10-Day Rwanda Safari | Nyungwe, Lake Kivu & Volcanoes
A Romantic 10-Day Rwanda Safari | Nyungwe, Lake Kivu & Volcanoes. On a Ten-day Rwanda safari itinerary, you will discover fascinating local culture and thrilling wildlife. Your 10-Day Rwanda Safari starts in the lively capital of Kigali, where you will be greeted with open arms before embarking on a picturesque drive to Nyungwe National Park. Discover the numerous primate species that call this verdant jungle home, such as the gregarious golden monkeys and the elusive chimpanzees. Exciting canopy treks, peaceful boat trips on Lake Kivu, and exploration of the beautiful twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo are just a few of the daily surprises.
An exhilarating gorilla hike in Volcanoes National Park is the most anticipated part of your vacation. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand in wonder as you encounter these magnificent creatures in their own environment will create indelible memories. Stopping by local markets, historic landmarks, and traditional villages will allow you to immerse yourself in Rwanda’s rich culture. Visit Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, and learn about its rich history as you conclude your adventure. This 10-Day Rwanda Safari is tailor-made for those seeking an unforgettable Rwanda adventure, as it offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
A Detailed 10-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Kigali International Airport
Enjoy a leisurely evening at leisure, getting ready for the adventure ahead. Your accommodation for the night is at the Lemigo Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis. Your driver-guide will warmly greet you upon arrival at Kigali International Airport and transfer you to your Kigali hotel.
Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe National Park
The trip to Nyungwe National Park will take around six and a half hours, so leave after breakfast. Stop by the National Museum in Butare and the ancient King’s Palace in Nyanza; these will give you a better understanding of Rwanda’s history and culture. After having lunch in Butare, make your way to Nyungwe. Upon arrival, have dinner at the Nyungwe Top View Hotel and spend the night there on a full board basis.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Nature Walk
Before heading to the park to go chimpanzee trekking, have an early breakfast. The chimpanzees of Rwanda are housed in Nyungwe National Park, the biggest montane forest in East Africa. Although wildlife encounters are not guaranteed, the knowledgeable rangers will track the chimps to ensure the best possible experience during the potentially lengthy trip. After lunch, head back to the resort for a guided nature walk to Kamiranzovu Waterfall. The park is home to a vivid array of butterflies, 280 bird species, and more than 200 tree species. Enjoy a full breakfast and an overnight stay at the Nyungwe Top View Hotel.
Day 4: Colobus Monkey Trekking and Canopy Walk
Get back to Nyungwe National Park to go monkey trekking with Colobus monkeys after breakfast. A unique monkey, the Ruwenzori Colobus has black fur and startling white features on its shoulders, tail tip, and whiskers. After your morning walk, take in the breathtaking views from 150 meters above forest floor on the canopy walk. It offers a unique vantage point of the forest and the fauna that lives in its upper layers. After your meal, head back to the Nyungwe Top View Hotel for a full-board night’s stay.
Day 5: Nyungwe to Kibuye (Lake Kivu)
After breakfast, leave Nyungwe and drive for about three hours to Kibuye, which is on the eastern bank of Lake Kivu, a beautiful inland lake in Africa. Have lunch at Moriah Hills Resort when you arrive. Then, go on a boat ride to Amahoro Island, sometimes called One Bar Island, and see the fruit bat colony. The island’s deeply incised rivers and volcanic landscape make for stunning photo ops. The Moriah Hills Resort is where you will have your dinner and stay the night.
Day 6: Kibuye to Gisenyi
Proceed to Gisenyi, the biggest port in Rwanda situated on Lake Kivu, after breakfast. Lunch will be provided at the hotel upon arrival. After that, you can relax and enjoy the lake, town, and local markets. If you like, you can even take a boat excursion to one of the surrounding islands. The Paradise Malahide Hotel is where you’ll have your dinner and stay the night.
Day 7: Gisenyi to Ruhengeri
After breakfast, depart Gisenyi for a visit to the Imbabazi Orphanage, named after Rosamond Carr. While there, you can take in some local music and hear about the orphanage’s history. Keep going till you reach Ruhengeri, which is situated against the mountain range of the Virunga. Once you’ve had your lunch, head to the foot of Muhabura Volcano to the twin lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo. Take in the breathtaking views and get some great photos. Staying at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge for the night with full board is included.
Day 8: Gorilla Tracking
After a hearty breakfast, make your way to the ranger station for check-in and a pre-trek briefing to prepare for your gorilla hike. The walk, which passes through bamboo forests, gentle slopes and farms, may take three to six hours. Spend an hour getting up close and personal with a habituated gorilla family while being guided by knowledgeable park rangers. This meeting provides valuable insights into the social structures and behaviour of gorillas, and it will stay with you forever. Have some downtime at the lodge or go on an optional excursion to the hamlet, the market, or Dian Fossey’s graveyard in the afternoon. Stays at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge for one night with full board.
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking and Intercultural Exchange
Trek with acclimated golden monkeys as they scurry through bamboo forests after breakfast in Volcanoes National Park. Take part in traditional dance, basket weaving, or banana beer brewing demonstrations in the afternoon at Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, where you may interact with local communities and help support their livelihoods. Have dinner and spend the night at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, where you will be provided with a full board.
Day 10: Kigali City Tour and Departure
After you have breakfast, it’s a two-hour drive to Kigali. Experience a guided city trip that include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kigali Museum, and the craft markets, based on your flight itinerary. As your fascinating and engaging tour through Rwanda comes to a close, this is your last chance to buy souvenirs before you depart.
End of the 10-Day Rwanda Safari | Nyungwe, Lake Kivu & Volcanoes