Have a wonderful experience in Rwanda on this 12-Day Rwanda Safari. You will visit the main national parks, including Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera National Parks, local markets, museums, Lake Kivu, and other tourist sites.
On this 12-Day Rwanda Safari, you will enjoy nature at its best and take part in activities like chimpanzee tracking, gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, game drives, boat cruises, swimming, and nature walks.
You will see endangered mountain gorillas, waterfalls, and experience African culture through songs, dance, and storytelling.
12-Day Rwanda Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda
- Day 2: City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
- Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park via Kigali City
- Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk Adventure
- Day 6: Waterfall Hike and Coffee Tour
- Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Optional Hike to Dian Fossey’s Grave
- Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and Visit to Iby’iwachu Cultural Village
- Days 10-11: Explore Lake Kivu
- Day 12: Transfer Back to Kigali and Fly Home
Detailed 12-Day Grand Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali City, the capital of Rwanda
On arrival, our guide/driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to your booked hotel. The tour will start with a briefing about the Rwanda safari package, covering the places you will visit, activities, and rules to follow. Afterward, you will go to the hotel for your accommodation and overnight stay.
Day 2: City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Start your day with coffee or tea, then go on a city tour to explore attractions such as local markets like Kimironko Market, the scenic hills of Kigali, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial. You will learn about Rwanda’s history with a professional local guide.
Later, transfer to Akagera National Park, located at the border with Tanzania. It is the only savannah park in Rwanda. On your way, you may see wildlife and birds, such as the shoebill stork. Arrive in the evening, check into your hotel, enjoy the atmosphere, and have dinner before your overnight stay.
Day 3: Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
After breakfast, begin a game drive in the savannah plains, where you will see the Big Five: elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, lions, and leopards, as well as other animals like warthogs, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, and elands. The game drive lasts 2-3 hours, depending on sightings.
After lunch, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you can see water animals like crocodiles and hippos.
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park via Kigali City
After breakfast, pack your bags and head to Nyungwe National Park, home to many primates, including chimpanzees. The road trip offers beautiful views of green hills and nature. The park is also home to other animals like elephants, buffaloes, and duikers. Arrive, check into your accommodation, and relax.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk Adventure
After breakfast, attend a briefing and then go into the forest for chimpanzee tracking. Along the way, you may see birds like Kungwe Apalis and Grauer’s Warbler. Once you find the chimpanzees, you will have one hour to take photos and videos.
After lunch, take a canopy walk on a suspended bridge offering aerial views of the forest. You might spot monkeys like red-tailed monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Return to the lodge afterward.
Day 6: Waterfall Hike and Coffee Tour
Start your day with breakfast, then go for a nature walk to Kamiranzovu Waterfalls. Along the way, you may see primates and birds. At the falls, relax and enjoy the view.
After lunch, take a coffee tour to see traditional farming methods and learn how coffee is made. This will leave lasting memories. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Travel to Volcanoes National Park, home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other wildlife. This park is also known for the grave of Dian Fossey, a primatologist who saved many gorillas. Arrive and relax at the lodge, exploring the gardens.
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Optional Hike to Dian Fossey’s Grave
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking. The trek, which takes 2-8 hours, offers a memorable experience. After lunch, visit Dian Fossey’s grave to learn about her efforts to protect gorillas. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and Visit to Iby’iwachu Cultural Village
Go to the park offices for a briefing about golden monkey trekking, which lasts 2-5 hours. Once you find the monkeys, spend an hour observing them.
After lunch, visit Iby’iwachu Cultural Village, also known as Gorilla Guardians Village, to enjoy Rwandan culture through music, dance, and local food. Return to the lodge for the night.
Days 10-11: Explore Lake Kivu
Spend two days enjoying the beauty of Lake Kivu with activities like swimming, boat cruises, and kayaking. This lake, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, is located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Day 12: Transfer Back to Kigali and Fly Home
On your final day, have a leisurely breakfast and transfer to Kigali International Airport. You may stop for lunch or a massage before your drop-off at the airport, marking the end of your 12-Day Rwanda Safari.
