10 Days Best of Rwanda safaris
This 10 Days Best of Rwanda safari offers you an excellent experience of the “land of a thousand hills.” You will track mountain gorillas and chimpanzees and experience all the highlights of this fascinating country with a rich history.
Itinerary for the 10 Days Best of Rwanda safari
Day 1: Airport pick up
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by your guide at Kigali airport who will transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you may be able to visit some of Kigali’s optional activities which will be at your own cost.
Journey Time: 15 minutes
Accommodation: Flame Tree Village
Meal plan: No meals inclusive
Flame Tree Village mid-range is strategically located in the quiet suburb of Nyarutarama in Kigali. It boasts a total of 20 spacious villas that are not only comfortable, but provide a tranquil, homely experience. We provide free Wi-fi internet connection as well as a well-stocked pool bar. The residence has a pool as well as an in-door restaurant and an out door sitting area.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Today after breakfast, you will be transferred to Akagera National Park which covers 2500 km² of savannah west of the Kagera River, in the north-east of Rwanda. The park has a variety of wildlife and is a habitat for over 500 different species of birds. Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes, while you might stumble across a leopard, a spotted hyena or even a lion. Giraffe and zebra haunt the savannah, and more than a dozen types of antelope inhabit the park.
You will arrive at the lodge in time for lunch, and in the afternoon you will go for a long game drive in the national park.
You will stay at the Akagera Game lodge
Journey Time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Meal plan: All meals
Akagera Game Lodge is within the boundaries of Akagera National Park its south entrance. Akagera Game Lodge has an attractive setting on a ridge overlooking Lake Ihema. The surrounding area has a wealth of big game and other wildlife on the open savannah, protected wood land, deep valley and Lakes.
Day 3: Boat safari – Transfer to Kigali
Toda morning after breakfast, you will go for a boat safari on the Akagera River for the many water birds like Cormorans, Fish eagles and kingfishers. Later after the boat, you will head back to Kigali where you shall visit the Genocide Memorial in the city centre to learn more about the genocide.
Journey Time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Flame Tree Village
Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today after breakfast, your guide will come to pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Nyungwe Forest. Nyungwe Forest is one of the largest forests in East and Central Africa. The forest is abundant with flora and fauna including 13 primate species from colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys and, of course, the chimpanzees. Nyungwe Forest is also a famous location for birders. With about 310 recorded bird species, 26 of which are endemic, this is one of the most important and still little known bird-watching destinations in Africa. You will have en route lunch. In the evening, you will settle into your private cottage at Nyungwe forest lodge.
Journey Time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Top Hill view lodge
Meal plan: All meals
Top View Hill Hotel (mid-range) is located near the Nyungwe Forest. The lodge backs up against the park and overlooks Lake Kivu and verdant tea plantations. Each large room has its own unique colourful theme which adds to your experience.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking
Today after early morning breakfast, you will proceed to the chimpanzee tracking trail in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sections. The total population between the two groups is a healthy 80 individuals. This is an exciting up close encounter with human’s closest relative which you will not soon forget.
After the chimp tracking you can relax at the hotel or choose an optional activity that you can discuss with your guide.
Journey Time: 1-2 hours each way
Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge
Meal plan: All meals
Day 6: optional Canopy walk and Waterfall hike
Today after breakfast, you can choose to go for East Africa’s only canopy walk. This walk takes place above a deep gorge cutting across the massive forest. Lasting about 1½ hours, the walk takes you through some beautiful foliage and animal habitats and you’ll have the chance to spot blue monkeys and unique birds that dwell in the upper levels of the forest canopy.
In the afternoon you will go for the Waterfall hike. This hike takes between 3 and 6 hours round trip, depending upon how frequently you stop to sightsee and whether you choose to drive a little further or walk from the ORTPN offices. The first part of the trail is basically following the road to the vehicle park and before delving into the forest.
You will have to cross various streams before making a steep descent to the base of the small, refreshing waterfall. Monkeys are frequently seen along the way and the steep slopes provide excellent views into the canopy. After the trail, you return back to the Top View Hotel.
Journey Time: 45 minutes each way
Accommodation: Top Hill view hotel
Meal plan: All meals
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu
Today in the morning you can enjoy the nice views from your lodge. After lunch you will travel to Kibuye on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu. Time allowing, you can visit the Ndaba Falls or take a walk around Kibuye town. In the afternoon you can you can rent a boat and visit a few islands. All activities today are at your own cost.
