12 Days Explore Beautiful Rwanda Safari

12 Days Explore Beautiful Rwanda Safari

12 Days Explore Beautiful Rwanda Safari. Rwanda is famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” a destination blessed with rolling green landscapes, vibrant culture, remarkable wildlife, and warm hospitality. This 12 Days Explore Beautiful Rwanda Safari by Wild Planet Safaris is carefully designed to give travelers a deep and unforgettable experience of the country’s most iconic destinations.

From the lively capital city of Kigali to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe, the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, the majestic mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, and the wildlife-filled savannahs of Akagera National Park, this safari blends wildlife encounters, cultural exploration, and relaxation into one extraordinary journey.

Throughout the safari, Wild Planet Safaris ensures comfort, knowledgeable guides, and seamless travel arrangements so you can focus on enjoying Rwanda’s natural beauty and unique experiences.

Overview of the 12 Days Rwanda Safari

This carefully curated itinerary allows travelers to explore Rwanda’s most famous national parks and attractions. The adventure includes:

• Kigali city cultural tour
• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
• Canopy walk in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests
• Colobus monkey trekking
• Relaxation and water activities at Lake Kivu
• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Golden monkey trekking
• Cultural experiences with local communities
• Savannah wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park
• Boat safari on Lake Ihema

Each day is thoughtfully arranged by Wild Planet Safaris to balance adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda – Welcome by Wild Planet Safaris

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, where a professional guide from Wild Planet Safaris will warmly welcome you.

After a short briefing about your safari, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali for check-in and relaxation. Kigali is one of the cleanest and safest cities in Africa, offering a pleasant introduction to Rwanda.

Depending on your arrival time, you may relax at the hotel, enjoy a local dinner, or take a short evening drive through the city.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali
Meals: Dinner (depending on arrival time)

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Cultural Exploration

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Rwanda’s vibrant capital city.

The Kigali city tour organized by Wild Planet Safaris offers insight into the country’s history, culture, and daily life.

Highlights of the Kigali Tour

Kigali Genocide Memorial
This memorial site honors the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. It provides a powerful and educational experience about Rwanda’s past and the country’s journey toward unity and reconciliation.

Nyamirambo Women’s Center
This inspiring community project supports women through education and employment. Visitors can explore artisan crafts, clothing, and handmade products created by local women. Purchasing these items directly supports community empowerment.

Kimironko Market
One of Kigali’s busiest markets, where travelers can see local life in action. The market offers colorful fabrics, crafts, fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs.

After the tour, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park – Visit the Ethnographic Museum

After breakfast, depart Kigali with your Wild Planet Safaris guide for a scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park in southern Rwanda.

Along the way, stop in Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda, one of the best museums in East Africa.

Ethnographic Museum Experience

The museum showcases Rwanda’s rich heritage, traditions, and history. Visitors will explore exhibits on:

• Traditional architecture
• Cultural practices
• Royal history
• Ancient tools and crafts
• Traditional dance and music

A knowledgeable museum guide will provide detailed explanations about Rwanda’s cultural identity and evolution.

After the museum visit, continue your journey through Rwanda’s beautiful hills to Nyungwe Forest.

Arrive at your lodge for check-in, relaxation, and dinner.

Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Today is one of the most exciting days of your safari with Wild Planet Safaris.

Chimpanzee Trekking

After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. You will then enter Nyungwe Forest in search of wild chimpanzees.

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to over:

• 13 species of primates
• 300 bird species
• Hundreds of butterflies
• Rich plant diversity

During the trek, you may encounter chimpanzees swinging through trees, grooming each other, or communicating with their unique calls.

The trekking duration varies depending on the location of the chimpanzee group.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Later in the day, enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge approximately 60 meters above the forest floor.

This thrilling walk offers stunning views of the rainforest canopy and opportunities to spot birds and monkeys.

After the experience, return to your lodge for relaxation.

Accommodation: Lodge in Nyungwe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Colobus Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, join park rangers for Colobus Monkey Trekking in Nyungwe Forest.

