The 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari and Wildlife tour takes to Akagera National Park for a Game drive and Boat Ride on River Akagera and to the nearby lakes, Volcanoes National Park for gorilla tracking experience and Nyungwe forest National Park for Chimpanzee Tracking experience. You will also explore Lake Kivu.
Your 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari and Wildlife Trip Summary
- Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda
- Day 2: Game drive and Boat Ride
- Day 3: Transfer to Kigali and then to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Gorilla Trekking
- Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu
- Day 6: Transfer to Kibuye
- Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe forest National Park
- Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking
- Day 9: Forest walk and transfer back to Kigali
Itinerary for the 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari and Wildlife tour
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda
On arrival in Rwanda, you will be welcomed by a representative from our company who will drive you to Kigali for a short Safari briefing. After this you will head to Akagera National Park which is composed of wetland, woodland and savannah with the lowest point of Rwanda.
Upon arrival, have lunch and after Indulge in an evening game drive to search for animals like Giraffe, Buffalo, Elephant and a lot of bird species like the shoe bill stork which can be seen easily on the shorelines on River Akagera. Dinner and overnight stay at Akagera Game Lodge
Day 2 of 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari: Game drive and Boat Ride
After breakfast, you will set out for the morning game drive to search for early risers and also animals you have missed out in the previous game drive.
Return to the Lodge for lunch and in the afternoon go for the boat ride on River Akagera and to the nearby lakes which will expose you to water loving birds and animal species that come along the shorelines to take water.
Dinner and overnight stay at Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3 of 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari: Transfer to Kigali and then to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, indulge in a last game drive and then proceed to Mt Mutumba (1825M) for Picnic lunch. The mountain has magnificent scenic view of the park. After this, you will transfer to Kigali for a short city tour around the Genocide Memorial sites and local markets. Then later transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Reach Parc Des Volcans in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay Virunga Volcanoes Lodge / Sabinyo Silver Back Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Kinigi guest house/Hotel Muhabura
Day 4 of 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari: Gorilla Trekking
After breakfast, you will set out of your lodge with your packed lunch to the ORTPN Offices for briefing and gorilla tracking escorts and Rangers. You will then start your trek of the Gorillas. Once you come across the bamboo forest logs and also your first perception of the sound the breaking of bamboo indicating that the gorillas are nearer. Prepare yourself for the a joyful encounter with the Gorillas and wonderful experience.
Stay with the gorillas for 1 hour and then and trek back to your lodge or lunch and in the afternoon, visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera. Dinner and overnight stay Virunga Volcanoes Lodge / Sabinyo Silver Back Lodge/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Kinigi guest house/Hotel Muhabura
Day 5 of 9 Days Rwanda Gorilla safari: Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, you will drive to Gisenyi town which is located on the shores of Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, you will go for the boat ride around the different fishing villages. Dinner and overnight stay at Kivu Serena Hotel/Hotel Malahide
Day 6: Transfer to Kibuye
After breakfast, you will tour around Gisenyi town and then later transfer to Kibuye town on the other side of Lake Kivu. You can transfer either speed boat ride or by vehicle ride. You will either way enjoy your journey since you will pass through picturesque areas hence making it enjoyable. Dinner and overnight stay at Moriah Hills Hotel or Kibuye Guest House
Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe forest National Park
After breakfast, you will drive to Bugarama hot water springs via Cyamudongo natural forest. This is basically the largest water spring in the country. If planned, you can take a warm bath in the hot waters. Visit the River Rusizi for a day trip with lunch en route. After transfer to Nyungwe forest National Park for dinner and overnight stay at Nyungwe Forest Lodge/Gisakura guest House
Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking
After a morning breakfast, you will head to the Park headquarters for chimp trek briefing. After this you will then go for chimp trek in the forest. The time taken to encounter the Chimps is unpredictable but usually takes between 3- 10 hours.
Along the way, you will encounter other primates species found in this Park such as the Silver monkey, Owl faced monkey, Ruwenzori colobus, L’hoest’s monkey, and the Grey cheeked Mangabeys and so many others. Return for dinner and overnight stay at Nyungwe Forest Lodge/Gisakura guest House
Day 9: Forest walk and transfer back to Kigali
After breakfast, you will set out for a forest walk in Nyungwe to search for the Colobus Monkeys. En route, you will encounter different bird species together with different flora and fauna. Return to the Lodge for refreshments and later transfer back to Kigali. Drop off will be at your Hotel in Kigali or at the Airport for your flight back home.
Related Safaris
- 5 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari
- 9 Days Rwanda Wildlife
- 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife & Birding
- 8 Days Uganda Wildlife Tour
- 4 Days Rwanda Chimpanzee Tracking
Tour costs include the following
- Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking permits
- Park fees (non-residents)
- All activities that are shown in the itinerary
- Professional driver/ tour guide
- All transfers (airport pick up and drops)
- All Taxes
- All transportation
- Meals (as specified in a day by day section)
- Drinking water all days
Tour costs Excludes
- International flights
- Additional accommodation before and after the trip
- Tips
- Government imposed increased of taxes and park fees
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visas etc)
- Laundry
- Optional activities (not detailed in the above itinerary)