Journey Time: 3-4 hours
Accommodation: Moriah Hill Resort.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Moriah Hill Resort (Mid-range) is located a stone’s throw from the shores of Lake Kivu. This resort offers 4-star accommodation including amenities such as a sauna, private beach, and a well-appointed restaurant. All rooms have a balcony overlooking the lake.
Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After heavy breakfast, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National park, home to mountain gorillas. Your lodge is located near the entrance of the national park with an amazing view overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes.
Journey Time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal plan: All meals
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Mid-range) is on the edge of the dense forest that makes up Parc National Des Volcans, this lodge offers an excellent resting place before and after your visit with the gorillas. From the large rooms, you can look out over the expansive lawns and tropical rainforest with the mighty Mount Sabinyo that rising up in the background like a Mt. Olympus of the Virunga range. In the evening, enjoy a camp fire and some entertainment from a local dance troop.
You can upgrade to the Five Volcanoes lodge which is one of the most beautiful lodges in the country. It has stunning beautiful views.
Day 9: Gorilla tracking and Iby’iwacu cultural tour
Today after breakfast, you will drive into the park office. The head ranger of the ORTPN will divide you into groups based on interest and fitness. From here your driver/guide will take you as close as possible to the starting point of your tracking. You will track one of the habituated Gorillas groups. The time taken to track the gorillas can take as little as half an hour to as much as 8 hours
Your track will be an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gorillas’ current location. Your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity, including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. Once the gorillas have been located, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour with them. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic and privileged opportunity to get up close and personal with Rwanda’s own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’.
In the afternoon, you will go to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, a Non-Profit umbrella organization that aims at improving the lives of reformed poachers and communities around Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park through provision of conservation incentives, supporting community enterprise development and livelihood based projects
It provides tourists experiences beyond wildlife. It has created a new understanding of tourism among tourists, rural communities, tour operators, but also has changed the traditional perceptions of tourism in Rwanda.
Journey Time: 15 minutes by car, tracking time varies
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal plan: All meals
Day 10: Golden monkey tracking- Transfer to airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the park headquarters for golden monkey tracking, which is a completely different experience but just as rewarding. These beautiful, lively creatures are on the endangered list, and are fascinating to watch as they leap through the vegetation.
Later, you will transfer back to Kigali airport. Depending on your departure flight you can visit the Genocide Memorial and Education Centre. It’s a dignified tribute to the victims, including a poignant Children’s Memorial, and a detailed description of the darkest hour in Rwanda’s recent history.
Your driver/guide will take you to the airport in time for your flight home.
Note: This is only possible when your flight departs from Kigali at 5 p.m. or later. If you need another night in Kigali, we will be happy to make a booking for you.
Accommodation for tonight is not inclusive in the program. If you want us to book one (or more) nights in Kigali, please let us know.
Journey Time: 2 hours
Accommodation: Not included
Meal plan: Breakfast
PACKAGE INCLUDES
- Transport in a 4WD minivan with pop-up roof for excellent safari view;
- All fuel for the tour;
- English speaking Ugandan driver/guide;
- Accommodation as listed in the program;
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Packed lunch for the gorilla tracking;
- Park-entrance fees according to the program;
- All activities described in the itinerary
- 1 gorilla permit per person
PACKAGE EXCLUDES
- International air fares and entry visas
- Meals that are not part of your accommodation;
- A porter for during the gorilla tracking (someone who carries your daypack);
- Personal (medical/travel) insurance;
- Tips and gratuities to rangers, driver/guide, porter, hotel staff, etc;
- All expenses of personal nature (e.g. drinks, laundry, optional activities, souvenirs etc.)
Transfers
Your transfers are provided by a vehicle from the lodge. This is a 4wd mini bus
Dates
This is a private tour, departure can be organised for anytime throughout the year subject to the availability of accommodation and transport.
Accommodation
The bookings with the hotels mentioned in the program depend on availability. Reservations will only be made after your booking.
In case the mentioned hotels are not available during the requested period, we will do our best to book a hotel in the same class for you- of course after consulting you.
Gorilla and chimp permits
It is not possible to ‘reserve’ gorilla and chimpanzee permits. Therefore we can only buy them after your booking and down-payment and it all depends on availability.
Transport
Our standard offering for mid-range tours is a 4wd safari van with a pop up roof for easy safari viewing. All clients will have a dedicated window seat. Your professional driver/guide will be at your disposal for questions or translations.
Important:
Please note the gorilla tracking in this itinerary can be done in Bwindi and or Mgahinga national parks. Gorilla tracking is dependant on the permits availability at the time of your booking. Gorilla permits in all parks are on a very high demand and we advise that you book them as early as possible.