This exciting 10-day Rwanda Gorilla Safari includes visits to all the top three National Parks in Rwanda, the “Land of a thousand Hills.” The tour begins in the Capital Kigali with a visit to some of the top historical sites, especially the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site. From the capital, proceed to the countryside for the breathtaking wildlife encounters including gorilla treklking, chimpanzee tracking and game viewing.
Highlights
- Visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village for an opportunity to learn about Rwanda’s rural life as well as interesting traditions directly from the locals.
- Explore the Capital City’s bustling neighborhoods as well as shop in some of the local markets.
- A chance to meet one of the 12 habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park.
- Enjoy chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- See Africa’s Big Game (Lions, Rhinos, Buffaloes, spotted hyenas, Topis, Hippos, Leopards, elands, and others) in Akagera National Park.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport.
Day 2: Short Tour of Kigali City and transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 3: Nyungwe Chimpanzee tracking and Canopy walk.
Day 4: Nyungwe- Lake Kivu via Karongi.
Day 5: Lake Kivu Boat excursion and transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla trekking and visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village.
Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking and Visit to Ellen DeGeneres’ Campus.
Day 8: Volcanoes- Akagera National Park.
Day 9: Akagera Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat ride.
Day 10: Transfer to Kigali City, departure.
Detailed Itinerary – 10-Day Rwanda gorilla safari
Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport
Welcome to the “Land of a thousand Hills.” Our Airport representative will assist you through customs, collect your bags, and hand you over to the guide for a transfer to the City Hotel. Check in and relax for the rest of the day.
Overnight accommodation at: The Retreat by Heaven (luxury), Hotel Des Mille Collines (midrange), or Hotel Chez Lando (budget).
Meal Plan: Dinner.
Day 2: Short Tour of Kigali City and transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Known for its serenity and bustling City scene, Kigali is nestled against spectacular hills, and on this day, you will explore some of its top historical sites. You will get a chance to explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial site to learn about the gruesome 1994 Genocide, and if time permits, visit the Kimironko local market.
Stop for a cup of coffee and head to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Lunch will be at Nyanza, where you will also explore the King’s Palace before proceeding to your final destination.
Overnight accommodation at: One & Only Nyungwe House (luxury), Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (midrange), or Gisakura Guesthouse (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 3: Nyungwe Chimpanzee tracking and Canopy walk
The almost 100000-hectare Nyungwe Forest National Park is one of the few places in Africa where you can see chimpanzees, and it might interest you that there are 12 other primate species you can see here. There are two chimpanzee communities here, and depending on which one you will be trekking and the Lodge where you are staying, you will depart at 4:00am or 5:00am. Start with a briefing, then start the search for these Great Apes, and this will last 1-4 hours, depending on their location, then spend one hour watching and taking photos of them. Later return to the Lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the afternoon, you will head back to the forest to explore the spectacular canopy walkway passing through treetops. Here, you will spot different bird species, primates, and butterfly species, and most interestingly, enjoy breathtaking views. Retreat for dinner at the Lodge.
Overnight accommodation at: One & Only Nyungwe House (luxury), Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (midrange), or Gisakura Guesthouse (budget).
Meal Plan: All meals.
Day 4: Nyungwe- Lake Kivu via Karongi
After breakfast at the Lodge, transfer to Lake Kivu area with a stop at Karongi for lunch, then to Rubavu, where you will be based for one day/night. Enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside along the way and arrive at your final destination late afternoon for relaxation and dinner.
Overnight accommodation at: Ubucuti Lodge (luxury), Paradise Malahide (midrange), or INZU Lodge (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 5: Lake Kivu Boat excursion and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Have breakfast and later enjoy a relaxed Boat cruise on Lake Kivu to take in views of the surrounding rolling hills, lots of bird species, and see traditional fishing boats out for the day. Stop for lunch at the Lodge, check out, and transfer to Volcanoes National Park, your next stop for this 10-day Rwanda Gorilla safari.
