16 Days Rwanda Safari Tour: Gorillas, Chimps, Golden Monkeys, Hiking, Culture & Kigali City
16 Days Rwanda Safari Tour – Overview
Embark on a captivating 16 days Rwanda safari, designed for ultimate relaxation and exploration. Experience a 16 days Rwanda tour of diverse adventures, including mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, chimpanzee tracking, wildlife viewing, cultural tours, a hike up Mount Bisoke, and a Lake Kivu tour, all beginning and concluding in Kigali.
This tour takes you across Rwanda’s three renowned national parks: Volcanoes National Park, home to over 300 mountain gorillas; Nyungwe Forest National Park, where over 500 wild chimpanzees reside; and Akagera National Park, which boasts Africa’s “big five” animals among other Rwanda wildlife safari treasures.
Throughout this journey, you’ll have ample opportunities to unwind, delve into Rwanda’s rich history and culture, and soak in the breathtaking landscapes.
Book or customize your 16-day Rwanda safari tour at an affordable rate!
16 Days Rwanda Safari Tour: Prime Safari Activities
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Mount Bisoke hike, 3711m
- Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest
- Canopy walk via the treetop walkway in Nyungwe Forest
- Colobus monkey tracking in Nyungwe Forest
- Game drives at Akagera National Park
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema in Akagera
- Relaxation on the scenic shores of Lake Kivu
- Night fishing adventure on Lake Kivu with Rwandan fishermen
- Canoe ride on the volcanic Twin Lakes
- Visit the Gorilla Guardian Cultural Village
- Visit the Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace
- Visit the Genocide Memorial in Kigali City
- Musanze cave walking tour
- Scenic drives through Rwanda’s gorgeous landscapes
- Staying at comfortable safari lodges
16 Days Rwanda Safari Tour: Features Safari Activities
- Day 1 & 2: Kigali City
- Day 3 & 4: Akagera National Park
- Day 5, 6, & 7: Nyungwe Forest, Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace
- Day 8, 9, & 10: Lake Kivu – Kibuye
- Day 11, 12, 13, & 14: Volcanoes National Park, Ibyiwacu & Musanze Caves
- Day 15: Twin Lakes & Kigali
- Day 16: Departure
16 Days Rwanda Safari Tour – Highlights
Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to a hotel
Day 2: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and enjoy a Kigali city tour
Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park and embark on a safari game drive
Day 4: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise in Akagera National Park
Day 5: Travel to Nyungwe Forest, visiting the Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace en route
Day 6: Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 7: Morning Colobus monkey tracking and afternoon tea estates tour
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Kivu (Kibuye) for relaxation and a night fishing adventure
Day 9: Boat cruise or kayaking on Lake Kivu and relaxation
Day 10: Full market experience in Kibuye and relaxation
Day 11: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park, visiting the Gorilla Guardian Cultural Village
Day 12: Hike Mount Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park.
Day 13: Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure and relaxation
Day 14: Golden monkey tracking and visit to Musanze Caves
Day 15: Canoe ride on the Twin Lakes and return to Kigali for relaxation
Day 16: Drop off at the airport for departure
16 Days Rwanda Safari Tour: Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport & transfer to a hotel in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, complete Rwandan customs and immigration procedures before proceeding to the arrivals hall. Your Prime Safari representative will warmly welcome you there, help you with your luggage, and lead you to your waiting private vehicle.
Relax as you’re chauffeured to your pre-booked accommodation in Kigali, where you’ll unwind, enjoy a delicious dinner, and spend the night. Situated in the heart of the country, Kigali boasts a rich history dating back to its origins as a German colonial outpost in the early 20th century.
Today, it stands as Rwanda’s vibrant political, economic, and cultural hub, nestled amidst the picturesque hills and valleys at the base of Mount Kigali. Offering a diverse array of lodging options, dining establishments, and attractions, the city beckons with its Genocide Museum, bustling markets, and artisan boutiques.
With its captivating blend of architectural marvels, bustling thoroughfares, meandering boulevards, and lush greenery, Kigali stands as one of Africa’s most captivating destinations.
Accommodation:- Luxury: Serena Hotel Kigali/Radison blu/Hotel Mille Collines, Midrange: Hotel Chezlando, Meal Plan: Dinner
Activities & Services:- Pick from the Airport, Transfer to a hotel in Kigali
Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial Visit & Kigali City Tour
Your 16-day Rwanda safari adventure kicks off with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. At 8 am, delve into a poignant chapter of history with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
This memorial, a collaboration between the Kigali City Council and the UK-based Aegis Trust, stands as a testament to the tragic events of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. It offers a deeply moving and educational experience, shedding light on the causes, horrors, and remarkable resilience in the aftermath of the genocide.
