10 Days Ultimate Rwanda Safari: Gorillas, Chimps & Big Five

This comprehensive 10 Days Rwanda Safari showcases the very best of Rwanda's wildlife, primates, scenic lakes, and rich culture. Track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, track chimpanzees and walk the canopy in Nyungwe National Park, cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu, and explore the big game savannahs of Akagera National Park for lions, rhinos, elephants, and boat safaris on Lake Ihema.

Departure: Kigali (Daily departures)

Highlights

• Full primate grand slam: Mountain Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Golden Monkeys
• Big Five game drives across Akagera National Park (Lions, Rhinos, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalos)
• Boat cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera and Lake Kivu hot springs excursion
• Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk suspended 60m above rainforest canopy
• Cultural encounters at Nyanza King's Palace, Butare Museum, and Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village
• Kigali Genocide Memorial and vibrant city tour

Wildlife you may see

• Mountain Gorillas
• Chimpanzees
• Golden Monkeys
• Lions
• Black Rhinos
• Elephants
• Leopards
• Giraffes
• Hippos
• Nile Crocodiles

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Kigali & Transfer to Hotel

   Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your private guide and transfer to your hotel in Kigali. Relax and prepare for your grand expedition across Rwanda.

   Meals: Dinner

   Stay: Kigali Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Five to Five Hotel (Deluxe)

2. Day 2

   Kigali to Nyungwe Forest via Nyanza King's Palace

   Scenic drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park (5–6 hrs). En-route visits to the historic Nyanza King's Palace to admire the long-horned Inyambo royal cattle, Butare National Ethnographic Museum, and Murambi Memorial.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Emeraude Kivu Resort (Luxury) / Gisakura Guesthouse (Budget)

3. Day 3

   Chimpanzee Tracking & Nyungwe Canopy Walkway

   Early morning chimpanzee tracking in Cyamudongo Forest. Observe chimps, colobus monkeys, and exotic birds. In the afternoon, experience the suspended canopy walkway 60 meters above the virgin rainforest.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Emeraude Kivu Resort / Gisakura Guesthouse

4. Day 4

   Nyungwe Forest to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi) & Singing Fishermen

   Drive along the shores of Lake Kivu to Gisenyi/Rubavu (4–5 hrs). Relax at your lakefront resort. In the evening, enjoy a sunset canoe excursion with the local singing fishermen.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury) / Paradise Malahide (Deluxe)

5. Day 5

   Lake Kivu Hot Springs Boat Cruise to Volcanoes National Park

   Morning scenic boat cruise on Lake Kivu to the natural hot springs. Later, drive up the scenic Virunga foothills (1–2 hrs) to Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge / Five Volcanoes Hotel / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

6. Day 6

   Mountain Gorilla Tracking & Iby'Iwacu Cultural Walk

   Hike into Volcanoes National Park for a thrilling 1-hour encounter with wild mountain gorillas. In the afternoon, visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village for traditional drumming and royal history.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Tiloreza Volcanoes Eco Lodge / Five Volcanoes Hotel / Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

7. Day 7

   Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Kigali

   Trek the rare and energetic golden monkeys in the bamboo slopes of Mount Sabyinyo. Afternoon transfer back to Kigali for an evening at leisure.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Kigali Serena Hotel / Five to Five Hotel

8. Day 8

   Kigali to Akagera National Park & Afternoon Game Drive

   Drive east to Akagera National Park (2–3 hrs)—Rwanda's only savannah park. Arrive for an introductory afternoon game drive spotting zebras, impalas, giraffes, buffaloes, and elephants.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Luxury) / Akagera Game Lodge (Deluxe)

9. Day 9

   Full Day Big Five Game Drive & Lake Ihema Boat Safari

   Morning game drive to the northern plains to track lions, leopards, black rhinos, and large herds. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and waterbirds.

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Stay: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge

10. Day 10

    Morning Safari Game Drive & Transfer to Kigali

    Enjoy a final morning game drive capturing wildlife in golden morning light. Transfer back to Kigali for shopping at local art markets and drop-off at Kigali International Airport.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Stay: Departure Transfer