9 Days Across Rwanda Nyungwe Volcanoes And Akagera Experience

Upon arrival, our driver guide will warmly welcome you and assist with immigration procedures. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kigali for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day Itinerary

• TBA: Arrival at Kigali International Airport.


• TBA: VIP assistance through immigration.


• TBA: Transfer to your hotel (20 min).


• TBA: Check-in at the hotel.


• TBA: Dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Dinner
 
Driving Time: 20 minutes.

Start the day with breakfast before driving to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. This park is home to Rwanda’s last remaining chimpanzees, along with diverse wildlife, birds, and plants. Visitors can explore the scenic trails, spot primates, and experience the famous Canopy Walk.
A stopover at the King’s Palace offers insight into Rwanda’s royal history. This traditional thatched residence showcases the customs and traditions of pre-colonial Rwanda.
 
After lunch at Strafford Restaurant, visit the Ethnographic Museum to learn more about the country’s cultural heritage before continuing to the lodge for check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay.

Day Itinerary

• 07:30 – Morning breakfast.


• 08:00 – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest.


• 11:00 – Visit the King’s Palace.


• 13:00 – Lunch at Strafford Restaurant.


• 14:30 – Visit the Ethnographic Museum.


• 17:00 – Arrive at the lodge.


• 18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
 
Driving Time: 6 hrs.
 
Helicopter flight: 45 minutes.

Start the day early with breakfast before heading to the Nyungwe Forest headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. The trek takes visitors through lush vegetation in search of Rwanda’s last remaining wild chimpanzees.
 
Watch them wake, feed, and interact in their natural habitat, an experience that offers a rare glimpse into their daily lives.
 
After lunch and some relaxation at the lodge, take on the thrilling Canopy Walk. Suspended 160 meters above a ravine, this walkway offers breathtaking views of the ancient forest and a chance to see birds and primates from above.

Day Itinerary

• 05:00 – Morning breakfast.


• 05:30 – Transfer to park headquarters for trekking briefing.


• 06:00 – Start chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest.


• 12:30 – Return from the jungle.


• 13:30 – Lunch and relaxation at the lodge.


• 15:00 – Experience the Canopy Walk.


• 18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Start the morning with breakfast before heading to the Isumo Waterfall Trail, one of Nyungwe’s most scenic hikes. The trail winds through steep ravines, thick rainforest, and slippery pathways, leading to the 17-meter-high waterfall. Enjoy the cool breeze, the sounds of rushing water, and sightings of birds, butterflies, and primates along the way.
 
After lunch, transfer to Kibuye for a sunset boat cruise on Lake Kivu. Relax on the water as the sun dips below the horizon, casting golden reflections on the lake. A private cruise experience is available for those who prefer a more personalized adventure.

Day Itinerary

• 06:00 – Morning breakfast.


• 06:30 – Transfer to the park for a guided waterfall hike.


• 08:00 – Start the walk in Nyungwe Forest.


• Noon – Return from the jungle.


• 12:20 – Transfer back to the lodge.


• 12:40 – Early lunch at the lodge.


• 13:30 – Transfer to Kibuye.


• 15:30 – Arrival at the lodge.


• 16:00 – Sunset boat cruise on Lake Kivu.


• 18:00 – Return to the lodge.


• 19:00 – Dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
 
Driving Time: 2.30 hrs.

After breakfast, set off for Volcanoes National Park, located near the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park is home to the rare mountain gorillas, offering visitors a chance to see them in their natural environment. The park also features scenic hiking trails, the Dian Fossey tomb, and the Karisoke Research Centre.
 
In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, which plays a vital role in gorilla conservation. The centre brings together scientists, conservationists, and local communities to protect mountain gorillas and their habitat.

Day Itinerary

• 08:00 – Morning breakfast.


• 08:30 – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (3-hour drive).


• 09:00 – Visit the Genocide Memorial Center.


• 11:30 – Estimated arrival at the lodge.


• 13:00 – Lunch and relaxation.


• 14:00 – Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.


• 18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
 
Driving Time: 3 hrs.

Start the day with an early breakfast before heading to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. Visitors will be divided into groups of eight and assigned a guide and scouts.
 
The trek varies in duration, depending on the location of the gorilla families, and offers a rare chance to observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat.
 
In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you will be welcomed by the local community. Experience their way of life, learn about traditional customs, and enjoy cultural performances. This visit provides insight into Rwanda’s rich heritage and a chance to connect with the people living near the park.

Day Itinerary

• 06:00 – Morning breakfast.


• 06:30 – Transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing.


• 08:00 – Start gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.


• Noon – Estimated return from the jungle.


• 12:30 – Transfer back to the lodge.


• 13:00 – Lunch at the lodge.


• 15:00 – Visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.


• 18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After breakfast, go on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, a wildlife haven in eastern Rwanda. This vast park, known for its wetlands, savannah, and rolling highlands, is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and hippos. The journey offers breathtaking views before arriving at your lodge for check-in and relaxation.

Day Itinerary

• 07:00 – Enjoy a morning breakfast.


• 08:00 – Depart for Akagera National Park.


• 10:30 – Arrive at the park through the designated entrance.


• 11:00 – Begin the park exploration.


• Noon – Check in at the lodge.


• 13:00 – Lunch followed by free time.


• 18:00 – Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
 
Driving Time: Approximately 6 hrs.
 
Helicopter flight: 40 minutes.

Start your day with an early breakfast before heading out on a thrilling morning game drive through Akagera National Park. The open 4x4 safari vehicle offers clear views of diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and antelopes. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat safari on Lake Rwanyakazinga, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

Day Itinerary

• 06:30 – Begin the day with breakfast.


• 07:00 – Embark on a morning game drive.


• 14:00 – Enjoy a boat safari on Lake Rwanyakazinga


• 18:00 – Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Enjoy your final breakfast before departing for Kigali. Along the way, take in the beautiful scenery as you make your way to the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
This important site, created in partnership with the Kigali City Council and the Aegis Trust, offers a deeply moving and educational experience about Rwanda’s history.
 
The memorial honours over 250,000 victims buried on-site, providing insight into the country’s journey of resilience and reconciliation. After the visit, have lunch in Kigali before proceeding to Kigali International Airport for your evening flight.

Day Itinerary

• 07:30 – Start the day with breakfast.


• 08:00 – Depart for Kigali.


• 11:00 – Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.


• 13:30 – Enjoy lunch in Kigali.


• 14:30 – Transfer to Kigali International Airport.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
 
Driving Time: 3 hours
 
Helicopter Flight: 30 minutes
 
End of Safari