9 Days Rwanda Safari: Chimps, Wildlife, Golden Monkeys & Hiking
9 Days Rwanda Safari: Overview
The 9 days Rwanda safari offers an extraordinary journey through the country’s top attractions to see amazing wildlife, golden monkeys, hiking Mountain Bisoke community and scenery viewing tours. Your 9 days in Rwanda safari adventure begins in Kigali with a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
From there, venture to Akagera National Park to witness the African Big 5—rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes. Next, head to Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking, colobus monkey tracking, and a canopy walk.
This 9 days Rwanda safari enables you to experience Rwanda’s renowned tea plantations, unwind at the picturesque Lake Kivu, and conclude with golden monkey tracking and a thrilling Mount Bisoke hike in Volcanoes National Park.
Book or customize this 9 Days in Rwanda Tour for an unforgettable adventure
9 Days Rwanda Safari Tour: Prime Activities
- Tour the Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Spot the Big Five on a game drive in Akagera
- Enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema in Akagera
- Track golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
- Hike the 3,711-meter Mount Bisoke
- Walk through Musanze Caves
- Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
- Experience a canopy walk in Nyungwe
- Track colobus monkeys in Nyungwe
- Tour a scenic tea plantation
- Relax on Lake Kivu’s sandy shores
- Boat cruise to Lake Kivu’s islands
- Drive through Rwanda’s picturesque landscapes
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum and King’s Palace
9 Days in Rwanda Tour: Featured Destinations
- Day 1 & 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial & Akagera National Park
- Day 3, 4 & 5: Nyungwe National Park, Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace
- Day 6: Lake Kivu – Gisenyi Beach
- Day 7 & 8: Volcanoes National Park
- Day 9: Mount Bisoke, Kigali
9 Days Rwanda Safari Tour: Highlights
Day 1: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial & transfer to Akagera National Park
Day 2: Morning game drive and afternoon Lake Ihema boat cruise in Akagera
Day 3: Drive to Nyungwe Forest. Tour the Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace
Day 4: Morning chimpanzee trekking and afternoon canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
Day 5: Morning colobus monkey tracking and afternoon tea plantation tour
Day 6: Drive to Lake Kivu and relax at Gisenyi beach
Day 7: Boat cruise on Lake Kivu & drive to Volcanoes National Park
Day 8: Morning golden monkey tracking & Musanze caves walk in the afternoon
Day 9: Hike Mount Bisoke & drive back to Kigali
9 Days Rwanda Safari Tour: Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Kigali Genocide Memorial & Transfer to Akagera National Park
Your 9 days Rwanda safari starts at 8 am with a pick-up from your Kigali hotel for a city tour, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum. After lunch, enjoy a scenic 2½-hour drive to Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five and nearly 500 bird species. Settle in for dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park
Start the day with an early game drive to spot predators and other wildlife in the Akagera savannah. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, watching for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Relax, have dinner, and stay overnight at your lodge.
Day 3: Drive to Nyungwe National Park. Tour the Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace En-Route
After breakfast, embark on a 5-6 hour drive to Nyungwe, stopping at the traditional King’s Palace in Nyanza and the ethnographic museum in Huye. Continue to Nyungwe National Park, home to over 500 wild chimpanzees and numerous other primates.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
After an early breakfast, trek through Nyungwe Forest to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, experience a thrilling canopy walk, suspended 70 meters above the forest floor, offering stunning views and wildlife sightings.
Day 5: Morning Colobus Monkey Tracking & Afternoon Tea Plantation Tour
Track colobus monkeys in the morning, then tour a tea plantation in the afternoon to learn about the cultivation and processing of Rwandan tea. Enjoy dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Day 6: Drive to Lake Kivu—Gisenyi Beach for Relaxation
Drive to Lake Kivu, enjoying the scenic route through hills, villages, and plantations. Relax on the shores of Lake Kivu upon arrival, then have dinner and stay overnight at your lodge.
Day 7: Enjoy a Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu & Drive to Volcanoes National Park
Take a leisurely boat cruise on Lake Kivu in the morning, exploring the islands and enjoying bird watching. After lunch, drive to Volcanoes National Park, known for its volcanic mountains and diverse wildlife.
Day 8: Morning Golden Monkey Tracking & Musanze Caves Walk in The Afternoon
Track golden monkeys in the morning, then explore the Musanze Caves in the afternoon. These caves, formed by lava flows, offer a fascinating underground adventure.
Day 9: Hike Mount Bisoke & Drive Back to Kigali
Hike Mount Bisoke, passing through various vegetation zones and enjoying a picnic lunch at the summit. After descending, drive back to Kigali, marking the end of your 9-day Rwanda safari.
Optional Activities:
- Night game drive in Akagera
- Sportfishing in Akagera
- Kayaking on Lake Kivu
- Gorilla trekking
- Dian Fossey tomb hike
- Iby’Iwacu Village visit
