The first thing that springs to most people’s minds when thinking of Rwanda is its turbulent political history. But today’s Rwanda is a far cry from the nation it was in the mid-90s: the country has emerged from the shadows and has much to offer visitors, most notably the tracking of endangered mountain gorillas in the lush Volcanoes National Park, which extends across the peaks and jungle–covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Other major tourist attractions include expansive Lake Kivu, ancient Nyungwe Forest with various primate species, and the game-rich savannah lands of Akagera National Park.
Your adventure begins with a culturally immersive tour of scenic Kigali City, highlighting the history of the April 1994 genocide and Rwanda’s distinctive culture. Proceed to Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla tracking experience, followed by a guided hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke. At Lake Kivu, enjoy a boat cruise coupled with cultural activities and a bike tour. An extension to Nyungwe Forest offers the thrilling canopy walk and chimpanzee trekking in the unique Afromontane rainforest.
Journey Time: Less 1 Hour
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and completion of immigration formalities, you will be welcomed by your safari guide and transferred to the hotel in Kigali. No scheduled activities are planned for the day; you may enjoy leisure time at the hotel.
Overnight: Midrange: Kigali Serena Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Hemingways Retreat Kigali – or similar
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Journey Time: Approx. 03 Hours
Pick-up Time: 08:30AM. After an early breakfast at the hotel, embark on a brief tour of Kigali City before departing for Volcanoes National Park. This excursion offers an authentic experience of Rwanda’s scenic, hilly capital, with visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt House Museum, Mount Kigali, and a local market. Upon arrival and check-in at the lodge, a late lunch will be served (subject to change). No further activities are scheduled for the day.
Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge – or similar
Luxury: The Bishop’s House Rwanda – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served at the lodge. Spend the morning and early afternoon at leisure—an ideal time to relax and prepare for your upcoming mountain gorilla trek. Feel free to enjoy the lodge’s amenities. In the late afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s traditions and cultural heritage. After the cultural visit, return to the lodge to refresh and enjoy dinner at leisure.
Overnight: Midrange: Ingagi Parkview Lodge – or similar
Luxury: The Bishop’s House Rwanda – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Journey Time: Approx. 3 – 5 Hours – Based on lodge location
Pick-up Time: 05:00AM. After an early breakfast, you will receive a lunchbox and mineral water to carry in your backpack. You will then be transferred to the park for a briefing.
Volcanoes Gorilla Tracking Experience –After completing park formalities, begin your once-in-a-lifetime trek to track the endangered mountain gorillas. Upon locating the gorilla family, enjoy a full hour of close observation and photography. Tracking the gorillas through the light mountain forests on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes is a truly captivating experience. Although these majestic primates are typically hidden in dense tropical forest, you will be within a few meters of the gorilla group encountered. For the trek, wear hiking boots, long trousers, a facemask, gloves, and bring insect repellent and a water bottle. If the trek lasts longer than expected, your ranger guide will select a safe spot for a picnic lunch during or after the hike.
After completing the gorilla trek, depart for Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Midrange: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena – or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner and Breakfast)
Journey Time: Approx. 03 Hours
Pickup Time: 07:00AM. Begin the day with an early breakfast, followed by a guided exploration of Lake Kivu. After the morning activities, proceed to Nyungwe National Park. Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant en route.
Planned activities: Begin the morning with a guided mountain bike tour—an excellent opportunity to experience the region’s dramatic terrain, take in breathtaking landscapes, and connect with the local community, all amid serene sunrise views. Afterwards, enjoy a two-hour boat cruise on Lake Kivu, heading toward Napoleon Island. Along the way, observe a large colony of fruit bats and various bird species, including the African fish eagle. The cruise also offers views of traditional fishing villages along the shoreline.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Nyungwe National Park. Upon arrival, check in at the lodge and take time to refresh before dinner.
Overnight: Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Virunga Inn Resort & Spa – or similar
Meal Plan: Half Board (Dinner and Breakfast)
Pickup time: 05:00AM. Begin with an early breakfast at the lodge, followed by a guided chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest. Lunch will either be served at the lodge or arranged as a picnic within the forest, depending on the day’s schedule.
Planned Activities: Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trek – Your primate trekking experience begins with a pre-trek briefing at 05:30Hrs, conducted at one of the park's designated starting points: Uwinka, Gisakura, or Kitabi. The duration of the activity may extend up to 6 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzee group. Upon locating them, you will be allowed one unforgettable hour to observe and photograph the chimps—witnessing behaviours such as grooming, mating, and nurturing their young.
Afternoon activity: Nyungwe Canopy Walk – Begin your adventure from Uwinka Visitor Centre with a guided 2-hour nature hike, where you may encounter butterflies, wild orchids, and a variety of forest birds. The trail leads to the iconic canopy walkway—suspended 70 meters above the forest floor—offering sweeping views of the rainforest canopy. Along the way, you may also spot primates such as colobus monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys, as well as several bird species. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Overnight: Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel – or similar
Luxury: Virunga Inn Resort & Spa – or similar
Meal Plan: Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Journey Time: Approx. 6 Hours
Pick-up time: 06:00AM. Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge, then check out and transfer back to Kigali. Lunch will be arranged at a restaurant en route. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be dropped off at the airport for your onward flight. Recommended Departure: Flights scheduled from 18:00 hours onwards.
Meal Plan: Breakfast |Lunch at a restaurant End of Safari
DISCLAIMER: The journey times indicated in this itinerary are estimates and may vary due to traffic and road conditions. Accommodation options listed are subject to availability at the time of booking; in case of unavailability, comparable alternatives will be provided. Rates are subject to change without prior notice due to factors beyond our control. Any adjustments will be communicated and reflected in your final proforma invoice.
The package typically includes park entry fees, all meals, mid-range lodge or tented camp accommodations, transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, an English-speaking guide, bottled drinking water, and game drives.
The best time is June to October during the dry season for optimal wildlife viewing. However, the Serengeti Great Migration can be witnessed at different times of the year depending on the migration route.
There’s a good chance. Ngorongoro is one of the best places to see rhinos, Serengeti is known for lions and leopards, and Tarangire is home to large herds of elephants. Buffalo are common in all parks.
Yes, it is family-friendly. Many mid-range accommodations are equipped to host families and the itinerary can be adjusted to accommodate younger travelers.
Game drives typically last between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the day and park. Some days may include full-day game drives with packed lunches, especially in the Serengeti.
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