9 Days Rwanda Classic Safari
This 9-day Rwanda classic safari is a perfect blend of wildlife, primates, landscapes and culture. It takes you from the savannah plains of Akagera national park to the ancient rainforests of nyungwe the tranquil shores of lake Kivu and the misty slopes of volcanoes national park for the ultimate gorilla trekking experience. This African safari adventure showcases Rwanda’s natural beauty and biodiversity in unforgettable ways.
SAFARI HIGHLIGHTS
- Kigali city tour
- Game drives and boat cruise safari in Akagera national park
Boat Cruise - Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in nyungwe forest
- Gorilla trekking in volcanoes
- Relaxation at lake Kivu
- Visit to the iby’iwacu cultural village
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Arriva at Kigali international airport where your guide will welcome you and brief you about the safari. After the briefing, you will have a Kigali city tour where you will visit the Kigali genocide memorial, local craft markets and art galleries as well as kimironko market which is the oldest market among others. After, you will be transferred to your hotel for a relaxation.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera national park and evening game drive
After breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to akagera national park in eastern Rwanda. On arrival, you will check into the lodge for a relaxation and lunch.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a game drive where you will spot giraffes, zebras, antelopes, warthogs, buffalos, lions and various bird species. After the game drive, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Morning game drive and lake Ihema boat cruise
In the early morning after breakfast, you will head to the national park for a morning game drive. Explore the northern savannah plains in search of lions, buffalos, hippos, leopards, elephants, rhinos and warthogs among others. After the game drive, return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on lake Ihema where you will spot aquatic animals such as hippos, crocodiles and various bird species. After the boat cruise, return to the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe forest national park
After a leisure breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to nyungwe national park. you will have a visit to the king’s palace in Nyanza and the ethnographic Museum in Huye with enroute lunch. On arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy the evening relaxing at the lodge.
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk
Early morning after breakfast, head to the park’s headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, enter into the forest with the help of the park rangers in search of the chimpanzees. Once they are located, you will spend an hour with these species as you learn about their behaviours within the forest. After the trekking, return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, head to the forest for a canopy walk on a 70-meter-high suspension bridge that offers panoramic views of the forest. While on the canopy walk, you will watch animal species moving within the forest, primates jumping from one tree to another and various bird species. After the canopy walk, return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Transfer to lake Kivu
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and take a scenic drive to lake Kivu which is Rwanda’s largest fresh water. On arrival, check into the hotel and have lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing by the lakeside or taking a sunset boat ride to explore nearby islands.
Day 7: Transfer to volcanoes
Have a relaxed breakfast, check out of the lodge and embark on the journey to the volcanoes national park which is a home to the endangered mountain gorillas. On arrival, you will check into the lodge for a relaxation and prepare for the next day activities.
Day 8: Gorilla trekking
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. After the briefing, head into the park with the help of the park ranger in search of the majestic gorillas. The trekking 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 them feed, play, breastfeed and groom their young ones as you take pictures and record videos. After the trekking return to the lodge for a relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9: Visit the Iby’iwacu cultural village and departure
After breakfast, you will visit the iby’iwacu cultural village where you will learn about Rwandan traditions, culture and way of life. After the visit, you will proceed with the journey back to Kigali. On arrival, you will be dropped off at the international airport for your flight back home.
End of 9 Days Rwanda Classic Safari
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Transportation in a 4*4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation and meals
- Services of an English-speaking guide
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Bottled drinking water
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
