8-day Best of Rwanda Safari
8-day Best of Rwanda Safari: Embark on a remarkable eight-day adventure in Rwanda, a country known for its rich cultural legacy and beautiful landscapes. The country’s top tourist destinations, such as the serene shores of Lake Ihema and Akagera National Park, the verdant Nyungwe Forest National Park, and the magnificent Volcanoes National Park—home to the breathtaking mountain gorillas—are all expertly combined in this well-planned itinerary. A range of engaging activities will be offered to participants, including guided nature walks, trekking, interaction with local people, and tours of historical places that shed light on Rwanda’s remarkable history. On this remarkable journey, take in the finest of Rwanda’s natural splendour and cultural richness.
Outlined Itinerary of the 8-day Best of Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park for a Guided Nature Walk
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Day 4: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Day 5: Embark on Game Drive and later a boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking Experience and Optional Activities (Dian Fossey Tomb visit, Hiking or Community Tours)
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
Detailed Itinerary of the 8-day Best of Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
We welcome you to Rwanda! After completing the necessary procedures, our kind guide will meet you at Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport and drive you to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Four Points by Sheraton
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park for a Guided Nature Walk
After breakfast, decide whether to drive or take a private charter flight from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is a hotspot for biodiversity and the largest remaining area of montane forest in Africa. It is an important conservation area with 86 animal species, 280 bird species, and about 100 plant species. After settling in, take a canopy walk to observe black and white colobus monkeys in great numbers as well as birds like the Black and White Casqued Hornbill, Rwenzori Turaco, Albertine Owlet, Rwenzori Apalis, Regal Sunbird, and the Dusky Crimsonwing.
Accommodation: One and Only Nyungwe
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Following breakfast, you will go hiking while tracking chimps in Nyungwe Forest. There are 13 kinds of primates known to exist in this lush jungle, making the national park famous for primates. The chimpanzee, the closest living ancestor of man, the adorable L’Hoest’s monkey, and countless fascinating black and white colobus troops are all found in the forest.
Accommodation: One and Only Nyungwe
Day 4: Transfer to Akagera National Park
On this day of the 8-day Best of Rwanda Safari, drive or take a private charter flight from Nyungwe to Akagera National Park. During an afternoon game drive, you will encounter giraffes, buffalos, elephants, crocodiles, hippos, spotted hyenas, and a variety of birds such as the Back-headed Gonolek, African Fish Eagle, Denham’s Bustard, and the Brown-chested Lapwing, should you have time. The park’s varied landscapes include rolling plains, broad-leafed forests, and acacia woods.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 5: Embark on a Game Drive and later a boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
You will embark on a game drive in the park early in the morning, and in the afternoon, you will take a boat ride on Lake Ihema. As you sail along the water’s edge, you will come across wildlife and bird species.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park. The route meanders through Rwanda’s charming terraced slopes before progressively ascending to the foot of the magnificent Virunga volcanoes, which occasionally have up to five peaks in view. You can decide to tour the town of Ruhengeri or spend the afternoon relaxing.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking Experience and Optional Activities (Dian Fossey Tomb visit, Hiking or Community Tours)
On this day of the 8-day Best of Rwanda Safari, drive to Ruhengeri after an early breakfast for the safari’s highlight: an encounter with the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, escorted by a knowledgeable ranger. As an alternative, try exploring Crater Lake and the Virunga volcanoes, hiking Mount Bisoke early in the morning, tracking golden monkeys, or going to the grave of famous primatologist Dian Fossey. Consider taking a stroll to the market and town of Ruhengeri in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali and Departure
You will either fly or drive to Kigali town today. You will be given a tour of the capital city and taken to the museum dedicated to genocide upon your arrival. Afterwards, you will head to the airport to catch your flight home.