9 Days Safari in Rwanda Tour – Overview

This 9 Days Safari in Rwanda Tour features gorilla trekking in Rwanda, chimpanzee tracking, a Dian Fossey tomb visit, wildlife viewing, canopy walking, a boat cruise, a rewarding game drive, and thrilling sport fishing.

You will visit Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Volcanoes National Park, the Kinyarwanda culture center Ibiwachu Village, Kigali city tour. This amalgamation of these Rwanda safari destinations generates memorable African safari experiences.

9 Days Rwanda Safari Tour – Highlights

Day 1: Drive to Akagera National Park & do a boat cruise.

Day 2: Do a game drive & boat cruise or sport fishing in Rwanda’s largest Savannah Park – Akagera.

Day 3: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Visit the Murambi genocide memorial site & Butare National Museum en route.

Day 4: Do Chimp trekking.

Day 5: Undertake a canopy walk.

Day 6: Drive to Volcanoes National Park – the home of the endangered Mountain gorillas.

Day 7: Do gorilla trekking

Day 8: Take an excursion to the Karisoke Research Center (Dian Fossey) & transfer to Kigali.

Day 9: Do a tour of Kigali city & depart.

9 Days Safari in Rwanda Tour – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, embark on a transfer to Akagera National Park – the largest Savannah Park in Rwanda 130km about 2.5 hours’ drive from Kigali city.

You will have lunch from the park and embark on the boat cruise on Lake Ihema in the afternoon where you will be able to spot water birds, Hippos, and Nile crocodiles among other species.

Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Camp (Luxury/upmarket), Akagera Game Lodge (Midrange/standard), or Dereva Hotel (Budget/basic).

Day 2: Do a Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Rwanda’s Largest Savannah Park – Akagera

Wake up for an early morning game drive to catch up with early risers and nocturnal getting back to their hiding places before dawn.

You will be exposed to a range of wildlife including; giraffes, elephants, buffalo, zebra, and a range of antelope.

Return to the lodge for relaxation from 11:00 am till lunchtime. In the afternoon, you can embark on the fishing encounter on Lake Shakani or opt for another boat cruise on Lake Ihema before returning to the lodge overnight.

Accommodation: You will spend a night at your previous lodge.

Day 3: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Visit the Murambi Genocide Memorial Site & Butare National Museum.

Transfer after breakfast to Nyungwe Forest National Park 320km about 4 – 5 hours’ drive. You will visit Murambi Memorial and the National Museum at Butare, Nyanza Palace en route to Nyungwe. Arrive in Nyungwe in the evening for overnight.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest View Lodge (Luxury/upmarket), Hill Top View Hotel (Midrange/standard), or Gisakura Guest House (Budget/basic).

Day 4: Do Chimp Trekking.

Wake up early for an early morning cup of coffee before embarking on the Chimpanzee trekking experience in the prehistoric forest of Nyungwe.

It is quite amazing to encounter Chimps rolling themselves across these well-structured trees as they gather and consume as many fruits as they can. Take photos and generate enough memories to keep with you forever.

Accommodation: You will spend an overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 5: Undertake a Canopy Walk

Undertake a canopy walk in the Forest Park of Nyungwe – the largest montane forest in East Africa. This canopy walk exposes you to primate species that are rarely seen on the ground including bird species. The lush forest top is quite rewarding too.

Accommodation: You will spend an overnight at your previous lodge.

Day 6: Drive to Volcanoes National Park – The Home of The Endangered Mountain Gorillas

After breakfast embark on a 284km journey over 8 hour’s drive to Volcanoes National Park. You will arrive in the late afternoon and check-in at your hotel.

Accommodation: Muhabura Hotel (Basic/budget), Lapalme Hotel (Midrange/standard) or Mountains Gorilla View Hotel (Upmarket/luxury).

Day 7: Do Gorilla Trekking

Wake up as early as possible to have breakfast before converging at the Park Headquarters at Kinigi at 08:00 am for briefing and eventual commencement of the gorilla trekking encounter.

The activity of trekking can take 2 – 8 hours thus it is important to carry with you packed lunch. One hour will be allocated to you to interact physically with the gorillas and photos and questions are allowed during this historical encounter.

Return to the lodge after trekking for relaxation and in the evening you can visit the twin lakes or a cultural tour to the Iby’wachu Village to explore the Banyarwanda culture.

Accommodation: Spend a night at your previous lodge.

Day 8: Take an Excursion to The Karisoke Research Center (Dian Fossey) and Transfer to Kigali.

Visit Karisoke Research Center after breakfast to witness the attempts of the leading gorilla conservationist – Dian Fossey an American Primatologist.

During this visit, you will also visit her grave and that of Digit – her admirable silverback after which you will return to the lodge for lunch and eventual departure for Kigali City 116km about 3 hours drive. Arrive in the evening for overnight.

Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel (Upmarket/luxury), Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel (Budget/basic), or Hotel Chez Lando (Midrange/budget).

Day 9: Do a Tour of Kigali City and Depart

After breakfast, undertake a Kigali city tour visiting the Gisozi/Kigali memorial genocide site, Nyamata church, Hotel Des Mille Collines, downtown Kigali, Presidential Palace Museum, and craft centers before retiring to prepare for your departure in the afternoon.

End of The 9 Days Rwanda Safari Tour