Overnight accommodation at: Bisate Lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange), or Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 6: Mountain Gorilla trekking and visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village
This is the most unforgettable day during this 10-day Rwanda Gorilla Safari, as you will get the chance to meet face-to-face with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. You will need moderate physical fitness, a good pair of hiking boots, a backpack, long pants, insect repellent, and other items for this unforgettable walk. You will attend a briefing at the Park Headquarters, followed by the search for the Giant Apes, and this is expected to last 1-6 hours, depending on the location of these majestic creatures.
You will be allowed to approach mountain gorillas while maintaining a distance of 7 meters away from them, then spend one hour watching and taking photos of them. Later return to the base and to the Lodge for lunch.
Your afternoon is dedicated to community walks, with a visit to Gorilla Guardian’s Village to get immersed in atypical Rwandan day-to-day life. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing, then have dinner at the Lodge.
Overnight accommodation at: Bisate Lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange), or Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 7: Golden monkey tracking and visit to Ellen DeGeneres Campus
This is another early start for you as you return to the Lodge, this time to track the frisky Golden monkeys. Start the day with breakfast at the Lodge and transfer to the Park Headquarters for a briefing, then start the search for these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. They occupy the foothills of Mount Sabyinyo; hence, it is less tiring to track them (compared to Mountain gorillas), and when found, you will spend one hour with them.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus to take a trip down memory lane to learn about Dian Fossey’s legacy. There are several activities provided here, some of which require advance booking and others a significant donation.
Enjoy a relaxed evening at the Lodge.
Overnight accommodation at: Bisate Lodge (luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (midrange), or Kinigi Guesthouse (budget).
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 8: Volcanoes- Akagera National Park
Your day begins with breakfast, followed by the transfer to Rwanda’s only savannah-dominated Protected Area- Akagera National Park. You will arrive on time for lunch and later, relaxation at the Lodge.
Overnight accommodation at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (midrange), or Karenge Camp (budget).
Meal Plan: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Day 9: Akagera Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat ride
This day is filled with safari adventures in Akagera National Park. Start with a cup of coffee/tea, followed by a game drive through the Park. This activity is for predators such as lions, leopards, along with spotted hyenas, Topis, impalas, zebras, Masai giraffes, Olive baboons, warthogs, and lots of bird species.
Lunch at the Lodge. You will have an afternoon water safari by boat, on Lake Ihema. This will provide the opportunity to see the Park’s endemic birdlife, such as African fish eagles, plus aquatic wildlife species such as crocodiles and Hippos. You will also see African bush elephants and buffaloes quenching their thirst along the shores.
Overnight accommodation at Magashi Camp (Luxury), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (midrange), or Karenge Camp (budget).
Meal Plan: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
Day 10: Transfer to Kigali City, departure
Meet your safari driver this morning for the three-hour drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight departure time, you might have time for a last City tour before being dropped off at the Airport. Safe Travels!
This 10-day Rwanda Gorilla Safari package includes;
- Gorilla trekking permit/s.
- Golden monkey tracking permit/s.
- Entry fees to National Parks, Museums/Genocide sites, and others.
- Chimpanzee tracking permit/s.
- Community fees, where required.
- Boat ride fees.
- 9 nights’ accommodation (in Kigali, Akagera, Volcanoes, and Nyungwe National Parks).
- Meals as per the itinerary.
- Ground transportation with a comfortable 4WD safari vehicle.
- Ranger fees.
- Guide allowances.
- Services of our experienced English-speaking safari guide.
- Airport transfers as long as they are within the safari period.
This 10-day Rwanda Gorilla Safari package excludes;
- Extra activities that are not included in the itinerary.
- Porter fees.
- Gratuities to porters, Ranger guides, safari guide/s, and Lodge staff.
- Extra meals not included in the itinerary.
- Post-safari accommodation.
- Laundry fees.
- Visa fees.
- Domestic and International airfares.
- Other personal expenses such as telephone calls, cigarettes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and others.