8 Days Best of Rwanda Safari Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and City Discovery

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional Verdant Safaris guide and transferred to your luxury hotel. After checking in, begin your exploration of Kigali with a guided city tour that introduces you to one of Africa’s cleanest and most progressive capitals. Visit vibrant craft markets where talented local artisans display beautifully woven baskets, paintings, jewellery and handcrafted souvenirs. Continue to selected cultural attractions and enjoy panoramic views across the city’s rolling hills while learning about Rwanda’s inspiring history and transformation. Enjoy lunch at a luxury restaurant offering a blend of traditional and international cuisine before returning to your hotel for relaxation. In the evening, savour an elegant dinner as your guide briefs you on the exciting safari ahead.

Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre Kigali

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Following breakfast, depart Kigali for Volcanoes National Park, enjoying one of Rwanda’s most scenic drives through rolling hills, terraced farmland and picturesque villages. Along the journey, your guide will share fascinating insights into the country’s culture, agriculture and conservation achievements. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge situated beneath the majestic Virunga Volcanoes and surrounded by lush forest. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the comfort of your lodge, enjoying panoramic mountain views or indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment. You may also choose to take a leisurely guided nature walk around the property while observing colourful birdlife and beautiful indigenous vegetation. Conclude the day with a gourmet dinner prepared using fresh local produce.

Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Experience

Rise early for breakfast before transferring to the park headquarters for a briefing conducted by experienced park rangers. Begin your unforgettable trek through the mist-covered rainforest in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families. The hike offers spectacular scenery and opportunities to observe unique flora and birdlife before reaching the gorillas in their natural habitat. Spend one magical hour quietly observing their daily behaviour as they feed, groom and interact with one another. After returning from the trek, enjoy lunch at your lodge before visiting the nearby Gorilla Guardians Village where you will experience traditional Rwandan dance, music, local craftsmanship and cultural demonstrations. Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation and fine dining.

Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Sunset Boat Cruise

After breakfast, depart for the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, travelling through breathtaking landscapes characterised by green hills, coffee plantations and charming lakeside villages. Upon arrival, check into your luxurious lakeside resort and enjoy a delicious lunch while overlooking the crystal-clear waters of the lake. During the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat cruise to explore nearby islands, observe traditional fishing communities and appreciate the magnificent scenery surrounding the lake. The calm waters and spectacular mountain backdrop provide excellent opportunities for photography and relaxation. Return to your resort in time to witness a memorable sunset before enjoying an elegant dinner beside the lake.

Accommodation: Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Cormoran Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Following breakfast, continue your journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through Rwanda’s beautiful tea-growing regions and rolling countryside. Stop at a renowned tea estate where you will learn about the country’s world-class tea production while enjoying panoramic views across the lush plantations. Continue to Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and home to exceptional biodiversity. Upon arrival, settle into your luxury lodge surrounded by pristine forest and spend the afternoon relaxing on your private terrace while listening to the sounds of nature. End the day with an exceptional dinner prepared using locally sourced ingredients.

Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk

Begin your day with an early breakfast before entering Nyungwe Forest for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure led by experienced park guides. Follow forest trails while listening for the calls of chimpanzees echoing through the dense canopy and observe these fascinating primates as they leap energetically between the trees. After returning from the trek, enjoy lunch before experiencing the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended high above the rainforest floor. The elevated walkway offers breathtaking panoramic views across the forest and excellent opportunities to spot birds, monkeys and butterflies. Return to your luxury lodge during the evening for relaxation and another outstanding dining experience.

Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Big Five Safari

Following breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park and home to the famous Big Five. Upon arrival, check into your luxury safari lodge before enjoying lunch with views across the surrounding wilderness. Later in the afternoon, embark on a thrilling game drive through the park’s diverse habitats, searching for elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, giraffes, zebras and numerous antelope species. Your expert guide will explain the park’s remarkable conservation success while ensuring exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Return to the lodge as the African sun sets over the savannah and celebrate your final evening with a memorable farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Return to Kigali and Departure

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, depart Akagera National Park for Kigali while taking in Rwanda’s beautiful landscapes one final time. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have time to visit a craft centre for last-minute shopping or enjoy refreshments at one of Kigali’s luxury cafés before your airport transfer. Your Verdant Safaris guide will assist with check-in formalities and ensure a smooth departure experience. As your luxury safari concludes, you will leave Rwanda with unforgettable memories of extraordinary wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences and world-class hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast

End of the 8 Days Best of Rwanda Safari Adventure.