9 Days Rwanda Safari and Lake Kivu Holiday

Experience the best of Rwanda on this 9 Days Rwanda Safari and Lake Kivu Holiday and Lake Kivu Holiday with Rwakabunga Safaris. This luxury journey blends exciting wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, and serene relaxation by the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu. You will explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital Kigali, enjoy thrilling game drives in Akagera National Park, track chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, trek the iconic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and finally unwind at Lake Kivu with indulgent leisure. With handpicked luxury lodges, fine dining, and professional guides, this itinerary ensures a seamless blend of adventure and comfort across the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Arrive at Kigali International Airport where a Rwakabunga Safaris representative will warmly welcome you. Depending on your flight time, enjoy a guided orientation of Kigali with visits to cultural centers, the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and art galleries. In the evening, check into your luxury hotel and relax with a fine dining dinner as you prepare for the journey ahead.

Accommodation options: Kigali Serena Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven, Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali
Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, embark on a guided Kigali city tour to explore historical landmarks, bustling markets, and cultural attractions. Later, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah reserve. On arrival, settle into your lodge, enjoy a gourmet lunch, and head out for an evening game drive. Expect to see giraffes, zebras, elephants, and antelopes before returning for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Full Day Safari in Akagera National Park

Start your day with a sunrise game drive, offering the best chance to spot predators such as lions and hyenas, along with herds of buffalo and antelopes grazing in the fresh morning air. Midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild before continuing your exploration across Akagera’s plains, lakes, and woodlands. Return to your lodge in the late afternoon for relaxation and a luxury dinner experience.

Accommodation options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Morning Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema – Transfer Back to Kigali

Wake up for a morning boat safari on Lake Ihema where you will spot hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. After breakfast, return to Kigali and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure with options such as spa treatments, shopping for crafts, or dining at a fine restaurant. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Accommodation options: Kigali Serena Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven, Hotel des Mille Collines
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest, stopping at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye along the way. Arrive at your luxury lodge nestled near the rainforest and enjoy the serene views. The evening is free for relaxation, complete with a gourmet dinner.

Accommodation options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

Rise early for an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure with professional rangers guiding you through the forest. After spending time with the playful primates, return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, experience the famous Nyungwe canopy walkway suspended high above the forest, offering panoramic views and unique perspectives of the jungle below. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills to Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at your luxury lodge at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, where you will check in and enjoy a hot lunch. Spend the afternoon unwinding or take an optional visit to nearby cultural villages. Dinner and overnight at your lodge in preparation for the next day’s gorilla trek.

Accommodation options: Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park – Transfer to Lake Kivu

Today is the highlight of your safari as you set out for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing, trek through lush rainforest until you find a gorilla family. Spend an awe-inspiring hour with them before returning to your lodge for an early lunch. Later, transfer to Lake Kivu where you will relax by the lakeshore at your luxury resort.

Accommodation options: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Paradise Malahide
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Lake Kivu Relaxation – Departure from Kigali

Spend a leisurely morning at Lake Kivu, enjoying swimming, a private boat cruise, or simply unwinding by the water. After lunch, transfer back to Kigali in time for your evening international flight. Depending on your schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping or relaxation before your departure, marking the end of your 9 day luxury holiday.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the 9 Days Rwanda Safari and Lake Kivu Holiday.