Nine days across Rwanda's extraordinary diversity — chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, a Kibuye sunset cruise on Lake Kivu, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes, and game drives & boat cruises in Akagera.
This comprehensive Rwanda itinerary covers four of the country's top wildlife destinations. Begin in Kigali before heading to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking and a breathtaking canopy walk. Stop at beautiful Lake Kibuye for a sunset cruise on Lake Kivu. Transfer to Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking — an encounter like no other — and an immersive cultural village visit. End the safari at Akagera National Park for game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Rwanyakazinga. The Kigali Genocide Memorial provides poignant historical context on departure day. Available in luxury, mid-range, and standard categories.
Safari Highlights
Nyungwe Forest — chimpanzee trek & canopy walk
Lake Kivu sunset boat cruise
Volcanoes NP — mountain gorilla trekking
Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village
Akagera — game drives & boat cruise
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Available in 3 lodge categories
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrival — Kigali International Airport
Dinner
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Your driver/guide welcomes you for a 20-minute transfer to your hotel in Kigali. Dinner and overnight.
Kigali Marriott (Luxury) / Park Inn Radisson Blu (Mid) / Chez Lando (Standard)
2
Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Full Board
Morning breakfast, then scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda (approx. 6 hours). En route, visit the King's Palace, Strafford Restaurant for lunch, and the Ethnographic Museum. Nyungwe is home to chimpanzees, 85 mammal species, 43 reptiles, and nearly 300 bird species.
One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury) / Mantis Kivu Marina Bay (Mid) / Top View Hill Hotel (Standard)
3
Nyungwe — Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Full Board
Start early for chimpanzee trekking in the magical Cyamudongo Forest — observe chimps foraging, socialising, and waking up in their natural habitat. Afternoon: walk the 160-metre suspended canopy bridge over the treetops of Nyungwe — breathtaking views over the montane forest and wildlife below.
One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury) / Mantis Kivu Marina Bay (Mid) / Top View Hill Hotel (Standard)
4
Isumo Waterfall Hike & Kibuye Sunset Cruise on Lake Kivu
Full Board
Hike the challenging Isumo Waterfall Trail — 2.3 km through steep ravines to a magnificent 17-metre waterfall. Spot diverse primates, vibrant birdlife, and unique tree species. Transfer to Kibuye (2.5 hours) for a romantic 2-hour sunset cruise on Lake Kivu — one of Africa's most beautiful lakes.
Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel (Luxury) / Lake Kivu Serena (Mid) / Paradis Kivu Resort (Standard)
5
Kibuye to Volcanoes National Park — Ellen DeGeneres Campus
Full Board
Morning breakfast, then drive to Volcanoes National Park (approx. 3 hours). Visit the pioneering Ellen DeGeneres Campus — bringing together scientists, tourists, conservation partners, students, and local communities around mountain gorilla protection. Settle in and prepare for tomorrow's gorilla trek.
One & Only Gorilla Nest (Luxury) / Virunga INN (Mid) / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Standard)
6
Gorilla Trekking & Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village
Full Board
Early breakfast then trek through the Virunga rainforest to find your habituated gorilla family. Groups are limited to 8 people for maximum intimacy. Spend 60 unforgettable minutes eye-to-eye with mountain gorillas. Afternoon: Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village — experience rural Rwandan life, traditional crafts, and community stories alongside the gorillas' neighbours.
One & Only Gorilla Nest (Luxury) / Virunga INN (Mid) / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Standard)
7
Transfer to Akagera National Park
Full Board
Morning breakfast, then scenic 5-hour drive to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda — Central Africa's largest protected wetland and home to the Big Five. Drive through rolling highlands, savannah plains, and lush river woodlands. Check in and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Magashi Camp (Luxury) / Akagera Game Lodge (Mid) / Ruzizi Game Lodge (Standard)
8
Akagera — Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise
Full Board
Dawn game drive through Akagera's grasslands and woodlands — elephants, lions, giraffes, and antelopes awaken with the sunrise. Return for lunch. Afternoon: relaxing boat cruise on Lake Rwanyakazinga — hippos, crocodiles, water birds, and the papyrus-fringed shoreline of the Kagera River.
Morning breakfast, then drive back to Kigali (approx. 6 hours) with a stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial — a sobering and educational tribute to over 250,000 lives. Farewell lunch at the legendary Hotel des Mille Collines, then transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. End of services.
Included
Airport & inter-hotel transfers day 1 to last day
Exclusive use of a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with English-speaking guide
All activities as highlighted in the itinerary
All park & conservancy entry fees
Bottled mineral water in vehicle
Government taxes
Our assistance services
Not Included
International airline tickets
Entry visa fees
Gorilla permit (US$1,500 per person — Rwanda rate)
All extra activities, entrances & meals not in itinerary
Drinks throughout the trip
Tips & gratuities
Personal expenses (calls, minibar, porterage, travel insurance, etc.)