Day 1: Pickup in Kigali – Transfer to Akagera National Park
Your adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital city. After breakfast, you will meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of Rwanda near the Tanzanian border. Known for its diverse ecosystems, Akagera is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five.
Upon arrival, you will take an evening game drive to spot animals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, warthogs, waterbucks, and more. The park’s rolling savannahs and picturesque lakes provide a stunning backdrop for your first wildlife encounter.
- Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
- Meal Plan: Half-Board
Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Ride on Lake Ihema
Start your day with an early morning game drive to explore Akagera’s wildlife-rich plains. Look out for lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and other species like hyenas, zebras, and antelopes. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 bird species recorded.
After lunch, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema, one of the largest lakes in Rwanda. This relaxing excursion offers opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of waterbirds along the shores. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
- Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
- Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 3: Morning Game Drive – Transfer to Ruhengeri
After a final morning game drive in Akagera, you will begin your journey to Ruhengeri (Musanze), the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. En route, you will stop for lunch and visit local communities for a cultural encounter. Learn about traditional practices such as making local liquor from sorghum and bananas, crafting handmade items, and preparing traditional dishes.
Arrive in Ruhengeri in the evening and check into your lodge. Relax and prepare for the highlight of your trip: gorilla trekking.
- Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / La Palme Hotel
- Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast, head to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You will be assigned to a gorilla family group and accompanied by experienced guides and trackers.
The trek through the dense forests of the Virunga Mountains can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find them, you will spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The experience is both humbling and exhilarating.
Return to your lodge for relaxation and overnight.
- Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / La Palme Hotel
- Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. En route, you will stop in Kigali for a city tour, visiting landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets.
Continue to Nyungwe, with optional stops at the King’s Palace in Nyanza or the National Museum. Arrive at your lodge in the evening and enjoy a peaceful night surrounded by nature.
- Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge / Gisakura Guest House
- Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 6 and 7: Chimpanzee Trekking Experience
Over the next two days, you will immerse yourself in the wonders of Nyungwe Forest. Start with chimpanzee trekking, a thrilling adventure that takes you deep into the forest in search of these playful primates. Along the way, you may also spot other primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys and grey-cheeked mangabeys, as well as a variety of bird species.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk around the tea plantations or explore the forest trails. Nyungwe is a haven for nature lovers, offering endless opportunities for discovery.
- Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge / Gisakura Guest House
- Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 8: Nyungwe Canopy Walk and Forest Exploration
Begin your day with the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a thrilling experience that takes you 50 meters above the forest floor. This suspension bridge offers breathtaking views of the forest and its inhabitants.
Afterward, embark on a full-day guided forest walk, visiting the Kamiranzovu Waterfalls and enjoying a picnic lunch in the heart of the forest. Keep an eye out for butterflies, birds, and primates as you explore this tropical paradise.
- Accommodation: Nyungwe Forest Lodge / Gisakura Guest House
- Meal Plan: Full-Board
Day 9: Nyungwe – Kigali – Departure
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving back to Kigali. Upon arrival, take a city tour and visit local markets to shop for souvenirs. In the evening, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable 9-day adventure.
