11-Day Rwanda Classic Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

The itinerary is summarized for you

Our 11-Day Rwanda Classic Wildlife and Gorilla Safari offers an incredible adventure packed with diverse experiences! Start your journey in the vibrant capital city of Kigali, then head to the wild landscapes of Akagera National Park. Immerse yourself in the lush Nyungwe Forest, where you can track playful chimpanzees, and relax by the serene shores of Lake Kivu. The grand finale of your safari is an unforgettable encounter with the majestic mountain gorillas, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
  • Day 2: Kigali City Tour
  • Day 3: Kigali – Akagera National Park
  • Day 4: Akagera National Park
  • Day 5: Akagera National Park – Kigali
  • Day 6: Kigali – Nyungwe Forest
  • Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
  • Day 8: Nyungwe – Lake Kivu
  • Day 9: Lake Kivu – Volcanoes National Park
  • Day 10: Gorilla Trekking
  • Day 11: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali (Departure)

Detailed Itinerary: 11-Day Rwanda Classic Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda

Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills! Upon landing at Kigali Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transported to your hotel. If you’re feeling energetic, our guide will take you on a 2-hour night tour of Kigali, allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. Alternatively, you can unwind and enjoy the amenities at your hotel.

  • Primary Destination: Kigali
  • Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel (Luxury)

Day 2: Kigali City Tour

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before setting off on a full-day guided tour of Kigali. Visit the Genocide Memorial Centre and Nyamata Church to gain insight into Rwanda’s poignant history. Wander through bustling markets and purchase traditional African crafts at the Craft Village. The tour also includes visits to various museums. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

  • Primary Destination: Kigali
  • Accommodation: Hotel Des Mille Collines (Luxury)
  • Meal Plan: All meals included

Day 3: Kigali – Akagera National Park

After breakfast, we travel to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. Upon arrival and check-in, you’ll embark on an afternoon game drive to witness Rwanda’s diverse wildlife. Akagera is famous for its successful lion breeding programs and dramatic predator-prey interactions. Keep your camera at the ready!

  • PrimaryDestination: Akagera National Park
  • Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (Luxury)
  • Meal Plan: All meals included

Day 4: Akagera National Park

Start your day with an early morning game drive to spot elephants, lions, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. After lunch at the lodge, experience the park from a different perspective with a scenic boat trip on Lake Ihema, where you’ll observe hippos and crocodiles up close.

  • Primary Destination: Akagera National Park
  • Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (Luxury)
  • Meal Plan: All meals included

Day 5: Akagera National Park – Kigali

Enjoy one last morning game drive before returning to Kigali. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, either exploring the city or visiting local crafts centres and women’s clubs. Alternatively, relax at your hotel.

  • Primary Destination: Kigali
  • Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel (Luxury)
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast included

Day 6: Kigali – Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southern Rwanda. On the way, visit the Royal Palace Museum in Nyanza and the Rwanda National Museum in Butare. Have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Nyungwe, known for its rich biodiversity and primate species.

  • Primary Destination: Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)
  • Accommodation: Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel (Luxury)
  • Meal Plan: All meals included

Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk

Spend the day exploring Nyungwe Forest National Park. Begin with a morning trek to see chimpanzees and other primates like black-and-white colobus monkeys and golden monkeys. After lunch, enjoy a thrilling canopy walk, offering a bird’s-eye view of the forest.

Gorilla Trekking and Hiking Safaris | 11-Day Rwanda Classic Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda Canopy Walk

Day 8: Nyungwe – Lake Kivu

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe Forest and travel to the stunning Lake Kivu. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque town of Kibuye before checking in at your accommodation in Gisenyi. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to Monkey Island and join local fishermen for an evening fishing experience.

  • Primary Destination: Lake Kivu
  • Accommodation: Moriah Hill Resort (Mid-range)
  • Meal Plan: All meals included

Day 9: Lake Kivu – Volcanoes National Park

In the morning, visit the nearby hot springs of Bralirwa and explore the area’s rich birdlife. After lunch, drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s renowned mountain gorillas.

  • Primary Destination: Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)
  • Accommodation: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (Mid-range)
  • Meal Plan: All meals included

Day 10: Gorilla Trekking

Spend an unforgettable hour with the endangered mountain gorillas of the Virungas. Hike through the lush landscape to encounter these gentle giants, who share 98% of their DNA with humans. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu cultural village to learn about traditional Rwandan life and enjoy performances by reformed poachers.

Day 11: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali (Departure)

After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive back to Kigali with a packed lunch. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure. Thank you for traveling with Lush Africa Safaris.

  • Primary Destination: Kigali
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast

End of 11-Day Rwanda Classic Wildlife and Gorilla Safari

Customize Your Itinerary!

Safari Inclusions

  • Lunch
  • Bottled Water
  • Accommodation (10-nights)
  • Safari 4×4 Vehicle
  • Gorilla permit and Park fees
  • English-speaking guide

Safari Exclusions

  • Visas and International flights
  • Tips

11-Day Safari Route