Skip to content
Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary-Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary-11 Days of Wildlife, Culture & Adventure

Take a brief moment to shut your eyes. The landscape features misty mountains alongside living ancient rainforests and a mountain gorilla observing from a short distance. The lake extends across such a vast area that it resembles a body of water within the land while palm trees and golden beaches line its shores. The journey begins in Kigali’s busy streets before moving to Nyungwe’s peaceful forest through a private 4×4 vehicle.

This is not just a trip. The Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary spans eleven days of complete exploration.

This story-based itinerary presents each day as if you were already present in Rwanda where you would experience the red earth beneath your feet and hear colobus monkeys calling while tasting local coffee and viewing sunsets that paint the hills golden. This itinerary showcases Rwanda’s unique features while uniting luxury with cultural experiences and wilderness exploration to become one of the best safari packages in Africa.

COUNTRY

Rwanda

THEME

The Ultimate Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary: Gorillas, Wildlife & Culture

TIME OF THE YEAR

High Season: June-Sept / Dec-Feb 

Low Season: Mar-May / Oct-Nov

DURATION

11 Days

SUITABLE FOR

  1. Wildlife Enthusiasts & Photographers
  2. Adventure Travelers
  3. Couples & Honeymooners
  4. Families with Grown-Up Children (15+)
  5. Conservation-Minded Travelers
  6. Luxury Safari Travelers

Why Choose This Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary Package?

Safari Price

From $4,400 – $15,800

Prices per person traveling | Visit the pricing table below

Our carefully crafted Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary is designed to showcase the very best of Rwanda’s natural and cultural treasures. Experience the thrill of a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park, explore the Big Five on an Akagera National Park safari, and enjoy the beauty of Lake Kivu holiday packages with relaxation and water activities. Venture deep into the rainforest on a Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking tour, and discover Rwanda’s resilience and creativity with Kigali city tour attractions and Rwanda cultural tours. 

Each day is complemented by handpicked stays at the best safari lodges in Rwanda, ensuring comfort and authenticity whether you choose a luxury Rwanda safari package or a mid-range adventure. With seamless logistics, a private guide, and an exclusive 4×4 vehicle.

Your 11-Day Ultimate Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary Package, No Surprises!

Book your Ultimate Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary package which includes gorilla & chimpanzee permits and expert guides and private transport and handpicked lodges. Three Tiers Included

Details of 11-Day Ultimate Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary Package

DAY 1

Arrival in Kigali with Optional City Tour

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our guest relations officer will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an optional Kigali city tour, including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Caplaki Handicrafts Market, and local art galleries in Kigali like Inema Art Center.

Overnight at Park Inn by Radisson Kigali, a centrally located hotel with a pool, modern rooms, and easy access to the city. A short optional Kigali City Tour to the capitals attractions.

Accommodations: Luxury Tier – Kigali Serena Hotel | Mid-Range Tier – Park Inn by Radisson Kigali | Budget Tier – Heaven Boutique Hotel

DAY 2

 Akagera National Park Wildlife Safari

The next morning, you leave behind the city lights and drive east with your private guide. The landscape changes-flat savannas dotted with acacia trees. Soon, you arrive at Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve.

This park, once scarred by poaching, is now a conservation success story managed in partnership with African Parks. Today, it’s home to lions, elephants, giraffes, and over 500 bird species.

You check into the Ruzizi Tented Lodge, an eco-friendly lakeside retreat where solar lamps glow softly and wooden walkways wind through the trees. You hear hippos grunting in nearby Lake Ihema as you sip a welcome drink. Activities today:

  •  Afternoon game drive across the plains.
  • Optional boat safari on Lake Ihema, where crocodiles bask and kingfishers dive.

Accommodations: Luxury Tier – Magashi Camp | Mid-Range Tier – Ruzizi Tented Lodge | Budget Tier – Akagera Game Lodge

DAY 3

Akagera Safari Adventures

Wake up at Ruzizi Tented Lodge to birdsong and the distant calls of hippos on Lake Ihema. After breakfast, set out with your private guide for a game drive in Akagera National Park. This is Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five that include lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard. Along the way, you may also spot giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and more than 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork.

In the afternoon, choose an optional boating safari on Lake Ihema. Glide past hippos, crocodiles, and fish eagles while enjoying stunning views of the water and surrounding wetlands.

