About This Package
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
This 10-day Rwanda safari offers the ultimate experience of the "Land of a Thousand Hills," combining Rwanda's rich history, breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable primate encounters.
The journey covers Rwanda's top destinations including Kigali, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, and Volcanoes National Park.
Experience Kigali's cultural heritage, search for the Big Five in Akagera, explore the ancient Nyungwe rainforest with chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk, enjoy the beauty of Lake Kivu, trek golden monkeys, and complete your adventure with the once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking experience.
This private safari is ideal for travelers looking for a complete Rwanda adventure combining wildlife, nature, culture, and relaxation.
TOUR FACTS
Tour Name: Best of Rwanda Safari Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights Country: Rwanda
Tour Type: Private Safari
Starting Point: Kigali International Airport
Ending Point: Kigali International Airport
Main Destinations: Kigali – Akagera National Park – Nyungwe Forest – Lake Kivu – Volcanoes National Park
Activities: City Tour, Game Drives, Boat Cruise, Chimpanzee Trekking, Canopy Walk, Birdwatching, Golden Monkey Trekking, Gorilla Trekking
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
✓ Explore Kigali city and Rwanda's history
✓ Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial and historical museums
✓ Experience Big Five safari in Akagera National Park
✓ Lake Ihema boat cruise with hippos and crocodiles
✓ Night game drive searching for nocturnal animals
✓ Visit Rwanda's King's Palace and Ethnographic Museum
✓ Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
✓ Walk above the rainforest canopy on the famous Canopy Walkway
✓ Explore Kamiranzovu Swamp and birdwatching experience
✓ Boat cruise on Lake Kivu visiting Napoleon and Amahoro Islands
✓ Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
✓ Mountain gorilla trekking experience
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KIGALI AND TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative and professional driver-guide.
You will receive a short briefing about your safari before transferring to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
Accommodation:
Onomo Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
DAY 2: KIGALI CITY EXPLORATION & CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
After breakfast, begin your Kigali city exploration.
Discover Rwanda's history from the pre-colonial period, colonial era, post-independence period, and the 1994 Genocide against the
Tutsi.
Visit:
Kigali Genocide Memorial
A significant historical site where more than 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi were laid to rest.
Kandt House Museum
Visit the former residence of Richard Kandt, the first German explorer who settled in Kigali, and learn about Rwanda during the colonial period.
Campaign Against Genocide Museum
Learn about Rwanda's history and the efforts made to stop the genocide.
End the day with a coffee experience at Question Coffee, where you will taste premium Rwandan coffee produced by women
cooperatives.
Accommodation:
Onomo Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 3: TRANSFER TO AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK – GAME DRIVE & LAKE IHEMA BOAT CRUISE
After breakfast, transfer to Akagera National Park.
Upon arrival, start a game drive searching for Rwanda's wildlife including:
• Lions
• Rhinos
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Antelopes
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Over 500 bird species
Akagera is Rwanda's largest national park and offers beautiful savannah landscapes, wetlands, lakes, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
After lunch at the lodge, enjoy a thrilling boat cruise on Lake Ihema.
Look out for:
• Hippos
• Nile crocodiles
• Water birds
• Buffaloes
Accommodation:
Akagera Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 4: AKAGERA GAME DRIVE & NIGHT GAME DRIVE
Start the day with an early morning game drive when animals are most active.
Search for elephants, birds, antelopes, predators, and other wildlife. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
In the evening, enjoy a night game drive searching for nocturnal animals including:
• Leopards
• Hyenas
• Bush babies
• Other nighttime species
Accommodation:
Akagera Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 5: TRANSFER TO NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK VIA CULTURAL SITES
After breakfast, depart Akagera and transfer to Nyungwe National Park.
En route visit:
King's Palace Museum
Discover Rwanda's traditional monarchy and royal history.
Ethnographic Museum
Learn about Rwanda's culture, traditions, and history. Continue to Nyungwe Forest.
Accommodation:
Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 6: CHIMPANZEE TREKKING & NYUNGWE CANOPY WALK
Early morning breakfast before heading to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking.
Accompanied by experienced guides, enter the rainforest in search of chimpanzees and other primates.
Nyungwe is home to 13 primate species and over 300 bird species.
Later enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, suspended above the rainforest providing spectacular views of the forest
ecosystem.
Optional visit to a tea plantation.
Accommodation:
Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Meal
l Plan: Full Board
DAY 7: KAMIRANZOVU SWAMP BIRDWATCHING & TRANSFER TO LAKE KIVU
Explore Kamiranzovu Swamp, one of Nyungwe's unique ecosystems. Search for rare Albertine Rift bird species including:
• Ruwenzori Turaco
• Grauer's Swamp Warbler
• Other endemic birds
After lunch, transfer to Kibuye on Lake Kivu.
Enjoy spectacular views of the lake, islands, and surrounding green hills.
Accommodation:
Bethany Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 8: LAKE KIVU BOAT CRUISE & TRANSFER TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Visit:
Napoleon Island
Famous for fruit bats and birdlife.
Amahoro Island
Enjoy beautiful lake scenery and learn about Lake Kivu. Later transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Accommodation:
Classic Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 9: GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING & TWIN LAKES / MUSANZE CAVE VISIT
After breakfast, transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters. Meet Park guides and begin golden monkey trekking.
Golden monkeys are rare Albertine Rift endemic primates known for their playful behavior.
In the afternoon choose between:
• Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo visit OR
• Musanze Cave exploration
Accommodation:
Classic Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
DAY 10: GORILLA TREKKING & TRANSFER BACK TO KIGALI
After breakfast, transfer to Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
Complete Park formalities and begin your once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trekking adventure.
Trek through the beautiful Virunga forest searching for a habituated gorilla family.
Once found, spend one magical hour observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat.
After trekking, return for lunch before driving back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, visit souvenir shops including:
• Caplaki Art Market
• Kimironko Market
• Inema Art Center
Transfer to Kigali International Airport.
END OF SERVICES
IMPORTANT NOTE
The cost of this package varies depending on several factors:
– Type of accommodation (Luxury, Mid-range, or Budget)
– Number of participants (Solo traveler, couple, family, or group)
– Nationality (East African Community residents may have discounted park fees)
– Travel season (Peak or low season rates)
QUOTATION
Number of People
INCLUSIONS
Nationality Category
Accommodation Category
Price Per Person (USD)
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Private transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
✓ Professional driver-guide
✓ Accommodation as per itinerary
✓ Single occupancy accommodation (for quoted price)
✓ All meals and soft drinks as per itinerary
✓ Drinking water on board
✓ Gorilla trekking permit
✓ Golden monkey trekking
✓ Chimpanzee trekking
✓ Game drives in Akagera National Park
✓ Lake Ihema boat cruise
✓ Lake Kivu boat cruise
✓ Canopy Walk experience
✓ Birdwatching activities
✓ Museum visits
✓ Professional park guides
✓ Taxes and administrative costs
EXCLUSIONS
✗ Rwanda visa fees
✗ International flights
✗ Travel and health insurance
✗ Alcoholic beverages and other caffeine drinks
✗ Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, shopping, etc.
✗ Photography fees where applicable
✗ Optional activities not mentioned in the package
