Rwanda Grand Safari
Duration: 12 Days | Route: Kigali → Musanze (Volcanoes National Park) → Lake Kivu (Gisenyi & Kibuye) → Huye → Nyungwe Forest National Park → Kigali
Itinerary Outline
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and hotel transfer
- Day 2: Kigali city tour with memorials and local markets
- Day 3: Drive to Musanze and cultural village visit
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5: Golden monkey trekking and Twin Lakes visit
- Day 6: Transfer to Gisenyi at Lake Kivu and leisure time
- Day 7: Boat tour on Lake Kivu and island visits
- Day 8: Drive to Kibuye with tea plantation stop
- Day 9: Transfer to Huye with museum and town visit
- Day 10: Drive to Nyungwe Forest and canopy walk
- Day 11: Chimpanzee trekking and forest exploration
- Day 12: Return to Kigali and departure
Tour Overview
This 12 day Rwanda safari covers the country’s key regions with a mix of wildlife, primates, culture and scenic landscapes. The journey starts in Kigali and moves to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla and golden monkey trekking, followed by a relaxed stay along Lake Kivu. It then continues to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking and rainforest experiences.
The tour suits travellers who want a complete Rwanda experience in one trip. You get guided treks, cultural visits, lake activities and forest exploration, along with comfortable lodge stays and well planned travel between destinations.
Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with close views of mountain gorillas
- Golden monkey trekking in bamboo forests with active and playful groups
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest with guided walks in dense rainforest
- Lake Kivu stay with boat rides and scenic lakeside views
- Kigali city tour with Genocide Memorial and local markets
- Cultural village visit and tea plantation experience
- Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest with views over the forest canopy
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and hotel transfer
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Kigali is known for its clean streets and calm atmosphere.
Depending on your arrival time, you can explore nearby areas such as local art centres. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 2: Kigali city tour with memorials and local markets
After breakfast, go for a guided city tour of Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to understand Rwanda’s history.
Later, explore Kimironko Market where you can see daily local life and shop for crafts. You also visit the Presidential Palace Museum. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Drive to Musanze and cultural village visit
After breakfast, drive to Musanze near Volcanoes National Park. The journey offers scenic views of Rwanda’s hills and countryside.
On arrival, check in at your lodge. In the afternoon, visit a cultural village to experience traditional music, dance and local lifestyle. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Start early and drive to the park headquarters for a briefing. You are then assigned a gorilla group and begin your trek through forest terrain.
Once you locate the gorillas, spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to your lodge and relax.
Day 5: Golden monkey trekking and Twin Lakes visit
After breakfast, head back to the park for a golden monkey trek. These monkeys are active and move quickly through bamboo forests.
Later, visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, known for their calm setting and views of surrounding hills. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Day 6: Transfer to Gisenyi at Lake Kivu and leisure time
After breakfast, drive to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu. The route offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills.
On arrival, check in at your lakeside hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure by the water or explore nearby areas.
Day 7: Boat tour on Lake Kivu and island visits
After breakfast, go for a boat tour on Lake Kivu. Visit small islands and enjoy views of the lake from the water.
You can also visit nearby hot springs and spend time relaxing. Return to your hotel for the evening.
Day 8: Drive to Kibuye with tea plantation stop
After breakfast, drive to Kibuye along the lake route. On the way, stop at a tea plantation to learn about tea production.
In Kibuye, visit Ndaba Falls and a local memorial site. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the lakeside setting.
Day 9: Transfer to Huye with museum and town visit
After breakfast, drive to Huye, known for its cultural and academic importance.
Visit the National Museum of Rwanda to learn about the country’s history. You can also explore the arboretum and local town area. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 10: Drive to Nyungwe Forest and canopy walk
After breakfast, travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa.
On arrival, go for a canopy walk above the forest. This activity offers wide views of the forest and a chance to spot birds and primates. Check in at your lodge.
