11 Days Rwanda Safari – Overview

11 days Rwanda safari is a 10 nights/11 days Rwanda tour that offers you the best highlights of Rwanda; Gorilla trekking, Chimpanzee tracking, game viewing, lake Kivu boat, scenery viewing, community tours, historical tours, and more!

Starting and ending in Kigali, this 11 days Rwanda safari takes you on an incredible adventure in Nyungwe Forest, where you’ll have a chance to track wild chimpanzees on foot, spot monkeys, and walk across a treetop canopy walkway.

After your time in Nyungwe, you’ll relax on the lovely shores of Lake Kivu, before traveling to Volcanoes National Park to trek the famous mountain gorillas and endemic golden monkeys.

Once you’ve had enough thrills and adventure for a lifetime, go back to Kigali, the greenest and cleanest city in Africa. Have some urban relaxation and tour the genocide memorials.

From there, transfer to Akagera, one of East Africa’s most scenic Savannah parks and where you can access the “big five” animals and 5 lakes in one single day.

You book or customize this amazing 12-day Rwanda safari to your safari interests.

11 Days Rwanda Safari – Prime Safaris Activities

• Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Track endemic Golden monkeys
• Trek for chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
• Track Colobus Monkey in Nyungwe Forest
• Experience a canopy walk via a treetop walkway in Nyungwe
• Search for the “Big Five” on game drives in Akagera
• Enjoy a boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Ihema
• Drive through the gorgeous landscapes of Rwanda
• Relax on the stunning, palm-fringed shores of Lake Kivu
• Enjoy a boat cruise through Lake Kivu’s beautiful islands
• Relax at comfortable Rwanda safari lodges
• Trace the tragic history of Rwanda at the Genocide Memorials
• Visit Iby’iwacu Village for a community experience
• Tour Ethnographic Museum and King’s Palace

11 Days Rwanda Safari – Features Safari Destinations

Day 1: Kigali

Day 2 & 3: Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day 4: Lake Kivu – Gisenyi beach

Day 5, 6 & 7: Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwacu Village

Day 8: Kigali City & Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre

Day 9 & 10: Nyamata Genocide Memorial & Akagera National Park

Day 11: Departure

11 Days Rwanda Safari – Highlights

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Drive to Nyungwe Forest. Visit Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking & canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest

Day 4: Transfer Lake Kivu – Gisenyi for relaxation

Day 5: Boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Drive to Volcanoes National Park in the evening

Day 6: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes. Relaxation at the lodge

Day 7: Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes. Visit Ibywachu Cultural Village

Day 8: Drive to Kigali City. Tour the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre

Day 9: Tour the Nyamata Genocide Memorial. Drive to Akagera National Park

Day 10: Enjoy a morning game drive & afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema

Day 11: Transfer back to Kigali city – depart

11 Days Rwanda Safari – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive At Kigali International Airport & Transfer To Your Hotel. 

At Kigali Airport, our welcoming company representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall of the airport with your name on a signboard.

After loading your luggage into your 4×4 safari vehicle, you will be transferred to your comfortable accommodation in Kigali for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda. Located almost in the middle of the country, Kigali is home to around 1.1 million people. Famous for its ‘Umuganda’ concept – this is probably the cleanest city you’ll ever visit!

On the last Saturday of every month, one person in every Rwandan household must clean, fix or do maintenance work outside.

The word ‘Umuganda’ can be roughly translated to “community service” and has been practiced by Rwandans for 10 years.

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: Drive From Nyungwe Forest National Park. Tour The Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace En-route.

After an early breakfast on this day two of your 11 days Rwanda safari, embark on a 5-6 hour drive south through the beautiful rolling hills, passing lush tea plantations.

Make a stop in Butare, the old Rwandan capital city. Visit the biggest ethnological museum in East Africa for rich insight into the social-cultural history of Rwanda

From there, continue to Nyanza. Tour the King’s Palace and learn about the royal style, the smartness, and the authority of pre-colonial Rwanda.

Meet the royal cows on the site and listen to the songs the herders sing as part of the grooming process. Then, explore the halls of the simple, modern home of the country’s last king.

Thereafter, complete your scenic drive to Nyungwe, a dense forest of old mahoganies, orchids, and unique epiphytes.

This stunning rain forest is famous for its chimpanzees as well as 12 other primate species. It boasts over 300 bird species. Today, relax at your lodge as you prepare for your chimp trek tomorrow.

Highlight of the Day: – Learning about Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage

Accommodation:-

Luxury: – Nyungwe Forest Lodge/One & Only Nyungwe House

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
• Tour Ethnographic Museum & King’s Palace

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk In Nyungwe Forest

Wake up early morning for a quick breakfast and then transfer to the park’s visitor center at 5 am to meet your expert local guides. After a short briefing, embark on a 2-5 hour trek into the forest to see some of the park’s 500 chimpanzees.

