10 Days Rwanda Safari - Gorilla Rwanda Safaris

10 Days Rwanda Safari

This 10-day Rwanda safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion. From gorilla trekking in the misty mountains to the serene shores of Lake Kivu and the lush forests of Nyungwe, this trip promises unforgettable experiences. Rwanda’s natural beauty, combined with the warm hospitality of its people, ensures that your journey through this incredible country will be remembered for years to come.

Rwanda safari features a captivating mix of wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. This 10-day safari provides an excellent opportunity to explore Rwanda’s national parks, immerse yourself in local communities, and experience its rich biodiversity. Below is a detailed overview of what a 10-day itinerary through Rwanda would entail.

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and city tour

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Visit

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Gisenyi

Day 8: Leisure at Lake Kivu and Coffee Tour

Day 9: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking and Departure

Day by Day 10 Days Rwanda Safari Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and City Tour

Your adventure begins with your arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be welcomed by our company representative. He will pick you up and transfer you to hotel; after checking into a hotel in Kigali, you embark on a city tour to explore key landmarks. The visit includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which offers insights into Rwanda’s history and resilience. You’ll also explore local craft markets and museums, getting a glimpse of the city’s vibrant culture.

Overnight stay: Kigali Serena Hotel

Activities: City tour, Genocide Memorial visit

Meal plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park

On the second day, you head east toward Akagera National Park, known for its diverse wildlife and scenic savannah landscapes. After settling in at your lodge, you enjoy an evening boat cruise on Lake Ihema. The cruise provides an excellent opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species, including the African fish eagle.

Accommodation options: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Luxury), Akagera safari camp (Mid-range), Akagera transit lodge (Budget).

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park

This day is dedicated to a full-day game drive across the plains of Akagera, where you may encounter the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. Other wildlife to look out for includes giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and warthogs. The park’s lakes and swamps are also home to hundreds of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Accommodation options include Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Luxury), Akagera Safari Camp (Mid-range), and Akagera Transit Lodge (Budget).

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, you embarked on a scenic journey northwest to Volcanoes National Park, the gateway to Rwanda’s famous gorillas. En route, you pass through terraced hills and lush tea plantations, enjoying the spectacular landscape. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, which offer a relaxing atmosphere with panoramic views.

Accommodation options: Mount Muthaura Lodge, La Palme Hotel (Budget) Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, (Mid-range) Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel(luxury)

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Day five marks the highlight of your trip, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing from the park rangers, you will be put in groups of 8 members and assigned an arranger guide who will accompany you for the trek. you hike through the dense forest in search of a gorilla family. Once located, you spend an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat, an experience that leaves a lasting impression. The trek can be challenging, but the reward is unmatched. After, you will exit the forest and return to the trailhead where your driver will take you back to the lodge.

Accommodation options: Mount Muthaura Lodge, La Palme Hotel (Budget) Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, (Mid-range) Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel(luxury)

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village Visit

On this day, you set off to track the rare golden monkeys, another endangered species found in the park. The trek offers a lighter, more playful encounter compared to gorilla trekking. In the afternoon, you visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers share their experiences, and you engage in traditional Rwandan dances and crafts.

Accommodation options: Mount Muthaura Lodge, La Palme Hotel (Budget) Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, (Mid-range) Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel(luxury)

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Gisenyi

You leave the mountain forests behind and travel to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, located in the resort town of Gisenyi. Upon arrival, you relax on the lake’s sandy shores and enjoy water-based activities such as kayaking, swimming, or a sunset cruise.

Accommodation options: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Activities: Sunset boat ride, beach relaxation

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8: Leisure at Lake Kivu and Coffee Tour

This day is reserved for leisure and exploration around Lake Kivu. You’ll embark on a coffee plantation tour, where you learn about the entire coffee-making process, from bean to cup, and taste some of Rwanda’s finest coffee. The afternoon can be spent relaxing by the lake or engaging in optional activities like birdwatching or visiting local fishing villages.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast, you journey to Nyungwe National Park, home to a vast rainforest teeming with primates and birdlife. Upon arrival, you embark on a nature walk to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna. Nyungwe is renowned for its canopy walk, a thrilling suspended bridge that offers spectacular views over the forest.

Accommodation options: Mantis Kivu (luxury), Nyungwe Hill top (Mid-range), Kitabi Eco Centre (Budget)

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking and Departure

On your final day, you venture into Nyungwe forest early in the morning for chimpanzee trekking. The park is home to a significant population of wild chimpanzees, and witnessing their playful behavior is a thrilling experience. After the trek, you transfer back to Kigali, where you’ll be dropped off at the airport for your departure flight.

Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch

End of Tour

10 Days Rwanda Safari includes and excludes

Safari includes