14 Days Complete Rwanda Safari Experience Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional guide and transferred to your luxury hotel. Kigali, the vibrant capital of Rwanda, is known for its clean streets, friendly people, and cosmopolitan charm. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a brief city tour where you can take in Kigali’s art galleries, craft centers, and beautiful hillside views. This is the perfect introduction to Rwanda, offering a blend of modernity and tradition. Your evening will be spent relaxing in a serene hotel atmosphere as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Accommodation Options: Kigali Serena Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre

Meals: (Dinner)

Day 2: Kigali City Tour

After breakfast, begin your day with a comprehensive Kigali city tour. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving and educational site that pays tribute to Rwanda’s history and resilience. The tour also includes a walk through bustling local markets such as Kimironko, where you can interact with local artisans and shop for handmade crafts. A visit to the Nyamirambo Women’s Center will give you insight into community-led initiatives and Rwandan cultural experiences. End the day with a gourmet dinner in Kigali’s top-rated restaurants or at your hotel. This day provides a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s inspiring journey of recovery and growth.

Accommodation Options: Kigali Serena Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Marriott Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park

This morning, set off for Akagera National Park, a stunning protected area that showcases Rwanda’s savannah ecosystem. The drive offers picturesque views of rolling hills and rural life. Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge overlooking Lake Ihema and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive, searching for elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and buffalo. As the sun sets, the golden light casts a magical glow over the plains, making for perfect photography opportunities. Dinner will be served under the stars as you immerse yourself in the wild.

Accommodation Options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Full Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Today is dedicated to exploring the diverse landscapes of Akagera National Park. Enjoy a thrilling morning game drive where you may spot lions, leopards, and hyenas in addition to herds of herbivores. After a bush-style picnic lunch, continue your exploration with an afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema, home to hippos, crocodiles, and an incredible variety of birdlife. This combination of land and water safaris makes Akagera a true gem for wildlife lovers. Return to your lodge in the evening for relaxation and storytelling by the campfire.

Accommodation Options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, bid farewell to Akagera and embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s northern highlands. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful rolling hills, villages, and tea plantations. Stop for a leisurely lunch en route before arriving in Musanze, the gateway to gorilla trekking adventures. Your luxury lodge, nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, offers breathtaking views and cozy fireplaces perfect for the cool mountain climate. The evening is free for relaxation as you anticipate tomorrow’s gorilla trekking experience.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari, a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure. After a hearty breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off into the misty forest with your expert guides. The trek may take a few hours, depending on the gorilla family’s location, but the reward of encountering these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is beyond words. Watching them interact, feed, and play is an unforgettable experience. After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation and a celebratory dinner.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Virunga Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Tour

This morning, venture into the forest once again for golden monkey tracking. These playful primates are unique to the Virunga region and offer a lighter, more cheerful trekking experience compared to gorillas. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village where you can interact with locals, enjoy traditional music, dance, and learn about Rwanda’s heritage. This blend of wildlife and culture makes for a well-rounded day of discovery. Return to your luxury lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Twin Lakes Excursion and Relaxation

Spend your day exploring the beautiful twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. These scenic lakes are surrounded by steep hills and small fishing villages, offering a peaceful environment for relaxation. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake, birdwatching, and interactions with local communities. The afternoon is free to relax at your lodge, indulge in spa treatments, or simply enjoy the mountain views. Dinner will be served in the comfort of your lodge.

Accommodation Options: Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, journey to the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. This scenic drive will bring you to Gisenyi, a charming lakeside town. Upon arrival, check into your luxury resort and enjoy lunch overlooking the sparkling waters. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming, or taking a sunset boat ride. Lake Kivu is the perfect destination for unwinding after mountain treks.

Accommodation Options: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Paradise Kivu Resort

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Leisure at Lake Kivu

Today is yours to enjoy the serenity of Lake Kivu. You may choose to go kayaking, paddle boarding, or take a boat ride to the islands scattered across the lake. Bird enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse avian life found here. Alternatively, simply relax by the pool or the beach and enjoy the luxurious amenities of your resort. In the evening, savor a fresh seafood dinner as you watch the sunset over the lake.

Accommodation Options: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Kivu Safari Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After a relaxed breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, a biodiversity hotspot in southwestern Rwanda. The scenic journey takes you through lush tea plantations and rolling hills. Arrive at your luxury lodge located within or near the park and enjoy lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure, allowing you to soak in the tranquil rainforest atmosphere and prepare for the adventures to come.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Today begins with an early morning chimpanzee trekking experience in the dense rainforest of Nyungwe. As you walk through the misty forest, you will hear the distinctive calls of chimpanzees before spotting them in the trees. Watching them swing, play, and feed is exhilarating. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, take a guided canopy walk, a thrilling experience that gives you a bird’s eye view of the forest canopy and its wildlife.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 13: Waterfall Hike and Tea Plantation Visit

Spend the day exploring more of Nyungwe’s hidden treasures. Begin with a guided hike to one of the park’s waterfalls, where you can enjoy the beauty of pristine nature. Later, visit a nearby tea plantation to learn about tea cultivation and enjoy a tasting session. This mix of adventure and cultural immersion offers a memorable way to end your stay in Nyungwe. Return to your lodge for a farewell dinner in the forest.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guest House

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14: Return to Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Kigali with stops along the way for scenic views and local shopping. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a farewell lunch in Kigali or some last-minute craft shopping. Your guide will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 14 Days Complete Rwanda Safari Experience Tour with Gorilla Quest Africa. This unforgettable safari promises memories of gorillas, golden monkeys, chimps, and Rwanda’s stunning landscapes to last a lifetime.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)

End of the 14 Days Complete Rwanda Safari Experience Tour.