10 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Primate Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and City Tour

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 and refreshing from your journey, begin exploring Kigali, a city renowned for its cleanliness, safety and vibrant atmosphere. Visit colourful craft markets where local artisans display beautifully handmade baskets, paintings, jewellery and wood carvings that reflect Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage. Continue to selected historical and cultural attractions while enjoying panoramic views across the city’s rolling hills. Lunch will be served at one of Kigali’s finest restaurants before returning to your hotel to relax. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet welcome dinner while your guide provides an overview of your exciting safari. This marks the start of the 10 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Primate Tour.

Accommodation Options:
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, travelling through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside characterised by rolling hills, terraced farms and charming villages. Throughout the journey, your guide will share fascinating insights into Rwanda’s culture, conservation efforts and daily life. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge situated beneath the magnificent Virunga Volcanoes. Spend the afternoon relaxing in elegant surroundings while enjoying breathtaking mountain views, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment before your exciting primate adventures begin. Later, enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared using fresh local ingredients as you prepare for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking Adventure

After an early breakfast, proceed to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters where experienced rangers will conduct a comprehensive briefing before your trek. Accompanied by professional guides and trackers, hike through the lush rainforest in search of one of the habituated mountain gorilla families. The trek offers spectacular scenery and opportunities to observe unique birdlife and indigenous vegetation before reaching the gorillas. Once located, spend one magical hour quietly observing these magnificent primates as they interact naturally within their family groups. Following this unforgettable encounter, return to your luxury lodge for lunch and spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing while reflecting on one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences. End the day with an elegant dinner overlooking the volcanoes.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Golden Monkey Trekking and Gorilla Guardians Village

Enjoy breakfast before setting out for an exciting golden monkey trekking adventure within the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Guided by experienced park rangers, search for these energetic and colourful primates as they leap gracefully through the trees and forage within the forest. Their playful behaviour and striking golden-orange fur make for exceptional wildlife viewing and photography. After lunch, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village where you will experience authentic Rwandan traditions through energetic dance performances, traditional drumming, local storytelling and demonstrations of ancient hunting techniques, basket weaving and banana beer production. Return to your luxury lodge for a relaxing evening and another outstanding dining experience.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Kivu and Boat Cruise

Following breakfast, depart for the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, enjoying one of Rwanda’s most scenic drives through rolling hills and vibrant rural communities. Upon arrival, check into your luxurious lakeside resort before enjoying lunch overlooking the sparkling waters. During the afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat cruise to explore beautiful islands, observe traditional fishing communities and admire the stunning mountain scenery surrounding the lake. The peaceful atmosphere provides the perfect opportunity to unwind after your primate adventures while enjoying exceptional photographic opportunities. Return to your resort to witness a breathtaking sunset before indulging in an elegant lakeside dinner.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, continue your journey towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, travelling through Rwanda’s famous tea-growing region. Stop at a tea plantation where you will learn about the cultivation and processing of Rwanda’s internationally acclaimed tea while enjoying spectacular panoramic views over the lush estates. Continue to your luxury rainforest lodge located on the edge of one of Africa’s oldest montane forests. Spend the afternoon relaxing on your private veranda surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature or enjoy the lodge’s luxury facilities before a memorable gourmet dinner in the evening.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk

Rise early for breakfast before entering Nyungwe Forest for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. Accompanied by experienced park guides, follow well-maintained forest trails while listening for the calls of chimpanzees echoing through the canopy. Once located, observe these intelligent primates as they feed, groom and communicate within their natural habitat. Following lunch, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended high above the rainforest floor and offering breathtaking views across the forest canopy. The elevated walkway provides excellent opportunities to observe birds, butterflies and other primates while appreciating the immense beauty of the rainforest. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening and fine dining.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Transfer to Akagera National Park

Following breakfast, depart Nyungwe Forest for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park and home to the famous Big Five. The scenic journey offers changing landscapes as rainforest gradually gives way to open plains, lakes and wetlands. Upon arrival, check into your luxury safari lodge before enjoying lunch overlooking the surrounding wilderness. Later in the afternoon, set out on your first exciting game drive in search of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and predators including lions and leopards. 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 9: Full Day Safari and Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema

After an early breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the remarkable wildlife of Akagera National Park. Morning game drives offer excellent opportunities to observe predators, large mammals and numerous bird species within the park’s diverse habitats. Following lunch, continue your adventure with a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema where you will encounter pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles and an impressive variety of water birds including African fish eagles, kingfishers and herons. Throughout the day, your experienced guide will provide fascinating information about the park’s conservation success and diverse ecosystems. Return to your luxury lodge for a memorable farewell dinner celebrating your extraordinary Rwandan safari.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: 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 unforgettable wildlife encounters and luxury experiences enjoyed throughout your journey. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for last-minute shopping at a local craft centre or enjoy refreshments at one of Kigali’s elegant cafés before your transfer to Kigali International Airport. Your Verdant Safaris guide will assist with check-in formalities and ensure a smooth departure. You will leave Rwanda with lasting memories of remarkable primates, spectacular wildlife, breathtaking scenery and exceptional hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast

End of the 10 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Primate Tour.