As our closest living relatives, chimps share 98.7% DNA and it’s an exhilarating experience to observe them in the wild.

Chimpanzees communicate with pant hoots, screams, and by hitting the tree buttress so you may hear them before you actually see them!

Upon reaching them, spend one hour watching them playing and interacting in their natural habitat – an incredible sight.

Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, go for a two-hour canopy walk. Walk above the dark forest on an extended 200m and shaking bridge suspended above 70 meters.

This will be a challenging experience where you’ll find yourself above the flying birds, monkeys, and tropical trees. The view is amazing!

Highlight of the Day: – Trekking for wild Chimps 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: – Chimp trekking, Canopy walk

Day 4: Transfer To Lake Kivu – Gisenyi Beach For Relaxation

On day four of your 12 days Rwanda safari holiday, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, before embarking on a 7-8 hour drive north.

Drive through lush tea and coffee plantations, along the scenic Congo Nile Divide Trail to Gisenyi on the northern shore of Lake Kivu.

Known for its immaculate beaches and warm, safe swimming waters, Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and a wonderful destination for relaxation.

Your driver will take you straight to your hotel, where you can relax for the night unwinding and resting after your adventures in Nyungwe

Highlight of the Day: – Scenic drive to Lake Kivu

Accommodation:-

Luxury: – Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Midrange: – Paradise Kivu Resort/Hotel Gorillas Lake Kivu

Budget: – Hotel Paradis Malahide

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive Distance & Time: – 294km/7-8 hours

Activities & Services: –

• Transfer to Lake Kivu

Day 5: Boat Cruise on Lake Kivu. Drive to Volcanoes National Park.

Today have your breakfast at 8 am and then embark on a thrilling boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Explore the scenic shores and take in the mesmerizing views across the lake.

Visit some islands and learn about their intriguing history and traditional folklore. Also, look out for lots of waterbirds on the Lake.

Return to your lodge for relaxation and lunch. Later in the evening, take a 2-hour drive north to Volcanoes National Park which is the Rwandan section of the Virunga Volcanoes.

These mountains are linked by fertile saddles, formed by lava flows, and are one of the most striking sights in East Africa.

Their green-cloaked flanks are the last refuge to 604 of the world’s 1063 endangered mountain gorillas. These creatures, made famous by Dian Fossey, are slowly increasing in numbers, thanks to carefully managed tourism.

The park also hosts the endemic and endangered golden monkeys.

Highlight of the Day: – Boat cruise on Lake Kivu

Accommodation:-

Luxury: – Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge

Midrange: – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Budget: – Muhabura Hotel

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – 110km/2 hours

Activities & Services:-

• Boat cruise on Lake Kivu
• Transfer to Volcanoes NP

Optional Activities: – Swimming, Kayaking on Lake Kivu

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes & Relaxation at The Lodge

Gorilla trekking day! After breakfast at 6 am, head to the nearby park headquarters where you’ll meet your ranger guide, and be briefed at 7 am.

At 8 am, trek into the forest to meet a family of Mountain Gorillas. Gorilla trekking can take anything from 30 mins to 7 hours and can involve a combination of steep muddy slopes, dense vegetation, slippery underfoot conditions after rain, and high altitude. It is recommended to be reasonably fit.

On finding the gorillas, you’re allowed to spend one hour with them, going about their day feeding, playing, grooming, and socializing.

Under the ever-watchful eye of a dominant, giant silverback, you’ll encounter between a dozen and thirty other gorillas, each with their own personalities, from cocky adolescents and wise mothers to young ones rolling through the bamboo.  It’s always a magical experience.

Return to your lodge and spend the remainder of the day resting.

Highlight of the Day: – Trekking the fascinating Mountain Gorillas.

Accommodation:-

Luxury: – Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge

Midrange: – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Budget: – Muhabura Hotel

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services: –

• Gorilla trekking

Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking. Visit Ibywachu Cultural Village.

A different day in the forest today – enjoy an early breakfast and then transfer to the park headquarters to be briefed.

After the briefing, set off in the morning to track one of the troops of golden monkeys – the “little primates” of the Virungas.

Golden monkeys live in troops of up 100 members on the lower slopes of the forest, making it an easier trek. They are wonderfully lively and entertaining to watch, leaping through the bamboo above your head!

You spend up to an hour observing their charming antics. Return to the lodge for some relaxation and lunch.

After lunch, visit the Iby’Iwacu Village for a wonderful and interactive experience of the Rwandan culture, lifestyle, traditional weddings, dance, and entertainment.

