9 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee & Savannah Safari

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide. Begin with a short Kigali city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial (optional), craft markets, and key historical landmarks that provide meaningful insight into Rwanda’s journey.

After lunch, enjoy a scenic drive north through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Arrive at your lodge in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Volcanoes National Park

Today marks the highlight of your Rwanda safari—gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, transfer to park headquarters for a briefing by Rwanda Development Board rangers before heading into the forest to track one of the habituated gorilla families.

The trek may take between 2–6 hours depending on gorilla movements, but the reward is extraordinary: one magical hour spent observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation or an optional community visit.

Overnight: Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, enjoy an optional Golden Monkey trekking experience, a lively and photogenic primate found only in the Virunga region. This trek is shorter and less strenuous, offering a wonderful contrast to gorilla trekking.

Later, transfer westward to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The afternoon is at leisure—perfect for swimming, kayaking, or enjoying sunset views over the water.

Overnight: Lake Kivu

Spend a relaxed morning at Lake Kivu before departing for Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforest. The drive passes through tea plantations and scenic highlands.

Arrive at your forest lodge in time for dinner and prepare for the primate adventures ahead.

Overnight: Nyungwe Forest National Park

Rise early for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, one of the best places in East Africa to observe chimps in a truly wild environment. Led by expert trackers, follow the calls of chimpanzees as they move through the forest canopy.

After returning to the lodge, spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring nearby nature trails.

Overnight: Nyungwe Forest National Park

This morning, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a thrilling suspension bridge offering breathtaking views above the rainforest treetops. After lunch, begin the journey east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five.

Arrive in the evening for dinner and overnight inside or near the park.

Overnight: Akagera National Park

Enjoy a full day of game drives in Akagera National Park, exploring open plains, woodlands, and lakes. Wildlife sightings may include lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelope species, and more.

Your guide will tailor the day for optimal sightings and photography.

Overnight: Akagera National Park

Start the day with a relaxed boat safari on Lake Ihema, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Later, enjoy a final game drive before returning to your lodge for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: Akagera National Park

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali, arriving in time for your international flight or onward arrangements. Optional shopping stops can be arranged before airport drop-off.

End of Rwanda Safari Experience