Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and City Tour

Distance Covered: Kigali International Airport to the City (Approx. 30-minute drive) Accommodation: Midrange options include Radisson Blu Hotel, The Manor Hotel, and Kigali Serena Hotel Meals: Dinner at the hotel (varied options, including local Rwandan dishes like Ugali, Ibirayi, and Isombe)

Arrival and Welcome

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your safari guide. The city of Kigali is Rwanda’s vibrant capital, known for its cleanliness, safety, and rich culture. Your first day in Rwanda will give you a chance to explore this charming city, which is rapidly growing and modernizing while retaining its traditional charm.

Kigali City Tour

After checking in and refreshing at your hotel, embark on a city tour of Kigali. This city is a perfect blend of contemporary architecture and traditional Rwandan culture. Your guide will take you to key landmarks, including:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial: Learn about Rwanda’s tragic history during the 1994 genocide. This moving museum is a must-visit, offering educational exhibits and a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s journey towards healing and reconciliation.
• Kimironko Market: Visit one of Kigali’s bustling local markets. Here, you’ll witness daily life in the city and have the opportunity to buy fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
• Inema Art Center: This contemporary art gallery showcases the work of local Rwandan artists. It’s a perfect spot for anyone interested in Rwanda’s vibrant art scene.

Dinner and Overnight Stay

After your city tour, enjoy a delicious dinner at your hotel, where you’ll sample local cuisine. A great option is the The Hut Restaurant, which serves both local and international dishes. Rest and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.

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Day 2: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park and Visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village and Musanze Caves

Distance Covered: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (Approx. 2.5 – 3 hours, 100 km) Accommodation: Midrange options include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or Le Bambou Lodge Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in the park area, and dinner at the lodge

Travel to Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, you will begin your scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in the Virunga Mountain range, which is famous for being the home of the endangered mountain gorillas. The drive from Kigali takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, offering a chance to enjoy Rwanda’s lush, rolling hills and rural villages along the way. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and take some time to rest and refresh.

Visit Iby’iwacu Cultural Village

In the afternoon, head to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village to experience traditional Rwandan culture. This cultural village offers an authentic look into the way of life of the Banyarwanda people. Participate in activities such as traditional dances, music performances, and demonstrations of local crafts. You will also learn about the significance of agriculture, cooking, and community life in Rwanda.

Musanze Caves

Following your cultural immersion, visit the Musanze Caves, which are located near the base of the Virunga Volcanoes. These caves are formed by volcanic eruptions and date back thousands of years. The caves are a fascinating geological feature of the region, and your guide will explain their historical and cultural significance to the local people.

Overnight Stay

Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight accommodation. This region has many comfortable lodges offering stunning views of the volcanoes and surrounding landscapes.

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Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Distance Covered: Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park (Approx. 5-6 hours, 250 km) Accommodation: Same as Day 2 Meals: Breakfast at the lodge, packed lunch during trekking, and dinner at the hotel

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is one of the highlights of your safari, gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing by the rangers. You will be divided into groups and assigned a gorilla family to track. The trek through the dense forest can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you encounter them, you will spend an hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. It is an unforgettable experience to be in the presence of these majestic animals.

Travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After the trek, enjoy a packed lunch before transferring to Nyungwe Forest National Park, located in southwestern Rwanda. The drive takes around 5 to 6 hours and offers beautiful views of the Rwandan countryside, including terraced hillsides and rolling forests. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation in Nyungwe and enjoy a relaxing dinner.

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Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge or Gisakura Guesthouse Meals: Breakfast at the lodge, packed lunch during trekking, and dinner at the lodge

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Nyungwe Forest is one of the most biodiverse rainforests in Africa, home to a variety of primates, including chimpanzees. After breakfast, head into the forest for chimpanzee trekking. The trek through Nyungwe’s dense forest is a magical experience as you search for the chimpanzee communities that reside here. Once you encounter the chimps, you’ll have an hour to observe their social behaviors and interactions.

Canopy Walk

In the afternoon, embark on Nyungwe’s famous canopy walk, which is suspended above the forest floor and offers stunning views of the rainforest and its wildlife. The walk is both thrilling and educational, providing the chance to spot more primates and various bird species from a unique vantage point.

Overnight Stay

After a day filled with adventure, return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

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Day 5: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

Distance Covered: Nyungwe Forest to Akagera National Park (Approx. 6-7 hours, 300 km) Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge or Akagera Game Lodge Meals: Breakfast at the lodge, lunch en route, and dinner at the lodge

Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. The drive takes around 6 to 7 hours, but it offers opportunities to stop and appreciate Rwanda’s varied landscapes, from the rolling hills to the savannah plains. Upon arrival in Akagera, check into your accommodation, then embark on a boat safari on Lake Ihema. This boat safari is an excellent way to spot wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. The calm waters of Lake Ihema make for an unforgettable experience in one of Africa’s most scenic wetland environments.

