12 Days Luxury Safari Adventure in Rwanda

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will receive a warm welcome from your Verdant Safaris guide before being transferred to your luxury hotel. After checking in, begin your introduction to Rwanda with a guided city tour exploring Kigali’s modern streets, vibrant atmosphere and impressive cleanliness. Visit artisan markets where beautifully crafted baskets, paintings, jewellery and wood carvings showcase Rwanda’s artistic heritage. Continue to selected cultural landmarks before enjoying lunch at one of Kigali’s finest restaurants. Spend the afternoon relaxing at your hotel or enjoying its luxury facilities before gathering for a gourmet welcome dinner where your guide will brief you on the exciting journey ahead. This is the start of the 12 Days Luxury Safari Adventure in Rwanda.

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

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Following breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to gain a respectful understanding of Rwanda’s history, resilience and remarkable journey towards reconciliation. Afterwards, depart for Volcanoes National Park while enjoying scenic views of Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, terraced farms and picturesque villages. Along the journey, your guide will provide fascinating insights into Rwanda’s conservation achievements and cultural traditions. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge nestled beneath the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes. Spend the afternoon relaxing with breathtaking mountain views before enjoying an elegant dinner prepared using fresh local ingredients.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early breakfast, proceed to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing conducted by experienced park rangers. Accompanied by expert guides and trackers, venture into the mist-covered rainforest in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families. The trek passes through beautiful bamboo forests and lush vegetation while offering opportunities to observe colourful birds and other wildlife. Once the gorillas are located, spend one unforgettable hour observing their natural behaviour as they feed, groom and interact peacefully. Return to your luxury lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing with optional spa treatments or enjoying the magnificent volcanic scenery before another exceptional dinner.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Experience

Begin the day with breakfast before embarking on an exciting golden monkey trekking adventure through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. These lively and colourful primates are fascinating to observe as they leap effortlessly through the trees and forage within the forest. Following lunch, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village where you will experience traditional Rwandan music, dance performances, local storytelling and demonstrations of ancient hunting techniques, basket weaving and banana beer production. This immersive cultural encounter provides valuable insight into Rwanda’s rich heritage while supporting local communities. Return to your luxury lodge for a relaxing evening and gourmet dining.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Sunset Boat Cruise

Following breakfast, depart for the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, travelling through spectacular countryside filled with rolling hills, coffee plantations and charming villages. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lakeside resort before enjoying lunch overlooking the sparkling waters. During the afternoon, board a relaxing boat cruise to explore nearby islands, observe traditional fishing communities and admire the breathtaking scenery that surrounds the lake. The peaceful atmosphere provides an ideal opportunity to unwind while capturing memorable photographs. Return to your resort for a spectacular sunset and an elegant lakeside dinner.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Leisure at Lake Kivu and Coffee Experience

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before spending the morning relaxing at your luxury resort. You may take a guided lakeside walk, enjoy optional kayaking or simply unwind while admiring the panoramic lake views. Later, visit a nearby coffee plantation where local experts will introduce you to Rwanda’s internationally renowned coffee industry. Learn about cultivation, harvesting, roasting and brewing while sampling freshly prepared premium coffee. The experience offers an authentic glimpse into one of Rwanda’s most important exports before returning to your resort for an afternoon of relaxation and fine dining.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, continue your journey towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, travelling through Rwanda’s scenic tea-growing region. Stop at a beautiful tea estate where you will enjoy breathtaking views across endless green plantations while learning about tea production. Upon arrival at your luxury rainforest lodge, settle into your elegant accommodation surrounded by one of Africa’s oldest montane forests. Spend the afternoon relaxing on your private terrace while listening to the sounds of the rainforest before enjoying an outstanding gourmet dinner.

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 breakfast before entering Nyungwe Forest for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure led by experienced park guides. Follow forest trails while listening for the distinctive calls of chimpanzees and observe these intelligent primates as they move energetically through the canopy. After lunch, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk suspended approximately 70 metres above the rainforest floor. The elevated bridge provides breathtaking panoramic views and excellent opportunities to observe birds, butterflies and other primates. Return to your luxury lodge in the evening for relaxation and another memorable dining experience.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Transfer to Akagera National Park

Following breakfast, depart Nyungwe Forest for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination. The scenic drive showcases the country’s diverse landscapes as rainforest gradually gives way to open plains, wetlands and lakes. 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 in search of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards and numerous antelope species. Return to your lodge at sunset to enjoy exceptional cuisine beneath the African sky.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Full Day Big Five Safari

Following an early breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the diverse ecosystems of Akagera National Park. Morning game drives offer outstanding opportunities to observe predators and large herbivores while your experienced guide shares fascinating information about the park’s conservation success. Following a delicious picnic lunch, continue exploring different sections of the park, visiting scenic lakes, wetlands and open savannah where abundant wildlife thrives. Throughout the day, keep your camera ready for exceptional photographic opportunities before returning to your luxury lodge for another elegant dinner.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema and Return to Kigali

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a peaceful boat cruise on Lake Ihema, one of Akagera National Park’s finest wildlife viewing locations. During the cruise, you will observe large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and an impressive variety of birdlife including African fish eagles, kingfishers and herons. After the cruise, depart for Kigali while enjoying Rwanda’s beautiful countryside one final time. Upon arrival, check into your luxury hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing or shopping for souvenirs before enjoying a farewell dinner celebrating your unforgettable safari adventure.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Departure

Following a leisurely breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Rwanda before your private transfer to Kigali International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping or refreshments before departure. Your Verdant Safaris representative will assist with airport formalities and ensure a smooth check-in process. As your luxury safari concludes, you will depart with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s extraordinary wildlife, spectacular landscapes, vibrant culture and warm hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast

End of the 12 Days Luxury Safari Adventure in Rwanda.