Villagers are very welcoming and happy to receive new faces. Over the evening, you’ll return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Highlight of the Day: – Tracking rare Golden monkeys

Accommodation:-

Luxury: – Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge

Midrange: – Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Budget: – Muhabura Hotel

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities & Services: –

• Golden monkey trekking
• Ibyiwacu Village visit

Optional Activities: – Dian Fossey Hike, Mount Bisoke hike

Day 8: Drive to Kigali City. Tour Kigali Genocide Memorial.

After breakfast at 6 am, embark on a 2-3 hour drive back to Kigali City. Drive with impressive views of the scenic Rwandan hills en route.

On arrival, visit the insightful Kigali Genocide Memorial and learn about the most recent and deadliest event of humanity.

You’ll respect the 250,000 souls who rest in the backyard after an hour of experiencing the day-per-day genocide period.

After this extremely moving and educational historical experience, visit the campaign against genocide located in the current parliament building.

You’ll learn about the resilience and commitment of the current Rwandan leaders to make this tiny country one of the fastest economies in the world. You can even opt to have lunch at Hotel des Mille Collines, one of the historic places in Kigali.

After the tour, continue to your hotel for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Highlight of The Day: – Getting insight into Rwanda’s history

Accommodation:-        

Luxury: – Hotel Mille Collines/Serena Hotel Kigali/Radison blu

Midrange: – Hotel Chezlando

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive distance & time: – 116km/2-3 hours

Activities & Services:-

• Kigali Genocide memorial visit

Day 9: Visit Nyamata Genocide Memorial. Drive to Akagera NP.

After a relaxed breakfast, visit the genocide memorial at Nyamata, about 30km south of Kigali. Nyamata is a deeply disturbing memorial where some 50,000 people died.

It was a church and people thought that by gathering in the church, they would survive the militias. But, they did not survive as they were attacked and killed. From there, proceed on the drive to Akagera, arriving in the evening.

Akagera is Rwanda’s largest park, home to a wide variety of wildlife including the “big five’’ and over 490 bird species.

Its attractive Savannah plains are dotted with swamps and lakes. Check into your lodge for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Highlight of the Day: – The Genocide Memorial tour

Accommodation:-

Luxury: – Ruzizi Tented Lodge/Magashi Camp

Midrange: – Akagera Game Lodge

Budget: – Dereva Hotel

Meal Plan: – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Drive Distance & Time: – Approx.  165km/2-3 hours

Activities & Services:-

• Visiting Nyamata Genocide Memorial
• Transfer to Akagera

Optional Activities: –

• Sunset boat cruise
• Night game drive

Day 10: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Cruise

Day ten of your 11 days Rwanda safari starts at breakfast at 6 am. After breakfast, go for a 3-4 hour morning game drive in search of the big five as the sun comes up.

Also, look out for the big five, Zebras, Giraffes, Warthogs, Hyenas, Baboons, Topi, Impalas, Waterbucks, Elands, Bushbucks, and more on large open plains.

Return to the lodge for lunch and some free time to relax. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

View large crocodiles and many hippos. Watch elephants and buffaloes, as they gather at the lakeshore to drink water.

Also, see plenty of waterbirds; there are almost 500 bird species around the lake.  Retire for relaxation, dinner, and overnight.

Highlight of the Day: – Morning game drive in Akagera

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 on Lake Ihema

Optional Activities:-

• Night game drive
• Sportfishing on Lake Shakani

Day 11: Transfer Back To Kigali City & Departure.

Enjoy breakfast and start driving from the south to the Northern part of the park. You will have a chance to see the big five – Lion, Elephants, Buffalo, Rhino, Leopards, and other wildlife.

You’ll exit through Kilala plains an animal and human picnic area where you’ll get your last selfie of this trip. Continue on the drive to Kigali to mark the end of this remarkable 11 days Rwanda safari trip.

Highlight of the Day: – Game drive in Akagera

Meal Plan: – Breakfast

Activities & Services:-

• Morning game drive
• Transfer back to Kigali

End of The 11 Days Rwanda Safari

Safari Inclusions

• Gorilla Permit
• Chimpanzee Permit (for chimpanzee trekking safaris)
• Full Board Accommodation on Safari
• Transportation in either 4X4 Safari Van or 4X4 Safari Land Cruiser all with Pop up roof & AC
• Fuel
• Professional English Speaking driver guide. Any other foreign language speaking guide can be arranged on request.
• Entrance fees to the tourist sites including Protected areas mentioned
• Activity fees of the tourist activities mentioned
• Bottled water while on safari

Safari Exclusions

• General tips for the driver guide, site guides, and service staff at the lodges
• Laundry Services
• Other Beverages/drinks of personal nature like Alcohol
• International Flights
• Domestic Flights (Arranged on request)
• Visas
• Optional Activity fees
• Other extras not mentioned in the Itinerary
• Airport Transfer (Arranged on request)
• Accommodation in Kigali (Arranged on request)

Your Safari Route