10 Day Best of Rwanda Safari: Gorillas, Chimps and Game Drives

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport⌄

   Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, our guide will warmly welcome you and give a brief introduction to your upcoming journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kigali to check in and relax after your travels. In the evening, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner before settling in for a comfortable overnight stay, ensuring you’re well-rested for the adventures ahead.

   Meals: Dinner

   Overnight: Urban by CityBlue, Kigali, Rwanda

2. 2Start Enjoying Akagera National Park⌄

   Your safari begins bright and early! At 5:00 AM, your driver will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali and transfer you to Akagera National Park. In the afternoon, head out for a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you'll spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species including the majestic African fish eagle and the elusive shoebill stork. Enjoy a morning game drive upon arrival — keep your eyes open for elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, antelopes, and more.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Akagera Transit Lodge, Just outside Akagera National Park, Rwanda

3. 3Full-Day Game Driver in Akagera National Park⌄

   After an early breakfast, spend the entire day exploring Akagera National Park on game drives. Search for elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and other wildlife across different ecosystems. Enjoy beautiful landscapes and wildlife viewing throughout the day before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Akagera Transit Lodge, Just outside Akagera National Park, Rwanda

4. 4Drive to Nyungwe Forest via Cultural Stops⌄

   Depart Akagera and journey to Nyungwe Forest. En route, stop in Nyanza to explore the King’s Palace, a historic site showcasing Rwanda’s royal heritage.

   Continue to Butare for a visit to the Ethnographic Museum, offering deep insight into Rwandan culture and traditions. After the visits, proceed through scenic hills to arrive at Nyungwe for overnight.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Chimpanzee Lodge, Just outside Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

5. 5Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk⌄

   Begin your day early with an exciting chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest, home to rich biodiversity. Hike through dense rainforest trails while spotting chimpanzees, monkeys, and colorful birds. Return to the lodge for lunch and a bit of relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy either the thrilling canopy walk or an adventurous zipline experience, offering a unique view above the lush rainforest.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Chimpanzee Lodge, Just outside Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda

6. 6Transfer to Volcanoes National Park⌄

   After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel north toward Volcanoes National Park, home to the famous mountain gorillas. Enjoy the scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, passing rolling hills, vibrant villages, and lush green landscapes. Along the way, take in views of Lake Kivu and tea plantations. Arrive in Musanze in the afternoon and settle into your lodge for a restful evening before the next day’s adventure.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: La Palme Hotel, Ruhengeri, Rwanda

7. 7Gorilla Trekking in the Heart of Volcanoes National Park⌄

   After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the ranger guides. You’ll then set off into the misty forest, guided by experts, in search of a gorilla family. The trek can take 2–3 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location, and once you find them, you’ll spend a magical hour in their presence, observing their social behaviors and interactions that are strikingly similar to humans. Along the way, you may also encounter other forest residents such as monkeys, various bird species, and other wildlife. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Your dinner and overnight stay will be at the lodge.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: La Palme Hotel, Ruhengeri, Rwanda

8. 8Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Experience⌄

   Begin the day with a guided trek through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park to track the playful golden monkeys. Watch them leap through the trees and interact in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village where you’ll enjoy traditional music, dance, and learn about Rwanda’s heritage, including customs, dress, and stories shared by former gorilla guardians.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: La Palme Hotel, Ruhengeri, Rwanda

9. 9Hike Mount Bisoke or Visit Dian Fossey Tomb⌄

   Today, choose between an adventurous hike up Mount Bisoke, known for its scenic trails and stunning crater lake at the summit, or a guided hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb to learn about her inspiring work in gorilla conservation. Both options offer beautiful views and rich wildlife encounters. After the hike, return to your lodge and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park.

   Today, choose between an adventurous hike up Mount Bisoke, known for its scenic trails and stunning crater lake at the summit, or a guided hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb to learn about her inspiring work in gorilla conservation. Both options offer beautiful views and rich wildlife encounters. After the hike, return to your lodge and enjoy a well-deserved rest. Overnight stay near Volcanoes National Park.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: La Palme Hotel, Ruhengeri, Rwanda

10. 10Return to Kigali – City Tour & Departure⌄

    After breakfast, drive back to Kigali, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. If time permits, take a short city tour including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a moving insight into Rwanda’s history. You may also explore local craft markets for souvenirs. Later, you’ll be transferred to the airport in time for your departure flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable Rwanda safari.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch