About This Journey
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your private guide.
Depending on your arrival time, we will transfer you to your hotel and may arrange a relaxing activity or a short introduction to Kigali.
Accommodation: Hideaway Hotel
Meals: Dinner at the hotel
Day 2
Kigali Genocide Memorial – Akagera National Park – Lake Ihema
After breakfast, begin your journey with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important and deeply moving place that provides insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of reconciliation and renewal.
Afterwards, continue towards Akagera National Park. On the way, enjoy lunch at Imigongo Café, known for its connection to Rwanda’s traditional art and culture.
Upon arrival in Akagera, enjoy an afternoon game drive as you begin exploring Rwanda’s only savannah national park.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a peaceful sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema, offering beautiful views and excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles and a variety of waterbirds.
Accommodation: Salt of Akagera
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3
Full-Day Safari & Night Game Drive in Akagera
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the incredible wildlife of Akagera National Park.
Enjoy a full-day game drive through the park, with a focus on the magnificent Kilala Plains and surrounding areas. The park is home to elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and a growing population of predators, including lions and leopards.
Lunch will be enjoyed at the Mihindi Picnic Site, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Akagera.
As darkness falls, embark on an exciting night game drive. This is a completely different safari experience, offering the opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife such as bushbabies, genets, civets, hares, owls and, with luck, active predators including lions and leopards.
Accommodation: Karenge Bush Camp
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner
Day 4
Final Akagera Game Drive – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy an early morning game drive, focusing on areas and wildlife that you may not have encountered during your previous safari.
Around 10:00 AM, begin the scenic journey towards Musanze and Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes you through some of Rwanda’s most beautiful countryside, with opportunities to stop for spectacular scenery, local communities, markets and photographs.
Enjoy lunch at Sooko, before continuing to your lodge in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains.
Accommodation: Farmhouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Gorilla Trekking – The Highlight of Your Rwanda Safari
Today is one of the most anticipated days of your journey: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
After an early breakfast, travel to the park headquarters for briefing before entering the ancient mountain rainforest in search of one of Rwanda’s habituated mountain gorilla families.
The trek may take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find them, you will spend a magical and unforgettable hour observing these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat.
After the trek, celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime experience before returning to your lodge for a well-deserved lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation: Farmhouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6
Golden Monkeys, Ellen DeGeneres Campus & Rwandan Culture
Begin the day with a trek to see the endangered golden monkeys, one of the unique primates of the Virunga Mountains.
Afterwards, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an inspiring conservation and education centre dedicated to the legacy of Dian Fossey and the protection of mountain gorillas.
Continue with a visit to the Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village, where you will learn more about Rwanda’s traditions, history and cultural heritage.
The day concludes with an authentic banana beer experience with local women, offering a wonderful opportunity to meet local people and learn about the traditional production of this unique Rwandan drink.
Accommodation: Farmhouse
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Mukungwa River Canoeing – Tea Experience – Lake Kivu
Enjoy a relaxing morning before experiencing one of the most authentic activities of the journey: canoeing on the Mukungwa River.
This peaceful experience provides a unique way to connect with local communities and observe daily life along the river as you travel through the beautiful Rwandan countryside.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch at the Musanze Food Court before continuing towards Lake Kivu.
On the way, visit a local tea factory to learn about the production of one of Rwanda’s most important agricultural products.
As evening approaches, experience a traditional night fishing activity with local fishermen on Lake Kivu. This authentic experience offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditions and daily life of local fishing communities.
During the journey, we will also make stops at local markets and communities whenever interesting opportunities arise.
Accommodation: Rubona Hills
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8
Lake Kivu – Kibuye – Boat Excursion – Transfer to Nyungwe
After breakfast, continue along the spectacular shores of Lake Kivu towards Kibuye.
Enjoy a scenic boat excursion on Lake Kivu, including visits to Napoleon Island and Monkey Island. The boat trip offers beautiful views across one of Africa’s Great Lakes and the opportunity to enjoy Rwanda’s peaceful lakeside landscapes.
Enjoy lunch at Cormoran Lodge before continuing towards Nyungwe Forest.
Accommodation: Kivu Marina Bay by Mantis
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9
Chimpanzee Trekking – Nyungwe Canopy Walkway & Optional Zipline
Rise early for one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in Rwanda: chimpanzee trekking in the Cyamudongo Forest.
Cyamudongo is considered one of Rwanda’s most rewarding locations for chimpanzee trekking. The forest offers an intimate and immersive experience, with opportunities to observe chimpanzees in their natural environment.
In the afternoon, experience the spectacular Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, suspended high above the ancient rainforest canopy. The walkway offers breathtaking views across the forest and an unforgettable perspective of Nyungwe’s rich biodiversity.
For those seeking additional adventure, an optional zipline experience can be arranged.
Accommodation: Kivu Marina Bay by Mantis
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 10
Flight to Kigali – Kigali City Tour – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kamembe Airport for your flight to Kigali.
Upon arrival in Kigali, depending on your international departure time, enjoy a private city tour and a hand- picked lunch at one of Kigali’s excellent restaurants.
