11-Day Remarkable Rwanda Safari
Tour Overview
On this tour, you’ll encounter the rare and magnificent Mountain Gorillas, including an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with Dian Fossey’s Gorilla Doctors. You’ll also meet other primates, safari animals, and witness stunning landscapes. More than a wildlife experience, this journey offers authentic cultural immersion — connecting you with the daily lives of Rwandans through visits to micro-enterprises, skill-sharing initiatives, and rich cultural traditions, both ancient and modern. It’s an opportunity to see the heart of this inspiring country and its incredible people in the land of a thousand hills.
Highlights
- Participate in a coffee masterclass
- Safari boat cruise in Akagera National Park
- Walk with rangers checking the fence line of the Akagera National Park
- Track Mountain Gorillas
- Meet staff from the Gorilla Doctors, the vets for the Mountain Gorillas
- Join traditional fisherman as they sing as part of their herding ritual
- Take a boat ride on Lake Kivu to Nkombo Island to see Rwanda’s smallest community
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda
Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (please arrive before 10:00 AM), you’ll be warmly greeted by our representative and your dedicated driver-guide. You’ll then transfer to Question Coffee Café by 8:00 AM for a tour briefing. Over a delicious cup of Rwanda’s finest high-grade Arabica coffee — grown by local women’s cooperatives — you’ll be introduced to your expert guide. The session will help break the ice, provide a cultural orientation, and offer some useful local language tips. We’ll also walk you through the day’s schedule and upcoming experiences.
Your first immersive activity is a Coffee Masterclass, offering a full crop-to-cup experience. Rwanda is renowned for producing some of the world’s best coffee, thanks to its ideal growing conditions and rich volcanic soil. This engaging workshop will cover the history of coffee in Rwanda, as well as coffee cultivation, harvesting, roasting, packaging, and tasting. After this aromatic introduction to Rwandan culture, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at the iconic Hotel des Mille Collines, famously known from the film Hotel Rwanda.
In the afternoon, we visit the powerful and deeply moving Kigali Genocide Memorial. This profoundly educational site honours the victims of the 1994 genocide and provides vital insight into the historical, political, and social conditions that led to one of the most tragic events of the 20th century. While challenging and emotional, the memorial is also a testament to Rwanda’s incredible journey of reconciliation and resilience. Following the visit, you’ll check in to The Retreat Boutique Hotel, a luxurious and serene oasis designed for relaxation and comfort after an emotionally rich first day.
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Overnight: The Retreat Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 2: Kigali to Akagera National Park
After an early breakfast, your guide will meet you at The Retreat at 7:00 AM for a morning briefing before departing Kigali for the eastern region of Rwanda — home to the spectacular Akagera National Park. Akagera is Africa’s second-oldest national park and a remarkable conservation success story. Once devastated after the 1994 genocide, the park has been restored and rewilded, now proudly hosting the Big Five once again. The journey to the park takes approximately 2.5 hours, passing through scenic countryside, bustling villages, and gently undulating terrain that gradually gives way to open savannah.
Upon arrival in the late morning, you’ll complete park registration and begin your first game drive in the southern sector, renowned for its diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for giraffes, zebras, baboons, waterbuck, and buffalo as you explore the landscape. Return to the lodge for lunch and check-in before heading out again around 3:00 PM for a second game drive in the southern sector. Then, at approximately 4:30 PM, enjoy a special one-hour boat safari on Lake Ihema. This tranquil cruise offers a unique perspective on the park, allowing you to get up close to hippos, crocodiles, and some of the 423 recorded bird species — all while witnessing the sunset over the shimmering waters of Lake Ihema, a perfect close to your first safari day.
After the boat safari, it’s just a 10-minute drive to your accommodation at the beautiful Ruzizi Tented Lodge. Nestled on the lakeshore, this eco-friendly lodge is owned by the park itself, so your stay directly supports conservation and community development. The raised tents offer comfort and safety, and you may even be treated to the sound of hippos visiting the water’s edge — don’t worry, they can’t climb onto your deck!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge or similar
Day 3: Akagera National Park
After breakfast, begin your day with a unique and immersive “Walk the Line” Experience — a guided nature walk along the perimeter fence of Akagera National Park. This 2-hour, 7-kilometre walk (moderate difficulty) offers an intimate perspective of the park’s landscape and ecosystems. Led by a knowledgeable community guide, the walk is an opportunity to spot wildlife on foot and learn about the park’s conservation efforts and the delicate balance between protected land and surrounding communities. Following the walk, you’ll transfer to the Karenge Bush Camp, located in the northern sector of the park. Enjoy a relaxed lunch upon arrival and check in to your rustic yet comfortable bush camp accommodation, perfectly nestled in the savannah.
