10 Days Classic Rwanda Safari

This 10 Days Classic Rwanda Safari is tailor-made Rwanda Safari perfect for visitors interested in exploring Rwanda – the Land of a thousand Hills and its incredible destinations

This 10 Days Classic Rwanda Safari takes you on a journey to the best natural attractions and rich cultural heritage, you will trek through the ancient forests of Nyungwe Forest in search for chimpanzees, have game viewing safaris in Akagera National Park and have a face to face encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park.

On this safari, you will also immerse yourself in the fascinating Rwandan culture at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Then unwind on a boat ride on the stunning Lake Kivu.

Highlights of 10 Days Classic Rwanda Safari

• Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
• Day 2: Visit Akagera National Park
• Day 3:Full Day Game Drives
• Day 4:Transfer to Kigali and Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Day 5: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
• Day 7: Boat Ride on Lake Kivu
• Day 8: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Day 10: Departure

Detailed itinerary of 10 Days Classic Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcome by our guide who will be waiting for you. Then head to your hotel where you will have dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Flame Tree Village

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Visit Akagera National Park

After an early breakfast, depart from Kigali to Akagera National Park. The drive takes approximately 3 hours.

Akagera National Park covers 2500 square kilometers of savannah west of the Kagera River, in the northeast of Rwanda. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and is a habitat for over 500 different species of birds, herds of elephants and buffaloes commonly seen emerging from the woodland to drink at the lakes, you might also come across a leopard, spotted hyena or even a lion. Other animals to lookout for include several species of antelopes, giraffes and zebras among others.

After lunch, you will embark on a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you will see hippos, crocodiles and water birds such as the African fish eagle, pied kingfisher and many more.

Accommodation: Akagera Safari Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Full Day Game Drives

Wake up early for breakfast and head to the park for an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park to catch sight of animals at their most active. Lookout for lions, leopards, hyenas and other predators that may have come out to hunt.

Also, you have the opportunity to see more of the park’s varied wildlife including Burchell’s zebra, impala, waterbuck, bushbuck and many others. After the game drive, you will have a picnic lunch and then continue with your game drive. Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Akagera Safari Camp

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Kigali and Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial

After enjoying your morning breakfast, you will be transferred back to Kigali arriving in time for lunch. Later you will head to Kigali Genocide Memorial Site – a burial site where over 25000 bodies of victims of the 1994 Rwanda genocide were buried in a mass ground.

The site acts as a museum and an education center, there is a lot to see and learn from Rwandan history to date. You will later return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Flame Tree Village

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Covering over 1,000 square kilometers, Nyungwe Forest is one Africa’s oldest rainforests and a haven of biodiversity.

Arrive at your lodge and enjoy lunch. After lunch you will go on a canopy walk, ona bridge suspended high above the forest floor. From here, enjoy breathtaking vistas and spot colobus monkeys and colorful birdlife in the treetops. In the evening, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Rise early for an exhilarating chimpanzee trek. Guided by expert trackers, enter into forest at dawn in search a chimpanzee troop assigned to you. During the hike, listen for the distinctive pant-hoot cries of chimpanzees, then watch as they swing through the trees, groom each other, and forage on the forest floor. Enjoy an hour of watching the chimpanzees go on with their lives, watch them play, feed and groom each other.

Return to the lodge for lunch, later checkout and drive to Lake Kivu arriving in the evening, check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner   

Day 7: Boat Ride on Lake Kivu

After breakfast, enjoy a serene kayaking excursion on Lake Kivu. Paddle through calm waters where fishing boats glide silently and rolling green hills frame the horizon. The peaceful atmosphere is ideal for reflection and offers a unique perspective on life along Rwanda’s most famous lake.

Return to the hotel for lunch and spend the rest of the day at the beach.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner  

Day 8: Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After a leisurely breakfast, check out of the lodge and drive to Volcanoes National Park – the best gorilla trekking destination in the world. Check in at your lodge and in the afternoon you will go on a guided walk for a visit to the Crater Twin Lakes where you will enjoy amazing views of the lakes, the surrounding and spot several bird species.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking. With your trackers and guides, set off into mist-draped forests and bamboo groves in search of a gorilla family assigned to you. The trek may take one to several hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas and where they spent their previous night. You are rewarded with one hour in company of these magnificent primates, observing them as they feed, groom and play. It is a humbling and deeply moving experience.

Return to the lodge for lunch and well-earned rest before an afternoon of cultural immersion at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Meet former poachers turned conservation champions, enjoy traditional music and dance, and learn about Rwandan heritage and their daily life.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Departure

After breakfast, you will depart Volcanoes National Park and journey back to Kigali where you will be dropped off at the airport for your onward journey.

End of 10 Days Classic Rwanda Safari