12 Days Rwandan Safari Tour

Experience the very best of Rwanda on this comprehensive 12 Days Rwandan Safari Tour, carefully designed to showcase the country’s most iconic national parks and diverse landscapes. From the ancient rainforests of the south to the volcanic highlands of the north and the savannah plains of the east, this itinerary delivers an unforgettable mix of primate encounters, wildlife viewing, and scenic beauty.

Your journey begins in Kigali before heading to Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you will track chimpanzees through dense rainforest and walk the famous Canopy Walkway high above the treetops. Continue north to Volcanoes National Park for the highlight of many Rwanda safaris — mountain gorilla trekking — along with golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests.

The adventure then takes you to Akagera National Park for classic game drives in search of the Big Five and other savannah wildlife. Along the way, you will pass through or stay near charming towns including Musanze, Gisenyi, and Kibuye, with opportunities to enjoy the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu.

This 12-day Rwanda safari combines chimpanzee trekking, mountain gorilla encounters, golden monkey tracking, and Akagera game drives into one seamless journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills — ideal for travelers seeking a complete and immersive wildlife experience.

Safari Highlights:

Pickup from Kigali International Airport

Cultural visit to Nyanza King’s Palace

Visit Butale National Museum

Visit the Genocide Memorial at Marumbi.

Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Golden Monkeys Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Visit to Towns of Kigali, Musanze, Gisenyi and Kibuye

Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Transfer back to Kigali International Airport

A Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Airport Pickup and Transfer to your Hotel in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Arcadia Safaris driver-guide. After a short meet-and-greet, the guide will provide a detailed briefing about your upcoming 12 Days Rwandan Safari Tour, ensuring you feel fully prepared for the journey ahead.

You will then be transferred to your selected hotel in Kigali for check-in and an overnight stay, allowing you to rest and settle in before the adventure begins.

Destination: Kigali City
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

On Day 2 of your safari, you drive into the Nyungwe Forest after an early morning breakfast. On the way, you visit the Nyanza King’s Palace, the National Museum of Butare, and the genocide memorial of Murambi. Nyanza was the former headquarters of the ancient Rwanda Kingdom before the arrival of the Europeans. The compound hosts the tastefully decorated modern palace constructed by King Mutura in 1934.

Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 3: Colobus Monkeys Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, set out into Nyungwe Forest National Park to track the playful Angola colobus monkeys. Accompanied by knowledgeable park guides who are well versed in botany, ornithology, and the complex relationships within this ancient rainforest ecosystem, you will enjoy a rewarding guided walk through the forest.

Along the way, learn about the unique flora and fauna of Nyungwe while searching for troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys as they move through the canopy. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure, relaxing and enjoying the peaceful forest surroundings. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Today is your second full day in Nyungwe Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, set out on a chimpanzee tracking adventure through the ancient rainforest. Guided by experienced trackers, you will search for one of the habituated chimpanzee communities and spend time observing these fascinating primates — our closest living relatives — as they feed, interact, and move through the forest canopy.

In the afternoon, experience one of Nyungwe’s most iconic attractions: the Canopy Walkway. Suspended high above the forest floor, this unique walkway offers spectacular views over the treetops and a rare chance to see the rainforest from a completely different perspective. You may also enjoy a guided nature walk to one of the nearby waterfalls, adding another memorable dimension to your day in the park.

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight, reflecting on an unforgettable day of primate encounters and rainforest exploration.

Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 5: Transfer from Nyungwe  to Kibuye Town

After an early breakfast, depart Nyungwe Forest National Park and begin the scenic drive to Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu. The journey takes approximately five hours and passes through Gisakura, offering continuous views of Rwanda’s famous rolling green hills and glimpses of Lake Kivu along the way.

On arrival in Kibuye, check in at your lakeside accommodation and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at your lodge, taking in the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Kivu.

