With this 10 Days Rwanda Primates Trekking & Zanzibar Beach Safari, you will visit two important tourism destinations: Rwanda and Zanzibar, which are well known for their best African wildlife and beach safari experiences.
Rwanda is known as the home of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, as well as other primates like chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, and the big five game in Akagera National Park.
Zanzibar, on the other hand, is renowned for its historical sites and beautiful beaches.
Therefore, this 10 Days Rwanda & Zanzibar safari takes you to the best of African culture, wildlife, and beaches steeped in ancient history.
You will create unforgettable memories on this 10 Days Rwanda Primates Trekking & Zanzibar Beach Safari.
Detailed Rwanda Safari & Zanzibar Beach Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Your driver guide will eagerly await your arrival at Kigali Airport in Rwanda to greet you.
After a briefing to familiarize you with this 10 Days Rwanda and Zanzibar safari, you will transfer to Nyungwe National Park.
Nyungwe Forest National Park is renowned for hosting up to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees. Other primates you might spot on this trek include black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, among others.
Upon arrival, you will engage in leisurely activities while awaiting your meals.
Day 2: Full Day Adventure in Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, head to Nyungwe Forest National Park for the first activity: chimpanzee trekking, which starts around 8:00 am.
This begins after a morning briefing to acquaint you with forest rules and regulations, park premises, and its inhabitants.
Among the stipulated rules and regulations are: do not feed animals, maintain silence during trekking, and do not litter the park premises, among others.
Thereafter, venture into the forest in search of these remarkable primates.
The experience lasts about 4 hours, including an hour spent in the company of chimpanzees, offering you a chance to learn that these primates are indeed our cousins.
After the chimpanzee trekking experience, return to the lodge for lunch and prepare for another thrilling adventure.
Starting with a briefing, embark on the canopy walk, a bridge of suspended ropes.
During this 200m canopy walk, you will enjoy the best of Nyungwe’s primates, watching them leap from one side of the bridge to the other, while birds sing overhead, providing you with an aerial view of the forest.
In the late evening, return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, journey to Volcanoes National Park in western Rwanda, home to the remaining mountain gorillas.
The journey along the meandering Ruhengeri-Gisenyi road takes approximately 6 hours. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely experience at the lodge.
Volcanoes National Park is characterized by rainforests and located in the Virunga Massif, making it a habitat for mountain gorillas.
More than 10 habituated gorilla families can be tracked here. The park is also home to five of the eight Virunga Mountains, offering opportunities for hiking.
Birding is another highlight, with over 180 bird species including Rwenzori turacos, Rwenzori double-collared sunbirds, handsome francolins, strange weavers, dusky crimson-wings, and collared apalises.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience and Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, drive to the park offices for a briefing, allocation of a park ranger guide, and explanation of rules and regulations.
Accompanied by a ranger, enter the forest to begin your search, which usually doesn’t take long before encountering these great primates in the jungle.
Enjoy an hour in the presence of these gorillas, creating lasting memories. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch before heading to Akagera National Park.
This unique destination in Rwanda features savannah plains, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
The adventure in Akagera National Park promises a memorable safari, with morning game drives and afternoon boat cruises to view wildlife such as lions, buffaloes, leopards, Masai giraffes, zebras, and hyenas, among others.
Upon arrival, proceed directly to the booked lodge.
Day 5: Full Day in Akagera National Park
Explore the beautiful savannah and Lake Ihema waters in Akagera National Park through a morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise, respectively.
The game drive, guided by a knowledgeable park ranger, offers encounters with residents such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, leopards, hyenas, and more.
After lunch, head to Lake Ihema, located on the Rwanda-Tanzania border, for a boat cruise where you can observe hippos and crocodiles.
Return to the lodge after an evening game drive, concluding the day’s activities.
Day 6: Transfer Back to Kigali, Fly to Zanzibar, and Transfer to a Hotel/Resort
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive before heading to Kigali Airport for your flight to Zanzibar, a renowned island destination that includes Pemba and Mafia, the largest islands.
Zanzibar is famous for its stunning beaches and historical sites.
Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel or resort where you will spend the next three nights.
Day 7: Full Day Exploration of Stone Town
Embark on a tour of Stone Town, exploring iconic sites such as the House of Wonders, Zanzibar Coffee House, and religious centers built with coral stones, including the Old Dispensary and Old Fort.
Visit the Spice Islands and learn about various spices through tasting, touching, and smelling them, an activity not to be missed during your visit to Zanzibar.
Day 8-9: Beach Activities
Over these two days, indulge in the beautiful beaches and participate in activities such as snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, beach soccer, among others.
Enjoy a boat cruise to witness the sunset over the Indian Ocean on one of these days.
In the late evening, visit Forodhani Garden Market to savor delicious dishes.
Other options during these two days include a visit to Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and Prison Island.
Day 10: Transfer to the Airport and Fly Back Home
After breakfast or lunch, depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your return journey home.
This concludes your 10 Days Rwanda and Zanzibar safari.
