11 Days Rwanda Safari
The 11-day Rwanda safari offers a rich blend of experiences across Rwanda’s top national parks and scenic landscapes. From big five game drives in akagera, chimpanzee trekking in nyungwe to gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park. the safari includes cultural immersion, canopy walks, stunning lake side relaxation on lake Kivu and Kigali city tour. The African safari for those seeking nature, wildlife and culture in one unforgettable journey.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- Game drives in akagera national park
- Boat cruise on lake ihema
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Canopy walk in nyungwe forest
- Gorilla trekking in volcanoes
- Golden monkey trekking
- Hike to Dian Fossey grave
- Cultural experiences
- Kigali city tour
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival and city tour
On arrival at Kigali international airport, you will meet your driver guide and drive to Kigali for a city tour. You will visit places such as Kigali genocide memorial, kimironko market and many craft shops among others. After the city tour, you will head to your lodge for a check in, relaxation and dinner
Day 2: Transfer to akagera national park and afternoon game drives
After breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to akagera national park. the journey takes 2 to 3 hours and on arrival, you will check into the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will head to the park for a game drive in the southern part of the park. while on the game drive, you will spot animals like zebras, giraffes, antelopes and elephants among others. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Full day game drives
In the morning after breakfast, you will spend a full day exploring Akagera’s northern circuit where you will have high chances to spot lions, leopards and rhinos. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and then in the afternoon, you will return to the southern sector. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Morning boat cruise and transfer to Kigali
In the morning, you will have breakfast and enjoy a boat cruise on lake ihema where you will see hippos, crocodiles and birdlife. After the boat cruise, you will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will return to Kigali city and on arrival you will check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe national park
Early in the morning after breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to nyungwe national park. the journey takes 6-7 hours and you will have a stop over at the Ethnographic Museum and have lunch. After, you will proceed with the journey to the national park. on arrival, you will check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
After morning breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, you will enter into the forest in search of the chimpanzees. Once the primates are located, you will spend an hour observing them. After the chimpanzee trekking, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will head out for the canopy walk which is a 60m above the forest. After the canopy walk, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Waterfall hike and transfer to lake Kivu
Start your day with an early breakfast before setting off for the Isumo waterfall hike in nyungwe forest national park. the guided trail winds through lush rainforest teeming with primates, bird, butterflies and vibrant plant life. Along the 2-3 hours trek, you will cross wooden bridges, climb gentle forest slopes and descend towards the isumo waterfall. The sound of cascading water and the misty spray in the middle of the jungle make this a serene and invigorating experience. After the waterfall hike return to the lodge for lunch and freshening up.
After, check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to lake Kivu. The journey winds through beautiful countryside and rolling hills and eventually bringing you to Rwanda’s most picturesque lake side retreat. On arrival, check into your lodge and relax with stunning views over the water.
Day 8: Lake Kivu boat excursion and transfer to volcanoes
After breakfast, embark on a peaceful boat excursion on lake Kivu. Drift past fishing villages, lush green islands and quiet coves. Along the way, you might spot local fishermen using traditional boats, hear stories of the lakes volcanic history or stop at hot springs or napoleon island known for its fruit bats and panoramic views. After the boat ride, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
After, check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to volcanoes national park. on arrival, check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Gorilla trekking
Wake up early for breakfast and transfer to the volcanoes national park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing by the park rangers, you will be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families and head into the forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. The trek can take 2-6hours depending on the location of the gorilla family.
Once the gorillas are located, you will spend an hour observing them, watch young ones tumble through the underbrush, silverbacks protectively monitor their families and mothers cradle their babies. After the gorilla trekking, return to your lodge for a hot meal, rest and overnight stay.
Day 10: Hike to Dian Fossey and visit iby’iwacu cultural village
After breakfast, head to volcanoes national park for a guided hike to the Dian Fossey tomb located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. The hike takes 3-4hours round trip and winds through bamboo forests and afro montane vegetation to the site where legendary primatologist Dian Fossey lived, worked and was eventually buried alongside her beloved gorilla. While at the hike, you will see remains of research centre and the guide will share stories about Fossey’s life, her tireless conservation work and the threats gorillas still face today. After the hike, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the iby’iwacu cultural village known as the gorilla guardian village. The cultural experience introduces you to traditional Rwandan life. Watch intore dancers, try your hand at banana beer brewing, learn about traditional medicine and even participate in a mock royal coronation. It’s a lively and educational way to engage with the local community and support cultural tourism.
Day 11: Transfer to Kigali and departure
On the 11th day of 11 Days Rwanda Safari, After breakfast, check out of the hotel and embark on the journey back to Kigali. Depending on your flight, you will stop at the markets for your final shopping and later proceed to Kigali international airport for your flight back home.
End of 11 Days Rwanda Safari
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Transportation in a 4*4 safari vehicle
- Park entrance fees
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Boat cruise on lake ihema
- Accommodation and meals
- Bottled drinking water
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- International flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses