10 Days Rwanda Safari – Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Adventure

Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your private safari guide. Depending on arrival time, embark on a guided Kigali city tour:

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center

Explore local art galleries, craft centers, and community markets

Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Kigali

Overnight in Kigali – Suggested: Heaven Boutique Hotel or The Retreat by Heaven
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After breakfast, drive east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah ecosystem. The journey (approx. 3 hours) passes through rural farmlands and lake regions.

Arrive for lunch and check into your lodge. In the afternoon, enjoy a short game drive in the southern sector, where zebras, giraffes, impalas, and elephants are commonly seen.

Dinner and overnight in Akagera, at Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge, or Magashi Camp (luxury)
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Today is dedicated to a full-day safari in Akagera’s northern plains. With your guide, search for:

Lions, reintroduced and thriving since 2015

Black rhinos, reintroduced in 2017

Herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras

Antelopes including topi, bushbuck, waterbuck, impala

Pause for a bush lunch under acacia trees before continuing your drive.

Dinner and overnight in Akagera
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After breakfast, enjoy a 1-hour boat safari on Lake Ihema, spotting:

Hippos, often in large pods

Nile crocodiles

Birds like African fish eagles, herons, jacanas, and kingfishers

Return to Kigali via road (approx. 2.5–3 hours). Optional stops include Imigongo Art Center. Arrive in Kigali for dinner and rest.

Overnight in Kigali
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Today, embark on a scenic 6–7 hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to 13 primate species and 300+ bird species.

Highlights en route include:

Huye Ethnographic Museum in Butare – one of the best in East Africa

Lunch overlooking tea plantations around Gisakura

Panoramic countryside and mountainous terrain

Dinner and overnight near Nyungwe, at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or One & Only Nyungwe House
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Wake up early for chimpanzee tracking in Cyamudongo or Uwinka, guided by expert rangers. Rwanda’s chimps are energetic, vocal, and often found in groups of 30+ individuals.

Later in the afternoon, experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a 200-meter bridge hanging 70 meters above the forest floor, ideal for birding, butterflies, and panoramic views.

Dinner and overnight in Nyungwe
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After breakfast, choose between:

A trek to see large troops of colobus monkeys

A guided forest walk to waterfalls and rare bird habitats

After your activity, drive (approx. 3 hours) to Lake Kivu for a relaxed afternoon by the water. Arrive in Karongi (Kibuye) for sunset views and lakeside dinner.

Overnight at Cormoran Lodge or Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel
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Enjoy a relaxed morning with optional boat ride to Napoleon Island or visit local fishing villages. After lunch, drive (approx. 4 hours) to Musanze, gateway to Volcanoes National Park.

Arrive and settle into your mountain lodge in preparation for your gorilla trekking experience.

Dinner and overnight in Musanze, at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, or similar
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After an early breakfast, report to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing. Trek into the Virunga Mountains with experienced guides to track one of the 12 habituated mountain gorilla families.

Once located, spend one magical hour observing gorillas, an emotional, unforgettable experience. Your gorilla permit ($1,500) directly supports conservation efforts.

Return to the lodge for lunch and rest. Optional activities in the afternoon:

Visit Dian Fossey’s grave site (Karisoke hike)

Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Dinner and overnight in Musanze
Keywords: gorilla trekking Rwanda, Volcanoes Park safaris, mountain gorilla tours Africa

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali (approx. 2.5 hours). Enjoy some last-minute shopping at Caplaki Craft Village or a final coffee at a city café before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight.

End of Tour
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