: Game Drives in Akagera National Park
Today is dedicated to exploring the wildlife-rich Akagera National Park. Start with a morning game drive, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and numerous bird species. The park’s diverse habitats, ranging from savannah plains to wetlands, provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. After lunch at the lodge, embark on an afternoon game drive to explore different parts of the park. The day concludes with a cozy evening at the lodge, sharing stories of the day’s sightings.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 10: Boat Safari on Lake Ihema and Game Drive
Take a morning boat safari on Lake Ihema, one of the highlights of Akagera National Park. The boat cruise offers a unique perspective of the park’s wildlife, with opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and various water birds up close. The tranquil waters and scenic surroundings make for a peaceful and memorable experience. In the afternoon, go on another game drive to explore different areas of the park and increase your chances of spotting more wildlife. The day ends with a final dinner at the lodge, celebrating the incredible journey you’ve had.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 11: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to Akagera National Park and drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or a visit to local attractions. Take this opportunity to reflect on the diverse experiences and unforgettable moments of your safari. Finally, our representative will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible Rwandan adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Driving Plan: Akagera National Park to Kigali (~3 hours)
Inclusions
- Park fees(For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
- Chimp permits(One per person, non-resident)
- All activities(Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation(Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation(Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals(As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusions
- International flights(From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips(Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items(Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, tips etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
