12 Days Rwanda Classic Safari
This 12 days Rwanda classic safari offers the ultimate exploration of the “land of a thousand hills.” Journey through all three of Rwanda’s national parks that is akagera, nyungwe and volcanoes each offering a unique landscape and wildlife experience. Track gorillas and chimpanzees, search for the big five on game drives, cruise on lake Ihema and lake Kivu and engage with vibrant local culture. This is the quintessential African vacation safari diverse, deeply moving and incredibly scenic.
SAFARI HIGHLIGTS
- Big five game drives in akagera national park
Rhinos - Scenic boat cruise on lake Ihema
- Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
- Visit tea and coffee plantations
- Relaxation and boat cruise on lake Kivu
- Gorilla trekking in volcanoes national park
- Hike to Dian Fossey tomb and visit iby’iwacu cultural village
- Kigali city tour
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and city tour
On arrival at Kigali international airport, meet your safari guide and embark on a safari with a city tour of Kigali city. You will visit places like Kigali genocide museum, kimironko market, kandt museum and local art galleries. After the Kigali city tour, you will head to your lodge for a check in and spend the evening relaxing.
Day 2: Transfer to akagera national park and sunset game drive
After morning breakfast, you will check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to Akagera national park. the journey takes 2-3 hours and on arrival, you will check in the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will head out for a relaxing sunset game drive. While on the game drive, you will spot animals like zebras, giraffes, antelopes and elephants as the sun sets over the savannah. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Full day northern game drive
After morning breakfast, you will set off for a full day game drive through the parks northern plains of the national park. while on the game drive, you will spot animals such as lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes and elephants. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush and after the game drive, you will return to the lodge for dinner, relaxation and dinner.
Day 4: Lake Ihema boat cruise and transfer to Kigali
In the morning after breakfast, you will enjoy a peaceful boat cruise on lake Ihema. While on the boat cruise you will spot animals like hippos, crocodiles and bird species. After the boat cruise you will return to the lodge for a relaxation and lunch. After, check out of the lodge and embark on the journey back to Kigali. On arrival, check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe forest national park
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to Nyungwe national park. you will have a stop at Huye for a tour of the Ethnographic Museum and lunch. After, you will proceed with the journey to the park. on arrival, you will check into the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
Early in the morning, have breakfast and head to the park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, hike through the ancient rainforest with experienced rangers to locate and observe the primates. The trekking takes 2-5 hours and once they are located, you will spend an hour with them. After the trekking, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy the canopy walk which is a suspended bridge 70m above the forest floor. This offers panoramic views of animal species, primates and bird species. After the canopy walk, return to the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7: Waterfall hike and transfer to lake Kivu
In the morning after breakfast, set off for Isumo waterfall hike in nyungwe national park. the guided trail takes you through the lush rainforest teeming with primates, birds, butterflies and vibrant plant life. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch.
After lunch, you will check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to lake Kivu. On arrival, check into the hotel along the lake and spend the evening with stunning views over the water.
Day 8: Lake Kivu boat excursion and transfer to volcanoes national park
After breakfast, enjoy a boat cruise on Africa’s great lakes. Drift past fishing villages, lush green islands and quiet coves. You will spot local fishermen using traditional boats, hear stories of the lake’s volcanic history and many more. After the boat ride, return to the lodge and enjoy lunch.
After, check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to volcanoes national park. on arrival, you will check in the lodge for a relaxation and prepare for the next day activities.
Day 9: Gorilla trekking
Early morning, have breakfast and head to the national park’s headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, you will be assigned a gorilla family to trek and head into the forested slopes of Virunga. The trek takes 2-6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas.
Once the gorillas are located, you will spend an hour with them as you watch young ones tumble through the underbrush, silverbacks protectively monitor their families and mothers cradle their babies. After the trekking, you will return to the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10: Dian Fossey hike and iby’iwacu cultural village visit
After morning breakfast, head back to volcanoes national park for a guided hike to the Dian Fossey tomb which is found between Mount Bisoke and mount Karisimbi. The hike takes 3-4 hours round trip and the hike takes you through bamboo forests and afro montane vegetation to the site where Dian Fossey lived, worked and was buried alongside her beloved gorillas. After the hike, return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the Iby’iwacu cultural village where you will have a cultural experience. This introduces you to traditional Rwandan life and you will watch Intore dancers, try your hand at banana beer brewing, learn about traditional medicine and participate in a mock royal coronation. After the visit, you will return to the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and night stay.
Day 11: Twin lakes visit and leisure day
After breakfast, take a short scenic drive to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, set against the backdrop of the Virunga volcanoes. Enjoy stunning views, take photos and engage in activities like canoe ride on traditional wooden boats, a village nature walk or local fishing experience. After return to the lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon at leisure. Relax, enjoy the views or visit a nearby craft market. This is the perfect day to unwind and reflect on your unforgettable Rwanda safari.
Day 12: Transfer back to Kigali
Wake up at leisure, have breakfast and check out of the lodge and embark on the journey back to Kigali. Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy a city tour doing shopping and have lunch. After the guide will drop you at the Kigali international airport for your flight back home.
End of 12 Days Rwanda Classic Safari
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Transport in a 4*4 safari vehicle
- Park entrance fees
- Game drives, boat cruise and cultural visits
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Accommodation and meals
- Bottled drinking water
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic drinks
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
