Trip Info
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4x4 Safari Jeep
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2-14
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Midrange
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Kigari Rwanda
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Full body
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12
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87
Overview
This twelve-day safari will take you to some of Rwanda’s most amazing destinations. Hike through Nyungwe Forest National Park and search for the elusive mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy all that Rwanda has to offer from Kigali to Musanze!
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden Monkey Tracking & Volcano hikes
- Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk – Africa’s longest forest canopy bridge
- Akagera Big 5 Safari (lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants, buffalo)
- Lake Ihema Boat Safari
- Kigali City Tour – Genocide Memorial, markets & museums
- Cultural Experiences with local communities
- Scenic drives through Rwanda’s rolling “Land of 1000 Hills”
- Luxury lodges, sustainable tourism & professional guides
Itinerary
Arrival
- You'll be collected from the airport.
- Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
You will be met and greeted by your Golden Rwanda Safaris driver guide upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport. He or she will brief you on your safari before transferring you to your hotel for your overnight stay in Kigali. Relax at your hotel.
After early morning breakfast, you will drive into the Nyungwe Forest. On the way you will visit Nyanza King’s Palace, the national museum of Butare, and the genocide memorial of Murambi. Nyanza was the headquarters of the ancient Rwanda Kingdom before the arrival of the Europeans. The compound features the tastefully decorated modern palace built by King Mutura in 1934.
After breakfast, you will enter the Nyungwe Forest to track the Nyungwe Colobus monkey. A walk into the forest with our knowledgeable guides well versed in botany, ornithology, and interspecies relationships will be a whole new learning experience for you. You will return to the guest house for lunch and have your overnight at the hotel.
Today will be your second day in the Nyungwe Forest. In the morning, you can either opt for the Nyungwe canopy walk or a nature walk to the waterfalls. After lunch, you will visit the Colobus monkeys darting through the trees. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Early in the morning, you will head to Kibuye via Gisakura, a five-hour journey. Along the way, you will enjoy the thousands of beautiful green hills that make up our country as well as views of Kivu Lake. Your overnight stay will be at the Betania Guest House.
Today you will transfer to Gisenyi by speed boat or vehicle (the choice is yours). Along the way, you will explore the wonderful views of the different islands along Lake Kivu and some of the Congolese hills. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.
You will spend part of the day relaxing and swimming at Kivu Serena Beach. After breakfast and your time at the beach, you will drive to Musanze, the base town for visiting mountain gorillas. Enjoy a visit to the Ibyiwacu cultural village and then overnight at the Hotel.
Early in the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park for your first gorilla trek. You will arrive at the main office at 7:00 am for a short briefing and coffee break before going on your trek. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Today you will visit the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. You will again have to be at the main office at 7:00 am for a short briefing before your trek. Return at lunchtime and then go visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.
In the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Akagera National Park via Kigali. Here you will have lunch before driving into Akagera National Park. You will cruise to Lake Ihema in the afternoon and then go bird watching in Akagera. Your overnight stay will be at the lodge.
After breakfast, you will go on a game drive in the park. Akagera National Park is located in Eastern Rwanda on the border with Tanzania. African Parks is currently managing this park and has done a great job with the conservation. In the past, there were lots of conflicts between people and the park but this was solved by fencing off part of the park and the introduction of community tours where visitors are encouraged to visit the communities and benefit accordingly. Akagera National Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda and is home to several mammal species. These include lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, kobs, zebras, bushbucks, waterbucks and most recently black rhinos have been introduced from South Africa. This makes Akagera National Park officially a Big Five park like it was many years ago. It is also home to numerous bird species in several habitats which include woodland, swamps, lakes and savannah.
After breakfast, and depending on your departure flight, you may go on a complimentary 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.
Kigali Genocide Memorial (Kigali)Accommodation:No accommodation (End of tour)Meals & Drinks:
- Lunch (Breakfast & dinner not included)
- Drinks not included
End of tour
- Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
- You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Park fees
- (For non-residents)
- Gorilla permits
- (One per person, non-resident)
- All activities
- (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation
- (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation
- (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals
- (As specified in the day-by-day section)
The Cost Excludes
- International flights
- (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items
- (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Some meals
- (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Gorilla trekking requires a permit ($1,500 per person) issued by the Rwanda Development Board. These must be booked early due to high demand.
Moderate. Trekking time ranges from 1–6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. A reasonable fitness level is required.
Yes. Rwanda is considered one of the safest countries in Africa, with excellent tourism infrastructure and friendly local communities.
The best months are during the dry seasons:
- June–September
- December–February
However, Rwanda is a year-round destination.
Akagera is home to the Big 5:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Leopards
- Rhinos
- Buffalo
Plus hippos, giraffes, zebras, antelope, crocodiles & over 500 bird species.
Light hiking boots
Waterproof jacket
Long pants & long-sleeved shirts
Insect repellent
Camera with zoom lens
Refillable water bottle
Comfortable daypack
Yes, but gorilla trekking is only allowed for ages 15+. For younger children, alternative activities can be arranged.
Absolutely. Many travelers extend to:
- Serengeti (Tanzania)
- Masai Mara (Kenya)
- Bwindi/Mgahinga (Uganda)
I can create a custom combined itinerary for you.
You can choose from:
- Luxury lodges
- Mid-range eco-lodges
- Budget options
All offering private rooms, great views, and excellent service.
A private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced English-speaking guide/driver is provided for the entire tour.