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Day 6: Game Drives in Akagera and Birding, and Transfer to Gisenyi

Accommodation: Same as Day 5 Meals: Breakfast at the lodge, packed lunch during the safari, and dinner at the lodge

Game Drives in Akagera National Park

After breakfast, embark on a morning game drive in Akagera National Park, one of the only places in Rwanda where you can see the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The park is home to a variety of other species as well, including giraffes, zebras, and antelope. Your guide will help you spot wildlife while sharing insights about the park’s ecosystem and conservation efforts.

Birdwatching

Akagera is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 species recorded in the park. Spend the afternoon birding and exploring more of the park’s diverse habitats, from wetlands to woodlands, which host a range of bird species, including the rare Shoebill stork.

Transfer to Gisenyi

After the morning drive, you’ll depart from Akagera and head west to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu, where the Congo Nile Trail begins. The distance from Akagera National Park to Gisenyi is approximately 270 kilometers (about 170 miles), and the drive typically takes around 5 to 6 hours. The journey across Rwanda will showcase the country’s scenic hills, passing through lush farmlands and small towns along the way. You may want to make a few stops to stretch, grab a bite, or simply admire the views, as Rwanda’s landscape is breathtaking throughout the journey. Once in Gisenyi, you’ll settle in and prepare for your exploration of the Congo Nile Trail the next day. Gisenyi offers a relaxing lakeside ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a day of travel.

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Day 7: Congo Nile Trail Biking or Hiking and Visit Kamiranzovu Waterfall

Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge or Top View Hill Hotel Meals: Breakfast at the lodge, packed lunch along the trail, and dinner at the lodge

Congo Nile Trail Hiking or Biking

Begin your day with a hike or bike ride along the scenic Congo-Nile Trail that stretches along the shores of Lake Kivu. The trail offers stunning views of the lake, terraced hills, and rural villages. Whether hiking or biking, you’ll be immersed in Rwanda’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Visit Kamiranzovu Waterfall

In the afternoon, visit the Kamiranzovu Waterfall, located within Nyungwe Forest. The waterfall is a peaceful and picturesque spot, offering a great opportunity to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Return to Kigali

After your adventure, return to Kigali for your final night, where you’ll have time for rest and a farewell dinner.

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Day 8: Visit Lake Kivu for Water Adventurous Activities

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel or Kivu Marina Bay Resort Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch on the lake, and dinner at the resort

Lake Kivu Water Activities

Take a day trip to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The lake is ideal for water-based activities such as kayaking, swimming, and boat rides. You can also visit Gisenyi and enjoy the scenic beaches and relaxing atmosphere of Rwanda’s largest lake.

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Day 9: Visit King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza and Transfer to Kigali for Departures

Distance Covered: Gisenyi to Kigali (Approx. 3 hours, 120 km) Accommodation: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in Nyanza, and dinner at Kigali (depending on flight time)

King’s Palace Museum

Visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, where you’ll learn about Rwanda’s monarchy and the culture of the royal court. Explore traditional royal homes and discover Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage before transferring back to Kigali for your departure. End of 9 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari

This 9 days Rwanda Wildlife Safari offers an unforgettable blend of wildlife adventures, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes, allowing you to explore some of the most iconic destinations in Rwanda. Whether tracking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, trekking chimpanzees in Nyungwe, or taking boat safaris in Akagera, every day brings new adventures. The perfect balance of nature, culture, and relaxation, this itinerary offers an incredible way to experience Rwanda’s many wonders.

More Info for the 9 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari

Meals Expected

• Full board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at all lodges and hotels.
• Packed lunch provided during game drives, trekking, or long travel days.
• Dinner in most lodges and hotels offering both local and international dishes

Transportation:

• All ground transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 safari vehicle, including fuel and driver-guide.
• All park entry fees for the destinations visited, such as Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Akagera National Park, and Lake Kivu.

Park Permits and Fees:

• Gorilla trekking permit in Volcanoes National Park.
• Chimpanzee trekking permit in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
• Park entry fees for all national parks and reserves visited, including Akagera National Park and Volcanoes National Park.

Experienced Driver-Guide:

• Services of an experienced, English-speaking safari driver-guide throughout the entire trip.

Tour Includes of the 9 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari:

• Park entry fees
• All accommodations as mentioned
• Meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Bottled drinking water
• Professional guide services
• Gorilla and chimpanzee trekking permits
• Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle

Tour Excludes of the 9 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari:

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, souvenirs)
• Tips and gratuities
• Any extra activities not included in the itinerary

Packing List to Consider:

• Comfortable, neutral-colored clothing for safari
• Long-sleeved shirts and pants for trekking
• Hiking boots and socks
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Binoculars and camera
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal medical kit

How to prepare for the 9 Days Rwanda Vacation