14 Days Best of Rwanda 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.
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 and Chimpanzee trekking permit
- 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
- Refreshments in the vehicle
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 Options
Onomo Hotel Kigali/ Hotel des Mille Collines/ Five to five hotel
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 Options
Onomo Hotel Kigali/ Hotel des Mille Collines/ Five to five hotel
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 to 3 hours
Accommodation options
Akagera Game Lodge/ Ruzizi Tented Lodge/ Karenge Bush Camp
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 Options
Akagera Game Lodge/ Ruzizi Tented Lodge/ Karenge Bush Camp
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 Options
Onomo Hotel Kigali/ Hotel des Mille Collines/ Five to five hotel
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 to 7 hours with stops
Accommodation Options
One and only Nyungwe House/ Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel/ Gisakura Guesthouse
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 Options
One and only Nyungwe House/ Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel/ Gisakura Guesthouse
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 Options
One and only Nyungwe House/ Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel/ Gisakura Guesthouse
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 Options
One and only Nyungwe House/ Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel/ Gisakura Guesthouse
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 to 5 hours
Accommodation Options
Cormoran Lodge/ Lake Kivu Serena Hotel/ Asante hotel
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:
Cormoran Lodge/ Lake Kivu Serena Hotel/ Asante hotel
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 to 5 hours
Accommodation Options
Bisate lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Hotel Muhabura
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 Options
Bisate lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Hotel Muhabura
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 to 3 hours
