15 Days Rwanda Classic Safari
SAFARI OVERVIEW
The 15 days African safari in Rwanda is designed to immerse you in the country’s exceptional wildlife, rich culture and breathtaking scenery. From the vibrant capital of Kigali to the savannah plains of akagera national park, misty rainforests of nyungwe national park, the sparkling waters of lake Kivu and the volcanic highlands of volcanoes national park.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- Game drives and boat safari in akagera national park
- Chimpanzee trekking
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe - Canopy walk in nyungwe forest
- Gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park
- Scenic relaxation and boat cruises on lake Kivu
- Hike to Dian Fossey grave
- Cultural immersion at the iby’iwacu cultural village
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali international airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may embark on a short city tour, visiting the Kigali genocide memorial and local craft markets. After, return to your lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Transfer to akagera national park and game drive
After breakfast, depart Kigali and drive east to akagera national park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the big five. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm lunch at the lodge.
In the afternoon, head out for the afternoon game drive where you may spot elephants, giraffes, zebras and buffalos roaming the plains. After, return to the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Full day game drive
Spend the entire day exploring akagera on a full day African safari game drive. With its mix of savannah, woodland and wetlands, the park is a haven for lions, leopards, antelopes and over 400 bird species. Picnic lunch will be provided in the park thus maximising your time in the wild.
Day 4: Boat safari on lake ihema and evening game drive
In the morning after breakfast, enjoy a boat safari on lake ihema, where you will encounter pods of hippos, basking crocodiles and abundant birdlife such as the African fish eagle and papyrus gonolek. In the afternoon, head out for an evening game drive, a chance to spot nocturnal species beginning their activity. After return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, enjoy a final short game drive as you exit akagera. Drive back to Kigali, arriving by afternoon. Relax at your hotel and prepare for the next day activity.
Day 6: Transfer to nyungwe national park
After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive south towards nyungwe national park, Rwanda’s largest montane rainforest. On arrival, check into the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe
After morning breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, hike through the dense jungle to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. The forest also hosts other primates such as colobus monkeys and L’hoests monkeys thus adding to richness of your African safari.
Day 8: Canopy walk and birding
Today, experience the iconic nyungwe canopy walk, a suspended bridge 70 meters above the forest floor offering panoramic views and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
In the afternoon, continue with guided birding where you may spot Albertine rift endemics such as the Rwenzori turaco and the regal sunbird. After, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Waterfall hike and nature exploration
Embark on a guided hike to the beautiful kamiranzovu waterfall deep in the forest. Along the way, enjoy sightings of orchids, butterflies and smaller primates. This day is perfect for nature photography and appreciating the biodiversity of Rwanda’s rainforests.
Day 10: Transfer to lake Kivu and relaxation
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on a drive to the scenic shores of lake Kivu, one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes. On arrival, check into the lodge for lunch. After spend the afternoon relaxing at your lodge, swimming or strolling along the lakeside beaches.
Day 11: Boat cruise and local visits
Take a morning boat cruise on lake Kivu, exploring islands and meeting local fishing communities. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure activities such as coffee plantation visits, cultural interactions or simple lakeside relaxation.
Day 12: Transfer to volcanoes national park
After breakfast, travel north to the volcanoes national park, home to Rwanda’s iconic mountain gorillas. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and the Virunga volcanoes. On arrival, check into the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 13: Gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park
After breakfast, embark on a thrilling gorilla trekking adventure in the misty slopes of volcanoes national park. once located, spend an hour observing their behaviour, interactions and powerful presence. After return to the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 14: Hike to Dian Fossey hike and cultural village visit
After breakfast, take a hike to the Dian Fossey research centre, nestled between mount Karisimbi and mount Bisoke. Pay tribute to the renowned conservationists while enjoying scenic views of the Virunga mountains. In the afternoon, visit the iby’iwacu cultural village where you will experience Rwanda’s traditions through music, dance and storytelling. After, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 15: Transfer back to Kigali and departure
Wake up at leisure, have breakfast and drive back to Kigali. On arrival, you will be dropped off at Kigali international airport for your flight back home.
End of 15 Days Rwanda Classic Safari
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Airport transfers in Kigali
- Transportation in a 4*4 safari vehicle
- Services of a professional English-speaking safari guide
- Accommodation and meals
- Park entrance fees
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Hike to Dian Fossey permit
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- Bottled drinking water
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- International flights
- Rwanda visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary.