8 Days Best of Rwanda Safari Experience
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at leisure or a short city orientation.
Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)
Day 2: Kigali – Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Kigali and drive south-west towards Nyungwe Forest National Park. En route, enjoy Rwanda’s scenic countryside of rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural villages. Arrive in Nyungwe in the afternoon and relax at the lodge surrounded by lush rainforest.
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
This morning, head to Nyungwe Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience. The forest is also home to several other primate species and rich birdlife. In the afternoon, enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, offering breathtaking views above the forest canopy.
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Nyungwe – Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and drive north to Volcanoes National Park. The journey offers stunning views of Lake Kivu and Rwanda’s mountainous landscapes. Arrive in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure, preparing for the gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari. After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your guided gorilla trekking experience. Spend a magical hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural environment. Return to the lodge to relax and reflect on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Overnight: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Volcanoes – Lake Kivu
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and drive west to Lake Kivu. Arrive at your lakeside lodge and enjoy the afternoon at leisure, with opportunities to relax by the lake, enjoy boat rides, or simply take in the tranquil scenery.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Lake Kivu – Relaxation & Scenic Experiences
Spend the day enjoying Lake Kivu’s peaceful surroundings. Optional activities include boat cruises, kayaking, cultural village visits, or a guided nature walk along the shoreline.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Lake Kivu – Kigali (Departure)
After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu and drive back to Kigali. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your memorable Rwanda journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Includes
- Airport transfers
- Gorilla trekking permit (subject to availability)
- All ground transfers
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Lodge accommodation as specified
- Meals as per itinerary
❌ What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Uganda visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities / Tips
- Optional activities and personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks/ alcoholic drinks
- Other meals
Please note:
- This is an example program which can be tailored to your wishes.
- The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
- The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travelers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavor to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For the majority of itineraries, we can offer luxury, midrange or budget versions of this safari upon request.
- Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organizational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.