Experience Rwanda the Land of a Thousand Hills on this immersive 14-day Rwanda safari. Beginning and ending in Kigali, the journey visits Nyungwe Forest, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park. Along the way, enjoy gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, Mount Bisoke hiking, wildlife drives and a Lake Ihema boat cruise.
Quick Highlights (Days 1–14)
Day 1: Arrival → Kigali city tour (Genocide Memorial & museum).
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest.
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking (Cyamudongo).
Day 4: Nyungwe forest walks (Waterfall Trail).
Day 5: Nyungwe canopy walk (Uwinka).
Day 6: Transfer to Kibuye (Lake Kivu cruise & beach time).
Day 7: Transfer to Gisenyi.
Day 8: Transfer to Ruhengeri → Volcanoes National Park.
Day 9: Gorilla trekking (Volcanoes).
Day 10: Golden monkey trekking; visit Bulera & Ruhondo twin lakes.
Day 11: Hike Mount Bisoke or visit Dian Fossey’s Karisoke memorial.
Day 12: Transfer to Akagera National Park.
Day 13: Morning game drive; evening boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Day 14: Transfer to Kigali for departure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Kigali:
Your guide meets you at the airport; after lunch you enjoy a brief city tour and visit the Genocide Memorial. Evening: dinner and overnight in Kigali.
Day 2 – To Nyungwe:
After breakfast travel to Nyungwe with cultural stops en route. Check-in, dinner, overnight.
Day 3 – Chimp Trek:
Early briefing, guided chimp trek (30 min–6 hrs), one hour with the chimp group, return to lodge.
Day 4 – Forest Walks:
Choose well-marked trails such as the Waterfall Trail; optional coffee plantation tour afterwards.
Day 5 – Canopy Walk:
50 m high canopy walk (~160 m) from Uwinka with excellent primate and bird viewing.
Day 6 – Kibuye (Lake Kivu):
Visit genocide site en route, then relax with an afternoon Lake Kivu cruise.
Day 7 – Gisenyi:
Scenic drive to Gisenyi; evening at leisure on the lakeshore.
Day 8 – Volcanoes NP:
Transfer to Ruhengeri and check into your Volcanoes lodge.
Day 9 – Gorilla Trek:
Morning briefing, trek (30 min–4 hrs), one hour with mountain gorillas; evening return.
Day 10 – Golden Monkeys & Lakes:
Golden monkey trek (30 min–4 hrs), then visit Bulera & Ruhondo twin lakes.
Day 11 – Mount Bisoke or Karisoke:
Full-day Bisoke hike for crater views, or visit Dian Fossey’s Karisoke research site and tomb.
Day 12 – To Akagera:
Transfer to Akagera NP; afternoon/evening game drive.
Day 13 – Game Drive & Boat Cruise:
Early morning game drive to spot the Big Five and more; afternoon/early evening boat cruise on Lake Ihema to view hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.
Day 14 – Return to Kigali:
Leisurely breakfast, transfer to Kigali and onward departures.
Where You Stay & Meals
Nyungwe: Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge — B/L/D as indicated.
Kibuye / Gisenyi: Lake Kivu lodges (e.g., Paradise Malahide).
Volcanoes: Da Vinci / Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (mid-range).
Akagera: Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals follow the daily plan (breakfast daily; lunches and dinners as noted).
What’s Included
Park entrance fees and all activity permits (gorilla, chimpanzee, golden monkey, Bisoke hike).
Guided activities listed in the itinerary.
13 nights’ accommodation as above.
Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
All meals as per itinerary.
English-speaking guide and bottled drinking water.
What’s Not Included
Visa fee and international flights to/from Kigali.
Life or personal insurance.
Domestic flights (if any).
Personal expenses (phone airtime, email).
All drinks other than bottled water.
Laundry, tips and porter fees.
Important Notes & Tips
Firstly, gorilla and golden monkey permits are limited, so book early.
Secondly, bring sturdy hiking boots and layered clothing for altitude changes.
Additionally, consider travel/medical insurance that covers trekking activities.
Finally, when possible, carry small change for tips and local purchases.