10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

Arrival in Kigali – Gateway to Your Rwanda Adventure

Your remarkable 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari begins the moment you arrive at Kigali International Airport, the modern and welcoming gateway to Rwanda’s natural wonders. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by a professional representative from Decisive Safaris Africa Tours Limited who will assist with your immigration formalities and luggage, ensuring a smooth and stress-free arrival experience.

From the airport, you will embark on a comfortable road transfer to your hotel in Kigali, the vibrant capital city of Rwanda. Kigali is known for its cleanliness, safety, and welcoming spirit, providing a perfect introduction to the country’s rich culture and history. You will check into your chosen hotel, where you can relax and refresh after your journey.

Dinner will be served at the hotel, offering you the chance to sample delicious Rwandan cuisine, setting the tone for the culinary experiences to come. This initial evening serves as a restful start to your safari and a time to prepare mentally and physically for the exciting days ahead.

Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day 2 of the 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari opens with a hearty breakfast before an enriching Kigali city tour. Your experienced guide will take you to significant historical and cultural sites that narrate Rwanda’s compelling story. A key highlight is the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a solemn but essential visit that honors victims of the 1994 genocide and provides insights into the country’s resilience and reconciliation journey.

Following the memorial, explore bustling craft markets showcasing local artisans’ handmade goods—perfect for authentic souvenirs. You’ll also enjoy panoramic views of Kigali’s rolling hills and vibrant neighborhoods.

In the afternoon, you’ll set off on a scenic road transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda. En route, there is a scheduled stop in Butare town for lunch and a visit to the National Museum, which offers fascinating insights into Rwandan culture, history, and traditions. Further along, a stop at Murambi Genocide Memorial deepens your understanding of Rwanda’s history.

Arriving at Nyungwe, you will check in at your lodge—either Gisakura Guest House or Nyungwe Forest Lodge—where you’ll have dinner and overnight. Nestled near this ancient rainforest, the lodge provides a tranquil setting, preparing you for the adventures ahead.

Chimpanzee Trekking and Black-and-White Colobus Monkey Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Your third day on the 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari is dedicated to one of Africa’s most captivating wildlife experiences: chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. After an early breakfast, you will set out with your knowledgeable guide into this rich tropical rainforest, one of Africa’s oldest and most diverse ecosystems.

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe offers a magical encounter with our closest primate relatives in their natural environment. The trek rewards you with sights and sounds of the forest waking up—vocalizing chimpanzees swinging through the trees, and the symphony of birdsong and insects creating an immersive nature experience. Observing chimpanzees feeding, playing, and communicating provides profound insight into their complex social behaviors.

Following the chimp trek, return to the lodge for a late breakfast and some rest. In the afternoon, take a guided primates walk to see large troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys, distinguished by their striking coloration and agile forest movements. This walk reveals the incredible biodiversity of Nyungwe, including other primate species and exotic birds.

The day concludes with a relaxing dinner at your lodge, allowing you to reflect on your close encounters in the lush forest environment.

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Home of the Mountain Gorillas

On Day 4 of the 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari, after breakfast, you will journey towards Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans), the world-renowned sanctuary of the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive to Kinigi, the gateway town to the park, passes through picturesque landscapes, including terraced hillsides, vibrant local communities, and the shores of Lake Kivu at Gisenyi, where you’ll stop for lunch.

Volcanoes National Park lies in the northwestern corner of Rwanda and is part of the Virunga volcanic mountain range. This park is not only the best place to see mountain gorillas but also offers spectacular views and a rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival, check into Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, your comfortable base close to the park headquarters. Here you can rest and prepare for the thrilling gorilla trekking that awaits you on the following day. Dinner at the lodge caps off your day, and the anticipation of your encounter with the gentle giants builds.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter

Day 5 is the highlight of the 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari, featuring a full day dedicated to mountain gorilla trekking. After an early breakfast, you will head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a mandatory briefing. Rangers will explain the rules of gorilla trekking, including safety and conservation guidelines to ensure a respectful and safe encounter.

The trek itself takes you through the lush, mist-covered mountain forests. Terrain can be steep and muddy, and the duration varies as some gorilla families are elusive. This challenging hike is rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience: spending up to one hour in the presence of a gorilla family. Witnessing these magnificent creatures—watching their social interactions, playfulness, and tender moments—is profoundly moving.

After the trek, return to your lodge for a well-earned rest and lunch. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwandan culture with a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village. Here, local communities demonstrate traditional dances, music, and crafts, highlighting the harmonious relationship between people and conservation efforts.

Hike to Dian Fossey’s Grave – A Tribute to a Legendary Conservationist

The 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari continues with an inspiring hike to the grave of Dian Fossey at the Karisoke Research Center. After breakfast, set off into the verdant highlands, trekking through thick bamboo forests and afro-montane habitats, often tracking the footprints of forest elephants and buffalo.

Dian Fossey dedicated over 20 years to the study and conservation of mountain gorillas, and her grave, nestled between the towering volcanic peaks of Karisimbi and Visoke, is a place of profound reflection and tribute. The hike offers spectacular scenery and the chance to encounter various forest wildlife along the trail.

Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight, enriched by the knowledge and spirit of one of the greatest figures in wildlife conservation history.

Transfer to Akagera National Park – Enter Rwanda’s Savannah Wilderness

On Day 7, leave the mountainous forests behind and transfer eastward to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah ecosystem and home to the classic African wildlife spectacle. En route, stop for lunch in Kigali, then continue to the park, arriving at Akagera Safari Lodge.

Akagera’s landscape features rolling hills, wetlands, and savannah plains, providing habitats for a wide variety of species including elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and the elusive black rhinoceros. Your arrival marks the beginning of a different but equally thrilling chapter of your 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari.

Relax at the lodge, enjoy the views, and prepare for game drives that showcase Rwanda’s diverse wildlife.

Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Akagera National Park

Begin your day early with a hot coffee or tea before embarking on an exciting morning game drive in Akagera National Park. Guided by expert rangers, you will explore the park’s open plains, wetlands, and forested areas in search of elephants, lions, leopards, black rhinos, giraffes, and many species of antelope and birds.

Following lunch, enjoy a tranquil boat cruise along Lake Ihema, one of the largest lakes in the park. The water is frequented by huge pods of hippos, crocodiles basking in the sun, and myriad bird species including fish eagles and kingfishers. This waterborne perspective offers a unique chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat and capture breathtaking photographs.

Return to your lodge for dinner and a restful evening surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Crater Lake Visit and Evening Game Drive

Your penultimate day on the 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari is dedicated to exploring Rwanda’s famous crater lakes and concluding with another game drive. After breakfast, enjoy a boat ride on one of the serene crater lakes—formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago. The calm waters and surrounding greenery offer a peaceful environment to enjoy the morning breeze and birdlife.

In the afternoon, set out for an evening game drive in Akagera National Park. This drive offers opportunities to observe nocturnal wildlife behaviors as animals prepare to rest or hunt under the fading light. The varied landscapes of Akagera provide a dramatic backdrop for these final game viewing experiences.

Return to your lodge for dinner and your final overnight stay in Rwanda’s wild heart.

Departure with Optional Kigali City Tour

On the final day of your 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari, you will be transferred back to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for an optional city tour, providing a last opportunity to explore Kigali’s markets, art galleries, and historical sites.

Visit local crafts markets for souvenirs or revisit important memorials for a final cultural immersion. Your guide will ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time for check-in and departure.

This marks the end of an unforgettable journey with Decisive Safaris Africa Tours Limited, leaving you with cherished memories of Rwanda’s exceptional wildlife and warm hospitality.