Best of Rwanda Safari
Overview
Safari Overview
This 2-week journey showcases Rwanda’s unique diversity from classic savannah game drives in Akagera, to chimpanzee and canopy adventures in Nyungwe, lakeside relaxation at Lake Kivu, and unforgettable gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, you’ll enjoy cultural visits, nature hikes, scenic drives, and warm encounters with local communities.
Safari Highlights
- Guided Kigali city tour & Genocide Memorial
- Classic Big Five game drives and boat safaris in Akagera
- Bird watching and boat cruises on Lake Ihema
- Chimpanzee tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
- Waterfall hikes and colobus monkey tracking in Nyungwe
- Scenic Lake Kivu retreat — boat cruise & coffee tour
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden Monkey trekking or Dian Fossey hike
- Cultural village experiences with the Iby’Iwacu community
- Stunning views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and Virunga volcanoes
Included/Exclude
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle and English-speaking driver/guide
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit ($90 per person)
- Golden Monkey or Dian Fossey permit
- Park entry fees for all parks
- Game drives, boat cruises, canopy walk, and guided hikes
- Cultural visits and museum entry fees
- Accommodation and meals as indicated
- Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Tips for guides, rangers, and lodge staff
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
Tour Plan
Arrive at Kigali International Airport where your guide will meet you. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Depending on your arrival time, take a short Kigali city orientation.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel / Hotel des Mille Collines / Onomo Hotel Kigali
Meal Plan: Dinner
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Rwanda’s capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, Kandt House Museum, and local art centers. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Accommodation: Same as above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive east through scenic countryside to Akagera National Park. Arrive in time for an afternoon game drive, spotting giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and elephants on the savannah plains.
Drive time: 2.5–3 hours
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Karenge Bush Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day game drive exploring Akagera’s diverse habitats — lakes, savannah, and woodlands. Look for lions, elephants, leopards, hyenas, hippos, and rich birdlife. Return to your lodge for sunset views.
Accommodation: Same lodge as above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, known for hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Then drive back to Kigali for an overnight stop before continuing west.
Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel / Hotel des Mille Collines / Onomo Hotel Kigali
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, head southwest via the scenic routes through Rwanda’s tea plantations and rolling hills. Stop at Nyanza King’s Palace and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye for cultural insights. Arrive at Nyungwe in the evening.
Drive time: 6–7 hours with stops
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Nyungwe House / Gisakura Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up early for your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest. With your ranger guide, track chimpanzees and watch them feed and play in the canopy. Afternoon at leisure or optional tea plantation visit.
Accommodation: Same lodge as above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy the famous Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge offering sweeping views over the ancient rainforest. Later, take a guided hike to the beautiful Isumo Waterfall, home to birds and monkeys along the way.
Accommodation: Same lodge as above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, track the large troops of Angola colobus monkeys. Spend the afternoon visiting a local community or village to learn about traditional forest life, basket weaving, and tea processing.
Accommodation: Same lodge as above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, drive north along the scenic Congo Nile Trail to the lakeside town of Kibuye. Relax at your lodge with views over Lake Kivu.
Drive time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge / Moriah Hill Resort / Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Gisenyi if you prefer)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Kivu, visiting nearby islands or fishing villages. In the afternoon, take a guided coffee tour at one of the local plantations to see how Rwanda’s famous coffee is grown and processed.
Accommodation: Same lodge as above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, continue your journey north through Rwanda’s breathtaking highlands to Volcanoes National Park, the gateway for gorilla trekking. Arrive and settle in at your lodge.
Drive time: 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Virunga Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is your highlight day! After an early breakfast and briefing, hike through bamboo forests to find a habituated gorilla family. Spend an incredible hour with these gentle giants. Return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: Same lodge as above
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a second activity in Volcanoes  either track playful Golden Monkeys or hike to Dian Fossey’s research center and grave. Return to Kigali for your flight home or overnight.
Drive time: 2–3 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Related Tours
Review Scores
Booking Tour
Last Minute Deals
Uganda & Rwanda Safari