As you tour the memorial, the scale of the tragedy becomes painfully clear, with over 250,000 victims laid to rest here. Despite its somber atmosphere, the memorial also serves as a source of inspiration, showcasing Rwanda’s journey of healing and rebuilding.
Following this profound encounter, embark on a city tour, immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of Kigali. Explore bustling markets, peruse art galleries, and discover craft centers, gaining insight into the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
For a taste of history, sip on coffee at Hotel Mille Collins, a historic landmark in Kigali. As the day draws to a close, indulge in a delicious dinner, savoring the anticipation of the exciting adventures that lie ahead on your safari journey.
Highlight of the Day: Discovering Rwanda’s heartbreaking past at the Genocide Museum in Kigali.
Accommodation:- Luxury: Serena Hotel Kigali/Hotel Mille Collines/Radison blu, Midrange: Hotel Chezlando, Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: Kigali Genocide memorial visit & Kigali City tour
Day 3: Drive to Akagera National Park & Enjoy a Game Drive
Day three commences with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel in Kigali. Thereafter, embark on a scenic 2½-hour drive east to Akagera National Park. Arrive at your lodge for relaxation and lunch.
In the late afternoon, have your first Rwanda safari experience in the park with a game drive of 3 hours. Akagera and its wildlife were nearly decimated in the 1990s and early 2000s, in the aftermath of the Rwandan civil war and genocide.
In 2008, the Rwandan government brought African Parks on board, and together they have achieved an extraordinary rehabilitation of the area.
Black rhinos and lions have been reintroduced, making Akagera the only big five park in the country.
The populations of many other species, large and small, are booming. Akagera River runs along the eastern edge of the park and feeds the Akagera series of lakes and marshes that make up central Africa’s largest protected wetland. After your game drive, return to the lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Highlight of the Day: Driving through the amazing countryside landscapes
Accommodation:- Luxury: Magashi Camp/Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge, Budget: Dereva Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: Approx. 135km/2 ½ hours
Activities & Services: Pick up from your hotel, Transfer to Akagera
Optional Activities: Night game drive, Sunset boat cruise
Day 4: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise in Akagera
It starts this day with an early rise to catch the sunrise, followed by a hearty breakfast. Then, embark on a morning game drive just as the sun begins to illuminate the savannah.
The golden hours of sunrise offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities, with animals at their most active. Keep your eyes peeled for a spectacular array of species, including lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, hyenas, baboons, topi, impalas, waterbucks, elands, bushbucks, and more roaming the vast open plains.
After an exhilarating 3–4 hours on the game drive, return to the lodge for a sumptuous lunch and some well-deserved relaxation time.
In the afternoon, treat yourself to a serene boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you can spot hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun. Keep your binoculars handy to catch glimpses of elephants and buffalo quenching their thirst at the lakeshore and marvel at the diverse birdlife – with nearly 500 species inhabiting the lake and surrounding wetlands.
As the day draws to a close, return to the lodge for a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, reminiscing on the day’s remarkable wildlife encounters.
Highlight of the Day: -A scenic game drive in Akagera National Park
Accommodation:-
Luxury: – Ruzizi Tented Lodge/Magashi Camp, Midrange: Akagera Game Lodge, Budget: Dereva Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: Morning game drive, Afternoon boat cruise
Optional Activities: Sportfishing on Lake Shakani, Night game drive
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, with a visit to the Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace en route
Your fifth day of the 16-day Rwanda safari tour kicks off at 7 am, followed by a scenic 5 to 6 hour drive southwest amidst rolling hills and breathtaking scenery.
Take a break in the Cultural Heritage Corridor of Rwanda to explore the detailed Ethnographic Museum in Butare, offering insights into the socio-cultural history of the country.
Next, journey to Nyanza and immerse yourself in the exploration of the traditional king’s palace—the thatch homes that once served as the seat of Rwanda’s kingdom. Witness the herder singing to the royal cows during their grooming process and wander through the halls of the country’s last king’s simple yet modern home.
After the palace visit, indulge in a delightful lunch before continuing your journey to Nyungwe National Park, home to one of the oldest rainforests on the continent.
As the day winds down, unwind and savor dinner at the lodge as you prepare for the exhilarating chimpanzee trekking adventure awaiting you tomorrow.
The highlight of The Day is Learning about Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage
Accommodation:- Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House/Nyungwe Forest Lodge, Midrange: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel, Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: – Approx. 320km or 5-6 hours
Activities & Services: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest, Ethnographic Museum tour, Visit the King’s Palace
Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest
Start your day with an early breakfast and make your way to the park’s visitor center at 5 am. There, you’ll meet the local park ranger guide for a briefing before embarking on a 2-5 hour trek through the enchanting Nyungwe Forest National Park.
