9-Days Rwanda Apes &Wildlife Experience

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel in Kigali for a smooth check-in and relaxation.

In the afternoon, set out on a guided Kigali city tour, a key highlight for first-time visitors to Rwanda. The tour typically includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history and remarkable recovery. You may also explore local craft markets, art galleries, bustling neighborhoods, and Kigali’s culture, cuisine, and daily life.

This relaxed yet informative first day allows you to ease into your Rwanda safari holiday while experiencing one of East Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant cities—setting the perfect foundation for the wildlife and adventure ahead.

Start your day with an early breakfast before setting off on a scenic drive from Kigali to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. This journey is a highlight of any Rwanda safari itinerary, offering breathtaking views of the country’s iconic rolling hills.

As you travel through the countryside, you’ll pass lush tea plantations, terraced farmlands, and vibrant rural communities. Along the way, enjoy glimpses of daily Rwandan life—farmers tending their fields, local markets in motion, and scenic landscapes that define the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

This drive not only connects you to Nyungwe’s primate adventures but also provides an authentic cultural experience, making it an essential part of your Rwanda tour.

Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading into Nyungwe National Park for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Led by experienced guides, you’ll venture deep into the rainforest in search of chimpanzees, listening for their calls and tracking their movements through the forest. Once found, enjoy a rare opportunity to observe them up close in their natural habitat as they swing through the trees, groom, and interact. After this memorable encounter, return to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax.

In the afternoon, set out for the iconic canopy walk, a suspended bridge high above the forest floor that offers sweeping views of Nyungwe’s lush landscape. This thrilling experience allows you to appreciate the forest from above while spotting birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.

Later, return to your lodge to unwind and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest.

Enjoy an early morning breakfast before bidding farewell to Nyungwe National Park. You’ll then embark on a scenic drive to Gisenyi, located along the northern shores of Lake Kivu—one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes.

Upon arrival, head out for a relaxing boat ride on Lake Kivu, where you can take in stunning views of the surrounding hills, lakeside communities, and tranquil waters. This experience offers a perfect contrast to the forest adventures, adding a peaceful touch to your Rwanda safari itinerary.

Later, return to your lodge and spend the evening at leisure—unwinding on the lakeshore, enjoying the cool breeze, and soaking in the serene atmosphere of Lake Kivu.

After breakfast, depart for a scenic road trip of approximately five hours to Volcanoes National Park, located in northern Rwanda and famous for its mountain gorilla habitat. This drive is one of the most picturesque in the country, with planned stops along the way for photography, stretching your legs, and enjoying lunch in a local setting.

The journey offers beautiful countryside views, with planned stops along the way for photography and a relaxed lunch break. As you get closer to the park, you’ll visit the stunning twin lakes—Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo—where you can enjoy a short guided walk along the shores, take in the peaceful atmosphere, and capture panoramic views of the surrounding hills and volcanoes.

Afterward, continue to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park for check-in and relaxation, preparing for the next day’s highlight of your Rwanda safari adventure.

Begin your day early with a packed lunch and transfer to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park for a detailed pre-trek briefing by park rangers. Here, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family and guided on trekking rules and safety guidelines before starting your mountain gorilla tracking adventure.

Accompanied by expert rangers, you’ll hike through the lush forest in search of mountain gorillas. Once located, spend up to one hour observing them in their natural habitat—watching their behavior, interactions, and family dynamics up close. After this unforgettable experience, return to the park headquarters.

In the evening, enjoy a cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll immerse yourself in traditional Banyarwanda culture. Learn about local customs, music, dance, and heritage as you gain deeper insights into Rwanda’s rich cultural identity.

Start your day early with a golden monkey tracking experience in Volcanoes National Park. These rare and playful primates are found only in the Virunga Massif, making this one of the most unique wildlife encounters in Rwanda. Guided by experienced rangers, you’ll trek through the bamboo forests as you follow the monkeys and observe their lively movements in their natural habitat.

After the trek, begin your journey to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. The drive offers a scenic transition from lush volcanic landscapes to open savannah plains, home to classic African wildlife.

Upon arrival in the evening, check in at your lodge, settle in, and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure as you relax and prepare for the upcoming safari activities in Akagera National Park.

After breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park. This is one of the best opportunities to explore Rwanda’s only Big Five safari park, where you may spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, buffaloes, and a wide variety of bird species across the open savannah and wetlands.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema. This scenic excursion offers close-up views of hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the shoreline, providing a different perspective of the park’s diverse ecosystem.

After the cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and an evening at leisure, where you can unwind and reflect on your safari experiences in Akagera National Park.

After breakfast, check out and depart from Akagera National Park for your return journey to Kigali. Enjoy a scenic drive back through Rwanda’s rolling hills as you reflect on your safari experience.

Upon arrival in Kigali, you’ll have time to visit local craft markets and souvenir shops, where you can browse handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry, and cultural keepsakes—perfect reminders of your Rwanda adventure.

Later, you will be dropped off at your hotel or transferred to the airport, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwanda safari.