11-Day Rwanda Comprehensive Wildlife & Cultural Journey
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11-Day Rwanda Comprehensive Wildlife & Cultural Journey

An Extraordinary Journey Through the Land of a Thousand Hills

An Extraordinary Journey Through the Land of a Thousand Hills

Discover Rwanda at a pace that allows every destination to be fully appreciated. This carefully curated eleven-day journey brings together the country's most remarkable wildlife experiences, breathtaking landscapes and inspiring conservation story into one unforgettable adventure.

Read the full overview

Track endangered mountain gorillas through the mist-covered slopes of Volcanoes National Park, photograph playful golden monkeys beneath towering bamboo forests, walk high above the rainforest canopy in Nyungwe National Park, cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Kivu and Lake Ihema, and search for the Big Five across the savannahs of Akagera National Park. Balanced with authentic community encounters, conservation experiences and luxury accommodation throughout, this is Rwanda's most complete safari—designed for travellers who wish to experience every facet of this remarkable country.

Your route

Kigali → Volcanoes National Park → Lake Kivu → Nyungwe National Park → Lake Kivu → Akagera National Park → Kigali

Accommodation
10 nights
Travel style
Private & tailor-made
Pace
Balanced
Practical details

Journey collections: The Signature Collection.

Your 11-day journey

Open any day for the full programme.

  1. Day 1Kigali International Airport to your hotel (10–15 km | Approx. 20–45 minutes)
  2. Day 2Kigali to Volcanoes National Park (Approx. 2.5–3.5 hours)
  3. Day 3Among the Golden Monkeys
  4. Day 4The Defining Encounter
  5. Day 5Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu (60–90 km | Approx. 1.5–3 hours)
  6. Day 6Lake Kivu to Nyungwe National Park (120–160 km | Approx. 3–4 hours)
  7. Day 7Life Above the Rainforest
  8. Day 8A Leisurely Return to Lake Kivu
  9. Day 9Lake Kivu to Akagera National Park (Approx. 300 km | 6–7 hours)
  10. Day 10Rwanda's Big Five Safari
  11. Day 11Akagera National Park to Kigali (120–140 km | Approx. 2.5–3.5 hours)
Day 1Welcome to the Land of a Thousand HillsKigali International Airport to your hotel (10–15 km | Approx. 20–45 minutes)

HighlightsAirport meet & greet; Kigali orientation; Local market or museum visit; Safari briefing

Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed by your private safari guide before transferring to your luxury hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed introduction to Rwanda through a visit to a local artisan market, contemporary art gallery or one of Kigali's museums. Your guide will then conduct a personalized safari briefing to prepare you for the unforgettable days ahead.

Overnight
Kigali Serena Hotel
Meals
Dinner
Day 2Into the Virunga HighlandsKigali to Volcanoes National Park (Approx. 2.5–3.5 hours)

HighlightsScenic countryside drive; Volcanoes National Park; Conservation experience; Virunga Volcano views

Travel north through Rwanda's rolling countryside towards the spectacular Virunga Volcanoes. This afternoon, visit a conservation centre or community-led initiative to gain insight into Rwanda's internationally acclaimed conservation model before settling into your lodge surrounded by volcanic landscapes.

Overnight
Bisate Lodge
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 3Among the Golden Monkeys

HighlightsGolden Monkey trekking; Community conservation; Sustainable farming projects; Cultural immersion

Begin the day tracking Rwanda's playful Golden Monkeys through the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. The afternoon is dedicated to authentic community experiences, where you'll discover sustainable farming projects, local beekeeping initiatives and traditional craftsmanship that continue to support conservation across the region.

Overnight
Bisate Lodge
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 4The Defining Encounter

HighlightsGuided Gorilla Trekking; One-hour Gorilla encounter; Gorilla Guardians Village (optional)

Today's experience is undoubtedly the highlight of your Rwandan journey. After an early briefing with Rwanda Development Board rangers, venture into Volcanoes National Park in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. Once located, you'll spend one extraordinary hour quietly observing these magnificent primates while learning about their behaviour, family dynamics and the remarkable conservation efforts that have helped secure their future.

Overnight
Bisate Lodge
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 5The Tranquility of Lake KivuVolcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu (60–90 km | Approx. 1.5–3 hours)

HighlightsLake Kivu; Boat excursion; Lakeside villages; Cultural exchange

Leave the volcanic highlands behind and journey to the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu. Spend the afternoon at your own pace with options including a scenic boat cruise, birdwatching, village walks or a traditional lunch hosted by a local family.

