10 Day Rwanda Safari & Primate Experience
A Signature Journey by Feather Trail Safaris
Trip Highlights
- Arrival and introduction to Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital
- Classic wildlife safari in Akagera National Park
- Scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema with hippos and crocodiles
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Canopy walk above the rainforest
- Colobus monkey tracking and guided forest hikes
- Scenic drive along Lake Kivu
- Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey tracking and cultural immersion
- A complete exploration of Rwanda’s landscapes, wildlife, and heritage
Tour Description
This 10-day Rwanda safari by Feather Trail Safaris is designed to offer a complete and immersive journey through one of Africa’s most remarkable destinations. Rwanda combines breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and inspiring cultural experiences.
Your journey begins in Kigali, a clean and welcoming capital that reflects Rwanda’s resilience and transformation. From there, you explore the savannah plains of Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five and classic African wildlife.
The adventure continues into the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe, where you will track chimpanzees and experience the famous canopy walkway suspended above the forest.
Finally, the safari leads you to the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park, where you will encounter endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
This itinerary blends wildlife safaris, primate tracking, scenic drives, and cultural experiences into one unforgettable African journey.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Feather Trail Safaris driver-guide. After a short briefing about your safari, you will transfer to your hotel for relaxation.
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional short orientation of Kigali, including visits to local craft markets or viewpoints overlooking the city’s rolling hills.
Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel (or similar)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart Kigali for Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda near the Tanzanian border. The journey takes approximately 2–3 hours and offers scenic views of Rwanda’s countryside.
Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.
Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah park and is home to elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Overnight: Akagera Safari Camp (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Start the day with an early morning game drive, when wildlife is most active. Explore the northern plains where chances of spotting predators and large mammals are highest.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you will see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of water birds including African fish eagles and herons.
Overnight: Akagera Safari Camp (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, begin your scenic journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda.
The drive takes you through rolling hills, rural landscapes, and tea plantations, offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge near the forest.
Overnight: Munazi Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Rise early for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Guided by experienced trackers, you will hike through dense rainforest in search of these energetic primates.
Once located, you will spend one hour observing them as they move through the forest, communicate, and interact.
In the afternoon, enjoy the famous canopy walk, a suspended bridge high above the forest floor offering spectacular views of the rainforest.
Overnight: Nyungwe (Midrange Lodge)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and travel towards Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
Arrive in the lakeside town of Gisenyi and check in at your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake or enjoying a peaceful sunset.
Optional activities include a boat ride, swimming, or exploring nearby villages.
Overnight: Lake Kivu Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, drive north along Lake Kivu towards Volcanoes National Park.
This scenic route offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge near the park.
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Today is the highlight of your safari, gorilla trekking.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest. Accompanied by rangers, you will trek through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a gorilla family.
Once located, you will spend one hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat—an unforgettable and emotional experience.
Trekking can take between 2 to 8 hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Experience
After breakfast, return to the park for golden monkey tracking. These rare and lively primates are unique to the Virunga region.
In the afternoon, visit a local cultural village where you will experience traditional Rwandan music, dance, and crafts while learning about community life.
Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Return to Kigali & Evening Flight Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Quotation (Per Person in USD)
- 1 Person (Solo Traveler): $7,105
- 2 Persons Sharing: $4,598 per person
- 4 Persons Sharing: $3,777 per person
- 6 Persons Sharing: $3,504 per person
- Single Room Supplement: $1,153
Permit Fees (Additional Costs)
- Chimpanzee Permit: $150 per person
- Gorilla Permit: $1,500 per person
- Golden Monkey Permit: $100 per person
What’s Included
- 9 nights accommodation
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- All ground transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- All park entry fees and government taxes
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during transfers
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Gorilla permit
- Chimpanzee permit
- Golden monkey permit
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
Important Notes
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are limited and should be booked well in advance
Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking
The itinerary can be customized to suit your travel preferences
Travel times may vary depending on road and weather conditions
By booking this safari, the client accepts Feather Trail Safaris terms and conditions of business.
Why Book This 10 day Rwanda safari with Feather Trail Safaris?
At Feather Trail Safaris, we specialize in creating personalized and authentic African safari experiences. Our local expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to responsible tourism ensure that every journey is seamless, meaningful, and unforgettable.