10-Day Rwanda Safari and Cultural Tour

This 10-day Rwanda Safari and Cultural tour offers a unique blend of wildlife experiences and rich cultural exploration. From the capital Kigali to the scenic Lake Kivu and the iconic Volcanoes National Park, this itinerary allows you to witness Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and abundant wildlife. Below is your detailed itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by our tour guide. We’ll begin with a city tour of Kigali, a vibrant and clean African city known for its hospitality. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, a permanent tribute to the victims of the 1994 genocide, featuring three exhibitions, including the largest dedicated to this tragic event. Next, explore the bustling Kimironko Market, one of Kigali’s largest local markets, where you can meet local vendors and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables while trying your hand at bargaining.

Lodge/Hotel: Heaven Boutique Lodge
Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast

Day 2: Akagera National Park | Savannah Wildlife Experience

After breakfast at 8:00 AM, we will head to Akagera National Park for your first game drive in the southern region. This drive offers stunning views of rolling hills, wetlands, and lakes, with opportunities to see lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. In the afternoon, enjoy a one-hour boat tour on Lake Ihema, where you can spot hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including majestic African ospreys. In the early evening, we’ll embark on a night game drive for a different wildlife experience.

Lodge/Hotel: Karenga Tented Camp
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 3: Kigali City Experience

Today, we’ll start early with another game drive in the northern part of the park. Later in the afternoon, we’ll exit the park through the northern gate and return to Kigali.

Lodge/Hotel: One & Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 4: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park

This morning, we travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park, stopping at Huye Mountain Coffee for a guided tour on the cultivation and processing of coffee beans. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the chance to purchase freshly roasted coffee and local crafts.

Lodge/Hotel: One & Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Nyungwe Forest National Park

Today, you will visit the colobus monkeys, one of 13 primate species in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Recognizable by their black bodies and white features, a troop of nearly 400 colobus monkeys resides here, giving you a high chance of spotting them after about an hour of tracking.

Lodge/Hotel: One & Only Nyungwe House
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 6: Nyungwe Forest National Park to Gisenyi / Lake Kivu

This morning, we will visit the Gisakura tea plantation for a walk among the tea fields and stunning mountain views. You’ll see farmers harvesting tea before we continue to Gisenyi, located by Lake Kivu, near the Congo border.

Lodge/Hotel: Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 7: Gisenyi / Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy the morning by Lake Kivu, taking in the beautiful scenery with the Virunga Volcanoes in the background. Next, we’ll drive to Volcanoes National Park and visit the cultural village of Ibyiwacu, which supports local communities previously reliant on bushmeat hunting. Here, you’ll experience traditional dances, gorilla songs, and local cooking practices.

Lodge/Hotel: One & Only Gorillas Nest
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 8: Volcanoes National Park to Kigali

Rise early at 5:00 AM for a briefing on gorilla trekking at 7:00 AM, followed by the trek at 8:00 AM. You’ll be assigned to one of eight gorilla families, depending on fitness levels. The park is home to the rare mountain gorilla, and once found, you’ll have an hour to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. After trekking, we will return to Kigali.

Lodge/Hotel: One & Only Gorillas Nest
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 9: Kigali

Today, we will visit the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, starting with a traditional snack and a brief Kinyarwanda language lesson. We’ll explore the Nyamirambo district, one of Kigali’s oldest neighbourhoods, including visits to a local hair salon and two mosques.

Lodge/Hotel: Heaven Boutique Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 10: Kigali City Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a brief tour around Kigali. After lunch, we’ll head to the airport, depending on your departure time.

Lodge/Hotel: TBD
Meal Plan: Half Board

Trip Inclusions:

  • All accommodations as per itinerary
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers
  • Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Park entry fees and all activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Cultural visits to Ibyiwacu Cultural Village
  • Boat tour on Lake Ihema

Trip Exclusions:

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Travel insurance