12 Day Best of Rwanda Safari
12 Day Best of Rwanda Safari
Overview
Embark on a thrilling 12-Day Best Rwanda safari across Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera National Parks. Trek with majestic mountain gorillas, track playful chimpanzees, and enjoy classic game drives among lions, elephants, and rhinos. Cruise serene lakes, hike lush rainforests, and experience Rwanda’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture—an unforgettable blend of adventure, wildlife, and discovery.
Price Inclusions
- Private transfers from/to Kigali and between parks
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with English-speaking driver/guide
- Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden monkey trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest
- Park entrance fees (Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera)
- Mid-range accommodation as listed
- Full-board meals throughout the tour
- Boat safari in Lake Ihema
- Guided cultural visits and museum entrance fees
- Bottled drinking water during safari and excursions
Price Exclusions
- International flights to/from Rwanda
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Beverages and alcoholic drinks not included in meals
- Optional activities not mentioned (e.g., additional community visits)
- Tips and gratuities for driver/guide and lodge staff
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone, internet, souvenirs
Detailed Itinerary
Begin your adventure in Kigali with a morning transfer to Volcanoes National Park, approximately 2–3 hours. This park is home to the famous mountain gorillas. Check into your lodge, enjoy lunch, and then opt for an optional nature walk or relaxation.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals Plan: Full Board
After an early breakfast, embark on a gorilla trekking adventure. Spend a rewarding hour observing a habituated gorilla family in their natural habitat. Afternoon at leisure, with optional visits to twin lakes or local communities. Overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, undertake a golden monkey trekking excursion in Volcanoes National Park. Later, transfer from Volcanoes to Musanze town (approx. 30 minutes) for cultural interactions and relaxation. Overnight in Musanze.
Accommodation: Gorilla Mountain Lodge
Meals Plan: Full Board
Following breakfast, you will be transferred from Musanze to Nyungwe Forest National Park approximately. 6–7 hours. En route, enjoy scenic landscapes and stop at tea plantations for a brief visit. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals Plan: Full Board
Early breakfast followed by a chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest. Walk through lush rainforest guided by experienced rangers to observe chimpanzees and other primates. Afternoon canopy walk optional. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meals Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, enjoy a morning forest walk or birdwatching in Nyungwe. Later, transfer from Nyungwe to Butare (approx. 2–3 hours), visiting the National Museum for cultural and historical insights. Overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: Butare Guesthouse
Meals Plan: Full Board
Spend a full day exploring Akagera National Park on morning and afternoon game drives. This park is home to lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and numerous bird species. Picnic lunch in the park. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meals Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, enjoy a morning boat safari on Lake Ihema in Akagera, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. Later, transfer from Akagera to Kigali (approx. 3–4 hours). Overnight at a Kigali lodge.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meals Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, enjoy a Kigali city tour, including the Genocide Memorial, local markets, and cultural sites. Afternoon at leisure for shopping or optional visits. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meals Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, participate in optional village visits or community-based tourism experiences near Kigali. Learn about traditional Rwandan culture, farming practices, and crafts. Afternoon free for relaxation. Overnight at Kigali lodge.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel
Meals Plan: Full Board
After breakfast, you will be transferred from Kigali to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your 12-day Rwanda safari and beyond adventure.
Accommodation: N/A (End of Safari)
Meals Plan: Full Board
