10 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari Adventure

10 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari Adventure

This safari offers unparalleled opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters. Drive through Akagera National Park tracking the famed African Big 5, explore Nyungwe National Park to track chimpanzees and observe monkeys, baboons, and other diverse wildlife.

In Volcanoes National Park, trek deep into the forest with expert local rangers to find the endangered mountain gorillas. Additionally, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kigali and explore its colorful markets.

Safari Highlights of the 10 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari Adventure

  • Kigali City Tour: Discover the city’s colorful markets and the Reconciliation Village.
  • Rwanda Wildlife Day Game Drives: Experience thrilling drives through Akagera National Park.
  • Boat Ride on Lake Ihema: Enjoy a scenic boat ride with wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Behind the Scenes and Walk The Line Tour: Gain unique insights into wildlife conservation efforts.
  • Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park: Trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
  • Golden Monkey and Dian Fossey Project: Encounter golden monkeys and learn about Dian Fossey’s conservation work.
  • Musanze Cave Exploration: Explore the fascinating Musanze Caves and their historical significance.

Join us for this extraordinary 10 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari Adventure and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Rwanda’s natural beauty.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Reconciliation Village

This Rwanda Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Tour starts here after you arrive at Kigali International Airport. Upon arrival, you are met with a safari driver guide. This afternoon you will visit the Reconciliation Village in Bugesera a government initiative where survivors of the genocide live side by side with the repentant former perpetrators of the genocide. Listen to their story about forgiveness and moving forward as a community.

Accommodation and Meals at Hotel Des Mille Collines‎

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park

Today, journey to Akagera National Park located in the eastern part of Rwanda, characterized by its picturesque landscape of rolling hills, expansive savannahs, and lush woodlands dotted with lakes. This diverse ecosystem is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Experience the thrill of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat as you explore the park’s vast terrain. Akagera National Park promises unforgettable wildlife sightings and stunning vistas, making it a highlight of your journey through Rwanda’s diverse and captivating landscapes. Accommodation and Meals at Ruzizi Tented Camp

Day 3: Game drive and Lake Ihema Boat cruise

On this day, you will head out for a morning game drive that starts with a spectacular sunrise. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and landscape through the northern part of the park, where most of the animals prefer to inhabit.  After lunch, head out for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, look out for hippos, and crocodiles, as well as a variety of bird species.

Accommodation and Meals at Ruzizi Tented Camp

Day 4: Walk The Line and Behind The Scenes Tour

After breakfast, head out for the 2 hour experience with one of Akagera’s fence attendants, who walk a portion of the 120-km perimeter fence on a daily basis to make sure the fence remains intact and is fully operational. These walks, which run alongside the park exterior, begin at the park entrance, are seven km long, and take visitors into the hills. When you come to the end, you’ll be atop a ridge that enjoys spectacular views in every direction. Walks are led by freelance community guides and take approximately two hours.

After lunch, head out for the Behind The Scenes Tour another 2 hour experiences and uncover the hidden gems and intricate workings of Akagera National Park on a unique Behind-the-Scenes Tour.  This exclusive experience offers a rare glimpse into the daily operations, conservation efforts, and vibrant wildlife.

A park ranger will tell you about the park’s conservation initiatives, and you’ll get to tour the park office and understand how they monitor and track the animals’ health and behavior. You’ll also get to meet the park’s anti-poaching squad, which consists of a handful of trainers and about 12 dogs developed specifically to track poachers.

You’ll stroll through the park with a guide, learning about how they preserve the wildlife and how they enable community residents just outside the park benefit from conservation and sustainable farming.

Day 5:  Transfer back to Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

Early morning, you will exit the park and proceed back to Kigali arriving in time for lunch and thereafter heading to Volcanoes National Park, the home of the Primates arriving in the evening for relaxation. Accommodation and Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Day 6:  Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Arise early today and prepare for the highlight of your safari, an unforgettable encounter with the Gentle Giants!  Following breakfast, transfer to the national park offices where you will be allocated a gorilla family in group 8 as well as a gorilla tracking guide.

After a pre-tracking briefing by your guide about the gorillas generally, your assigned gorilla family as well as appropriate safety precautions, you drive to the trailhead for the start of a thrilling adventure.

Upon sighting the gorillas, you spend the allowed one hour with them as they go about their daily life; feeding, moving around, playing, and grooming– it is a totally unique and unforgettable experience! Thereafter head back to the lodge for relaxation. Accommodation and Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Day 7:  Golden Monkey Hike and Dian Fossey Project

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on the Golden Monkey Trekking adventure. Discover one of Africa’s rarest primates as you explore the rich bamboo forests where these playful and feeding golden monkeys reside.

After lunch, visit the renowned Dian Fossey Project. This 3-4 hour activity includes a trek to the graveyard where several of Dian Fossey’s favorite gorillas are buried, including Fossey herself. Explore the facility, including the labs and research center, and meet the dedicated researchers and staff working on the Dian Fossey Project. This visit offers a profound insight into the legacy of Dian Fossey and ongoing conservation efforts.

Accommodation and Meals at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Day 8: Musanze Caves Exploration and Relaxation

Your adventure begins at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where experienced guides provide a comprehensive safety briefing and equip you with necessary gear, including helmets and headlamps. Following a short drive, you’ll arrive at the Musanze Caves, embarking on a fascinating journey into Rwanda’s geological history and cultural heritage.

Explore ancient lava tubes formed by volcanic activity over 65 million years ago, and marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites. These intricate formations, created by the slow, natural process of mineral deposits, are a testament to nature’s artistry. Observe the colonies of bats that inhabit the caves, contributing to the unique ecosystem.

Additionally, you’ll learn about the historical significance of the caves and their use as shelters during times of conflict. This adventure offers a captivating blend of natural wonder and cultural history, providing a memorable experience in Rwanda.

After the cave exploration head back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch.  Accommodation at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.

Day 9: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali

Depart Volcanoes National Park after a relaxed breakfast and head back to Kigali arriving in time for lunch. After lunch, you will spend the day at leisure or have a city town visiting the  Kimironko Market, the busiest market in town.

Vendors here sell produce from Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while locals from all over the city head here to stock up on fruit, vegetables, fabric, clothing, shoes, and general household necessities. This is the place to experience Rwanda at its liveliest.

Day 10: Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your flight back home at the end of the 10 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari Adventure

Included in the 10 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari Adventure

Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land cruiser with gasoline/fuel, Mineral water in the vehicle, services of an English speaking Driver/guide, Accommodation,  Meals,  all Park Entrance Fees, *Gorilla Tracking USD 1500 pp, Chimpanzee Permits, Golden Monkey Hike, Canopy Walk, Birdwatching excursion, All historical and cultural activities, Boat rides where applicable, Statutory Taxes.

Excluded in the 10 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari Adventure

International Airfares; Excess baggage charges; Rwanda Entry Visa Fees USD 30 per person, Room service, Beverages, Communications charges (telephone, fax, internet), Laundry, etc.; Postage fees, Porterage fees, Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and Hotels staff, Shopping charges for Curios and Crafts, International Airport Departure Taxes, Optional activities, Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.