10 DAYS BEST OF RWANDA – GORILLAS, CHIMPS, GOLDEN MONKIES & WILDLIFE SAFARI

Our Best of Rwanda 10-Day Tour is the perfect way to experience the rich diversity and breathtaking beauty of this stunning country. From the lush jungles of Volcanoes National Park to the savannahs of Akagera, the serene forests of Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura, and the cultural treasures scattered across Nyanza, Huye, and Kigali – this tour offers an unparalleled journey through Rwanda’s national parks, vibrant landscapes, and historic sites. Discover why Rwanda is known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills” on this unforgettable 9-day adventure.

Highlights

  • Kigali City Tour
  • Gorilla Trekking
  • Scenic road trips
  • Tropical rain forest walks
  • Boat cruise
  • Chimpanzee trekking
  • Culture

 Detailed Itinerary

Day One: Arrival at Kigali International Airport

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll proceed through immigration, a process that typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your arrival time. After clearing customs, a representative from Hooves of Africa Safaris will warmly greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali for an overnight stay. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a bed and breakfast arrangement.

Accommodation: Hotel Mile Collin

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Day Two: Pickup transfer to Akagera for a boat trip on lake Ihema

After breakfast, you’ll begin your scenic journey to Akagera National Park, located about 110 km (a 3-hour drive) east of Kigali. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Imigongo Art Café for a refreshing break. Continuing your drive, you’ll enter the park via the southern entrance and make your way to the lodge, which offers stunning views of Lake Ihema, the park’s largest lake, surrounded by swamp. The hippos often graze near the tents, and the natural sounds of the park create a truly immersive, wild atmosphere for your stay.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat excursion on Lake Ihema, the park’s largest water body, just a short distance from the lodge. This 2-hour trip offers a chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including hippos, Nile crocodiles, and other water animals. The highlight, however, is the incredible birdlife. Keep an eye out for species such as the whistling duck, African openbill stork, African jacana, squacco heron, goliath heron, grey heron, African darter, great cormorant, African Fish Eagle, pied kingfisher, little bee-eater, and the vibrant scarlet-chested sunbird.

Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day Three: Full Day game drive discovering Akagera national park

Today, embark on a full-day game drive through the northern part of Akagera National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot some of the park’s larger mammals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, impalas, waterbucks, and the elusive leopard. You may also encounter rhinos and the reintroduced lions. The route along the lake shore track is known for a higher concentration of wildlife, leading you towards the expansive northern plains.

Throughout the day, you’ll have access to designated picnic spots and rest areas with toilets. This area previously faced human-wildlife conflict, but it was successfully addressed with the installation of a fence along one side of the park, providing protection for both local communities and wildlife.

Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

Meal Plan: Full board

Day Four: Transfer from Akagera national park to Volcanoes national park

Enjoy breakfast in Akagera before heading back to Kigali, where you’ll stop for refreshments. Continue your journey towards Musanze, located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge, which features beautiful gardens, a swimming pool, and stunning views of the Virunga Mountains. Volcanoes National Park is renowned for its exceptional gorilla trekking experiences, providing an incredible opportunity to help conserve the endangered mountain gorillas while experiencing their natural habitat firsthand.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day Five: The iconic Gorilla trekking experience in the mist.

After an early breakfast, you’ll transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters at Kingi for a briefing with your rangers on the rules and regulations for your gorilla trek. Depending on your hiking ability, you can request to visit a specific gorilla family. Whether it’s a shorter or longer trek, the experience is always rewarding. You’ll have one hour to observe the gorillas—silverback, females, and playful youngsters. During this time, it’s important to follow your guide’s instructions closely, as anything disruptive can affect the experience. Be responsible, immerse yourself in the moment, and savor every second. After the trek, you’ll return to the center, where the park warden will present you with a small gift. From there, head back to your lodge for lunch and some relaxation.

In the evening, take part in a community walk, which offers a chance to positively impact local ex-poachers. Visit the Gorilla Guardian’s Village and engage in a cultural experience showcasing Rwandan art, music, and traditions. This immersive activity helps preserve the rich heritage of the area while contributing to gorilla conservation efforts. Afterward, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day Six: Golden Monkey trekking and sunset cruise on Lake Kivu.

Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to the Visitor Center for a briefing by park rangers, where you’ll learn the guidelines for tracking either the golden monkeys or gorillas, depending on your preference. After the session, venture into the lush rainforest with expert trackers to begin your adventure. Once the golden monkeys or gorillas are located, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing their fascinating behavior and social interactions, gaining insight into the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them. Enjoy a hot lunch at the lodge before transferring to the serene shores of Lake Kivu for an overnight stay. The afternoon is free for relaxation, or you can arrange optional activities with your guide at the hotel, paying directly for any added experiences. End the day with a delicious dinner and overnight stay by the lake, taking in the peaceful surrounding.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

 Day Seven: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest national park

As you continue your journey, marvel at the ever-changing landscapes—rolling hills, terraced farmland, and vibrant local villages—as you make your way to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Upon arrival, check into your lodge on the western edge of Nyungwe Forest, an idyllic spot that offers incredible access to the forest’s rich biodiversity.

Nyungwe is home to 12 primate species, including over 500 chimpanzees, as well as elusive black-and-white colobus monkeys, playful Hamlyn’s monkeys, and rare L’hoest monkeys. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 species of Afro-tropical birds, including 16 Albertine Rift endemics—a paradise for nature enthusiasts.

Settle into your lodge for a delicious dinner and unwind, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest, before heading to your room for a restful overnight stay.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Lodge

Meal Plan: Full board

Day Eight: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk Adventure

After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be ready for an exciting day of adventure. At 7:00 AM, your guide will take you to the park center, where you’ll receive a briefing from the park warden about the tracking guidelines and what to expect on your chimpanzee trek. The duration of the trek can vary, usually taking anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on where the chimps are located. The forest is full of surprises, and the trek itself is an exciting adventure in itself. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you’ll have the rare privilege to spend 1 hour observing them in their natural habitat. In addition to the chimps, you may encounter other fascinating primates such as the L’hoest monkeys and the iconic black-and-white colobus monkeys, making for a truly memorable experience.

The Nyungwe Canopy Walk offers a breathtaking perspective of the forest from a 75-meter-high suspension bridge, giving you sweeping views of the lush rainforest below. The walk is an exhilarating opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant ecosystem of Nyungwe and spot birds and primates from above. The canopy experience lasts 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how much you explore.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Lodge

Meal Plan: Full board

Day Nine: Transfer back to Kigali with en route stops for cultural experience.

After a satisfying breakfast, you’ll begin your journey from Nyungwe back to Kigali, covering a distance of 224 km (roughly 6 hours by road). Along the way, you’ll enjoy a fascinating stop at the Ethnographic Museum in Butare. This museum offers a deep dive into Rwanda’s rich cultural history, showcasing an impressive collection of artifacts that illustrate the lives, traditions, and customs of the Rwandan people. It’s a perfect introduction to the heart and soul of the country.

After the cultural experience, you’ll continue your journey toward Kigali, arriving in the early afternoon. For lunch, you’ll head to Khan Kazan Restaurant, known for its delicious, flavorful cuisine—perfect for refueling after the drive. Overnight in Kigali (please note that dinner is not included at hotel so you will pay it directly)

Accommodation: Hotel Mile Collin

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

Day Ten: City Tour and transfer to the airport.

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali to begin your day with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This powerful and moving tour provides an in-depth look at Rwanda’s tragic history and its inspiring journey toward healing and development, highlighting its remarkable transformation into one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Afterward, we’ll head to Kimironko Market for an authentic African shopping experience, where you can explore local groceries, vibrant crafts, and unique souvenirs. Next, enjoy a scenic city drive, with your guide offering recommendations for a delightful coffee or lunch spot where you can unwind and take in the local atmosphere. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have the option to relax at the lodge, enjoying its amenities before we transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your unforgettable safari experience.

Accommodation: None

Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast

Included

  • 4×4 Customized Safari Vehicle and professional English-speaking guide
  • All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
  • 1 Gorilla Permit per person
  • 1 Chimpanzee Permit
  • 1 Golden Monkey Permit
  • Mid-range Accommodation as per the itinerary
  • Drinking water in the vehicle
  • Activities mentioned in the itinerary

Excluded

  • Porter fees $20 per person
  • En route lunches
  • Tips or any additional costs of personal nature

Anything not mentioned in the itinerary