10 days Rwanda safari is a thrilling journey that takes you through Rwanda’s diverse landscapes and national parks, offering unforgettable encounters with wildlife, primates, and cultural experiences. You’ll explore Akagera National Park for game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, experience the famous canopy walk, and hike through Volcanoes National Park to meet mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The adventure concludes with relaxation at Lake Kivu and a return to Kigali for a city tour before departure.

Highlights of the Ultimate 10 Days in Rwanda Safari

✅ Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
✅ Canopy walk adventure in Nyungwe Forest
✅ Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
✅ Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
✅ Game drives in Akagera National Park, spotting the Big Five
✅ Boat safari on Lake Ihema, viewing hippos, crocodiles & aquatic birds

✅ Kigali city tour, including Genocide Memorial, local markets & museums
✅ Stunning views of Lake Kivu’s beaches and islands
✅ Visit to Coffee Island with a boat cruise on Lake Kivu
✅ Community and cultural experience at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village✅ Visit to the Twin Lakes of Burera & Ruhondo

Detailed Itinerary For 10 Days Rwanda Safari.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour & Hotel Check-in

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport by our professional guide, who will be holding a placard with your name. After introductions, you’ll embark on a short Kigali city tour. The tour includes visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an emotional yet insightful experience that honors the victims of the 1994 genocide. You’ll also explore local markets and cultural centers, offering an opportunity to interact with Rwandans and learn about their traditions. Lunch will be at a top-rated restaurant in the city before transferring to your hotel for check-in, relaxation, and dinner.

Accommodation Options:

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2 of 10 Days in Rwanda Safari: Drive to Akagera National Park – Evening Game Drive

After an early breakfast, you’ll depart Kigali for a 2.5-hour scenic drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll embark on an evening game drive, exploring the diverse habitats of the park. Expect sightings of the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos), along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and numerous bird species. The golden light of the sunset provides the perfect backdrop for photography.

Accommodation Options:

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

You’ll start your day with a morning game drive at sunrise, the best time to spot predators such as lions and leopards on the hunt. The savannah plains offer breathtaking views of diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. After the game drive, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and a brief rest.

In the afternoon, you’ll embark on a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, home to hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife, including African fish eagles and kingfishers. The peaceful cruise provides an excellent contrast to the excitement of the game drive.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Camp

  • Mid-range: Akagera Game Safari Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 of 10 Days in Rwanda Safari : Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, you’ll set off for Nyungwe Forest National Park, a 5-hour drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside. The journey offers stunning views of rolling hills, terraced farms, and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge, enjoy a warm meal, and have the evening to relax in preparation for the next day’s adventure.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House

  • Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

  • Budget: Gisakura Guest House

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Early morning, you’ll have breakfast before heading to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. Guided by experienced rangers, you’ll venture into the dense rainforest in search of chimpanzees. Upon locating them, you’ll spend an hour observing their playful behavior and interactions.

After the trek, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. The afternoon is free for optional activities such as nature walks or cultural interactions with local communities.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 4

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 of 10 Days in Rwanda Safari : Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest offers East Africa’s best canopy walkway, a thrilling experience 70 meters above the forest floor. The 2-hour walk provides panoramic views of the ancient forest, with chances to spot primates and exotic bird species.

The rest of the day is at leisure, with options for guided nature walks or relaxation at the lodge.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 4

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer from Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. En route, you’ll pass tea plantations and picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your lodge and prepare for the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking!

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

  • Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge

  • Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, you’ll report to the park headquarters for a briefing. You’ll then embark on a guided trek through the rainforest in search of a gorilla family. The trek can take 2-6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ movements. Once found, you’ll spend a magical hour observing their interactions.

After trekking, you’ll return to the lodge for relaxation and reflection on this life-changing experience.

Accommodation Options: Same as Day 7

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Lake Kivu

You’ll start the day with golden monkey trekking, an easier but equally exciting primate encounter. These playful monkeys are highly active, making for great photography.

After the trek, you’ll drive to Lake Kivu, where you’ll check into a lakeside lodge. The afternoon is at leisure, with options for a nature walk or beachside relaxation.

Accommodation Options:

  • Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

  • Mid-range: Paradise Malahide

  • Budget: Stipp Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Boat Cruise & Return to Kigali

Your final morning starts with a boat cruise on Lake Kivu, exploring islands and enjoying scenic views. After breakfast, you’ll transfer back to Kigali for a final city tour (if time allows) before heading to the airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

End of Safari