12 Days Rwanda Grand Safari Tour

Embark on an enchanting journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills with Rwakabunga Safaris on this 12 Days Rwanda Grand Safari Tour. This carefully designed itinerary blends luxury accommodations, fine dining, and unforgettable wildlife encounters in Rwanda’s most iconic destinations. From the savannah plains of Akagera National Park, to the misty rainforests of Nyungwe, the sparkling shores of Lake Kivu, and the legendary Volcanoes National Park, this grand tour is the ultimate way to discover Rwanda in style. Each day offers unique experiences ranging from gorilla and chimpanzee tracking to boat cruises, cultural encounters, and city explorations. With professional guides and personalized service, you are assured of a seamless safari filled with comfort, adventure, and luxury.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

On arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Rwakabunga Safaris representative and transferred to your luxury hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may explore Kigali with short visits to art galleries, craft markets, or the Kigali Genocide Memorial for cultural orientation. Relax at your hotel, enjoy a gourmet dinner, and prepare for the journey ahead.

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

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

After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour where you will visit local museums, craft centers, and historical landmarks. Later, transfer to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah reserve. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge, enjoy lunch, and in the evening head out for a short game drive across the plains to spot elephants, zebras, and giraffes.

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

Day 3: Full Day Safari in Akagera National Park

Start early with a sunrise game drive through Akagera’s diverse landscapes. Look out for the Big Five, including lions and rhinos, as well as abundant antelope species. A picnic lunch will be served in the wild before you continue your exploration. Return in the late afternoon to your lodge for relaxation, sundowners, and a gourmet dinner.

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

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

In the morning, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema where you will encounter hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. After breakfast, check out and transfer back to Kigali, arriving in time for lunch. The afternoon can be spent at leisure with optional spa treatments or light city exploration. Dinner and overnight at a luxury Kigali hotel.

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

Day 5: Kigali – Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, set out for Nyungwe Forest with scenic drives through Rwanda’s rolling hills. En route, stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye for cultural insights. Arrive at Nyungwe in the afternoon, check into your lodge, and enjoy a relaxing evening with views of the rainforest.

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

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe

Rise early for an exciting chimpanzee tracking adventure. Guided by expert trackers, you will follow calls and movements through the rainforest until you encounter these playful primates. Spend time observing their fascinating behavior before returning for lunch. The afternoon is free for leisure or short guided walks around the lodge.

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

Day 7: Canopy Walk and Forest Exploration

This morning, set out for the famous Nyungwe canopy walk, suspended high above the forest with panoramic views of lush greenery. Spot bird species, primates, and butterflies along the way. After lunch, you may enjoy a nature hike or relax at the lodge with luxury amenities. Dinner and overnight at your chosen lodge.

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

Day 8: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Leisure by the Shores

Depart Nyungwe after breakfast and enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Kivu. Arrive at your lakeside resort in time for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing by the water, taking a swim, or indulging in spa treatments. In the evening, enjoy a sunset dinner overlooking the lake.

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

Day 9: Lake Kivu – Boat Cruise and Coffee Tour

Spend the day exploring Lake Kivu with a private boat cruise that takes you around the islands and fishing villages. Visit a local coffee plantation for a guided tour and tasting experience. Return to your resort for leisure time, followed by dinner by the lakeshore.

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

Day 10: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, drive through Rwanda’s highlands towards Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at your luxury lodge with stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes. After lunch, you may opt for a village visit or simply relax and prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking.

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

Day 11: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the highlight of your safari. After an early breakfast, attend a briefing at the park headquarters before setting off on a trek through the forest. Once you find the gorilla family, you will spend an unforgettable hour observing them in their natural environment. Return to your lodge for relaxation and a luxury dinner.

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

Day 12: Golden Monkey Tracking – Return to Kigali – Departure

On your final day, enjoy golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. After the trek, return to your lodge for an early lunch and later transfer back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy last-minute shopping or cultural visits before being dropped at Kigali International Airport for your departure.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the 12 Days Rwanda Grand Safari Tour.