9 Days Exciting Rwanda Wildlife Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your professional guide from Verdant Safaris before beginning your luxury Rwandan adventure. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities, including visits to local craft markets, cultural centres, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, offering valuable insight into Rwanda’s remarkable history and transformation. Afterwards, embark on a scenic drive through rolling hills and picturesque countryside towards Akagera National Park. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge overlooking the wilderness where you can relax with spectacular sunset views and prepare for the exciting wildlife experiences ahead.

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

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Full Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring the incredible wildlife of Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier Big Five destination. After an early breakfast, set out on an extensive morning game drive across open savannahs, wetlands, woodland and lakes where you have excellent opportunities to encounter elephants, buffaloes, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Enjoy a luxury picnic lunch inside the park before continuing with another game drive in search of elusive leopards and other fascinating wildlife. Later in the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema where large pods of hippos, crocodiles and abundant birdlife can be observed from close range. Return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.

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

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Akagera National Park and journey across Rwanda’s scenic countryside towards Volcanoes National Park. The drive offers breathtaking views of lush hills, traditional villages, tea plantations and cultivated landscapes that have earned Rwanda its reputation as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Arrive at your luxury lodge in time for lunch before spending the remainder of the afternoon relaxing while enjoying magnificent views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the nearby Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village where local communities share Rwanda’s traditional dances, music and cultural heritage. Return to your lodge for an elegant dinner and overnight stay.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park

Today promises one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. After an early breakfast, proceed to the park headquarters for a comprehensive briefing before joining experienced rangers for your unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure. Trek through dense bamboo forests and volcanic terrain until you locate one of the habituated gorilla families. Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants as they interact naturally within their forest habitat, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Following the trek, return to the lodge for relaxation, a soothing massage or simply enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery while reflecting on this once in a lifetime encounter.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, return to Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience. These playful and energetic primates are fascinating to observe as they leap through the bamboo forests in large groups. Following the trek, enjoy lunch before travelling to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu. The scenic drive passes through charming villages and rolling green hills before arriving at your luxury lakeside resort. Spend the evening unwinding on the beach, enjoying beautiful sunset views or taking a leisurely walk along the lakeshore while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

Accommodation Options: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Kivu Serena Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena Retreat

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Lake Kivu Leisure and Boat Excursion

Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Lake Kivu and enjoy a relaxed breakfast overlooking the sparkling waters. Later, embark on a private boat cruise exploring nearby islands while learning about the local fishing communities and the lake’s fascinating ecosystem. You may also enjoy optional kayaking, swimming or simply relaxing on the sandy beaches surrounded by spectacular scenery. A gourmet lakeside lunch provides the perfect opportunity to appreciate Rwanda’s serene environment before spending the afternoon at leisure enjoying the luxury amenities of your resort, including spa treatments and wellness facilities.

Accommodation Options: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Kivu Serena Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena Retreat

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Following breakfast, travel south towards the ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests and a biodiversity hotspot. The scenic journey offers impressive landscapes, tea plantations and panoramic viewpoints that make excellent photography stops. Upon arrival, settle into your luxury forest lodge before enjoying an afternoon surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the rainforest. Depending on the time available, you may visit a nearby tea estate to learn about Rwanda’s renowned tea production or simply relax while enjoying the spectacular forest views from your lodge.

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

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk

Rise early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience within Nyungwe Forest National Park. Guided by expert trackers, venture into the rainforest in search of lively chimpanzees and several other primate species that inhabit this remarkable ecosystem. After the trek, enjoy lunch before experiencing the famous canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor, offering spectacular aerial views of the rainforest and opportunities to spot colourful birds and monkeys. Return to your luxury lodge for your final evening in Rwanda where you can celebrate the incredible experiences enjoyed throughout your safari.

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

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Return to Kigali and Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to Nyungwe Forest as you journey back to Kigali through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside. Along the way, enjoy scenic viewpoints and optional stops for souvenir shopping or local craft markets depending on your departure schedule. Upon arrival in Kigali, you may enjoy a final lunch at one of the city’s excellent restaurants before your guide transfers you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight. Your unforgettable luxury wildlife adventure with Verdant Safaris comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of Rwanda’s magnificent landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and warm hospitality.

Meals: (Breakfast)

End of the 9 Days Exciting Rwanda Wildlife Adventure.