This 12-day Rwanda Safari in Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Akagera National Park will take you to some of Rwanda’s most amazing destinations. Hike through Nyungwe Forest National Park and search for the elusive mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy all that Rwanda has to offer from Kigali to Musanze!
This comprehensive Rwanda Safari combines primate encounters in Volcanoes and Nyungwe National Parks, cultural discoveries, and a Big Five safari in Rwanda's Akagera National Park. Your safari adventure takes you through three distinct national parks, each offering unique wildlife experiences and natural wonders that showcase the country's incredible biodiversity.
The immersive Rwanda Safari includes tracking endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, observing chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, and witnessing the Big Five in Akagera National Park. From the serene shores of Lake Kivu to the cultural heritage sites that dot the countryside, this journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion. Your accommodations range from luxury lodges to comfortable hotels, ensuring a restful stay after each day's explorations.
Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Canopy walk experience in Nyungwe
Golden monkey tracking
Game drives in Akagera National Park
Visit to the historic Nyanza King's Palace
Lake Kivu exploration
Cultural village experience
Twin Lakes visit (Burera and Ruhondo)
Genocide memorial visits
Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
Bird watching in various locations
Your Rwanda Safari journey begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport by your expert Dav Safaris guide. During this introduction, you'll receive a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming adventure while being transferred to your hotel in Kigali's vibrant center. The safari experience starts with a relaxing evening at your comfortable hotel, located approximately 15 minutes from the airport in the Kacyiru district of Kigali.
Your Rwanda Safari continues with an early departure towards Nyungwe Forest. This route takes you through Rwanda's cultural heartland, stopping at the historic Nyanza King's Palace, a royal residence that tells the story of Rwanda's monarchical past. The journey includes visits to the national museum in Butare and the poignant Murambi Genocide Memorial. You'll arrive at Nyungwe Forest National Park in the late afternoon, settling into your accommodation at the edge of one of Africa's oldest rainforests
This day of your Rwanda Safari focuses on an exhilarating chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe Forest. Your Rwanda Safari adventure begins at dawn, as you join expert trackers in search of one of the park's habituated chimpanzee groups. The Rwanda Safari experience includes observing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat, with the tracking usually lasting 2-5 hours depending on the chimps' location. The afternoon allows time for relaxation at your lodge, surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
Today's Rwanda Safari activity features the thrilling Nyungwe canopy walk, suspended 60 meters above the forest floor. This unique Rwanda Safari perspective offers a bird's eye view of the forest canopy and its inhabitants. The Rwanda Safari Day continues with an afternoon nature walk to spot colobus monkeys, ending with stunning views of the sunset over the forest canopy.
The Rwanda Safari journey takes you to Kibuye on Lake Kivu's shores. Your Rwanda Safari route winds through the "Land of a Thousand Hills," offering breathtaking views at every turn. This Rwanda Safari Day includes stops at local villages and viewpoints, arriving at Kibuye in time for a late lunch at Betania Guest House, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Kivu.
Your Rwanda Safari continues along Lake Kivu's shoreline to Gisenyi. During this Rwanda Safari transfer, you'll have the option of traveling by speed boat or vehicle, both offering unique perspectives of the lake. The Rwanda Safari experience includes exploring Congo Nile Trail viewpoints and visiting local fishing villages along the way.
This relaxing day of your Rwanda Safari begins at Kivu Serena Beach, where you can swim in Lake Kivu's crystal-clear waters. The Rwanda Safari then continues to Musanze (25 km, 45 minutes), the gateway to mountain gorilla tracking. Your Rwanda Safari experience includes a visit to Ibyiwacu Cultural Village, where you'll learn about traditional Rwandan culture.
A highlight of your Rwanda Safari awaits with gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park. This Rwanda Safari experience begins at the park headquarters in Kinigi at 7:00 AM. The Rwanda Safari adventure includes tracking one of the park's mountain gorilla families through the bamboo forests and spending an hour with these magnificent creatures.
Your Rwanda Safari continues with golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. This Rwanda Safari Day includes an afternoon excursion to the scenic Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, where local fishing boats dot the water. The Rwanda Safari experience offers excellent opportunities for photography and bird watching.
The Rwanda Safari journey takes you east to Akagera National Park. Your Rwanda Safari route passes through Kigali before reaching Rwanda's only savannah park. The Rwanda Safari Day includes an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema, home to numerous hippos and crocodiles.
A full-day Rwanda Safari game drive in Akagera reveals the park's diverse wildlife. This Rwanda Safari experience showcases the park's successful conservation story, where you might spot the recently reintroduced black rhinos and lions. The Rwanda Safari Day includes exploring various habitats from savannah to wetlands.
Your final Rwanda Safari Day includes a visit to the Ntarama Church Genocide Memorial, located 30 km south of Kigali. This Rwanda Safari concludes with a transfer to Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your comprehensive exploration of Rwanda's natural and cultural heritage.