12-Day Rwanda Akagera, Nyungwe, Volcanoes National Park

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our professional driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take time to relax by the pool, refresh from your journey, and if time allows, enjoy a guided orientation walk to explore the nearby area and soak in the local atmosphere.

Main Destination:

Kigali

Accommodation:

Kigali Serena Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Kigali

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+12 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
• Drinks not included

Kigali City Tour & Cultural Experience

After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a moving insight into Rwanda’s history. Continue to Kimironko Market for a local shopping experience, then explore vibrant art galleries such as Inema Arts Center. In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on cultural activity or take part in a traditional cooking class.

Main Destination:

Kigali

Accommodation:

Kigali Serena Hotel

• Luxury hotel located in Kigali

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Transfer to Akagera National Park

Depart Kigali after breakfast and drive east through scenic landscapes toward Akagera National Park (approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, check in to Akagera Rhino Lodge and prepare for an exciting afternoon game drive. Enjoy your first sightings of wildlife such as giraffes, antelopes, zebras, and elephants as you explore the park's diverse ecosystems.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Best Time To Visit June to September and mid-December to mid-February (It is drier and wildlife is easier to spot)

High Season June to September (The park is busiest at weekends)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Akagera NP

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

HippoAbundant

White RhinoOccasional

LionOccasional

Show more

ElephantOccasional

Black RhinoRare

LeopardRare

HyenaRare

CheetahNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Akagera NP

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+31 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Full-Day Game Drive Safari in Akagera National Park

Spend the entire day on safari inside Akagera National Park. With a packed lunch, explore both the northern and southern circuits in search of the Big Five—lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo. Along the way, enjoy sightings of hippos, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, and a variety of bird species. Return to your lodge for a relaxing evening.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Accommodation:

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge

• Luxury lodge located inside Akagera NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive south to Nyungwe Forest National Park. En route, stop in Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum and learn more about Rwanda’s cultural heritage. Continue through the rolling hills of the south, arriving in Nyungwe by evening. Check in to Chimpanzee Lodge and enjoy dinner with views of the surrounding forest.

Main Destination:

Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)

Best Time To Visit June to September (Dry weather, best chimp trekking)

High Season June to September (Popular gorilla trekking time in Volcanoes NP)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Nyungwe NP

ChimpanzeeCommon

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

Show more

ElephantNone

GiraffeNone

BuffaloNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps)

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Wake up early for an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest. Accompanied by expert trackers, hike through dense jungle terrain to locate and observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy a quiet afternoon resting or walking along nearby nature trails.

Main Destination:

Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Nyungwe Canopy Walk & Scenic Transfer to Karongi

This morning, enjoy the thrilling canopy walk at Uwinka, suspended 60 meters above the forest floor, offering incredible views of Nyungwe’s biodiversity. After the walk, check out and transfer to the lakeside town of Karongi on Lake Kivu. Check in to Spa Shallum and spend the evening relaxing by the peaceful lake shore.

Main Destination:

Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Cormoran Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located in Kibuye (Town)

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+16 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Lake Kivu in Karongi

Spend a relaxing day enjoying Lake Kivu’s tranquil beauty. You may choose to take a boat trip to nearby islands such as Napoleon Island or Peace Island, enjoy a nature walk, or simply unwind at the lodge. The calm waters, fresh air, and mountain views make this a perfect rest day between wildlife adventures.

Main Destination:

Lake Kivu

Accommodation:

Cormoran Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located at Lake Kivu

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey north to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The drive offers spectacular views of the Virunga Mountains and rural countryside. Upon arrival, check in to Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel and prepare for your upcoming gorilla trekking experience. Enjoy dinner and an evening at leisure.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)

High Season June to September (Permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Volcanoes NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeNone

ElephantRare

BuffaloRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

LionNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

+8 Photos

+7 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today is the highlight of your safari—gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing at park headquarters, you’ll be assigned a gorilla family and guided into the forest. Spend up to one awe-inspiring hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch and a peaceful afternoon.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Visit

This morning, head back into the park for golden monkey trekking. These playful primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains and are a delight to watch. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an immersive cultural experience, including traditional music, dance, and insights into Rwandan heritage.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

Transfer to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, transfer back to Kigali. Depending on your departure time, you may enjoy a stop at a local café, craft market, or the Campaign Against Genocide Museum for last-minute sightseeing or shopping. Later, your driver will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure.

Main Destination:

Kigali

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinks not included

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.