Book this 10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari for an unforgettable experience in this tiny nation.
These 10 days are just enough to explore most of the interesting destinations in Rwanda. This tour highlights Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Lake Kivu.
These destinations sit in different provinces of the country. The package starts in Kigali City in the Central Province but takes you to the northern, western, eastern, and southern provinces, giving you a chance to explore almost the whole of Rwanda in one trip.
10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari Highlights
- 10-day Rwanda safari visiting Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, and Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Airport pick up in Kigali with a short Kigali city visit
- Road transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park
- Morning game drives to look for elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, leopards, and rhinos
- Boat ride on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, birds, and animals near the lake shores
- Road transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze
- Visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo
- Morning briefing at the park headquarters before gorilla trekking
- Guided forest walk to search for mountain gorillas
- Spend one hour observing the gorillas and taking photos without flash
- Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about local culture and dance
- Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Visit the Dian Fossey grave at the Karisoke Research Center
- Road transfer to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi
- Boat ride on Lake Kivu with a visit to Coffee Island
- Free time to relax at the beaches of Lake Kivu
- Visit nearby towns such as Gisenyi and Kibuye
- Road transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park with stopovers at Butare Museum and the former Presidential Palace
- Early morning chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Afternoon canopy walk above the forest
- Return transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure
Brief 10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari Itinerary
- Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
- Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
- Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking and Dian Fossey Grave Visit
- Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu, Gisenyi
- Day 7: Whole Day at Lake Kivu
- Day 8: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
- Day 10: Transfer to Kigali City and Departure
Detailed 10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Early morning, our tour guide will pick you up from Kigali International Airport or an accommodation of your choice, carry out a brief city tour, and transfer you to Akagera National Park.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Carry out a morning game drive in the northern part of Akagera National Park, home to the highest concentration of wildlife. See animals like elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, and lions.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema, where you will see crocodiles and hippos, along with other mammals that come to hydrate at the lake shores. This lake is also a birder’s paradise.
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District, north of Rwanda, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. On arrival, visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo before proceeding to your safari lodge for overnight.
Day 4: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
This is one of the highlights of your 10-day safari. Early in the morning, transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing before starting your gorilla trekking adventure. The trek can last 2 to 8 hours, depending on gorilla location, including a full hour spent with these incredible primates.
In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a cultural experience before returning to your lodge.
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking and Dian Fossey Grave Visit
Head to the park headquarters for a briefing, then go for golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. This typically lasts 2 to 4 hours.
In the afternoon, visit Dian Fossey’s grave at the Karisoke Research Center. Dian Fossey was a pioneer in mountain gorilla conservation, and her efforts deserve honor.
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu, Gisenyi
Today is a day to relax and unwind. Transfer to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi and enjoy an afternoon boat ride on the lake. Lake Kivu, one of the African Great Lakes, offers scenic views and a chance to explore Coffee Island.
Day 7: Whole Day at Lake Kivu
Spend a relaxing day at one of Rwanda’s most beautiful locations. Relax on Gisenyi beaches, enjoy water sports, and in the evening, visit nearby towns like Kibuye and Gisenyi.
Day 8: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Early morning, transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southern province of Rwanda. Along the way, visit landmarks such as the Butare Museum and the former Presidential Palace before arriving at Nyungwe Forest late in the evening.
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Wake up early and head into the forest to track chimpanzees. These primates move quickly once awake, making early tracking essential for the best chance of seeing them.
In the afternoon, experience the unforgettable canopy walk, offering an elevated, bird’s-eye view of the forest.
Day 10: Transfer to Kigali City and Departure
On the final day, transfer to Kigali City for drop-off or to catch your flight back home.
Book this 10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari today and experience gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and Big Five wildlife in one trip.