In the afternoon, set out on a game drive in Akagera’s northern circuit, known for its open plains and higher chances of spotting large mammals and predators. Keep a lookout for elephants, giraffes, lions, hyenas, and other elusive wildlife you may have missed earlier in the trip. Return to Karenge Bush Camp in the evening for a delicious dinner under the stars, surrounded by the natural beauty and sounds of the African wilderness.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Karenge Bush Camp or similar
Day 4: Akagera National Park
After breakfast, set off on an exciting full-day game drive that will take you from the southern region of Akagera National Park all the way to its northern sector. This journey offers a rich diversity of ecosystems and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities along the way. Midday, we’ll pause at the scenic Hippo’s Beach Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy a packed picnic lunch while observing hippos basking in the sun or wallowing in the shallows — a perfect setting to relax and take in the park’s peaceful atmosphere.
In the afternoon, continue deeper into the northern savannahs — a vast, open landscape known for its higher concentration of large predators and big game. Keep your camera ready for lions, whose population has grown steadily since their reintroduction to the park about seven years ago, as well as rhinoceros, which have been more recently reintroduced. This makes Akagera one of the few parks in Africa where you can spot all members of the Big Five.
The northern region is also dotted with shimmering lakes and teeming birdlife, offering wonderful photo opportunities and moments of quiet wonder. As the sun begins to set, return to Karenge Bush Camp for dinner and a relaxing evening under the stars, reflecting on a day filled with incredible wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Karenge Bush Camp or similar
Day 5: Akagera To Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, we depart Akagera and head toward a new region in the northeastern part of the park, beginning a scenic 2–3 hour drive through some of Rwanda’s most breathtaking rural landscapes. This route, relatively untouched by tourism, offers a truly authentic glimpse into everyday life in the Land of a Thousand Hills, with its rolling farmlands, terraced hillsides, and warm local communities. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch at Sooko — a grassroots initiative created by local driver-guides who pooled their resources to establish this welcoming rest stop. Sooko offers not only delicious meals but also clean restrooms and shower facilities — a testament to local entrepreneurship and hospitality.
After lunch, the journey continues for about an hour as we ascend into the mountainous region of Musanze, nestled at the base of Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the impressive Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. This world-class facility honors Dian Fossey’s legacy while expanding the reach of education, conservation, and research surrounding Mountain Gorillas. The centre acts as a hub for students, scientists, and conservationists, and is designed to foster a lasting connection between communities and Rwanda’s wildlife heritage. Your visit offers meaningful insight into the future of gorilla conservation in this region.
In the early evening, at 5:30 PM, you’ll enjoy an exclusive presentation by the Gorilla Doctors at your lodge. This behind-the-scenes talk reveals the vital work done by veterinary teams who care for Rwanda’s endangered Mountain Gorillas. Their extraordinary efforts have been pivotal in reversing population decline, with numbers steadily increasing since 1986 — a rare conservation success story. After this enriching experience, relax and unwind at Ingagi Park View Lodge, where your luxury cottage awaits with stunning views of the surrounding forest and volcanoes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Ingagi Park View Lodge (Luxury Cottage) or similar
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking and Mukungwa River Canoe
Today offers one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on the planet—tracking and encountering the rare Mountain Gorillas. With only around 880 individuals left in the wild, and roughly a third residing in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, this is a privilege few will ever experience. After an early breakfast, depart the lodge at 6:30 AM for the short drive to the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee and be greeted by traditional Rwandan dancers. Park rangers will group trekkers according to fitness levels and assign a trek leader who will brief you on what to expect during the hike and explain key gorilla behaviours. From there, a short transfer brings you to the starting point at the foothills of the volcanoes.
Your trek will take you through dense forests and up mountainous terrain, lasting anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of your assigned gorilla group. You may hire a porter to assist with your backpack or provide a helping hand along the trail. Upon finding the gorillas, any fatigue disappears as you spend a magical hour in their presence, observing their interactions, play, grooming, and daily life. It’s a deeply moving experience that offers profound insight into our shared evolutionary heritage.
After the trek, descend the mountain and meet your driver, who will take you back to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a serene canoeing trip along the Mukungwa River. Paddling gently through farmland and local communities at the base of the volcanoes, you’ll see handmade bridges, lively birdlife, and children waving from the riverbanks. This peaceful 2–3 hour journey offers a different perspective of Rwanda’s countryside.
Return to the lodge for dinner and well-earned rest after an inspiring and active day.
Overnight – Ingagi Park View Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 7: Immersive Cultural Experience in Muhanga
After breakfast, you will travel to the Muhanga district (approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes), where you’ll experience authentic rural Rwandan life with a community homestay. Although Rwanda is small, it is densely populated, and many Rwandans earn their livelihood from farming small plots of land. On arrival, you will participate in your chosen cultural activity—selected during your Day 1 briefing. Whether you spend the day weaving, painting traditional Imigongo art, constructing with local materials, preparing banana juice or cooking a traditional meal, you’ll engage in meaningful cultural exchange and hands-on learning. Each experience is hosted by a local cooperative or artisan group dedicated to preserving traditional skills.
As the afternoon approaches, enjoy the vibrant Azizi Life Musical Adventure. A troupe of traditional dancers and musicians will perform as the sun sets, followed by an interactive session where you’ll learn the basics of Rwandan drumming and dancing. Dressed in traditional attire, you’ll have the chance to join in and embrace the joyful spirit of Rwandan culture.
