9 Days Rwanda Safari | Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzees Trekking

This 9-day Rwanda Grand Safari is a well-balanced journey that showcases the very best of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” From Kigali’s moving history and vibrant culture to pristine rainforests, mountain gorillas, volcanic landscapes, and classic savannah wildlife, this itinerary offers a complete and immersive Rwandan experience.

Your journey begins and ends in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and welcoming capital, and takes you through Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Akagera National Park - each offering a distinct ecosystem and unforgettable encounters.

Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel for a short briefing. Later, embark on a guided Kigali City Tour, offering insight into Rwanda’s past, present, and future.

Highlights include visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local curio shops, the bustling Kimironko Market, and the historic neighborhood of Nyamirambo. You’ll also explore craft centers such as the handicraft village and Batwa cultural sites. Lunch is taken en route.
In the afternoon, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park and check in at your lodge.

Overnight: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, enter Nyungwe Forest for a guided trek along the Colobus trails. Nyungwe is home to one of Africa’s largest troops of Angolan colobus monkeys. The walk is both educational and scenic, led by expert guides knowledgeable in botany, birdlife, and forest ecology.

Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the tranquility of the forest.

Overnight: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

An early start today as you head into Nyungwe Forest at around 06:00 hrs for chimpanzee tracking. This is an exciting and dynamic experience, as chimpanzees are highly active primates.

After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch, then drive to Kibuye (Karongi) on the shores of Lake Kivu. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way.

Overnight: Kibuye Guest House or Hotel Centre Bethanie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, depart Kibuye for Kinigi, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The journey takes approximately 6 hours (213 km) and passes through some of Rwanda’s most scenic landscapes, including tea plantations in Gisovu and Kayove.

Stop in Gisenyi for lunch and a brief city tour along Lake Kivu, then continue to Ruhengeri and onward to Kinigi, the base for gorilla trekking.

Overnight: Mountain Gorilla’s Nest or Kinigi Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the highlight of the safari. After an early breakfast, report to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for briefing and guide allocation. You’ll then be driven to the trailhead and begin your trek through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of mountain gorillas.

The trek can take between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once located, you’ll spend a magical one hour observing them in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, visit the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.

Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, set out for a day hike to Mount Bisoke, one of the Virunga volcanoes, crowned by a beautiful crater lake. The hike takes approximately 3 hours up and 2 hours down and passes through lush rainforest once studied by Dian Fossey.

The trail can be steep and muddy, so reasonable fitness is required. Long trousers are recommended due to stinging nettles. Return to the lodge for lunch and a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive east toward Akagera National Park, enjoying Rwanda’s famous rolling hills along the way. Upon arrival and lunch, head out for a boat safari on Lake Ihema.

This boat trip offers close views of hippos, crocodiles, and an impressive variety of birdlife, including jacanas, herons, ibis, and other wetland species.

Overnight: Akagera Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rise early for a half-day game drive in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. Accompanied by a ranger, you may spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, baboons, and, with luck, leopards.

Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, reflecting on your safari experience.

Overnight: Akagera Safari Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping or relaxation before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast