Detailed Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills
Your safari starts with a warm reception at Kigali International Airport. After a short briefing, drive into the city and settle into your hotel. Rest from your journey or take an optional walk around your neighborhood to enjoy Kigali’s calm, clean atmosphere.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Classic Hotel
- Mid-range: Heaven Boutique Hotel
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Drive to Akagera National Park
Start your day with a guided city tour exploring Kigali’s vibrant markets, cultural art centers, and historical landmarks. Later, drive east through rolling plains to Akagera National Park. Enjoy scenic views of cattle farms and small villages as you approach the savannah. Relax at your lodge and soak in the park’s wilderness atmosphere.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge
- Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Luxury: Magashi Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Set out early for a full-day exploration of Akagera’s spectacular landscapes. The park is home to lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and countless antelope species. Your guide navigates from open grasslands to woodland valleys and lake shores, maximizing your wildlife encounters.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Akagera Rhino Lodge
- Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Luxury: Magashi Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Morning Boat Safari – Drive to Kigali
Enjoy a morning boat safari on Lake Ihema, watching hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and large bird colonies gathered along the shoreline. After lunch, begin your journey back to Kigali. The rest of your afternoon is relaxed, giving you time to unwind or explore the local craft shops.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Classic Hotel
- Mid-range: Heaven Boutique Hotel
- Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Leave Kigali for the scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest, passing tea plantations that stretch across vast green hills. Stop for photos or optional cultural visits along the way. Arrive in Nyungwe and settle into your lodge in time for a peaceful evening surrounded by ancient rainforest.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
- Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Start early for an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure in the deep forest. Hearing the calls echo through the jungle heightens the thrill as your guide leads you to these fast-moving primates. Later in the afternoon, enjoy the Nyungwe Canopy Walk—a suspended bridge offering commanding views from the treetops.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
- Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, head north toward the volcanic region of Musanze. The journey offers stunning views of Lake Kivu and lush countryside. Arrive in Volcanoes National Park and settle into your lodge overlooking the dramatic Virunga mountain chain.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Garden Place Hotel
- Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your safari. Start with a short briefing before hiking through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a mountain gorilla family. Spending time with these gentle giants is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon relaxing at your lodge or exploring Musanze town.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Garden Place Hotel
- Mid-range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking – Transfer to Lake Kivu
Start your morning with golden monkey tracking, a lively and entertaining experience as these playful primates leap through the bamboo forests. Afterward, drive to Lake Kivu for a relaxed afternoon by the water. Enjoy a walk along the lakeshore or unwind at your lodge.
Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Palm Garden Resort
- Mid-range: Paradise Malahide
- Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Lake Kivu – Drive Back to Kigali – Departure
Enjoy a slow morning with beautiful lake views before driving back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit local craft shops for souvenirs. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Best Time to Do the Safari
The best months to enjoy this safari are June to September and December to February, when Rwanda experiences drier conditions, making gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game drives easier and more rewarding.
Estimated Cost Per Person (Based on 6 People Sharing)
| Category | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Budget | 3,900 – 4,500 |
| Mid-range | 5,200 – 5,900 |
| Luxury | 8,300 – 9,600 |
Prices vary depending on gorilla permits, travel season, and lodge availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the gorilla trekking permit included in the safari cost?
Permit prices vary, but they are usually calculated separately due to seasonal changes.
2. How difficult is gorilla trekking?
Trekking ranges from moderate to challenging depending on the gorilla family's location. Guides always match groups to suitable trails.
3. What is the minimum age for gorilla and chimp tracking?
The minimum age is 15 years for gorillas and 12 years for chimpanzees.
4. Is Rwanda safe for travelers?
Yes, Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest and cleanest countries for tourism.
5. What should I pack for this safari?
Light clothing, a warm layer, hiking shoes, rain jacket, insect repellent, daypack, and gloves for gorilla trekking.
6. Can dietary requirements be arranged?
Yes, most lodges accommodate special diets with advance notice.
7. Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it’s recommended for medical coverage and trekking activities.