This 12-day Rwanda safari takes you to beautiful national parks of Rwanda such as Akagera, where you will enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema and a game drive to spot various animals, including the Big Five. You’ll also visit Nyungwe Forest National Park to trek chimpanzees in their natural habitat and enjoy an evening canopy walk to unwind.
This safari also includes a visit to Lake Kivu, which borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, offering numerous virgin islands to explore during a boat trip. From Lake Kivu, you will drive to Volcanoes National Park to visit the Iby’iwachu Cultural Village for a Rwandan cultural experience. The following day includes mountain gorilla trekking and a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave. This 12-day safari concludes with a city tour of Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon landing at Kigali Airport, our company driver guide will welcome you, brief you about your 12-day Rwanda safari, and drive you to your booked hotel. The guide will pick you up the next day for your journey to Akagera National Park.
Day 2: Drive to Akagera National Park and Evening Boat Cruise
Your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali and drive you to the northeastern part of Rwanda where Akagera National Park is located. This savanna park boasts rich biodiversity, including unique plant species, birds, and wildlife. The park is dotted with many lakes. Have lunch at the lodge and enjoy an evening boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Lake Ihema is home to hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species such as cormorants and kingfishers. You may also spot other animals coming to the shores to drink water. Return to the lodge.
Day 3: Game Drive and Transfer to Butare City
Enjoy a rewarding game drive in Akagera where you will observe the lakes and encounter the Big Five animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes, as well as warthogs, antelope species, and zebras. Return to the lodge for lunch. In the evening, transfer to Butare to explore the city.
Day 4: Butare to Nyungwe Forest
While in Butare, visit places like the National Museum showcasing Rwanda’s cultural and religious background, the National University of Rwanda to learn about the country’s educational system, and the King’s Palace.
Return to the lodge for lunch and then drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to primates including chimpanzees.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Chimpanzee trekking starts after breakfast at the lodge. Head to the park offices for a briefing before venturing into the forest to track these endangered primates. Enjoy sightings of other primates such as blue monkeys and red colobus monkeys, as the park hosts a variety of primate species.
When you encounter chimpanzees, spend an hour watching them play, feed, and groom each other while capturing photos. After trekking, return to the lodge for lunch and then proceed for a canopy walk. Enjoy breathtaking views of various bird species, primates in the treetops, and the scenic twin lakes and park. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 6: Transfer from Nyungwe National Park to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, drive to Gisenyi town near Lake Kivu, a freshwater lake along the border of Rwanda and the DR Congo. Along the way, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Rwanda’s thousand hills. Arrive at the booked lodge, have lunch, and relax in the evening, enjoying the fresh air from Lake Kivu.
Day 7: Full-day Exploration of Lake Kivu
After breakfast, spend the day exploring the islands of Lake Kivu on a boat cruise, including Idjwi, reputedly the tenth largest island in the world, and Nyamirundi Island where you can experience a coffee tour. Other activities include swimming in the lake’s fresh waters, sport fishing, sunbathing, kayaking, and enjoying the stunning scenery.
Day 8: Travel to Volcanoes National Park. Ibyiwacu Village Tour
Leave the lodge after breakfast for Volcanoes National Park, a short drive to the home of mountain gorillas. Check in at the lodge for lunch and in the evening, visit the Iby’iwachu Cultural Village for a cultural encounter, learning about Rwanda’s unique traditions and community life. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking
Wake up early for breakfast at the lodge. Your driver guide will transfer you to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. After the briefing, embark on a jungle trek to find mountain gorillas.
This incredible experience requires patience and physical fitness as you trek through valleys and hills in search of the gorillas. Trekking can take 1-7 hours, with most time spent searching in the forest. When you locate your assigned gorilla group, spend an hour observing them play, feed, and interact, capturing unforgettable moments. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 10: Hike to Dian Fossey’s Grave and Visit Karisoke Research Centre
After breakfast, hike to Dian Fossey’s grave, an American conservationist who studied mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. She made significant contributions to gorilla conservation. Visit the Karisoke Research Centre, established during her research and now a prominent research facility in Rwanda. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11: Drive Back to Kigali and City Tour
Enjoy breakfast, check out from the lodge, and drive out of Volcanoes National Park towards Kigali. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours. Upon arrival in Kigali, refreshments will be served at the hotel before embarking on a city tour.
During the city tour, visit the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site to learn about the 1994 genocide through videos, photos, and personal accounts. Visit Kimironko Market and art centers to see Rwandan handicrafts and perhaps purchase a souvenir. Return to the hotel.
Day 12: Departure
On the final day of your 12-day Rwanda safari, have breakfast. The driver guide will drop you off at the airport for your departure flight back home.
