14 Day Best of Rwanda Wildlife 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 14 Day Best of Rwanda Wildlife 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.
• Lake Kivu and Coffee Tour 
• Nyungwe Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
• 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.
• Luxurious Accommodations that support community empowerment and conservation. 

Join us for this extraordinary 14 Day Best of Rwanda Wildlife 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 The Retreat Kigali By Heaven

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 Magashi 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 Magashi 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 wildlife and how they enable community residents just outside the park to benefit from conservation and sustainable farming. Accommodation and Meals at Magashi Camp.

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 Bisate 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, and 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 unique and unforgettable experience! Thereafter head back to the lodge for relaxation. Accommodation and Meals at Bisate 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 Bisate 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 Bisate Lodge.

Day 9: Volcanoes National Park – Lake Kivu

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your lodge in Volcanoes National Park. Afterward, embark on a scenic drive to the stunning Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The drive offers breathtaking views of the lush Rwandan countryside, with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

Upon arrival at Lake Kivu, you’ll be greeted by the serene beauty of the lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and idyllic surroundings. Check into your lakeside accommodation and enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the tranquil views. Evening relaxation at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 10: Lake Kivu – Boat Cruise and Coffee Tour

After a delightful, relaxed breakfast in the morning, embark on a sunrise boat trip on Lake Kivu, which straddles the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lake Kivu drains into the Ruzizi River, flowing southwards into Lake Tanganyika. During the two-hour morning cruise, you’ll explore the stunning lake and its numerous islands, spotting a variety of birds and visiting one of the islands. Continue your journey to Kimbiri for a unique coffee experience, where you’ll learn about the process of making coffee from crop to cup. Afterward, return to Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.

Day 11: Lake Kivu – Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. This mountainous region is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees and 12 other primate species such as L’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, crowned monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by an afternoon of relaxation at One and Only Nyungwe House.

Day 12: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk

Start your day with an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest National Park, a region celebrated for its rich biodiversity. Only eight visitors are permitted to track the chimps each day, ensuring an intimate and respectful experience. Besides chimpanzees, you may encounter other primates, including L’hoest monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, crowned monkeys, Dent’s mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.

The park offers over 1,068 plant species and 140 varieties of orchids and it is a Birders’ delight in spotting with 322 bird species, including the red-collared babbler and 29 other Albertine Rift endemic species. Additionally, the park is home to at least 120 species of butterflies.

In the evening, experience the thrilling canopy walk, a 90-meter suspended metallic bridge that provides a panoramic view of the forest. Look out for more primates during this walk. Accommodation and Meals at One and Only Nyungwe House.

Day 13: Nyungwe Forest – Kigali

After breakfast, embark on a visit to the Gisakura tea plantation, where you will learn about the cultivation and harvesting of tea, as well as the intricate production process. After this insightful tour, depart from your lodge and begin your drive back to Kigali.

On the way, stop to explore the Royal Palace Museum and the Ethnographic Museum in the Southern Province. These visits will offer a deep dive into Rwandan culture, traditions, and the historical lifestyle of the country’s royalty.

Upon arrival in Kigali, spend the afternoon at your leisure, relaxing at The Retreat Kigali by Heaven.

Day 14: Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your flight back home at the end of the 14 Day Best of Rwanda Wildlife Adventure

Included in the 14 Day Best of Rwanda Wildlife Adventure

• Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Land cruiser with gasoline/fuel
• Refillable Water Bottle in the vehicle
• English-speaking Tour Guide
• Accommodation and Meals
• All Park Entrance Fees
• Activities mentioned in the itinerary
• Gorilla Tracking Permits and Chimpanzee Permits
• Golden Monkey Hike and Dian Fossey Project
• Canopy Walk
• Boat ride on Lake Kivu and Coffee Tour

Excluded in the 14 Day Best of Rwanda Wildlife Adventure

• International Airfares;
• Rwanda Entry Visa Fees USD 30 per person
• Room service and Alcoholic Drinks
• Tips and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
• Optional activities
• Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.