11-Day Rwanda Comprehensive Wildlife & Cultural Journey

Journey overview

An Extraordinary Journey Through the Land of a Thousand Hills

Discover Rwanda at a pace that allows every destination to be fully appreciated. This carefully curated eleven-day journey brings together the country's most remarkable wildlife experiences, breathtaking landscapes and inspiring conservation story into one unforgettable adventure. Track endangered mountain gorillas through the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park, photograph playful golden monkeys beneath towering bamboo forests, walk high above the rainforest canopy in Nyungwe National Park, cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu and Lake Ihema, and search for the Big Five across the savannahs of Akagera National Park. Balanced with authentic community encounters, conservation experiences and luxury accommodation throughout, this is Rwanda's most complete safari—designed for travellers who wish to experience every facet of this remarkable country.

Route at a glance

Kigali → Volcanoes National Park → Lake Kivu → Nyungwe National Park → Lake Kivu → Akagera National Park → Kigali

Duration 11 days · 10 nights

Journey Private & tailor-made

Pace Balanced

Minimum age All ages

Programme summary

Your journey at a glance

Day	Place / route	Highlights	Stay
1	Kigali International Airport to your hotel (10–15 km \| Approx. 20–45 minutes)	Airport meet & greet; Kigali orientation; Local market or museum visit; Safari briefing	Kigali Serena Hotel
2	Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (Approx. 2.5–3.5 hours)	Scenic countryside drive; Volcanoes National Park; Conservation experience; Virunga Volcano views	Bisate Lodge
3		Golden Monkey trekking; Community conservation; Sustainable farming projects; Cultural immersion	Bisate Lodge
4		Guided Gorilla Trekking; One-hour Gorilla encounter; Gorilla Guardians Village (optional)	Bisate Lodge
5	Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu (60–90 km \| Approx. 1.5–3 hours)	Lake Kivu; Boat excursion; Lakeside villages; Cultural exchange	Cleo Kivu Hotel
6	Lake Kivu to Nyungwe National Park (120–160 km \| Approx. 3–4 hours)	Tea estate visit; Nyungwe Forest; Guided night walk	One&Only Nyungwe House
7		Chimpanzee trekking; Canopy Walk; Rainforest birdlife	One&Only Nyungwe House
8		Photography; Birdwatching; Village interactions; Boat excursions	Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
9	Lake Kivu to Akagera National Park (Approx. 300 km \| 6–7 hours)	Scenic cross-country drive; Akagera National Park; Evening game drive	Magashi Camp
10		Full-day game drives; Lake Ihema boat safari; Big Five wildlife	Magashi Camp
11	Akagera National Park to Kigali (120–140 km \| Approx. 2.5–3.5 hours)		—

The essentials

What your journey includes

Included

All national park entrance and conservation fees as specified in the itinerary.
Gorilla and Golden Monkey trekking permits (one permit per guest).
Accommodation as specified under your selected category (High-End, Luxury or Mid-Range).
Meals as indicated throughout the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide, experienced park rangers, trackers and local guides.
Private ground transportation in a comfortable, safari-equipped 4×4 vehicle with fuel and driver.
Bottled drinking water during all road transfers and guided excursions.
Lake Kivu boat cruises and Lake Ihema boat safari.
Cultural village experiences and community visits.
Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and guided night walk (where permitted).
Full game drives in Akagera National Park.
Pre-departure travel documentation, permit processing and safari preparation support.
All sightseeing and activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Airport meet and greet with private arrival and departure transfers.
All applicable government taxes and statutory levies.

Not included

International and regional flights to and from Rwanda.
Rwanda entry visa (where applicable).
Comprehensive travel, medical and emergency evacuation insurance (strongly recommended and mandatory for trekking activities).
Chimpanzee trekking permit (available as an optional add-on).
Personal expenses including laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs and premium beverages unless otherwise stated.
Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, park rangers, trackers, lodge staff and porters (at your discretion; 10–15% is customary for exceptional service).
Optional activities or excursions not specifically included in the itinerary.
Meals and beverages not specified within the itinerary.
Early check-in or late check-out unless otherwise stated.
Any additional services requested during the journey.

Day by day

Your itinerary

11 days

Day 01

Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills

Kigali International Airport to your hotel (10–15 km | Approx. 20–45 minutes)

HighlightsAirport meet & greet; Kigali orientation; Local market or museum visit; Safari briefing

Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed by your private safari guide before transferring to your luxury hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed introduction to Rwanda through a visit to a local artisan market, contemporary art gallery or one of Kigali's museums. Your guide will then conduct a personalized safari briefing to prepare you for the unforgettable days ahead.

