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Best of Rwanda Safari - 9 Days

Discover the heart of Rwanda in this 9-day journey that combines wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. From the bustling streets of Kigali to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park, the ancient forests of Nyungwe, and the serene shores of Lake Kivu, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

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Witness endangered mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys, trek through lush rainforests, explore local communities, and enjoy Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and pristine lakes. Travel in comfort with luxury accommodations, private transfers, and expert guides, making this an unforgettable East African experience.

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This itinerary is designed for a relaxed pace, allowing time to immerse yourself in each destination without feeling rushed, while offering flexibility for personalized activities and optional experiences.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda

Arrive at Kigali International Airport where your driver-guide will meet you. Transfer to your luxury hotel for overnight stay. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short evening city drive or relax at the hotel.

Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe – Scenic Transfer

After breakfast, begin your journey south to Nyungwe National Park. The drive passes through Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations, and local villages. Stop along the way for scenic photography and lunch. Arrive at your lodge by late afternoon.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge in Nyungwe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk (Optional)

Set out early for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Witness chimpanzees as they swing and call in the dense forest canopy. Return for lunch, then in the afternoon choose an optional canopy walk across hanging bridges for panoramic views of the forest.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge in Nyungwe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Nyungwe Exploration – Overnight at Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel

Spend the morning exploring more of Nyungwe, with optional guided walks to spot colobus monkeys, forest birds, or waterfalls. Later, transfer towards Lake Kivu and overnight at the luxurious Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, with breathtaking views over the lake.

Accommodation: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Lake Kivu – Optional Activities

Enjoy a relaxed day at Lake Kivu. Options include a boat ride on the lake, coffee plantation visit, kayaking, or simply relaxing at Cleo’s infinity pool and spa.

Accommodation: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Ellen DeGeneres Campus Visit

After breakfast, drive north to Volcanoes National Park. In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund for an inspiring conservation experience. Evening at leisure at your luxury lodge.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge near Volcanoes NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes National Park

Today is the highlight of your safari. With expert rangers, trek into the lush forest to meet a family of mountain gorillas. Spend an unforgettable hour in their company before returning to the lodge to relax.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge near Volcanoes NP
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking – Volcanoes National Park

Trek in the bamboo forest to see the rare and playful golden monkeys. Afternoon at leisure at your lodge with optional cultural experiences in Musanze.

Accommodation: Luxury Lodge near Volcanoes NP
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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  • Inclusions

  • 8 nights luxury accommodation

  • Airport transfers & all private ground transport

  • Professional English-speaking driver–guide

  • Daily breakfast, selected lunches & dinners

  • Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person)

  • Golden monkey trekking permit

  • Chimpanzee trekking permit

  • Nyungwe canopy walk (optional day activity)

  • Entrance fees to all national parks

  • Visit to Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund

  • Guided Kigali city tour

  • Bottled water in vehicle

  • Exclusions

  • International flights to/from Kigali

  • Rwanda entry visa & travel insurance

  • Meals not specified in the itinerary

  • Optional activities at Lake Kivu (boat ride, kayaking, spa, etc.)

  • Personal expenses (tips, drinks, laundry, souvenirs)

Day 9: Kigali City Tour & Departure

Drive back to Kigali after breakfast. Explore the city highlights including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and art galleries. Later, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • Total Nights: 8 nights

  • Kigali: 1 night (Day 1)

  • Nyungwe Forest: 2 nights (Days 2–3)

  • Lake Kivu (Cleo Hotel): 2 nights (Days 4–5)

  • Musanze / Volcanoes NP: 3 nights (Days 6–8)

  • Kigali (final night): none — Day 9 includes city tour + departure

  • Total Meals Included

  • Breakfasts: 8 (every morning)

  • Lunches: 6–7 (including some packed lunches for treks)

  • Dinners: 7 (arrival night, throughout safari, but not on Day 9 departure)

Landscape
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