This 10-day Rwanda Safari offers an immersive journey through Rwanda’s most spectacular national parks and cultural highlights. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, Rwanda is one of Africa’s most scenic and wildlife-rich destinations.

The adventure begins in Kigali, a vibrant and clean capital city where visitors learn about Rwanda’s history and resilience. The safari then takes you east to Akagera National Park, a classic African savannah ecosystem home to the Big Five, large lakes, and diverse wildlife.

From Akagera, the journey continues south to the lush rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a biodiversity hotspot known for chimpanzees and numerous primate species.

The adventure concludes in the volcanic highlands of Volcanoes National Park, where travelers experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of trekking endangered mountain gorillas and observing golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

This safari perfectly combines wildlife encounters, primate trekking, scenic landscapes, and cultural experiences, making it one of the most complete Rwanda safari itineraries.

Our 10-day itinerary for this Rwanda tour is an example and fully customizable. Contact us(opens in a new tab) directly if you are interested in a personalized Rwanda Safari or other East Africa tour packages(opens in a new tab).

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: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide who will brief you about the upcoming adventure.

You will then transfer to your hotel in Kigali for relaxation before embarking on a short city tour. Highlights include a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and moving site that commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide and offers deep insight into Rwanda’s history and resilience.

Depending on arrival time, you may also explore local craft markets or enjoy panoramic views of the city’s rolling hills.

Overnight: Kigali Serena Hotel in a Standard room
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda near the Tanzanian border. The drive takes approximately 2–3 hours, offering scenic views of Rwanda’s countryside.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive in the park’s savannah plains.

Akagera is home to an impressive range of wildlife including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species. Bird enthusiasts will also find the park rewarding with over 500 bird species recorded.

Overnight: Akagera Safari Camp in cottage
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Game Drive & Boat Trip on Lake Ihema

Start the day with an early morning game drive, the best time to spot predators and other wildlife as they begin their day in the cool morning hours.

Explore the northern sector of Akagera National Park, where open savannah landscapes increase the chances of seeing large mammals including lions, elephants, and buffalo.

In the afternoon, enjoy an afternoon Scheduled boat cruise on Lake Ihema, the park’s largest lake. The cruise offers excellent opportunities to see hippos, Nile crocodiles, and a variety of water birds such as African fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers.

Overnight: Akagera Safari Camp in cottage
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda.

This scenic drive showcases Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, passing through rolling hills, traditional villages, and vast tea plantations.

Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge located near the forest. Spend the rest of the day relaxing while enjoying views of the lush rainforest canopy.

Overnight: Munazi Lodge – Nyungwe
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk

Wake up early for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Accompanied by experienced trackers, you will hike through the dense rainforest in search of chimpanzees. Once located, you will spend one hour observing them, watching their social interactions, feeding habits, and playful behavior.

In the afternoon, experience the famous Zipline & Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge high above the forest floor that offers breathtaking views of the rainforest and surrounding mountains.

Overnight: Munazi Lodge – Nyungwe
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Sunset Boat Cruise

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe Forest National Park and begin your scenic drive toward the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The journey offers breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, lush countryside, and charming lakeside towns.

Arrive in the vibrant lakeside town of Gisenyi, located on the northern shores of the lake, and check in at the elegant Kivu Serena Hotel. Nestled along the tranquil shoreline, the hotel offers spectacular lake views, beautiful gardens, and a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding after the forest adventures in Nyungwe.

In the late afternoon, head out for a sunset boat cruise on Lake Kivu. As the boat gently glides across the calm waters, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and small islands while the golden sunset reflects beautifully across the lake. This relaxing experience offers excellent opportunities for photography and a chance to appreciate the serene beauty of one of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations.

Return to Kivu Serena Hotel for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay by the lake.

Overnight: Kivu Serena Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.

The drive takes you along the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most beautiful lakes. You may stop for lunch and enjoy the spectacular views before continuing the journey.

Arrive in the evening with magnificent views of the Virunga Volcanoes that form the dramatic backdrop of the park.

Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Today is the highlight of the safari: mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. You will then begin the trek through bamboo forests and volcanic slopes in search of a habituated gorilla family.

The trek can take 2–8 hours depending on the gorillas’ location, but the reward is extraordinary. Once you encounter the gorillas, you will spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.

This close encounter with these gentle giants is often described as one of the most profound wildlife experiences on Earth.

Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Golden Monkey Tracking & Cultural Experience

After breakfast, head back into Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking.

These rare and playful primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and are known for their energetic movements through the bamboo forest.

In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you will experience traditional Rwandan culture. Activities include traditional dances, storytelling, local crafts, and insights into Rwanda’s cultural heritage.

Overnight: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Return to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali.

Depending on your departure schedule, you may visit local craft markets or enjoy lunch in the city before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your outbound flight.

This marks the end of your unforgettable Rwanda safari.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

1. Prices are valid for 2026 & 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.