Destination: Kibuye Town
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 6: Transfer from Kibuye to Gisenyi – 12 Days Rwandan Safari Tour

Today, you will transfer from Kibuye to Gisenyi, either by speedboat or by vehicle, depending on the preferred mode of transport. As you travel along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, enjoy breathtaking views of the lake’s picturesque islands, surrounding landscapes, and the beautiful hills of the Democratic Republic of Congo across the water. Upon arrival in Gisenyi, check in at your lodge, relax, and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Gisenyi Town
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park 

Today, enjoy a relaxing morning at Kivu Serena Beach, where you can unwind and take a refreshing swim after breakfast. Later, depart for Volcanoes National Park, passing through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside and scenic landscapes. Upon arrival, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to experience Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and learn about the traditions and way of life of the local community. After the cultural experience, proceed to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Musanze Town
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Early in the morning after breakfast and on getting your packed lunch. you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park for your first gorilla trek. You will arrive at the main office at 7:00am for a short briefing and coffee break before going on your trek. After the briefing you will be assigned to a gorilla family and a park ranger shall guide you into the forest in search for this gorilla family. On seeing the gorilla family, you will spend at least 1 hour with these amazing primates while observing their playful tactics and behaviors. Later after the trek, you will be guided back to the park headquarters for certificates and then driven by your guide-driver back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes 

Today, you will embark on an exciting golden monkey trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, you will report to the park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a briefing before setting off into the forest in search of the endangered golden monkeys. Enjoy the opportunity to observe these playful and beautiful primates in their natural habitat before returning to your lodge for lunch and some time to relax.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to the picturesque Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, surrounded by rolling hills and stunning scenery. After the excursion, return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Volcanoes National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 10: Transfer to Akagera National Park – 12 Days Rwandan Safari Tour

After breakfast, you will depart for Akagera National Park, traveling via Kigali and enjoying scenic views of Rwanda’s beautiful countryside along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before proceeding into the park.

In the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, one of Akagera’s highlights. Keep an eye out for hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and other wildlife along the lake’s shores. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy birdwatching, with Akagera being home to an impressive variety of bird species. After the activities, continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 11: Full Day of Exploring Akagera National Park

After breakfast, you will carry out a game drive in the park. This park is the Akagera National Park sited in eastern Rwanda on its border with Tanzania. The managing authority of the park at this moment is African Parks, that has been highly efficient in all its conservation strategies. There were several conflicts between the people and the park in the past, but this was overcome by fencing part of the park and the introduction of community tours where the visitors are advised to visit the communities and enjoy the benefits therefrom.

Akagera National Park is the only Savannah park in Rwanda and hosts a number of mammal species, including Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Kobs, Zebras, Bushbucks, Waterbucks, and most recently Black Rhinos, which were introduced from South Africa, thus making Akagera National Park officially a Big 5 Park, just as it was several decades ago. It also hosts a variety of birds in the numerous habitats that are home to several habitats such as woodlands, swamps, lakes, and savannahs.

Destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation Options:

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

Day 12: Transfer to Kigali International Airport – 12 Days Rwandan Safari Tour

After breakfast, and depending on your departure flight, you may go on a complementary visit to the Ntarama Church. This was the site where more than 5,000 were killed during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. This genocide memorial is located 30km south of Kigali in the Bugasera region. This church and its contents are a reminder of the horrifying violence that took place. Learn more about the unity and reconciliation commission while you are here.

Destination: Kigali International Airport
Accommodation Option: No (End of tour)

• Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Drinking Water, Fruits and Wi-Fi throughout the journey

PRICE INCLUDES

• Round Trip Airport Transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
• Private Transportation in 4×4 Safari Cars
• Meals Specified on a Full Board basis
• Accommodation with ensuite Facilities
• Applicable Park Entrance and Activities Fees
• English Speaking Professional Driver-Guide
• Chimpanzee Trekking Permit Fees
• Gorilla Trekking Permit Fees
• Golden Monkey Trekking Fees
• All Hotel and Lodge Pickups and Drop-off
• All Applicable Taxes
• Bottled drinking water and Fruits while on safari
• Activities as stipulated in the Itinerary (except those stated as “optional”)

PRICE EXCLUDES

• Activities not mentioned in the Itinerary
• International Flight Fares (unless requested)
• Country Entry Visa
• Personal Travel Insurance
• Telephone Charges
• Laundry Services
• Bar bills and all Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs, Gifts and Tips
• Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
• All related medical tests and vaccinations

SAFARI COST: (Rates are Per Person)

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