10 Day Best of Rwanda with Gorilla Trekking and Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
- Arrival at Kigali International Airport.
- Meet your guide and transfer to your accommodation in Kigali.
- After check-in, you can spend the afternoon exploring Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city.
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial: Learn about Rwanda’s tragic history and how the country has healed and rebuilt itself.
- Evening at leisure and overnight stay in Kigali.
Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
- After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park (approx. 2-3 hours drive).
- Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda's main destination for gorilla trekking, set in the scenic Virunga Mountains.
- On arrival, enjoy lunch before an optional visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International to learn about Dian Fossey’s work with gorillas and her conservation efforts.
- Discover the history and legacy of the late primatologist and her efforts to protect the mountain gorillas.
- Evening at leisure to prepare for the next day's gorilla trekking.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Early breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
- Trek into the park with an experienced guide to find one of the mountain gorilla families in their natural habitat.
- Spend time with the gorillas, observing their behavior and interactions. The trek typically lasts 1-2 hours depending on the gorillas' location.
- After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
- Optionally, take a scenic walk around the park or relax at your lodge.
- Overnight stay in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Iby'iwacu Cultural Village
- After breakfast, embark on a golden monkey trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park.
- Golden monkeys are endangered and live in the park’s bamboo forests. Enjoy a more relaxed trekking experience compared to gorilla trekking.
- After the trek, visit Iby'iwacu Cultural Village to explore Rwanda's traditional culture, including music, dance, and crafts.
- Learn about the customs and heritage of the Kinyarwanda people and experience traditional dances and rituals.
- Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park to Akagera National Park
- After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park (approx. 4-5 hours), Rwanda's premier safari destination.
- Akagera is home to diverse wildlife, including the Big Five, and offers a range of safari activities.
- Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and an afternoon game drive to explore the park’s wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras.
- Check-in to your accommodation in Akagera and relax for the evening.
Day 6: Full Day Safari in Akagera National Park
- After breakfast, head out for a morning game drive in Akagera to see the park's diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, and more.
- Akagera is a great place to spot both herbivores and predators in one day, thanks to its varied landscape of savannah, lakes, and wetlands.
- Return to your lodge for lunch.
- In the afternoon, take a boat safari on Lake Ihema to spot hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
- Evening at leisure or enjoy a sundowner while overlooking the park's stunning landscapes.
- Overnight in Akagera.
Day 7: Akagera to Lake Kivu
- After breakfast, depart Akagera for Lake Kivu (approx. 4-5 hours).
- Lake Kivu is one of Africa's most scenic lakes, surrounded by lush hills and offering a relaxing environment.
- On arrival, have lunch with views of the lake and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
- You can take a boat ride to visit the nearby islands or relax on the shores of the lake.
- Evening at leisure and overnight stay near Lake Kivu.
Day 8: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park (approx. 4-5 hours), one of the largest rainforests in Central Africa.
- Nyungwe is a haven for primates, including chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys, and offers a variety of hiking trails.
- Upon arrival, check-in to your accommodation, then head out for a nature walk or visit the famous Canopy Walkway, which offers panoramic views of the forest.
- Evening at leisure and overnight stay in Nyungwe.
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Early breakfast, then head out for your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest.
- Trek through the lush forest to encounter chimpanzees in the wild, where you can observe them in their natural habitat.
- The trek also offers a chance to spot other primates, such as gray-cheeked mangabeys, L'Hoest's monkeys, and colobus monkeys.
- After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation.
- Optionally, take an afternoon hike or visit Ngwino Café for a scenic view of the forest.
- Dinner and overnight stay in Nyungwe.
Day 10: Nyungwe Forest to Kigali and Departure
- After breakfast, drive back to Kigali (approx. 5-6 hours) for your departure flight.
- Along the way, enjoy the scenic drive through Rwanda’s lush hills.
- Depending on your flight time, you can make a brief stop in Kigali for last-minute shopping or a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial if you missed it on Day 1.
- Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your flight back home.
Key Highlights of the 10-Day Trip:
- Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: A once-in-a-lifetime experience to see mountain gorillas up close.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: A lighter and equally fascinating trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
- Iby'iwacu Cultural Village: A cultural immersion into traditional Rwandan life.
- Safari in Akagera National Park: A chance to see the Big Five in a classic African savannah setting.
- Boat Safari on Lake Ihema: Spot wildlife from the water, including hippos and crocodiles.
- Lake Kivu: Relax on one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes, with options for boat rides and island visits.
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest: Observe chimpanzees and other primates in a beautiful rainforest setting.
- Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe: Walk above the forest for incredible views of the surrounding landscapes.
7 Day Rwanda Tour with Gorilla Trekking
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
- Arrival at Kigali International Airport.
- Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your accommodation in Kigali.
- After check-in, you can spend the afternoon exploring Kigali, Rwanda's vibrant capital city.
- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial: Learn about Rwanda’s tragic history, the 1994 genocide, and how the country has healed and rebuilt itself. The museum offers an emotional and educational experience.
- Evening at leisure and overnight stay in Kigali.
Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park
- After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park (approx. 2-3 hours drive).
- Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda's main destination for gorilla trekking, set in the scenic Virunga Mountains.