The forest is home to large groups of Angolan Colobus monkeys, known for their striking black and white fur and playful nature.

Visitors often observe them:

• Grooming each other
• Jumping between trees
• Feeding on leaves
• Socializing in large groups

You will spend about one hour observing the monkeys before returning from the trek.

Transfer to Lake Kivu

Later, travel toward Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and one of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations.

The drive offers beautiful landscapes, tea plantations, and opportunities for photography.

Upon arrival, check in to your lakeside lodge and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Relaxation and Activities at Lake Kivu

Today is dedicated to relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Kivu.

After several days of trekking in the forest, this peaceful day allows travelers to recharge.

Activities at Lake Kivu

Guests may choose from several optional activities arranged by Wild Planet Safaris:

• Canoeing on the lake
• Kayaking adventures
• Boat rides
• Swimming in designated areas
• Visiting the Museum of Environment
• Exploring the lakeside town

Alternatively, you may relax at the lodge while enjoying spectacular lake views.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu for Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s most famous wildlife destination.

On the way, stop at the Imbabazi Foundation, once an orphanage founded by humanitarian Rosamond Carr. The center now focuses on community development and education.

Continue your journey through the volcanic highlands until reaching your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Spend the evening preparing for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience the next day.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Campus

Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for a briefing about gorilla trekking rules and safety.

Guided by experienced rangers, you will trek through the forest in search of a mountain gorilla family.

Once located, visitors are allowed one hour with the gorillas, observing their natural behavior such as:

• Feeding
• Playing
• Grooming
• Caring for young gorillas

This magical encounter is often described as one of the most powerful wildlife experiences on Earth.

Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Campus

Later, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you will learn about conservation efforts protecting mountain gorillas in Rwanda and the Congo.

The campus offers educational exhibits, research facilities, and inspiring stories about gorilla conservation.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and Gorilla Guardians Village

Begin the day with Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Golden monkeys are energetic primates found in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. They are extremely playful and move quickly through the forest.

Just like gorilla trekking, visitors are allowed one hour observing these fascinating monkeys.

Gorilla Guardians Village Cultural Experience

12 Days Explore Beautiful Rwanda Safari. In the afternoon, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village, a cultural center showcasing traditional Rwandan lifestyle.

Activities may include:

• Traditional dances
• Learning ancient hunting techniques
• Basket weaving
• Bow and arrow demonstrations
• Local storytelling

This experience provides insight into Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Boat Safari

After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park.

The journey takes approximately five hours and passes through beautiful countryside.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch.

Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema, where visitors commonly see:

• Hippos
• Nile crocodiles
• Water birds
• Buffalo along the shores

Later in the evening, you may take a night game drive to search for nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Lodge in Akagera National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Game Drive in Akagera National Park

After an early breakfast, set out for a morning game drive with your guide from Wild Planet Safaris.

Akagera National Park hosts a variety of wildlife including:

• Elephants
• Lions
• Buffaloes
• Zebras
• Giraffes
• Antelopes
• Hippos

The northern section of the park is particularly rich in wildlife and offers spectacular safari viewing opportunities.

Enjoy photography stops as you explore Rwanda’s only Big Five savannah park.

Return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.

Accommodation: Lodge in Akagera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Return to Kigali and Departure

After breakfast, depart Akagera National Park and drive back to Kigali with your Wild Planet Safaris guide.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may visit Umusambi Village, a conservation sanctuary dedicated to rescued crowned cranes and bird species.

Alternatively, enjoy a final city visit or shopping for souvenirs.

Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of an unforgettable 12 Days Explore Beautiful Rwanda Safari with Wild Planet Safaris.

Why Choose Wild Planet Safaris

Traveling with Wild Planet Safaris ensures a well-organized, professional, and immersive safari experience. The company specializes in East African wildlife tours, cultural experiences, and eco-friendly travel.

Benefits include:

• Professional and knowledgeable safari guides
• Comfortable safari vehicles
• Carefully selected lodges and hotels
• Personalized safari planning
• Reliable customer service
• Responsible tourism practices