10 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari

 This 10 days Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari perfectly blends rainforest primates, cultural discovery, lake relaxation, and classic savannah game viewing. Beginning and ending in Kigali, it takes you south to the deep forests of Nyungwe, north to the volcanic peaks of Virunga for gorilla trekking, and east for a big-game experience in Akagera National Park. With calm travel days and two-night stays in key destinations, this itinerary ensures a balanced, enriching, and comfortable adventure

10 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Highlights

  • Kigali city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial

  • Scenic drive through Rwanda’s picturesque hills and tea estates

  • Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

  • Nyungwe Canopy Walk, one of East Africa’s most unique experiences

  • Relaxing lakeside stay and boat trip on Lake Kivu

  • Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

  • Optional golden monkey tracking or cultural village tour

  • Classic wildlife game drives in Akagera National Park

  • Boat safari on Lake Ihema with hippos, crocodiles & abundant birdlife

  • Comfortable road transfers, excellent hospitality, and breathtaking scenery

LION IN AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

 10 Days Rwanda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari Detailed  Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Rest and Overnight

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide greets you and transfers you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may simply relax, unwind, and enjoy the city’s calm evening atmosphere. Kigali is known for its safety, hospitality, and cleanliness, making it an ideal starting point for your journey.

Overnight in Kigali.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest 

After breakfast, begin your day with a guided Kigali city tour. Visits typically include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to Rwanda’s resilience; Kimironko Market full of colors and local life; and artisan workshops showcasing traditional crafts.

After lunch, depart on the scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda’s southwest. The journey passes through rolling green hills, neatly arranged tea plantations, and vibrant local communities. Depending on time, you may visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza or the Ethnographic Museum in Huye along the way.

Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon for dinner and relaxation.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Today begins early as you head into the thick rainforest for chimpanzee trekking. Nyungwe is home to one of East Africa’s largest chimpanzee populations, and the search for them—listening for calls or rustling treetops—creates an exciting sense of adventure. When you find the troop, you enjoy a precious hour observing their playful behavior, family interactions, and energetic leaps from branch to branch.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional nature walk, tea plantation visit, or simply unwind with views of the forest canopy.

Overnight at Nyungwe

Day 4: Nyungwe Canopy Walk – Transfer to Lake Kivu 

After breakfast, take on the iconic Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a high suspension bridge set above a deep forest valley. It offers a unique perspective on the rainforest—misty views across rolling hills, birds gliding beneath you, and ancient trees stretching upwards.

Later, depart for Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful freshwater lakes. The drive is relaxing and scenic. Upon arrival, check in to your lakeside hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the tranquility, or watch fishing boats glide over the water at sunset.

Overnight on Lake Kivu.

Day 5: Lake Kivu Morning Boat Ride – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Start the day with a refreshing boat excursion on Lake Kivu. Expect beautiful views, small islands, and the gentle rhythm of lake life. After your excursion, drive north to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Upon arrival, settle into your lodge with views of the towering Virunga volcanoes. Enjoy a restful evening as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trek.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the highlight of your safari—mountain gorilla trekking. After a morning briefing by park rangers, enter the lush montane forests to track one of the habituated gorilla families. Trekking times vary from one to several hours, but the reward is extraordinary. When you finally meet the gorillas, you spend one unforgettable hour watching them feed, play, groom, and interact. The experience is emotional, humbling, and often described as life-changing.

Return to your lodge for a relaxed afternoon and dinner. Overnight in Volcanoes.

Day 7: Golden Monkey Trek / Cultural Visit – Transfer to Akagera 

Begin the day with a choice of activities:

  • Golden monkey tracking – fun, energetic primates found only in the Virunga region

  • Iby’iwacu cultural village tour – an engaging experience of Rwandan traditions, dance, and storytelling

After your morning activity, drive east to Akagera National Park, a landscape of open plains, acacia woodlands, lakes, and wetlands. This is Rwanda’s only Big Five park and provides a classic savannah safari experience to complement the forest-focused earlier days.

Arrive at your lodge for dinner and a relaxed evening overlooking the park

Day 8: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera

Today you explore Akagera on a full-day game drive. Early morning is ideal for spotting predators such as lions and leopards as well as elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes. The scenery shifts beautifully—from rolling hills to wide plains to thick woodland—ensuring a varied and rewarding safari experience.

Return to the lodge in the late afternoon and enjoy the sunset over the savannah.

Day 9: Lake Ihema Boat Safari – Afternoon Game Drive 

After breakfast, embark on a boat safari on Lake Ihema, famous for its hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife including fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and cormorants. The boat ride offers close-up wildlife encounters and stunning photography opportunities.

In the afternoon, enjoy another game drive focusing on different areas of the park, increasing your chances of seeing more wildlife. Return to the lodge for your final night in Akagera.

Day 10: Morning Game Drive – Return to Kigali – Departure

Enjoy a short morning game drive as you exit Akagera, capturing final sightings of wildlife on the move. Continue to Kigali with lunch en route. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop at a craft market for souvenirs before your transfer to the airport.

Your safari concludes with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s forests, wildlife, lakes, and welcoming culture.

Safari Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide

  • All ground transport in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle

  • Accommodation for 9 nights on full-board basis

  • Kigali city tour

  • Chimpanzee trekking permit (Nyungwe)

  • Gorilla trekking permit (Volcanoes)

  • Golden monkey permit or cultural visit

  • Nyungwe Canopy Walk fees

  • Game drives in Akagera National Park

  • Lake Ihema boat safari

  • Boat ride on Lake Kivu

  • All park entry fees

  • Bottled drinking water during activities and transfers