- On arrival, you will have lunch before you enjoy an optional visit to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. The center offers exhibits and information about Dian Fossey’s work with gorillas and her contributions to their conservation.
- Learn about the life of Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas.
- Evening at leisure to prepare for the next day's gorilla trekking.
Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Early breakfast and drive to the park headquarters for a briefing by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
- Head into the forest with your experienced guide for your gorilla trekking experience.
- Spend 1-2 hours trekking through the beautiful terrain of Volcanoes National Park, spotting wildlife along the way, before encountering one of the families of mountain gorillas.
- Gorilla trekking is a thrilling and unique experience, allowing you to get up close and personal with these incredible creatures.
- After the trek, return to your accommodation for a well-deserved lunch and rest.
- Depending on your energy levels, you can spend the afternoon relaxing or take a scenic walk in the park.
Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking & Iby'iwacu Cultural Village
- After breakfast, head back to Volcanoes National Park for another exciting trek, this time to see golden monkeys, a rare species of primate found in the park.
- The golden monkey trek offers a lighter, but equally rewarding, wildlife experience.
- After the trek, you can visit Iby'iwacu Cultural Village for a cultural experience, where you’ll learn about the traditional lives of the Rwandan people, including their music, dance, and daily practices.
- Experience traditional Rwandan dances and learn about local customs, providing a contrast to your wildlife experience.
- Return to your lodge for an evening of rest and dinner.
Day 5: Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu
- After breakfast, depart for Lake Kivu, one of Africa's most beautiful lakes (approx. 3-4 hours).
- Lake Kivu is famous for its picturesque landscapes, clear waters, and surrounding hills. It offers a peaceful setting for relaxation.
- Upon arrival, enjoy lunch with views of the lake.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the lake or simply relaxing. You can take a boat ride to visit small islands or enjoy the serene atmosphere on the shore.
- Overnight stay near Lake Kivu.
Day 6: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- After breakfast, drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park (approx. 4-5 hours), a lush rainforest in southern Rwanda.
- Nyungwe is home to a variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, monkeys, and many bird species. It’s also famous for its canopy walk, which offers spectacular views of the forest.
- Upon arrival, check-in at your accommodation, then enjoy a nature walk or visit the Canopy Walkway for breathtaking views of the forest.
- Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest and Departure
- Early morning breakfast before heading out for your chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest.
- Trek into the dense forest, looking for troops of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The forest offers a rich biodiversity, and you may also spot other primates such as colobus monkeys and gray-cheeked mangabeys.
- Spend time with the chimps, observing their behavior and interaction in the wild.
- After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch, then drive back to Kigali (approx. 5 hours), where you will be transferred to the airport for your departure.
Key Highlights of the Trip:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial: An emotional and educational experience learning about Rwanda’s past.
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: Visit the center dedicated to preserving the legacy of Dian Fossey and mountain gorilla conservation.
- Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: An unforgettable opportunity to encounter mountain gorillas up close in their natural habitat.
- Golden Monkey Trekking: A second trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park to see the endangered golden monkeys.
- Cultural Visit to Iby'iwacu: Learn about Rwanda’s culture and traditions.
- Lake Kivu: Relaxation and scenic boat rides on one of Africa's most beautiful lakes.
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest: Spot chimps and other primates in a lush rainforest.
Airport Codes
If flying into Arusha (this is where you begin if you are going on safari or climbing Kilimanjaro). There are two airports in Arusha. Most commonly you will fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code JRO) . There is also a smaller airport, Arusha Airport (airport code ARK). Delta/KLM, Turkish, Lufthansa, Air Africa Airkenya Express, Ethiopian Airlines, flydubai, Kenya Airways, Qatar and Precision Air.
If your are starting or ending your holiday in Zanzibar, consider having your flight arriving in Arusha or Zanzibar and departing out of the other and purchasing a one way flight to get to your destination.
VISA Application Form
Yellow Fever
If you are a resident of the United States or Europe you do not need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Tanzania. However. If you’re transiting through one of the yellow fever high-risk countries for a period of 12 hours or more, you will be required to receive the yellow fever vaccination. If this is the case on your trip to Tanzania, we strongly advise seeing your doctor and checking your Tanzania vaccination requirements with a healthcare professional before travelling.
CDC Yellow book information for Tanzania and Zanzibar
This is a link to the CDC site where you can see which countries have a risk for yellow fever.
Kenya
Yellow Fever:
If you are a resident of the United States or Europe you do not need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Kenya. However. If you’re transiting through one of the yellow fever high-risk countries for a period of 12 hours or more, you will be required to receive the yellow fever vaccination. If this is the case on your trip to Kenya we strongly advise seeing your doctor and checking your Kenya vaccination requirements with a healthcare professional before travelling.
This is a link to the CDC site where you can see which countries have a risk for yellow fever.
Uganda
Yellow Fever:
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory to enter Uganda.
Rwanda
If you are a resident of the United States or Europe you do not need a yellow fever vaccine to enter Rwanda. However. If you’re transiting through one of the yellow fever high-risk countries for a period of 12 hours or more, you will be required to receive the yellow fever vaccination. If this is the case on your trip to Rwanda we strongly advise seeing your doctor and checking your Rwanda vaccination requirements with a healthcare professional before travelling.