Gorilla Tour Booking Safaris

Go beyond the gorillas and discover the astonishing diversity of the Land of a Thousand Hills. This comprehensive 12-day odyssey takes you from the vast savannas of Akagera

to the primordial rainforests of Nyungwe and the misty volcanoes of the north, culminating in serene relaxation on the shores of Lake Kivu. Experience the wildlife, culture, and breathtaking landscapes that make Rwanda a world-class destination.

Overview:
This twelve-day adventure is meticulously crafted for the traveler who wants to see it all. Rwanda's compact size is its superpower, allowing you to experience vastly different ecosystems without long, arduous travel days. You will track the famed Big Five on thrilling game drives, walk amidst chimpanzees in a dense canopy, be humbled by a family of mountain gorillas, and connect with the resilient and welcoming spirit of the Rwandan people. This is more than a vacation; it's a deep and rewarding immersion into the heart of Africa.

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – A Warm Welcome

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL), you will be personally greeted by your expert guide. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your chosen hotel in the city.

The rest of your day is at leisure to unwind, relax by the pool, and acclimatize to the gentle Rwandan climate.

Accommodation: Choose from: YAMBI Guesthouse (Budget) | Heaven Boutique Hotel (Midrange) | The Retreat (Luxury)

• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Kigali City Tour – A Story of Resilience and Renewal

Today, delve into the soul of Rwanda's capital. Kigali is renowned for its cleanliness, safety, and vibrant energy. Your tour includes a poignant visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful and essential tribute that honors victims and chronicles the nation's profound journey toward peace and unity.

Experience the city's creative pulse with visits to local art galleries and bustling markets. Later, join a guided walking tour with the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, exploring one of Kigali's most dynamic neighborhoods and gaining an authentic insight into local life.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3: To Akagera National Park – Savannah Sunsets & A Boat Cruise

Journey east as the mountainous terrain gives way to the rolling savanna of Akagera National Park, a stunning success story in conservation, now home to the Big Five.

Enjoy an introductory game drive en route to your lodge, spotting wildlife like impala, zebra, and buffalo against a backdrop of acacia trees and lakes.

After lunch, embark on a serene boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Glide past hippos, crocodiles, and countless water birds lining the shores—a photographer's paradise.

Optional: Embark on a thrilling night game drive to discover the park's elusive nocturnal creatures.

Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge (Midrange) | Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Upmarket)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4: Akagera Morning Safari & Afternoon Leisure

Venture out on an early morning game drive. The cool air is perfect for wildlife viewing; keep your eyes peeled for elephants, giraffes, and perhaps even a lion resting in the shade.

The afternoon is yours to relax at the lodge, enjoy the pool, and reflect on the morning's sightings.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5: Full Akagera Transect & Return to Kigali

Embark on the ultimate Akagera adventure: a full-day game drive transecting the entire park from south to north. This journey reveals the park's diverse habitats, increasing your chances of spotting rhinos, leopards, and a spectacular array of wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush.

Later, exit the park and return to Kigali for a comfortable overnight stay.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6: To Nyungwe Forest – The Canopy Walk Adventure

Drive southwest through stunning tea plantations to the ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa's oldest rainforests.

Upon arrival, experience the world-renowned Igishigishigi Canopy Walkway. Suspended high above the forest floor, this bridge offers breathtaking views and a unique perspective to spot birds and monkeys in the treetops.

Accommodation: EAR Guesthouse (Budget) | Nyungwe Top View Hill Lodge (Midrange) | One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe

An early start for a quintessential primate experience: chimpanzee trekking. Following your guide into the dense forest, you'll listen for their calls before spending a magical hour observing our closest relatives in the wild as they feed, play, and socialize.

Optional Afternoon Activity: Immerse yourself in local culture with a tea plantation tour, learning about one of Rwanda's most important exports from leaf to cup.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 8: To the Virunga Mountains – Scenic Shores of Lake Kivu

Enjoy a scenic drive north along the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos.

• Optional Morning Activities in Nyungwe (Choose One):

  • Colobus Monkey Trek: A lighter trek to find large troops of playful black-and-white colobus monkeys.

  • Waterfall Hike: A beautiful nature walk through the forest to a stunning waterfall.

• Arrive at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains in the afternoon.

• Accommodation: La Locanda (Budget) | Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge (Midrange) | Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Luxury)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Golden Monkeys & Cultural Canoeing

Trek into the bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park to seek out the energetic and photogenic golden monkeys.

In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle and scenic canoe ride on the Mukungwa River. This peaceful activity offers a different vantage point of the lush countryside and a glimpse into the daily lives of local communities.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: The Gorilla Trek – A Lifetime Experience & Lake Kivu Relaxation

The pinnacle of your adventure: mountain gorilla trekking. After a briefing, you'll hike into the misty forests for a face-to-face encounter with a gorilla family. This hour of observation is a profound, humbling, and unforgettable experience.

After receiving your trekking certificate, transfer to the serene shores of Lake Kivu to unwind and process this incredible day.

Accommodation: Inzu Lodge (Budget) | Paradise Kivu (Midrange) | Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

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Day 11: Lake Kivu Serenity

A full day to relax and rejuvenate. Soak up the sun on the beach, swim in the bilharzia-free waters, or take an optional boat trip to explore the lake's many islands and coves. This is your day to reflect on your journey at your own pace.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

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Day 12: Departure – Kigali Out

Enjoy a final lakeside breakfast before beginning your scenic journey back to Kigali. You will be transferred directly to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, filled with a lifetime of memories.

• Meals: Breakfast.