Explore the culture and wildlife of Rwanda on this 11-day safari. Known as the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda beckons with abundant wildlife and an incredible array of bird and primate species. From gorilla trekking on the slopes of the Virunga Massif to game drives in Akagera and excursions in Kigali, adventure awaits.
- 11 days | 10 nights
- Rwanda
Highlights
- Trek through mountain forests to see the mountain gorillas of Rwanda in their natural habitat
- Experience the richness of Rwanda’s culture and heritage with visits to a local cultural village and Kigali’s historic Genocide Museum
- Take in the view from the treetops with a canopy walk above Nyungwe Forest and track chimpanzees in the forest’s depths
- Embark on game drives across Akagera National Park
Destinations
DAY 1: Arrival & Kigali
DAY 2-3: Akagera National Park
DAY 4: Kigali
DAY 5-6: Nyungwe National Park
DAY 7: Lake Kivu
DAY 8-10: Volcanoes National Park
DAY 11: Departure
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Rwanda
- KIGALI
A very warm welcome to Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be picked up by a representative of Hornbill Treks & Safaris and transferred to your accommodations in Kigali. You’ll have a safari briefing and time for questions regarding your adventure across Rwanda. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Kigali Serena, The Retreat, Heaven Boutique Hotel, Governors Residence
Day 2: Journey to Akagera National Park
- KIGALI & AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Depart in the morning for Akagera National Park, taking in views of the Rwandan countryside along the way. Enjoy afternoon game viewing in the park.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 3: Game Drives in Akagera
- AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge followed by a day of game viewing, with a game drive and boat safari. Game drives in the park offer the chance to see Maasai giraffe, lions, Burchell’s zebra, impala, lions, elephants, and more.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Day 4: Kigali Cultural Tour
- AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK & KIGALI
After a leisurely breakfast, set off on your return journey to Kigali. There, you’ll explore a landmark site among the rolling hills of Kigali with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the 1994 genocide and marked a critical moment in Rwanda’s history. The Memorial honors the lives of those lost during the genocide and recognizes that changes that have taken place in Rwanda since.
Other optional sites and activities in Kigali include a visit to the Inema Arts Centre, Nyamirambo Women’s Center, and Umusambi Village, among others.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Kigali Serena, The Retreat, Heaven Boutique Hotel, Governors Residence
Day 5: Road Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
- NYUNGWE FOREST
The day begins with breakfast and a journey to Nyungwe Forest, home to numerous primate and bird species. Enjoy the drive as you take in scenic views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and verdant countryside, arriving at the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, explore the forest from a different perspective with a canopy walk. Lasting about two hours, the canopy walk takes you across a bridge over a deep gorge in the massive forest. You’ll have the chance to spot some of the primates and unique birds that dwell in the upper levels of the forest canopy, and take in stunning views of Rwanda’s wilderness.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Nyungwe House, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
Day 6: Chimp Trekking
- NYUNGWE FOREST
Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for your morning chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest. After a briefing at the park headquarters, embark on your hike in the forest in search of the chimpanzees.
It can take between 30 minutes to two hours to locate the chimps, but once found, you’ll usually be able to spend an hour with these remarkable primates in the forest before making your return journey. Chimpanzees share 98% of their DNA with humans and are fascinating to watch as they swing through the tree canopy, care for their young, and feed on fruits on the forest floor.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch and leisure, along with an optional visit to a local working tea plantation or a Canopy Walk in Nyungwe.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Nyungwe House, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay
Day 7: Lake Kivu
- Lake Kivu
Morning transfer to Lake Kivu, followed by the afternoon to relax along the lake shores or enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Lake Kivu Serena
Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Volcanoes National Park roughly an hour and a half from the Gisenyi region of northern Lake Kivu.
In the afternoon, set out with your guide to explore the region. Depending on your interests, optional activities may include:
- Touring the Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
- Community walking tour or trying your hand at local handcrafts
- Iby’iwacu cultural village visit or local cultural workshop for traditional Rwandan dancing and heritage
- Nature walk focusing on local conservation, community, and beekeeping in the region
- Visiting the Musanze Caves, which served as a shelter for Rwandans during the 1994 genocide
- Beyond the Trek Session for a behind-the-scenes look at conservation and care of the mountain gorillas
The evening holds dinner and leisure at the lodge.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Wilderness Sabyinyo, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, Virunga Lodge
Day 9: Gorillas Trekking & Rwandan Heritage
- VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
The hike of a lifetime begins today. Enjoy an early breakfast before heading to the park headquarters to meet your park rangers who will serve as your guides for the day’s excursion. On average, gorilla trekking lasts three to six hours total, but once you meet the gorillas, you will be able to spend an unforgettable hour with them in their native habitat. Depending on the length of your trek, enjoy a picnic lunch in the midst of the forest or upon your return to the lodge.
In the afternoon, enjoy leisure at the lodge or an optional activity in the Volcanoes region.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Wilderness Sabyinyo, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, Virunga Lodge
Day 10: Exploring Volcanoes National Park
- VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
The day is yours to explore Volcanoes National Park. Depending on your preference, at the time of booking, you might opt for one of the following activities, among others:
- Embark on a second gorilla trek for another chance to meet the mountain gorillas of Rwanda.
- Set out on a Golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park to meet these playful, inquisitive primates.
- Hike to Dian Fossey’s original Karisoke Research Camp in Volcanoes National Park, where you’ll be able to imagine what it must have been like for Dian when she arrived in Rwanda to set up her research camp to study and protect the endangered mountain gorillas back in 1967, and have the chance to pay respects at the gravesite of Dian Fossey and her favorite gorilla friend, Digit.
- Enjoy one of the many nature walks or hikes available in the region.
ACCOMMODATIONS: Wilderness Sabyinyo, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, Virunga Lodge
Day 11: Departure
- KIGALI
In the morning, depart for Kigali International Airport in time for your outbound international flight.
How It Works
1. Share Your Inspiration
We’ll listen to your aspirations and discuss the experiences that will meet your travel needs.
2. We'll Plan & Fine-Tune
We’ll put our knowledge of the region to work and create a personalized safari for you.
3. Reserve Your Safari
When you’re ready to book, we’ll handle the details of reserving everything for your trip.