This pristine forest is home to numerous rare primates that dart through its dense canopy at impressive speeds. Your goal this morning is to search for one of the most sought-after inhabitants – the chimpanzee. Once spotted, you’ll have the privilege of observing these intelligent great apes for one hour as they traverse the treetops with noisy agility.
Chimpanzees share 98.7% of the same DNA as humans, making them our closest relatives and often exhibiting behaviors strikingly similar to our own.
After your chimpanzee encounter, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, head back to the Visitor Center for an exhilarating 2-hour Nyungwe forest canopy walk. This unique experience provides an opportunity to observe wildlife at eye-level as they inhabit the forest canopy, including monkeys and birds not easily visible from the ground.
Highlight of The Day: – Tracking the fascinating chimpanzees on foot
Accommodation:- Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge/One & Only Nyungwe House, Midrange: Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel, Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: Chimpanzee Tracking & Forest Canopy walk
Optional Activities: Birding, hiking & community tour
Day 7: Colobus Monkey Tracking & Afternoon Tea Estate Tour
Day seven of your 16-day Rwanda safari tour begins with an early breakfast at 6:30 am. Then, head to the park visitor center for another thrilling adventure – tracking the captivating Colobus monkeys.
These old-world monkeys, adorned with their distinctive black-and-white coats and tufty shoulder pads, often gather in ‘super-groups’ comprising over 500 individuals, a phenomenon unique to the colobus monkeys in Nyungwe.
The trek to observe them is a brief yet exciting adventure, as the group you’ll track is located near the forest’s edge at Gisakura. In the afternoon, embark on a tour of the tea plantations to learn about the cultivation and harvesting of tea. Proceed to the factory to witness the processing methods and conclude the tour with a refreshing cup of tea.
Afterwards, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Highlight of The Day: – Tracking the beautiful colobus monkeys
Accommodation:- Luxury: Nyungwe Forest Lodge/One & Only Nyungwe House, Midrange: – Nyungwe Hill Top View Hotel, Budget: – Gisakura Guesthouse
Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: Colobus monkey tracking & Tea plantation tour experience
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Kivu (Kibuye) & Engage in Night Fishing
Your eighth day of the 16-day Rwanda safari tour will commence with a leisurely breakfast.
Afterward, embark on a scenic drive north to Kibuye, a serene town nestled on the shores of Lake Kivu, one of the most breathtaking lakes in Central Africa, stretching all the way to Congo. Kibuye is an idyllic destination for relaxation and is renowned as the most picturesque part of Lake Kivu.
Upon arrival at your lodge, which boasts stunning views overlooking the lake, after a journey of 3 to 4 hours, take the day to unwind and prepare for an evening adventure: night fishing with Rwanda fishermen, commencing at 6 pm.
These fishermen engage in nightly expeditions on the crystalline waters, seeking the popular Sambaza. While this profession is practiced globally, the process is uniquely characteristic of the region. Witness the fishermen’s captivating journey across the lake as they sing beautiful songs and carry brightly lit lanterns, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Highlight of The Day: – Night fishing on Lake Kivu
Accommodation:- Midrange: Cormoran Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Drive distance & time: approx. 3 hours
Activities & Services: Transfer to Lake Kivu & Night fishing
Day 9: Enjoy a Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu & Relax at the Lodge
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast before setting out on a serene boat cruise to explore the beauty, peacefulness, and tranquility of Lake Kivu.
During the cruise, visit several islands and delve into their intriguing history and traditional folklore. The boat ride also presents excellent bird-watching opportunities, with many water birds to be spotted.
After the cruise, return to your lodge and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, enjoying the relaxing ambiance.
The highlight of The Day is Boat cruise on Lake Kivu
Accommodation:- Midrange: Cormoran Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Activities & Services: Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu
Optional Activity: Full-day kayaking on Lake Kivu
Day 10: Full Day Market Experience & Relaxation at the Lodge
Explore a local market in Kibuye, immersing yourself in the local culture and trade practices. You discover the local means of trade, products on sale, and what a Rwanda market looks like in an African countryside society.
Spend the evening relaxing at your lodge.
Highlight: Local market tour. Accommodation:
- Midrange: Cormoran Lodge
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Activities & Services: Market visit
Day 11: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Visit the Gorilla Guardian Cultural Village
On the eleventh day of your 16-day Rwanda safari tour, start with breakfast at 8 am. Then, set off on a scenic four-hour drive north via Gisenyi to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park. This park encompasses parts of the Virunga Mountains and five volcanoes that straddle the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo.
