12-Day Rwanda Safari – Gorillas, Chimps, Big Five & Cultural Encounters Featured

RWANDA

Type Safari
Duration 12
Group Size 3 people

Detail

This 12-day Rwanda safari offers an unforgettable journey through the country’s top wildlife destinations and cultural landmarks.

Enjoy Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park, trek chimpanzees and walk the canopy in Nyungwe Forest, and encounter endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. Unwind at the scenic shores of Lake Kivu before concluding with cultural experiences and historical tours in Kigali.

An ideal blend of wildlife, nature, and culture — perfect for adventurous and conscious travelers.

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KIGALI – CITY TOUR & GENOCIDE MEMORIAL VISIT

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your guide and start with a Kigali city tour, including: ✔ Kigali Genocide Memorial – A powerful tribute to Rwanda’s history ✔ Local markets & art galleries – Experience Rwandan craft and culture After the tour, check into your budget hotel in Kigali and relax before the safari begins.

Dinner

DAY 2: TRANSFER TO AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK – AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

After breakfast, take a 2.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. Enjoy an afternoon game drive, spotting elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras. In the evening, relax at your lodge with stunning views of the park.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: FULL-DAY SAFARI IN AKAGERA & BOAT SAFARI ON LAKE IHEMA

Start the day with a sunrise game drive, the best time to see predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. In the afternoon, take a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and rare water birds like African fish eagles and kingfishers.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: TRANSFER TO NYUNGWE FOREST – CANOPY WALK ADVENTURE

After breakfast, embark on a 6-hour scenic drive through rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Upon arrival, experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a thrilling suspension bridge walk high above the rainforest, offering panoramic jungle views.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING & CULTURAL VISIT IN BANDA VILLAGE

Wake up early for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, home to over 500 chimpanzees. Trek through the dense jungle and spend one unforgettable hour observing these intelligent primates. In the afternoon, visit Banda Village, where you’ll engage in: ✔ Traditional Rwandan drumming & dance performances ✔ Local craft-making & basket weaving lessons ✔ Storytelling sessions with village elders

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – IBY’IWACU CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

After breakfast, take a 5-hour scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, the home of mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll experience: ✔ Traditional warrior dances & storytelling ✔ Demonstrations of local medicinal plants & traditional healing practices ✔ A hands-on cooking experience with local families Prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: GORILLA TREKKING IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – RELAXATION

Wake up early for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing from park rangers, hike through the dense rainforest to track a habituated gorilla family. The trek can take 2–6 hours, but once you find them, you’ll have one magical hour observing them up close. After lunch, return to your lodge and relax after an exciting day in the jungle.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING – TRANSFER TO LAKE KIVU

After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking, an easy and rewarding hike. ✔ Observe playful golden monkeys leaping between bamboo trees ✔ Learn about the conservation efforts to protect these primates After lunch, drive 2 hours to Lake Kivu, where you can relax by the lakeshore.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: LAKE KIVU BOAT RIDE & COFFEE PLANTATION TOUR

Start your day with a boat ride on Lake Kivu, visiting scenic islands and fishing villages. Later, take a coffee plantation tour, where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s famous coffee production and enjoy a fresh cup of locally brewed coffee. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming, or kayaking.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: RETURN TO KIGALI – LOCAL MARKET & CULTURAL TOUR

After breakfast, take a 4-hour scenic drive back to Kigali. In the afternoon, enjoy a local market tour, where you can: ✔ Shop for authentic Rwandan crafts & handmade souvenirs ✔ Experience a traditional cooking class & taste local dishes End the day with a farewell dinner featuring traditional Rwandan cuisine.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11: KIGALI HISTORICAL & ART TOUR

Spend the day exploring more of Kigali’s rich history and culture. ✔ Visit the Presidential Palace Museum – Learn about Rwanda’s political history ✔ Explore the Inema Arts Center – Discover contemporary Rwandan art ✔ Take a short hike up Mount Kigali for panoramic city views Return to your hotel for the night.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: KIGALI EXPLORATION & DEPARTURE

Spend your final morning in Kigali with last-minute shopping or exploring. After lunch, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Rwanda safari.

Breakfast

Includes/Excludes

Entrance fees

Specialized bilingual guide

Private Transport

Tip or gratuity

Parking fees

Landing & facility fees

Entry or admission fee

Departure tax

Wifi

Fuel surcharge

Bus fare

Tickets

Drink

Insurance

Additional Services

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12-Day Rwanda Safari – Gorillas, Chimps, Big Five & Cultural Encounters Featured

Detail

Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KIGALI – CITY TOUR & GENOCIDE MEMORIAL VISIT

DAY 2: TRANSFER TO AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK – AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE

DAY 3: FULL-DAY SAFARI IN AKAGERA & BOAT SAFARI ON LAKE IHEMA

DAY 4: TRANSFER TO NYUNGWE FOREST – CANOPY WALK ADVENTURE

DAY 5: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING & CULTURAL VISIT IN BANDA VILLAGE

DAY 6: TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – IBY’IWACU CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

DAY 7: GORILLA TREKKING IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK – RELAXATION

DAY 8: GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING – TRANSFER TO LAKE KIVU

DAY 9: LAKE KIVU BOAT RIDE & COFFEE PLANTATION TOUR

DAY 10: RETURN TO KIGALI – LOCAL MARKET & CULTURAL TOUR