10 Days Rwanda Safari, Gorillas Chimps and Wildlife

This 10-day Rwanda safari is a premium journey through Rwanda’s most rewarding safari regions, combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife viewing, scenic lake experiences, and selected cultural visits in one well-paced itinerary. It is designed for travellers who want to experience the full variety of Rwanda, from the volcanic forests of Volcanoes National Park to the rainforest of Nyungwe, the lakeshore setting of Gisenyi, the city highlights of Kigali, and the savannah landscapes of Akagera National Park. The safari begins in Kigali before continuing to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking, then moves on to Lake Kivu and Nyungwe for chimpanzee tracking and forest experiences. It ends with wildlife viewing in Akagera, giving the trip a strong balance of primates, landscapes, and classic safari moments. This itinerary is ideal for travellers looking for a luxury Rwanda safari that combines comfort, iconic wildlife, and a broader view of the country in one trip

Safari Highlights

• gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
• Kigali city tour with key historical and cultural sites
• Dian Fossey visit or related conservation experience, depending on the final operating plan
• Lake Kivu stay in Gisenyi with kayaking and a visit to the hot springs
• Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
• optional canopy walk in Nyungwe
• Akagera National Park game drive
• boat safari experience in Akagera

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1, Arrival in Kigali Rwanda

On arrival in Kigali, you will be welcomed by our company representative and transferred to your hotel. Relax at the hotel as you settle into the fresh air and scenery of Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. Dinner and overnight at The Retreat Kigali

Day 2, Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, go for a Kigali city tour, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the national museum. Later in the afternoon, transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Overnight at Bisate Luxury Lodge.Drive time: About 3 hours

Day 3, Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, take your packed lunch and transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. You will then begin your search for the mountain gorillas with the guidance of rangers and trackers. As you move through the forest, you may hear signs of gorilla movement before finally coming face to face with one of the most remarkable wildlife encounters in Africa. Once the gorillas are found, you will spend one hour with them before trekking back to the lodge. If the trek ends early, there is an optional visit to the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera. Relax at the lodge as you wait for dinner and overnight.

Day 4, Golden Monkey Trekking and Dian Fossey Visit

Wake up early and transfer to the park headquarters for another briefing before the golden monkey trekking. The trek usually takes about 2 to 4 hours, returning in the afternoon. Later, visit the Dian Fossey site or the Ellen campus visit included in your final operating plan. Overnight at your previous lodge

Day 5, Transfer to Gisenyi and Lake Kivu Experience

After breakfast, transfer to Gisenyi. Visit the hot springs and later go kayaking on Lake Kivu. Overnight at Kivu Serena Hotel.

Day 6, Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours, arriving in the afternoon. Overnight at One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 7, Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest

Go for chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest with the help of park rangers, who will also share information about the flora and fauna of the forest. This activity requires an early departure from the lodge. Later, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, there is an optional canopy walk. The walkway stretches for over 160 metres and is divided into three sections, with beautiful views over the forest canopy. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 8, Transfer to Kigali and Natural History Museum Visit

After breakfast, visit the Natural History Museum and later transfer back to Kigali. The drive takes about 3 and a half hours, arriving in the afternoon. Overnight at The Retreat Kigali

Day 9, Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Akagera National Park. The drive takes about 2 and a half hours, depending on the route and traffic. Enjoy wildlife viewing en route as you continue to the lodge. Overnight at Magashi Camp

Day 10, Akagera Game Drive, Boat Ride and Return to Kigali

Before sunrise, go for a morning game drive in the park in search of wildlife. Later in the day, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema before transferring back to Kigali. On arrival, proceed to the airport for your onward flight.

What to Pack for the 10 Days Rwanda Safari

Rwanda is a hilly country, hence the name land of a thousand hills and also a tropical country, making it prone to certain conditions and temperatures. Therefore, below we list several items and things that you must pack for this 10-day best of Rwanda safari.

• A raincoat
• A warm sweat
• Long trousers for treks
• Shorts for Game drives
• Ankle covering Closed shoes
• T-shirts
• A hat
• Sun Glasses
• A swim suit
• Binoculars
• Camera or your smart Phone.
• A waste Bag to carry essentials during treks
•  Water proof back Pack.
• Insect repellants
• Anti Malaria Tabs

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

Any time of the year can be good for visiting Rwanda. However, trekking is usually easier during the drier months of June to October and January to mid-March. The 10-day Rwanda safari can still be done during the rainy season, as rainfall often comes in shorter periods and conditions may improve later in the day

Inclusions

• airport pickup and drop-off
• private transport throughout the safari
• accommodation for 9 nights
• meals as per itinerary
• English-speaking driver guide
• gorilla trekking permit
• Golden monkey trekking  permit
• chimpanzee tracking  permit
• Akagera boat ride
• bottled drinking water in the vehicle

Exclusions

• international flights
• Rwanda visa fees
• travel insurance
• personal expenses
• alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
• tips and gratuities
• laundry services