Overnight
Cleo Kivu Hotel
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 6Into the Ancient RainforestLake Kivu to Nyungwe National Park (120–160 km | Approx. 3–4 hours)

HighlightsTea estate visit; Nyungwe Forest; Guided night walk

Travel through Rwanda's picturesque tea-growing region before arriving in Nyungwe National Park. As evening falls, enjoy a guided night walk (where permitted) to discover the rainforest's fascinating nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight
One&Only Nyungwe House
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 7Life Above the Rainforest

HighlightsChimpanzee trekking; Canopy Walk; Rainforest birdlife

Today combines two of Nyungwe's finest experiences. Track wild chimpanzees through the ancient rainforest before enjoying the famous Canopy Walk, suspended high above the forest floor and offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Overnight
One&Only Nyungwe House
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch
Day 8A Leisurely Return to Lake Kivu

HighlightsPhotography; Birdwatching; Village interactions; Boat excursions

Return to the shores of Lake Kivu for a slower-paced day dedicated to photography, birdwatching and relaxation. Your guide can also arrange village visits and private boat excursions for those wishing to explore more of Rwanda's beautiful western shoreline.

Overnight
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 9From Lakes to SavannahLake Kivu to Akagera National Park (Approx. 300 km | 6–7 hours)

HighlightsScenic cross-country drive; Akagera National Park; Evening game drive

Cross Rwanda from west to east, passing fertile farmland and vibrant rural communities before arriving at Akagera National Park. Enjoy an introductory game drive before settling into your lodge overlooking Rwanda's only savannah ecosystem.

Overnight
Magashi Camp
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 10Rwanda's Big Five Safari

HighlightsFull-day game drives; Lake Ihema boat safari; Big Five wildlife

Spend a full day exploring Akagera National Park through morning and afternoon game drives complemented by a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the park's remarkable restoration, including the successful reintroduction of lions and black rhinos.

Overnight
Magashi Camp
Meals
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 11Until We Meet AgainAkagera National Park to Kigali (120–140 km | Approx. 2.5–3.5 hours)

Enjoy a relaxed morning or an optional final game drive before returning to Kigali. Depending on your departure time, you may stop for last-minute shopping or artisan crafts before your transfer to Kigali International Airport. As your journey concludes, you'll depart with unforgettable memories of Rwanda's extraordinary wildlife, remarkable conservation achievements and warm hospitality.

Meals
Breakfast

Where you’ll stay

1 night

Kigali Serena Hotel

3 nights

Bisate Lodge

1 night

Cleo Kivu Hotel

2 nights

One&Only Nyungwe House

1 night

Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

2 nights

Magashi Camp

Know what your journey includes.

Included

  • All national park entrance and conservation fees as specified in the itinerary.
  • Gorilla and Golden Monkey trekking permits (one permit per guest).
  • Accommodation as specified under your selected category (High-End, Luxury or Mid-Range).
  • Meals as indicated throughout the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
  • Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide, experienced park rangers, trackers and local guides.
  • Private ground transportation in a comfortable, safari-equipped 4×4 vehicle with fuel and driver.
View all inclusions
  • Bottled drinking water during all road transfers and guided excursions.
  • Lake Kivu boat cruises and Lake Ihema boat safari.
  • Cultural village experiences and community visits.
  • Nyungwe Forest Canopy Walk and guided night walk (where permitted).
  • Full game drives in Akagera National Park.
  • Pre-departure travel documentation, permit processing and safari preparation support.
  • All sightseeing and activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Airport meet and greet with private arrival and departure transfers.
  • All applicable government taxes and statutory levies.

Not included

  • International and regional flights to and from Rwanda.
  • Rwanda entry visa (where applicable).
  • Comprehensive travel, medical and emergency evacuation insurance (strongly recommended and mandatory for trekking activities).
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit (available as an optional add-on).
  • Personal expenses including laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs and premium beverages unless otherwise stated.
  • Tips and gratuities for driver-guides, park rangers, trackers, lodge staff and porters (at your discretion; 10–15% is customary for exceptional service).
View all exclusions
  • Optional activities or excursions not specifically included in the itinerary.
  • Meals and beverages not specified within the itinerary.
  • Early check-in or late check-out unless otherwise stated.
  • Any additional services requested during the journey.

Journey rates

USD / Price Per Person. Our team confirms your final quotation.

High Season

June - September & December - February

Mid-Range
USD 9,800
Luxury
USD 13,500
High-End
USD 18,200

Best trekking conditions, cooler temperatures. Gorilla + Golden Monkey permits included.

Low Season

March - May & October - November

Mid-Range
USD 8,900
Luxury
USD 12,200
High-End
USD 16,500

Lush landscapes, fewer visitors, occasional showers. Gorilla + Golden Monkey permits included.

Pricing notes

Detailed Pricing - 11-Day Rwanda Comprehensive Journey. Prices are per person and include Gorilla + Golden Monkey permits. Accommodation level categories in the pricing table are Mid-Range, Luxury and High-End.

Before you book

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From USD 8,900Price Per Person