Experience the very best of Rwanda on an extraordinary 10 days luxury journey combining world-class wildlife, primate encounters, breathtaking landscapes, refined hospitality, and authentic cultural experiences.

Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant and elegant capital, with VIP airport assistance, a private luxury 4×4, a guided city and cultural experience, and a gourmet welcome dinner. From Kigali, journey east to Akagera National Park, where thrilling Big Five game drives are complemented by a private cruise on Lake Ihema, offering close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and abundant birdlife.

Continue south to the ancient Nyungwe Rainforest, travelling through Rwanda’s picturesque tea country. Explore the spectacular Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, experience the region’s tea culture, and unwind in exceptional rainforest surroundings.

The journey then moves to the shores of Lake Kivu, where you board the luxurious Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga for an exclusive two-night cruise. Sail through the lake’s emerald waters, explore its islands, experience local fishing culture, kayak, relax onboard, and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

The final highlight is Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas. After settling into an elite eco-lodge, embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience, spending precious time observing a wild gorilla family in their natural habitat. Complete your adventure with a Golden Monkey trek before returning to Kigali for your international departure.

This carefully designed luxury itinerary combines private travel, premium accommodation, exclusive experiences, wildlife, primates, nature, culture, and relaxation into one unforgettable Rwanda experience.

All of our tours can be personalised. For most safari itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions upon request. To find out more, contact us directly(opens in a new tab).

Prices indicated are per person (p/p).

Additional Pricing

Day 1: Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills

• Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL). Fast-track VIP clearance and transfer via luxury 4×4 private Land Cruiser to your boutique city hotel.
• Evening: Welcome dinner curated by an executive chef featuring fusion Rwandan flavors.
• Overnight: The Retreat by Heaven or Radisson Blu Kigali (Luxury Executive Suites).

Day 2: Capital Culture & Transfer to the Savannah

• Morning: Private guided tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial and a visit to local high-end art galleries.
• Afternoon: Drive east to Akagera National Park, passing through scenic local villages.
• Evening: Arrive at your safari lodge. Settle into your lake-facing balcony room and enjoy a sundowner overlooking the park.
• Overnight: Salt of Akagera Lodge (Balcony Rooms, All-Inclusive).

Day 3: The Big Five Safari & Private Water Cruise

• Morning: Early sunrise game drive in search of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo.
• Afternoon: Private luxury boat launch on Lake Ihema to get up close with hippos, massive Nile crocodiles, and rare waterbirds.
• Evening: Boma-style bush dinner under the African stars.
• Overnight: Salt of Akagera Lodge (All-Inclusive).

Day 4: Journey South to the Primate Capital

• Morning: Final morning game drive out of Akagera as you travel south towards the ancient Nyungwe Rainforest.
• Afternoon: Scenic drive through rolling tea plantations. Stop for a private, gourmet picnic lunch en route.
• Evening: Arrive at the edge of the rainforest. Unwind with a complimentary spa treatment or a swim in the infinity pool.
• Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 5: Canopy Walkway & Tea Estate Experience

• Morning: Embark on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, a suspended bridge swinging 70 meters above the jungle floor.
• Afternoon: A private estate tour where guests hand-pick tea leaves, witness the traditional sorting process, and enjoy an exclusive tasting flight.
• Evening: Multi-course dinner pairing international techniques with locally sourced rainforest ingredients.
• Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House.

Day 6: Boarding the Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga

• Morning: Transfer to the docks of Lake Kivu. Board your ultra-luxury floating hotel—the Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga.
• Afternoon: Set sail on a 2-night luxury cruise along Africa’s Great Rift Valley lake. Indulge in an onboard massage or relax on the upper deck splash pool.
• Evening: Captain’s welcome dinner paired with premium wines.
• Overnight: Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga (Luxury Cabin, Fully Inclusive).

Day 7: Island Trekking & Lakeside Fishing Culture

• Morning: Cruise past emerald islands. Drop anchor for a guided hike on Napoleon Island to spot a massive fruit bat colony.
• Afternoon: Kayak along the calm inlets or meet the local “singing fishermen” as they prep their multi-hulled boats.
• Evening: Sunset dinner deck cruise showcasing the volcanic peaks of the Virunga chain in the distance.
• Overnight: Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga (Luxury Cabin, Fully Inclusive).

Day 8: Disembark to Volcanoes National Park

• Morning: Disembark the yacht at the northern shore of Lake Kivu.
• Afternoon: Drive up into the dramatic, mist-shrouded foothills of Volcanoes National Park. Check into an elite eco-lodge.
• Evening: Mandatory briefing with your private guide to prepare for tomorrow’s gorilla trek.
• Overnight: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest or Wilderness Bisate.

Day 9: The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience

• Morning: Early transfer to park headquarters. Trek into the bamboo forests to spend an unforgettable, exclusive hour sitting meters away from a wild Mountain Gorilla family.
• Afternoon: Return to the lodge for a warm welcome, muddy boot-cleaning service, and a celebratory lunch.
• Evening: Traditional cultural performance by local community members over an elite farewell dinner.
• Overnight: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest or Wilderness Bisate.

Day 10: Golden Monkeys & Depart Kigali

• Morning: Track the playful, endangered Golden Monkeys in the lower park bamboo forests.
• Afternoon: Drive back down to Kigali. Enjoy a final afternoon use of a luxury day-room suite for changing and packing.
• Evening: Private airport transfer for your international flight home.

1. Prices are valid for 2027.
2. The itinerary mentioned for this tour is an example which can be tailored to your wishes.
3. The lodges and hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. In the event that a property is unavailable, we will be pleased to offer a suitable alternative of a similar range, quality, and service standard to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
4. The Gorilla Tracking included in this safari depends on the availability of gorilla trekking permits at the time of booking. These permits are strictly limited and sold out in advance, especially during peak seasons of Christmas and school holidays. We therefore strongly recommend booking early.
5. The lodges and hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. In the event that a property is unavailable, we will be pleased to offer a suitable alternative of a similar range, quality, and service standard to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
6. The safari indicated here is essentially an offer. Changes in the course of the journey, the duration of your tour, the number of travelers, as well as the choice of accommodation are subject to availability, although we always endeavor to stick as closely as possible to this programme. For most itineraries, we can offer luxury, mid-range or budget versions of this safari upon request.
7. Sometimes it is not possible to adhere to the travel plan as described in this itinerary, due to weather and road conditions, authority regulations, organizational requirements, etc. Occasionally, the planned route of the tour has to change according to the situation on the ground. We must therefore explicitly refuse liability for adherence to the journey plan.
8. By booking this safari, the client accepts Manya Africa Tours Terms and Conditions(opens in a new tab) of business.