The tour concludes with a transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
End of your unforgettable Rwanda adventure.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
More about this journey
Highlights of the Journey
- Kigali city and the Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Akagera National Park
- Full-day game drive and night safari
- Lake Ihema sunset boat cruise
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey trekking
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
- Gorilla Guardians Cultural Village
- Traditional banana beer experience
- Canoeing on the Mukungwa River
- Tea factory experience
- Traditional night fishing on Lake Kivu
- Lake Kivu boat excursion
- Napoleon Island and Monkey Island
- Chimpanzee trekking in Cyamudongo Forest
- Nyungwe Canopy Walkway
- Optional zipline experience
- Scenic flights between Kamembe and Kigali
- Authentic local communities, markets and cultural experiences throughout the journey
This itinerary is designed to offer a complete Rwanda experience: wildlife, primates, conservation, culture, adventure, beautiful landscapes and meaningful encounters with local communities.
Why This Tour Is the Best
This 10-day journey is one of the most complete ways to experience Rwanda. Rather than focusing on just one region or one type of activity, the itinerary brings together the very best of the country in one seamless adventure.
You will experience Rwanda’s remarkable diversity—from the open savannahs and wildlife of Akagera National Park, to the misty volcanic mountains of Volcanoes National Park, the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu and the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe.
The journey combines some of Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences, including:
- Searching for the Big Five and other wildlife on game drives in Akagera National Park
- Exploring the park after dark on a thrilling night safari
- Encountering endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat
- Trekking through the Virunga Mountains in search of golden monkeys
- Meeting local communities and experiencing authentic Rwandan traditions
- Enjoying a peaceful canoe journey along the Mukungwa River
- Experiencing traditional night fishing on Lake Kivu
- Exploring the beautiful islands and landscapes of Lake Kivu
- Trekking with chimpanzees in the remarkable Cyamudongo Forest
- Walking high above the ancient Nyungwe rainforest on the spectacular Canopy Walkway
This itinerary is carefully designed to balance adventure and relaxation, wildlife and culture, luxury and authentic experiences. It offers the opportunity to see Rwanda's most iconic destinations while also discovering the country's people, traditions, landscapes and conservation efforts.
It is the perfect choice for travellers who want to experience the complete Rwanda in one extraordinary journey.
What You Need to Bring
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for trekking and protection from insects
- Warm layers or a fleece for cool mornings and evenings, especially in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest
- A waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good grip
- Sandals or comfortable shoes for relaxing at the lodges
- A swimsuit for activities around Lake Kivu, if desired
- A hat or cap for sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable sleepwear
For Gorilla, Golden Monkey & Chimpanzee Trekking
- Sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes or boots
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts
- Lightweight waterproof clothing
- Gardening gloves or trekking gloves to protect your hands from vegetation
- Comfortable socks
- A small backpack for the day
- A reusable water bottle
- Walking poles, if you normally use them
- Gaiters, especially during the rainy season
Personal Items & Electronics
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Basic personal toiletries
- Camera and extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Power bank
- Universal travel adapter
- Waterproof bag or protective cover for electronics and valuables
Important Documents
- Passport
- Travel insurance details
- Flight information
- Any required visas or travel documents
- Copies of important documents stored separately from the originals
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Gorilla, Golden Monkey & Chimpanzee Trekking Trekking is conducted in natural forest environments and can involve steep, muddy and uneven terrain. The duration and difficulty of the trek can vary depending on the location of the animals.
A reasonable level of fitness is recommended. However, the trekking pace is generally adapted to the group, and assistance can be arranged where necessary.
For gorilla trekking, visitors are required to follow the instructions of the park guides and maintain the recommended distance from the gorillas to protect both visitors and the animals.
Weather & Climate Rwanda can experience changing weather conditions, especially in the mountain and rainforest regions.
Rain can occur even during generally dry periods, so waterproof clothing should always be easily accessible.
Temperatures can vary considerably between regions. Akagera is generally warmer, while Volcanoes National
Park and Nyungwe Forest can be cooler, particularly in the early morning and evening. Safari & Wildlife
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, as animals move freely through their natural environment.
However, Akagera National Park offers excellent opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife, and your experienced safari guide will use their knowledge of the park to maximize your chances of encountering different species.
Road Travel
Some journeys between destinations can take several hours. Rwanda is a mountainous country, and some roads are winding.
The long drives are an important part of the experience, offering beautiful scenery, opportunities to meet local communities and a chance to see everyday life beyond the main tourist destinations.
Regular stops can be arranged along the way for photographs, refreshments and local experiences.
Activities & Itinerary Flexibility
The itinerary may occasionally be adjusted depending on:
- Weather conditions
- Wildlife movements
- Park regulations
- Activity availability
- Flight schedules • Road conditions
Any changes will always be made with the safety, comfort and overall experience of the guests as the priority.
Respect for Local Communities & Conservation
Rwanda places great importance on conservation and responsible tourism.
During your journey, you will visit protected areas and interact with local communities. We encourage all guests to respect local customs, traditions, communities and the natural environment.
Your journey contributes to the conservation of Rwanda's extraordinary wildlife and supports the communities living around these important destinations.
A Journey of Discovery
This safari is more than simply visiting Rwanda's famous destinations.
It is an opportunity to experience the country through its wildlife, forests, mountains, lakes, culture and people.
From the excitement of seeing wildlife on the savannah to the quiet moments spent observing gorillas in the rainforest, from canoeing alongside local communities to watching fishermen on Lake Kivu, every day offers a new experience.
Come prepared for adventure, discovery and unforgettable memories.
Photos from the original itinerary
