10 Days Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Safari

10 Days Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Safari

10 Days Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Safari. Wild Planet Safaris invites you to experience an extraordinary 10-day safari across Rwanda’s most iconic national parks and cultural landmarks. This carefully designed journey allows you to explore the country’s only savannah park, encounter the legendary Big Five, and trek some of the world’s most sought-after primates—chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, and golden monkeys.

You will begin and end your adventure in Kigali, traveling through breathtaking landscapes known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Throughout this safari, Wild Planet Safaris ensures professional guiding, seamless transfers, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.

During this 10-day expedition, you will:

• Explore Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five.
• Visit the historic King’s Palace in Nyanza and the renowned National Museum of Rwanda.
• Trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
• Relax along the shores of Lake Kivu.
• Track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park.

Below is your detailed safari itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Akagera National Park

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, a professional driver-guide from Wild Planet Safaris will warmly welcome you and brief you about your safari. After breakfast at your hotel (or depending on arrival time), you will drive eastward through Rwanda’s scenic countryside toward Akagera National Park.

The journey showcases Rwanda’s rolling hills, vibrant villages, and picturesque farmlands. Upon arrival at your pre-booked lodge, you will check in and enjoy lunch while overlooking the park’s landscapes.

In the afternoon, Wild Planet Safaris will take you on a thrilling game drive in the southern sector along the Lake Ihema circuit. Here, you will actively search for elephants, Masai giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, Nile crocodiles, and numerous antelope species. The park also hosts lions and leopards, which your guide will help you track.

After the game drive, return to the lodge for relaxation. You may take an optional guided evening walk around the lodge grounds to observe colorful bird species. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before heading out for a sunrise game drive. Wild Planet Safaris schedules this early drive to increase your chances of spotting predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and striped jackals, which are most active during the cool morning hours.

Your experienced guide will navigate the park’s northern plains, maximizing opportunities to encounter wildlife you may have missed the previous day. You will witness herds of buffalo grazing, giraffes browsing treetops, and elephants roaming freely across the savannah.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ihema, the largest lake in the park. This boat safari brings you close to hippos, Nile crocodiles, and abundant birdlife, including African fish eagles, African jacanas, and kingfishers. The cruise offers spectacular photography opportunities and a peaceful perspective of the park.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer to Butare (Huye) – Cultural and Historical Exploration

After breakfast, Wild Planet Safaris will drive you south toward Butare (Huye), passing through Kigali or enjoying a picnic lunch along the way.

En route, you will visit the King’s Palace in Nyanza, where you will explore Rwanda’s traditional monarchy history. At Rwesero, you will tour the art museum and admire contemporary Rwandan artwork.

Later, you will visit the National Museum of Rwanda, which provides a deep insight into Rwanda’s cultural heritage, traditional practices, and colonial history. This immersive experience allows you to understand the roots of the Banyarwanda people.

Check into your hotel in Butare for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park. The scenic drive winds through tea plantations and mountainous terrain.

Arrive in time for lunch at your lodge.

In the afternoon, choose between:

• Colobus monkey trekking through lush rainforest trails.
• A canopy walk suspended high above the forest floor, offering panoramic views and a unique perspective of the ecosystem.

Both options allow you to explore one of Africa’s oldest rainforests while enjoying spectacular scenery and diverse primate species.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Cultural Experience

Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a detailed briefing about chimpanzee tracking guidelines.

Enter the forest with expert ranger guides to search for chimpanzees. Nyungwe Forest National Park hosts up to 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, blue monkeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, and Angolan black-and-white colobus monkeys.

The trek can be challenging, but once you locate a chimpanzee community, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing their behavior, interactions, and playful movements.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

In the afternoon, participate in a cultural walk in nearby communities. Local residents will entertain you with traditional dances and drumming while sharing insights into Rwandan customs and daily life.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Nyungwe to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, drive to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu. The drive offers beautiful views of hills and valleys.

Upon arrival, check into your lakeside lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, take a relaxing boat cruise to explore some of the lake’s islands and admire the surrounding scenery.

You may also visit nearby hot springs or simply unwind along the sandy shores. Lake Kivu provides a refreshing tropical ambiance, perfect for relaxation after forest trekking.

Dinner and overnight by the lake.

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy breakfast before driving to Musanze near Volcanoes National Park. Check into your lodge upon arrival.

Later, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an interactive cultural experience. You will learn about traditional Rwandan lifestyles, participate in local activities, taste traditional foods, and enjoy cultural dances.

In the evening, join a traditional Gitaramo gathering around a warm fire, where stories, songs, and dances celebrate Rwanda’s heritage.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Kinigi headquarters of Volcanoes National Park for a comprehensive briefing.

Mountain gorilla trekking requires moderate to high fitness, as it can last between 3 to 6 hours. Guided by expert trackers, you will hike through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a habituated gorilla family.

Once you locate the gorillas, you will spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat. Watching these gentle giants interact, feed, and groom one another creates a life-changing wildlife encounter.

Return to your lodge for relaxation. Later, you may visit Ruhengeri Market to purchase local fabrics, crafts, and souvenirs.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and Twin Lakes Visit

After breakfast, head back to park headquarters for a briefing on golden monkey tracking.

Enter the forest to track these lively and endangered primates. During the trek, you may encounter other species such as colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys. The forest also supports rich birdlife.

After trekking, Wild Planet Safaris will take you to admire the spectacular twin lakes—Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo—set against the backdrop of the Virunga Mountain chain. The panoramic scenery offers excellent photography opportunities.

Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Return to Kigali – City Tour and Departure

After breakfast, depart for Kigali.

If time allows, Wild Planet Safaris will guide you on a Kigali city tour. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay respects and learn about Rwanda’s history. You may also explore local art galleries, craft markets, and historical landmarks.

Enjoy lunch in Kigali before your guide transfers you to the airport for your departure flight.

Why Choose Wild Planet Safaris?

10 Days Rwanda Primate & Wildlife Safari. Wild Planet Safaris designs this 10-day Rwanda safari to combine wildlife adventure, cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and relaxation. Our professional guides, reliable transport, and carefully selected lodges ensure comfort, safety, and unforgettable experiences.

This journey allows you to experience Rwanda’s extraordinary biodiversity—from savannah plains to ancient rainforests—while creating lasting memories with Africa’s most remarkable primates.

Wild Planet Safaris looks forward to welcoming you to Rwanda for the adventure of a lifetime.