9-Day Rwanda National Parks & Heritage Safari

Explore Akagera, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe and Rwanda’s cultural south.

A wide-ranging exploration of Rwanda’s landscapes, wildlife and heritage. Cross from Akagera’s savannah to the Virunga volcanoes, continue along Lake Kivu and enter Nyungwe’s ancient montane forest before returning through the royal and cultural sites of southern Rwanda. This is the most complete Rwanda itinerary in the collection.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival and Kigali welcome

Meet your guide at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Begin with a gentle city introduction if time permits.

Day 2 Kigali to Akagera National Park

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, then drive east to Akagera. Enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park’s southern landscapes.

Day 3 Akagera game drive and Lake Ihema

Explore the park on a full-day game drive, looking for wildlife across savannah, woodland and wetland habitats. Add a boat safari on Lake Ihema when included.

Day 4 Akagera to Volcanoes National Park

Leave Akagera after breakfast and travel through Kigali towards the northern highlands. Arrive near Volcanoes National Park and prepare for the next morning’s trek.

Day 5 Mountain gorillas and Lake Kivu

Trek to a habituated mountain gorilla family with ranger guides. After time to rest, continue to Lake Kivu for a peaceful evening beside the water.

Day 6 Lake Kivu to Nyungwe

Enjoy a relaxed morning or short lakeside activity, then follow the scenic western route towards Nyungwe National Park and its surrounding tea estates.

Day 7 Chimpanzee tracking and forest discovery

Begin early with a guided chimpanzee trek. Later, rest or join a shorter forest, birding or tea-focused experience depending on energy and availability.

Day 8 Canopy walkway and royal heritage

Walk a guided forest trail to the canopy walkway, then continue east through Huye and Nyanza with a visit to a selected museum or royal heritage site. Overnight in Kigali or en route according to timing.

Day 9 Kigali and departure

Complete any final Kigali visits, shopping or dining before transferring to Kigali International Airport for departure.

Package Includes

  • Accommodation and meals as indicated in the final quotation.
  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle and English-speaking driver-guide.
  • Airport transfers and all scheduled road transport.
  • Akagera entry and game drives specified in the quotation.
  • One mountain gorilla permit and one chimpanzee permit when confirmed and paid.
  • Nyungwe canopy walkway and selected heritage entry fees when confirmed.
  • Daily drinking water, 24-hour support and applicable government taxes.

Important Booking Notes

  • The Lake Ihema boat safari, Lake Kivu activities and secondary forest experiences must be selected in the final quotation.
  • Permit dates may require the route to operate in reverse or with adjusted overnight locations.
  • This itinerary contains several long but scenic road journeys; upgraded vehicle and accommodation options can be quoted.
  • International flights, insurance, tips, personal expenses and activities not confirmed in writing are excluded.

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