8 Days Ultimate African Safari Tour in Rwanda

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Verdant Safaris representative and transferred to your luxury hotel. After checking in and refreshing from your flight, begin your introduction to Rwanda with a guided city tour of Kigali. Visit vibrant craft markets where beautifully handcrafted baskets, jewellery and artwork reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. Continue to selected cultural landmarks and enjoy panoramic views across the city’s rolling hills before dining at one of Kigali’s finest restaurants serving a blend of local and international cuisine. Your guide will provide an overview of the exciting safari ahead while ensuring you are comfortably settled into your luxury accommodation for the evening.

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 a delicious breakfast, depart Kigali for Volcanoes National Park, travelling through Rwanda’s spectacular countryside characterised by rolling hills, terraced farmland and charming rural villages. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to admire the beautiful scenery and learn about Rwanda’s history, agriculture and local traditions from your experienced guide. Upon arrival at your luxury lodge, settle into your elegant surroundings while enjoying magnificent views of the Virunga Volcanoes. During the afternoon, you may relax at the lodge, indulge in a spa treatment or take a guided nature walk around the property to appreciate the stunning mountain environment. End the day with an exceptional gourmet dinner prepared using fresh local ingredients.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Rise early for breakfast before proceeding to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters where experienced rangers will conduct a detailed briefing about gorilla trekking procedures and conservation efforts. Venture into the mist-covered rainforest in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families while accompanied by expert guides and trackers. The trek may take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas, but every step is rewarded by breathtaking scenery and remarkable wildlife. Once the gorillas are located, spend an unforgettable hour quietly observing their natural behaviour, including feeding, grooming and playful interactions among family members. Return to your luxury lodge for a well-deserved lunch followed by an afternoon of relaxation before enjoying another elegant dinner.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Relaxation

After breakfast, depart for the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, tea plantations and picturesque lakeside communities. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lakeside resort where you can unwind in complete comfort while enjoying panoramic views across the sparkling lake. During the afternoon, take a relaxing boat cruise to explore nearby islands, observe local fishing communities and admire the surrounding mountains reflected on the calm waters. Return to your resort to witness a spectacular sunset before enjoying an exquisite dinner by 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 south towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through Rwanda’s scenic countryside filled with lush tea plantations and fertile agricultural landscapes. Along the way, stop at a tea estate where you will learn about Rwanda’s internationally recognised tea production while enjoying sweeping views over the plantations. Upon arrival at your luxury rainforest lodge, settle into your elegant accommodation surrounded by one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on your private veranda while listening to the sounds of the forest before enjoying a gourmet dinner prepared with 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

After an early breakfast, begin an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience within the ancient Nyungwe Forest. Accompanied by experienced park rangers, follow forest trails while listening for the distinctive calls of chimpanzees echoing through the canopy. Once located, spend time observing these intelligent primates as they move energetically through the trees and interact with one another. Later in the day, enjoy the famous canopy walkway suspended high above the rainforest floor, providing breathtaking views across the lush forest and exceptional opportunities for birdwatching and photography. Return to your luxury lodge in the evening to relax before another memorable 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 Evening Game Drive

Following breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination. Upon arrival, check into your luxury safari lodge before enjoying lunch overlooking the surrounding wilderness. Later in the afternoon, embark on an exciting game drive through diverse habitats that include open grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and lakes. Keep your camera ready as you search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions and, with some luck, elusive leopards. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the park’s conservation success and abundant wildlife. Return to your lodge as the sun sets over the savannah and enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating your ultimate Rwandan safari.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Return to Kigali and Departure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing Akagera National Park for Kigali. During the drive, admire Rwanda’s beautiful countryside one final time while reflecting on the extraordinary wildlife encounters and luxury experiences enjoyed throughout your journey. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for last-minute shopping at local craft centres or a relaxing lunch before your transfer to Kigali International Airport. Your Verdant Safaris guide will assist you with airport formalities and ensure a seamless departure. You will leave Rwanda with unforgettable memories of its remarkable wildlife, welcoming people, spectacular scenery and world-class hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast

End of the 8 Days Ultimate African Safari Tour in Rwanda.