10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari | Wildlife & Gorilla Trekking

In 10 days, you will explore all the national parks of Rwanda, participating in various activities in each of them.

You’ll visit magical places like the Gisenyi beaches, discover Rwanda’s complex history through its monuments and museums, and enjoy many other experiences.

If you would like to discover nearly everything about Rwanda’s tourism and take part in most of its tourism activities, then this 10-day Best of Rwanda Safari is the perfect choice.

This safari is available in budget, moderate, and luxury/slumber packages, depending on your preferences.

However, we recommend at least a moderate or high-end package for the best comfort during your trip, ensuring your fun isn’t interrupted by uncertainties that may arise in budget lodges.

To summarize, this package highlights wildlife viewing and a boat cruise in Akagera National Park, chimpanzee tracking, a canopy walk, and a community walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, gorilla tracking, a visit to the twin lakes, golden monkey tracking or the Dian Fossey hike in Volcanoes National Park, and a relaxing day at the magical beaches of Gisenyi at Lake Kivu to prepare you for your departure the following day. Please read the detailed itinerary below:

10-Day Rwanda Safari Tour Highlights

Day 1: Arrival and Kigali City Tour
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Afternoon Boat Cruise
Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking
Day 6: Canopy Walk & Community/Village Walk
Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Visit Twin Lakes
Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking or Dian Fossey Hike – Transfer to Gisenyi
Day 10: Boat Cruise and Transfer to Kigali

Detailed 10-Day Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Kigali City Tour

Upon your arrival, our company representative will pick you up at Kigali International Airport and transfer you to your accommodation to drop off your luggage.

You will then head out for a city tour around Kigali. This tour will include sights of the Gisozi Genocide Memorial Site, which depicts Rwanda’s tragic past, the National Library of Rwanda, local markets, and craft shops/villages.

After this enlightening and relaxing excursion, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight as you prepare for activities in Akagera National Park the following day.

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Afternoon Boat Cruise

This day is one of the highlights, featuring wildlife viewing. After a hearty breakfast, we will drive to Akagera National Park, arriving before lunch to ensure we have enough time to relax and enjoy a meal.

In the afternoon, we will head out for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you will see crocodiles, hippopotamuses, water birds, and other animals.

Day 3: Morning Game Drive and Afternoon Boat Cruise

After breakfast, we will drive to the northern part of Akagera National Park for a more extensive wildlife viewing experience.

Expect to see lions, giraffes, antelopes, bushbucks, and possibly three or even four of the Big Five, depending on their movements.

Afterward, we will return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation.

In the afternoon, we’ll go on another boat trip, where we may spot wildlife we didn’t see the previous day.

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

On the fourth day, after breakfast, we will embark on a long journey to one of Africa’s thickest montane forests, Nyungwe Forest. Along the way, we will stop at the Nyanza Museum, Butare Museum, and other scenic spots for photography.

We will arrive at Nyungwe Forest National Park in the evening, where you can relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and stay overnight in preparation for the next day’s activities.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking

By Day 5, you will already be immersed in your 10-day Best of Rwanda Safari.

After an early breakfast, we will head to Nyungwe Forest headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest to search for chimpanzees.

Tracking them can be challenging depending on their movements, but don’t worry—the park rangers know the exact spots where chimpanzees can be found.

Along the way, you may also see other primates, offering a diverse experience.

Day 6: Canopy Walk & Community/Village Walk

On the sixth day, after breakfast, we will head out for a breathtaking canopy walk across Nyungwe Forest—the only canopy walk in East Africa.

You’ll enjoy stunning views of the forest and see chimpanzees and other primates rising with the sun.

After the walk, we will return for lunch, relax, and then embark on a community walk in the afternoon.

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Visit Twin Lakes

On Day 7, we will transfer to Volcanoes National Park, with stops for photos and lunch along the way.

Before arriving at the park, we will visit the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera.

Afterward, we will proceed to your accommodation for dinner and overnight in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.

Day 8: Gorilla Tracking

After an early breakfast, we will drive to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a briefing that starts at 7:30 a.m.

The briefing will cover the dos and don’ts of mountain gorilla trekking. Then, you will enter the jungle to begin your search for mountain gorillas.

Depending on the gorillas’ movements, the trek can last up to 6 hours, with a full hour spent in close encounters with these primates.

Afterward, you will return to your lodge for lunch and rest before enjoying an afternoon community walk at Ib’iwacu Cultural Village.

Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking or Dian Fossey Hike – Transfer to Gisenyi

On this day, you have two options: golden monkey tracking or a visit to the Karisoke Research Center, where Dian Fossey, the American zoologist and anthropologist, conducted research on mountain gorillas.

You can visit her grave, which lies next to that of Digit, a silverback gorilla killed by poachers.

Afterward, we will drive to Lake Kivu in Gisenyi, arriving in the evening.