MealsDinner

Accommodation

Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 02

Into the Virunga Highlands

Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (Approx. 2.5–3.5 hours)

HighlightsScenic countryside drive; Volcanoes National Park; Conservation experience; Virunga Volcano views

Travel north through Rwanda's rolling countryside towards the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes. This afternoon, visit a conservation centre or community-led initiative to gain insight into Rwanda's internationally acclaimed conservation model before settling into your lodge surrounded by volcanic landscapes.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Bisate Lodge

Day 03

Among the Golden Monkeys

HighlightsGolden Monkey trekking; Community conservation; Sustainable farming projects; Cultural immersion

Begin the day tracking Rwanda's playful Golden Monkeys through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. The afternoon is dedicated to authentic community experiences, where you'll discover sustainable farming projects, local beekeeping initiatives and traditional craftsmanship that continue to support conservation across the region.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Bisate Lodge

Day 04

The Defining Encounter

HighlightsGuided Gorilla Trekking; One-hour Gorilla encounter; Gorilla Guardians Village (optional)

Today's experience is undoubtedly the highlight of your Rwandan journey. After an early briefing with Rwanda Development Board rangers, venture into Volcanoes National Park in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once located, you'll spend one extraordinary hour quietly observing these magnificent primates while learning about their behaviour, family dynamics and the remarkable conservation efforts that have helped secure their future.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Bisate Lodge

Day 05

The Tranquility of Lake Kivu

Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu (60–90 km | Approx. 1.5–3 hours)

HighlightsLake Kivu; Boat excursion; Lakeside villages; Cultural exchange

Leave the volcanic highlands behind and journey to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu. Spend the afternoon at your own pace with options including a scenic boat cruise, birdwatching, village walks or a traditional lunch hosted by a local family.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Cleo Kivu Hotel

Day 06

Into the Ancient Rainforest

Lake Kivu to Nyungwe National Park (120–160 km | Approx. 3–4 hours)

HighlightsTea estate visit; Nyungwe Forest; Guided night walk

Travel through Rwanda's picturesque tea-growing region before arriving in Nyungwe National Park. As evening falls, enjoy a guided night walk (where permitted) to discover the rainforest's fascinating nocturnal wildlife.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

One&Only Nyungwe House

Day 07

Life Above the Rainforest

HighlightsChimpanzee trekking; Canopy Walk; Rainforest birdlife

Today combines two of Nyungwe's finest experiences. Track wild chimpanzees through the ancient rainforest before enjoying the famous Canopy Walk, suspended high above the forest floor and offering breathtaking panoramic views.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch

Accommodation

One&Only Nyungwe House

Day 08

A Leisurely Return to Lake Kivu

HighlightsPhotography; Birdwatching; Village interactions; Boat excursions

Return to the shores of Lake Kivu for a slower-paced day dedicated to photography, birdwatching and relaxation. Your guide can also arrange village visits and private boat excursions for those wishing to explore more of Rwanda's beautiful western shoreline.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 09

From Lakes to Savannah

Lake Kivu to Akagera National Park (Approx. 300 km | 6–7 hours)

HighlightsScenic cross-country drive; Akagera National Park; Evening game drive

Cross Rwanda from west to east, passing fertile farmland and vibrant rural communities before arriving at Akagera National Park. Enjoy an introductory game drive before settling into your lodge overlooking Rwanda's only savannah ecosystem.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Magashi Camp

Day 10

Rwanda's Big Five Safari

HighlightsFull-day game drives; Lake Ihema boat safari; Big Five wildlife

Spend a full day exploring Akagera National Park through morning and afternoon game drives complemented by a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the park's remarkable restoration, including the successful reintroduction of lions and black rhinos.

MealsBreakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Accommodation

Magashi Camp

Day 11

Until We Meet Again

Akagera National Park to Kigali (120–140 km | Approx. 2.5–3.5 hours)

Enjoy a relaxed morning or an optional final game drive before returning to Kigali. Depending on your departure time, you may stop for last-minute shopping or artisan crafts before your transfer to Kigali International Airport. As your journey concludes, you'll depart with unforgettable memories of Rwanda's extraordinary wildlife, remarkable conservation achievements and warm hospitality.

MealsBreakfast

Season	Travel dates	Mid-Range	Luxury	High-End
High SeasonBest trekking conditions, cooler temperatures. Gorilla + Golden Monkey permits included.	June - September & December - February	USD 9,800	USD 13,500	USD 18,200
Low SeasonLush landscapes, fewer visitors, occasional showers. Gorilla + Golden Monkey permits included.	March - May & October - November	USD 8,900	USD 12,200	USD 16,500

11-Day Rwanda Comprehensive Wildlife & Cultural Journey

An Extraordinary Journey Through the Land of a Thousand Hills

Your journey at a glance

What your journey includes

Included

Not included

Your itinerary

Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills

Into the Virunga Highlands

Among the Golden Monkeys

The Defining Encounter

The Tranquility of Lake Kivu

Into the Ancient Rainforest

Life Above the Rainforest

A Leisurely Return to Lake Kivu

From Lakes to Savannah

Rwanda's Big Five Safari

Until We Meet Again

Journey rates USD · Price Per Person

Frequently asked questions

Make this journey entirely yours.

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