Day 11: Chimpanzee trekking and forest exploration
Start early for chimpanzee trekking. Walk through dense forest with guides to track chimpanzee groups.
After the trek, you can go for a guided nature walk to see other primates and birdlife. Return to your lodge and relax.
Day 12: Return to Kigali and departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight time, you may have time for shopping or a short visit in the city.
Transfer to the airport for your departure.
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Places You Will Visit
Travel Information
Inclusion
- Accommodation in lodges and hotels throughout the tour
- All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest
- All park entry fees and ranger charges
- Canopy walk experience in Nyungwe Forest
- Boat tour on Lake Kivu
- Cultural village visit and tea plantation experience
- Kigali city tour including key sites
- Private transfers in a comfortable vehicle throughout the tour
- Services of an experienced guide during the trip
- Kigali airport pick up and drop
- All applicable taxes and on ground support
Exclusion
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry and phone calls
- Tips and gratuities for lodge staff and guides
- Any optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions section
Customization options
Safari vehicle options (standard 4×4, private upgrades if relevant)
- Standard option includes a 4×4 vehicle for all transfers across Rwanda.
- Private vehicles can be arranged for exclusive use throughout the itinerary.
Lodge options (budget, mid-range, high-end)
- Accommodation can be arranged at budget lodges, mid-range hotels, or high-end lodges in Kigali, Musanze, Lake Kivu (Gisenyi and Kibuye), Huye, and Nyungwe region.
- Lodge selection may vary based on proximity to trekking start points and lake access.
Game drive flexibility (timings if applicable)
- Trekking activities in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park follow fixed schedules set by park authorities, typically starting in the morning.
- Boat tours on Lake Kivu are scheduled based on weather and local arrangements.
Add-on experiences (based on itinerary)
- Additional primate trekking permits can be arranged in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.
- Extended lake activities such as kayaking and additional boat excursions can be added at Lake Kivu.
- Cultural and historical visits can be expanded in Kigali and Huye.
Flexibility in number of nights per location
- Additional nights can be added in Musanze for extra trekking or rest days.
- Lake Kivu stays in Gisenyi or Kibuye can be extended for more leisure time.
- Nyungwe stay can be extended for additional forest activities.
- Extra nights in Kigali can be included at the beginning or end of the tour.
Flexible departure options
- Return to Kigali is included on the final day.
- Departure timing can be adjusted based on international flight schedules.
Cancellation Policy
- If cancellation requested before 120 days (or more) prior to departure, Full refund.
- If cancellation requested before 60 days (or more) prior to departure – 75% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 45 to 59 days prior to departure – 50% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 30 to 44 days prior to departure – 25% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested before 15 to 29 days prior to departure – 10% of the tour cost will be refunded.
- If cancellation requested less than 15 days prior to departure, No Show – No Refund.
Further Information
Best time to visit (based on regions in the itinerary)
- June to September and December to February are suitable for trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park due to drier trail conditions.
- Lake activities at Lake Kivu, including Gisenyi and Kibuye, are accessible year-round, with calmer conditions generally outside peak rainy months.
- March to May and October to November are rainy seasons, which may affect trekking conditions and road travel between Kigali, Musanze, and Nyungwe.
Optional activities (relevant to locations in the outline)
- Extended city tours, markets, and memorial visits can be arranged in Kigali.
- Additional cultural experiences can be included in Musanze alongside village visits near Volcanoes National Park.
- Boat tours, kayaking, and lakeside activities are available at Lake Kivu.
- Nature walks and additional primate tracking can be arranged in Nyungwe Forest National Park, subject to permits.
Who this tour suits (based on pace, parks, and travel type)
- This tour suits travelers looking for a comprehensive Rwanda itinerary combining primate trekking, lake regions, and cultural sites.
- It is suitable for those prepared for physically demanding activities such as gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey trekking.
- The itinerary includes multiple road transfers across regions, making it suitable for travelers comfortable with extended travel days and a structured schedule.
