This 11-day Rwanda great adventure safaris itinerary blends gorilla trekking, Big Five game drives, rainforest hikes, and rich cultural experiences. Explore Nyungwe, Akagera, Volcanoes, Lake Kivu, and Kigali in one seamless journey. Ideal for travelers seeking immersive nature, wildlife, and heritage in Rwanda.
Ready for a trip that combines wildlife experiences with deep cultural immersion? This 11-day Rwanda great adventure safaris itinerary offers the ultimate exploration of Rwanda’s diverse landscapes from misty rainforests and savannah plains to volcanic mountains and serene lakeshores. Begin in Nyungwe Forest with tea plantation tours, chimpanzee trekking, and canopy walks, then hike to waterfalls and spot colobus monkeys. Continue to Akagera National Park for classic Big Five safaris, rhino tracking on foot, and sunset boat cruises. Head north to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking and cultural experiences at Iby’Iwacu Village, followed by a hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb. Relax at Lake Kivu with water sports and community visits before concluding in Kigali with a city tour that highlights Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. Throughout your Rwanda great adventure safaris, you’ll enjoy expert-guided activities, scenic transfers, and meaningful interactions with local communities. This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking a well-rounded, immersive experience that combines nature, conservation, and culture in one unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nyungwe for Tea Plantation Tours
Day 2: Chimps Trekking with Canopy Walk
Day 3: Nature Walk with Colobus Monkeys and Waterfall Hikes
Day 4: Transfer to Akagera for Boat Cruise and Evening Game Drive
Day 5: Early Game Drive, Big Five Safari and Rhino Tracking on Foot
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes for Cultural Tour
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking with Twin Lake Relaxation
Day 8: Dian Fossey Tomb Hike, Transfer to Lake Kivu Relaxation
Day 9: Water Adventures with Community Tours
Day 10: Return to Kigali for City Discovery
Day 11: Departure
Begin your Rwanda great adventure safaris with a scenic transfer from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through rolling hills and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of nearby tea plantations, where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s thriving tea industry and interact with local farmers. Walk through verdant fields, taste freshly brewed tea, and capture stunning views of the forested valleys. This first day of your Rwanda great adventure safaris offers a gentle cultural immersion and sets the tone for the nature-rich experiences ahead, blending agriculture, community, and scenic beauty
Day two of your Rwanda great adventure safaris begins with an early morning chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Track these lively primates through dense foliage, observing their behavior and vocalizations. After lunch, embark on the famous canopy walk a 70-meter-high suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the forest and sightings of colobus monkeys and exotic birds. This day of Rwanda great adventure safaris combines thrilling wildlife encounters with breathtaking scenery, making it a highlight for nature lovers and adventure seekers
Continue your Rwanda great adventure safaris with a guided nature walk through Nyungwe’s rich biodiversity. Spot colobus monkeys leaping through the treetops and learn about the forest’s unique flora and fauna. The trail leads to the stunning Isumo Waterfall, where misty cascades and lush surroundings create a serene escape. This immersive hike offers both relaxation and discovery, perfect for travelers seeking deeper connection with nature. As part of your Rwanda great adventure safaris, today’s activities blend wildlife observation with scenic exploration, showcasing the forest’s ecological richness and tranquility
On day four of your Rwanda great adventure safaris, transfer to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. After settling in, enjoy a peaceful boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where hippos, crocodiles, and water birds create a vibrant aquatic scene. Later, embark on an evening game drive to spot nocturnal wildlife and catch golden-hour views of the park’s rolling plains. This day of Rwanda great adventure safaris introduces you to Rwanda’s diverse ecosystems, transitioning from rainforest to savannah and offering a fresh perspective on the country’s natural beauty
Rise early for a game drive in Akagera, a highlight of your Rwanda great adventure safaris. Spot the Big Five lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos while traversing the park’s varied terrain. Later, join expert rangers for a guided rhino tracking experience on foot, offering a rare and intimate encounter with these majestic creatures. This day of Rwanda great adventure safaris is packed with adrenaline and awe, showcasing Rwanda’s successful conservation efforts and giving you unforgettable moments in the wild. It’s a must for safari enthusiasts and wildlife photographers
Day six of your Rwanda great adventure safaris takes you north to Volcanoes National Park, passing scenic countryside and local villages. Upon arrival, enjoy a cultural tour at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll meet former poachers turned conservationists, participate in traditional dances, and learn about Rwandan heritage. This enriching experience adds depth to your Rwanda great adventure safaris, connecting wildlife conservation with community empowerment. It’s a meaningful way to understand the human side of Rwanda’s ecological success and engage with local traditions in a respectful, interactive setting
Go on the most exciting experience of your Rwanda great adventure safaris mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing, hike through misty forests to meet one of the habituated gorilla families, observing their behavior in their natural habitat. The encounter is emotional, powerful, and unforgettable. After the trek, unwind at the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where you can enjoy lakeside views and gentle walks. This day of Rwanda great adventure safaris blends high adventure with serene beauty, offering a perfect balance of thrill and tranquility
Begin day eight of your Rwanda great adventure safaris with a hike to the Dian Fossey tomb and Karisoke Research Center, honoring her legacy in gorilla conservation. Learn about her groundbreaking work and the ongoing efforts to protect mountain gorillas. After the hike, transfer to Lake Kivu for an afternoon of relaxation at a lakeside resort. Enjoy the calm waters, scenic views, and refreshing atmosphere. This transitional day of Rwanda great adventure safaris connects conservation history with lakeside leisure, offering reflection and rest after the intensity of gorilla trekking
Enjoy a full day of water-based fun and cultural exploration as part of your Rwanda great adventure safaris. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, or boat rides on Lake Kivu’s tranquil waters. Later, visit local communities to learn about fishing traditions, coffee production, and artisan crafts. Engage with locals through storytelling and hands-on activities. This day of Rwanda great adventure safaris blends adventure with meaningful interaction, allowing you to experience Rwanda’s lakeside lifestyle and support community-based tourism. It’s a vibrant, engaging way to connect with both nature and people
Travel back to Kigali for a final day of exploration on your Rwanda great adventure safaris. Visit landmarks like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and Inema Arts Center, gaining insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and creativity. Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local restaurant and reflect on your journey through Rwanda’s diverse landscapes and cultures. This day of Rwanda great adventure safaris ties together the threads of adventure, conservation, and heritage, offering a thoughtful conclusion to your immersive experience
On the final day of your Rwanda great adventure safaris, enjoy a relaxed morning before your airport transfer. Whether you’re heading home or onward to another destination, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of gorilla encounters, savannah safaris, rainforest treks, and cultural exchanges. This closing chapter of your Rwanda great adventure safaris marks the end of a transformative journey through one of Africa’s most captivating and inspiring countries