Day 1 -Kigali City
Karibu (welcome) to Rwanda! Our driver will greet you at the airport for the short drive to the 5-star Kigali Serena Hotel. Get settled in and explore Rwanda’s clean, modern capital city. Be sure to sample some sizzling brochettes or grilled goat – the local cuisine is insane! Overnight at Kigali Serena.
Day 2 – Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, we’ll hit the road west for a stunning 5-hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Straddling the border with Burundi, Nyungwe is the largest mountain rainforest in Africa! Check into your scenic eco-lodge then spend the afternoon hiking trails beneath the forest canopy, keeping an eye out for lively monkeys and exotic birds.
Day 3 – Chimpanzee Trekking
Ready to track wild chimpanzees? There are around 500 chimps roaming Nyungwe Forest but locating them takes skill. With an experienced guide leading the way, we’ll set off early to increase our chances of spotting our furry genetic cousins. Be prepared to traverse muddy trails and thick vegetation until we hear chimp hoots and cries! The first sighting of these intelligent primates playing and socializing is so worth the effort.
Day 4 – Relaxing on Lake Kivu
After a final morning in Nyungwe Forest, we’ll drive 3 hours to the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu near Gisenyi. Spend the afternoon lounging on the beach or swimming in the blue waters. Later, we’ll cruise by boat at sunset, taking in views of paddling local fishermen and Rwanda’s rolling hills. A perfect day in paradise! Overnight at Lake Kivu
Day 5 – Off to Volcanoes National Park
The adventure continues as we drive 2 hours to Volcanoes National Park – home to the critically endangered mountain gorilla. Less than 1000 remain worldwide, and over half live in the Virunga Volcanoes! Check into the cozy Volcanoes Virunga Lodge, nestled right on the edge of the park. Get a good night’s rest before tomorrow’s epic trek!
Day 6 – Gorilla Trekking
The day we’ve all been waiting for is here – gorilla tracking! Enjoy an early breakfast to fuel up for the adventure. Our guide will lead us on the strenuous 2-6 hour hike through dense forest and bamboo stalks until we find the gorilla family. Nothing prepares you for finally spotting these magnificent creatures up close! Spend an awe-inspiring hour quietly observing them. Afterward, stretch your legs on an evening cultural village walk.
Day 7 – Golden Monkey Tracking
After yesterday’s thrilling gorilla encounter, enjoy a more relaxed trek today in search of energetic golden monkeys. Watch them play high in the canopy – they are acrobats! After getting our fill of primate sightings, we’ll drive 2.5 hours back to Kigali City for the night.
Day 8 – Off to Akagera
Today we embark on the 3 hour drive east to remote and rugged Akagera National Park bordering Tanzania. Once home to the Big 5 before the genocide, Akagera has been restocked and revitalized. It’s now teeming with wildlife like lions, elephants, zebra and hippos! Enjoy an evening game drive scanning the savannah for these incredible beasts.
Day 9 – Akagera Game Drives
We have a full day to explore Akagera’s diverse habitats! Rise early for a sunrise game drive when animals are most active. Our eagle-eyed guide will search for any wildlife we haven’t yet spotted. After lunch, we’ll take to the water on a boat safari cruise down the Kagera River for closeup views of lounging hippos, crocs, and aquatic birds. What an amazing day
Day 10 – End Of Safari
On our last morning, enjoy one final game drive in Akagera during the magical golden hour light. Then it’s time to drive 3 hours back to Kigali where our adventure ends. Farewell dear friends, until we safari again! We hope you loved exploring incredible Rwanda with us.
