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The 11 Days Essence of Rwanda Safari Adventure offers an extraordinary journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills. Experience Rwanda's incredible biodiversity with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, and immersive cultural encounters. This carefully designed itinerary showcases the very best of Rwanda's wildlife, landscapes, conservation success stories, and authentic African experiences.
Tour Pricing
| Price from |
Max People |
Min Age |
|---|---|---|
| $9,800.00 | 15 | 6+ |
You will start in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Each day brings a new adventure. Trek chimpanzees in the misty Nyungwe Forest. Enjoy thrilling game drives in Akagera National Park, where lions, elephants, and giraffes roam freely. Hike in Volcanoes National Park’s bamboo forests to see endangered mountain gorillas up close. This experience is truly life-changing.
Along the way, you will stay in private accommodations with expert local guides. You will also enjoy authentic cultural experiences. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s powerful history and resilience. Meet local artisans, taste traditional cuisine, and explore countryside villages. This gives you a full view of Rwanda’s soul.
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The 11 Days Rwanda Safari Adventure also includes time to relax. You can take a boat ride on Lake Kivu, enjoy coffee tastings at local farms, or soak in views of Rwanda’s rolling hills. This itinerary balances excitement with rejuvenation.
Whether this is your first trip to Africa or you are an experienced traveler, this private safari is tailored to your needs. Travel in a private 4x4 vehicle with a professional, Rwanda-based guide. The tour is fully customizable. You can add activities like photography, birdwatching, or cultural immersion.
Book your  Adventure today. Experience Rwanda in its purest, wildest, and most inspiring form.
What to Expect on 11 Days Essence of Rwanda Safari Adventures
- Spot the Big Five in Akagera during your Safari Adventure
- Trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
- Enjoy gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Relax on Lake Kivu’s shores
- Discover Kigali’s rich history
- Engage in cultural village visits
- Scenic countryside drives
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. If time permits, you may enjoy a short city orientation tour depending on your flight arrival. Rest and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Meals:Â Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget Camping: Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
- Standard: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Day 2
Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Akagera National Park
Start the day with a guided tour of Kigali, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers. After lunch, drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Arrive in time for a sunset view over Lake Ihema.
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget Camping:Â Akagera Rhino Camp
- Standard:Â Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3
Full Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Today is dedicated to a full-day game drive across the park's northern and central circuits. Search for lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and various antelope species. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed in the bush, and you'll return to the lodge in the evening.
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget Camping:Â Akagera Rhino Camp
- Standard:Â Akagera Game Lodge
Day 4
Morning Boat Safari – Transfer to Kigali
Enjoy a tranquil boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you may spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. After the cruise, begin your journey back to Kigali for an overnight stay.
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget Camping:Â Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
- Standard:Â Hotel des Mille Collines
Day 5
Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park via Butare
Depart for Nyungwe Forest with a scenic drive through southern Rwanda. Stop at Nyanza King’s Palace and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye (Butare) to explore Rwanda’s rich history. Continue to Nyungwe for overnight.
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget Camping:Â Gisakura Guesthouse
- Standard:Â Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 6
Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
Rise early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe’s tropical rainforest. In the afternoon, enjoy the iconic canopy walk, offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and birdlife.
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget Camping:Â Gisakura Guesthouse
- Standard:Â Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 7
Transfer to Lake Kivu – Relaxation on the Shoreline
Depart for Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s great lakes. Arrive in Gisenyi and spend the afternoon at leisure—swimming, relaxing by the lake, or taking an optional boat ride or coffee tour.
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget Camping:Â Inzu Lodge
- Standard:Â Paradise Kivu Resort
Day 8
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Twin Lakes Visit
After breakfast, travel to Volcanoes National Park in the Virunga Mountains. En route, visit the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo—stunningly scenic crater lakes nestled among volcanic peaks.
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget Camping:Â Amahoro Guest House
- Standard:Â Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Day 9
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your trip—mountain gorilla trekking! After an early briefing, hike through the lush rainforest to observe a gorilla family in their natural habitat. Enjoy a quiet hour with these incredible primates.
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget Camping:Â Amahoro Guest House
- Standard:Â Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Day 10
Cultural Visit and Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan customs, music, and dance. Later, drive back to Kigali for your final night in Rwanda.
Meals:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:
- Budget Camping:Â Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
- Standard:Â Hotel des Mille Collines
Day 11
Departure Day – Farewell Rwanda
[caption id="attachment_15060" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Rwanda is waiting for outcomes of the on-going investigations into the crash of the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max, for it to make the decision on its pending purchase order for two similar planes.Photo:Cyril NDEGEYA[/caption]
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
Meals:Â Breakfast
Accommodation:Â None (End of Tour)
- Â Airport pick-up and drop-off (Kigali International Airport)
- Â Private 4x4 safari vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide
- Â Accommodation as per itinerary (Budget Camping or Standard Package)
- Â All meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Â Park entry fees for all mentioned national parks
- Â Gorilla trekking permit (1 per person)
- Â Chimpanzee trekking permit (1 per person)
- Â Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
- Â Game drives and boat safari in Akagera National Park
- Â Kigali City Tour and Genocide Memorial entrance fees
- Â Bottled drinking water during transfers and activities
- Â All government taxes and conservation fees
- Â Cultural village visits and guided community experiences
- Â International and domestic flights
- Â Rwanda visa fees (if applicable)
- Â Travel insurance and personal medical expenses
- Â Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
- Â Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
- Â Laundry services and souvenirs
- Â Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Â Extra nights of accommodation before or after the tour
Any health or medical emergency will be attended to. If the condition requires hospitalization, you will be evacuated to the nearest hospital immediately. Make sure you have the travel and health insurance cover. It’s highly recommended
The local currency is the Rwandan Franc (RWF). US Dollars are also widely accepted in tourism businesses. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants.
Absolutely! All our Rwanda tours can be tailored to suit your interests, time frame, and budget — from luxury to budget travel options.
Kinyarwanda is the national language. English and French are also official languages and widely spoken, especially in tourism areas.
No. The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is 15 years old.
You can observe mountain gorillas from a distance of about 7 meters (21 feet), but sometimes they may come closer. The trekking experience includes one hour with the gorillas once located.
Sturdy hiking boots
Lightweight rain jacket
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for the forest
Sunscreen and insect repellent
A hat, gloves, and a daypack
Reusable water bottle
Gorilla trekking requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Treks can last from 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Porters are available to assist with carrying bags and provide support.
The best time is during the dry seasons:
June to September
December to February
These periods are ideal for gorilla trekking and other outdoor activities due to minimal rainfall.
Yes. Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. It has a low crime rate, excellent road infrastructure, and friendly, welcoming locals. As with any travel, always follow basic safety precautions.
Yes. Most travelers require a visa to enter Rwanda. You can apply for a Rwanda Tourist Visa online (e-visa) or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. The East Africa Tourist Visa is also available and allows travel between Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated. You can tip your guide, porter, or lodge staff based on the service provided. A general guideline is $10–20 per day for guides.
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