Your accommodation for the evening is a local homestay in a mud-brick home. The setup includes a main living area, smaller bedrooms, and a simple courtyard with a kitchen, pit latrine, and animal stalls. You’ll be welcomed warmly—guests are considered a blessing in Rwandan culture.
Overnight – Local homestay or farm hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8: Muhanga to Lake Kivu
Start the day with a heartfelt breakfast alongside your host family before saying your goodbyes and heading west toward Lake Kivu. The drive (around 3 hours) leads you to Kivu Lodge, an idyllic retreat combining modern comfort with rustic charm. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely lunch and spend your afternoon relaxing. Whether you choose to take a dip in the pool, stroll the lodge grounds, or admire panoramic lake views from the terrace, this is a chance to rejuvenate.
As evening falls, prepare for a truly special cultural experience—the Singing Fishermen of Lake Kivu. As the sun sets, local fishermen set off into the lake in traditional wooden boats, singing in harmony and whistling across the water to coordinate their nets. This two-hour excursion is a unique opportunity to witness an ancient fishing tradition and, for the adventurous, to try casting a net yourself. After the experience, return to the lodge for dinner and a peaceful night by the lakeside.
Overnight – Kivu Lodge or similar
Meals Included: B, L, D
Day 9: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After a relaxed breakfast and a 10:00 AM checkout, depart Lake Kivu via a scenic, sometimes bumpy route to Nyungwe Forest National Park (approx. 2 hours). Along the way, marvel at Rwanda’s iconic landscapes: terraced farms, lush tea plantations, and dense forested hills. Keep an eye out for playful monkeys along the roadside. Enjoy a packed lunch en route before embarking on the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a 160-meter-long suspended bridge that offers a thrilling journey above the rainforest canopy. You’ll gain a unique perspective of the treetops and a chance to spot monkeys, birds, and breathtaking views. After this exhilarating experience, continue another hour to your accommodation, where you’ll have dinner and a restful evening.
Overnight – Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel or similar
Meals Included: B, L, D
Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking and Nkombo Island
Rise early today for your Chimpanzee Trek, departing at 5:00 AM with a packed breakfast. After reaching the trailhead, your guide will brief you on trekking procedures and chimpanzee behaviour before you begin your journey into the rainforest. Nyungwe is home to around 500 chimpanzees, making this a critical region for their conservation. Treks vary in length and difficulty, but the reward is an up-close look at highly active, intelligent primates whose social behaviour and expressiveness are captivating to watch.
After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a chance to freshen up. In the afternoon, head to the nearby shores of Lake Kivu for the Nkombo Island excursion. Accessible only by boat, Nkombo Island is one of Rwanda’s hidden gems. Home to around 20,000 residents and a natural bird sanctuary, the island is known for its vibrant culture and beautiful scenery. Upon arrival, take a short but steep hike to a local community where residents speak a blend of Rwandan and Congolese dialects. You’ll be warmly welcomed with traditional dances and have the opportunity to admire and purchase intricate handwoven baskets. Return to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing evening by the lake.
Overnight – Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel or similar
Meals Included: B, L, D
Day 11: Kings and Culture – Return to Kigali
On your final day, check out and begin the journey toward Kigali, stopping first at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza (approx. 3.5 hours’ drive). Formerly the royal residence of King Mutara III Rudahigwa, the museum has been restored to its 19th-century glory and offers a fascinating glimpse into Rwanda’s monarchy and cultural heritage. After lunch at the museum café, take time to visit the burial grounds of the King and his wife, Queen Rosalie Gicanda, on the nearby Mwima hill. You’ll also meet Rwanda’s iconic long-horned Inyambo cattle—symbols of wealth and prestige.
From Nyanza, it’s a final 2.5-hour drive back to Kigali. Your farewell dinner will be at Repub Lounge, one of the city’s top culinary spots known for its lively ambiance and excellent Rwandan cuisine. Afterward, we will transfer you to Kigali Airport or your accommodation, marking the end of an extraordinary journey through Rwanda’s wildlife, culture, and heart.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
What Is Included
- 10 nights accommodation
- All meals as mentioned
- Entrance fees and park fees as per the itinerary
- Services of a Rwandan expert tour leader (For groups of 8 Pax +)
- Services of an expert driver and 4WD vehicle
- Complementary Drinking Water in the vehicle
- Emergency Evacuation Insurance
- Question Coffee Master Class
- Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit
- Akagera National Park Game Drives
- Akagera Walk the Line Experience
- Lake Ihema Boat Safari
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
- Mukungwa River Canoe
- Gorilla Trek Permit
- Gorilla Doctors presentation
- Azizi Life Local Famers Experience and traditional Intore dancing
- Lake Kivu Singing Fisherman experience.
- Nkombo Island Tour on Lake Kivu
- Chimpanzee Trek
- Canopy Walkway
- King’s Palace Museum visit
- Farewell Dinner at Repub Lounge (Authentic Rwandan Food)
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights not mentioned above
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature e.g. drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips etc
- Tips and Gratuities
- Porter Hire
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