Not only is Volcanoes National Park one of Africa’s most picturesque locations, but it also offers the chance for up-close encounters with the iconic mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Upon arrival, dive into an enchanting cultural experience at the Gorilla Guardian Cultural Village. This replica village showcases traditional Rwandan life, offering you the chance to both spectate and participate in activities such as hunting skills, traditional dance and music, architecture, fashion, food preparation, weaving, local brew making, and meeting traditional healers.
Later in the evening, return to your lodge to relax, enjoy dinner, and spend the night.
Highlight: Cultural interaction at the Gorilla Guardian Village. Accommodation:
- Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Midrange: Da Vinci Lodge/La Palme Hotel/Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Kinigi Guest House
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Drive distance & time: Approx. 3-4 hours
- Activities & Services: Transfer to Volcanoes, visit Gorilla Guardian Cultural Village
Day 12: Hike Mount Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park
Day twelve of your 16 days Rwanda safari tour will be spent hiking Mt Bisoke (3,711 m). Enjoy a hearty breakfast at 6 am, and transfer to the park office in Kinigi at 7 am with your lunch box. Meet the park guides for a briefing before ascending the volcano. During the ascent, trek through different vegetation zones.
As you climb up to the higher slopes you come to a band of Hagenia forest, which then opens out to Lobelia bush as you approach the summit, after about 4 hours. A wide variety of birds are found on the slopes. A sizable crater lake dominates the summit, and on a clear day, the views are extensive. This is a great place to relax and enjoy your lunch, before starting your 2 hours descent.
After descending Mt Bisoke you’ll re-join your vehicle and guide the drive back to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Highlight: Summit experience on Mount Bisoke.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge/Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Midrange: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge/Da Vinci Lodge/La Palme Hotel
Budget: Kinigi Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Activities & Services: Mount Bisoke hike
Day 13: Gorilla Trekking Adventure & Relaxation at the Lodge
Enjoy an early morning breakfast before driving to the park offices. There, rangers will brief you on the procedures for Rwanda gorilla trekking, and then you’ll set off into the mountains. The park is home to approximately 300 endangered great apes, and the family group you’ll be trekking with is accustomed to human presence.
In wet, muddy, and humid conditions, this 2-6 hour trek can be quite challenging as you navigate dense vegetation and climb to the base of the Virunga Volcanoes, where the groups reside. Once you encounter the gorillas, you’ll be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime sighting of these gentle, human-like giants. For one hour, you can observe them as they interact, play, eat, groom, and go about their daily lives in their natural habitat.
Highlight: Face-to-face encounter with mountain gorillas.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge/Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Midrange: Da Vinci Lodge/Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge/La Palme Hotel
Budget: Kinigi Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities & Services: Gorilla trekking
Day 14: Golden Monkey Tracking & Visit to Musanze Caves
After a 6 am breakfast, return to the Virungas for golden monkey trekking. Golden monkeys, exclusive to the Virunga Mountains, reside in the bamboo forests. Their striking golden fur and lively demeanor make them an exciting sight.
The trek to find them is fairly easy, as they dwell at the mountain bases. Within about an hour, you’ll reach a habituated group of over 100 individuals. After this exhilarating encounter, head back to the lodge for relaxation and lunch. In the afternoon, delve into the Musanze Caves, exploring these ancient formations that stretch 2 km and date back 65 million years.
Highlight: Tracking golden monkeys.
Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge/Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Midrange: Da Vinci Lodge/Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge/La Palme Hotel
Budget: Kinigi Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities & Services: Golden monkey tracking, visit Musanze Caves
Day 15: Canoe Ride on the Twin Lakes & Return to Kigali for Relaxation
Day 15 of the 16 days Rwanda safari tour starts with a relaxed breakfast. Then embark on a canoeing trip on the Twin Lakes – Bulera and Ruhondo, which are located at the base of the volcano Mount Muhabura. Navigate these magnificent lakes’ deep blue waters as you take in the surrounding rolling hills and stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes.
Retire from the activity and embark on a leisurely drive back to Kigali. Arriving at your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.
Highlight: a scenic canoe ride on the Twin Lakes.
Accommodation: Luxury: Serena Hotel Kigali/Radison Blu/Hotel Mille Collines, Midrange: Hotel Chezlando
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities & Services: Canoe ride, transfer to Kigali
Day 16: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Accommodation: No accommodation
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Drive distance & time: Approx. 30 minutes
Activities & Services: Airport drop-off
Book your unforgettable 16-day Rwanda safari tour today for an unparalleled adventure through the land of a thousand hills!