For even more adventure, consider a night game drive in Akagera, where nocturnal animals like hyenas, bush babies, and leopards become active.

Return to Ruzizi Tented Lodge for dinner under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of Rwanda’s wilderness.

Accommodations: Luxury Tier – Magashi Camp | Mid-Range Tier – Ruzizi Tented Lodge | Budget Tier – Akagera Game Lodge

DAY 4

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park (Kinigi)

The Volcanoes National Park located in the Virunga Conservation Area spans across Rwanda Uganda and Congo as your destination for today. The path leads through valleys with green landscapes and passes by villages and tea plantations.

The Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel provides your accommodation base which is situated near the park entrance. The hotel provides an ideal location to start your upcoming adventure because it features gardens and a spa and stunning views of the Virunga peaks.

The Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village offers optional visits where you can experience traditional dances and food and crafts from local residents.

Accommodations: Luxury Tier – Bisate Lodge | Mid-Range Tier – Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | Budget Tier – La Palme Hotel / Hotel Muhabura

DAY 5

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today marks the moment you have been anticipating to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The park headquarters serve as the starting point for your group at the beginning of the day. The rangers provide essential information before you start your journey through bamboo forests and muddy trails and foggy valleys. The guide points toward the gorillas and they appear before you.

The mountain gorillas present themselves as strong yet peaceful creatures who observe you with equal interest. During your one-hour observation you witness gorillas of all ages engaging in playful activities while mothers tend to their babies and the silverback gorilla relaxes in a royal manner.

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund operates at the location to provide information about gorilla conservation programs.

The experience of gorilla watching in Rwanda exceeds being a single highlight of the country. The encounter with wildlife at this location stands as one of the most meaningful experiences that exist in the world.

Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel provides accommodation to guests. The activities at the location include Golden Monkey Trekking and cultural site visits and volcano climbing.

Accommodations: Luxury Tier – Bisate Lodge | Mid-Range Tier – Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | Budget Tier – La Palme Hotel / Hotel Muhabura

DAY 6

Lake Kivu Arrival-The Gateway to Relaxation

After the adrenaline rush of your gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park, you and your private guide drive west to the shimmering shores of Lake Kivu, a highlight of any Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary. With its palm-lined beaches and tranquil atmosphere, this is where your adventure shifts gears-from rugged treks to lakeside luxury.

Your accommodation, the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, is one of the best safari lodges in Rwanda for travelers who crave both relaxation and modern comfort. Nestled in the vibrant town of Gisenyi, the hotel offers panoramic lake views, a private sandy beach, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Guests often describe it as the perfect stop in Rwanda holiday packages-a seamless blend of leisure and adventure.

Included Experiences:

  • Check-in and unwind with a refreshing welcome drink by the water.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the private beach.
  • Relax by the pool or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment.

For travelers seeking luxury Rwanda safari packages, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel is the ideal midway retreat between wilderness safaris and primate treks.

Accommodations: Luxury Tier – Lake Kivu Serena Hotel | Mid-Range Tier – Paradise Malahide | Budget Tier – Inzu Lodge

DAY 7

Adventure on the Water-Lake Kivu Activities

Your second day at Lake Kivu offers two options between peaceful relaxation and exciting water-based activities. Your Rwanda adventure tours reach their peak at this point because they move past forest and savannah exploration.

Optional Activities:

  • You can paddle through Lake Kivu’s peaceful turquoise waters while observing local fishermen operating their traditional dugout canoes.
  • The lake offers jet-skiing as an exciting way to explore its waters.
  • The fishing experience allows visitors to understand how people in the region survive through their dependence on the lake.
  • The cultural experience at Gisenyi’s markets and nearby villages provides visitors with Rwanda cultural tours that include local beer tasting and traditional craft learning and Rwandan people interactions.

Accommodations: Luxury Tier – Lake Kivu Serena Hotel | Mid-Range Tier – Paradise Malahide | Budget Tier – Inzu Lodge

DAY 8

Exploration of The Congo Nile Trail beyond the beach area

The third day at Lake Kivu provides an exceptional opportunity to hike part of the Congo Nile Trail which spans 227 kilometers across Rwandan lakeside communities. The Congo Nile Trail stands as a preferred destination for outside visitors who want to experience the authentic Rwanda beyond traditional wildlife viewing and primate exploration.

The trail provides visitors with outstanding views of terraced hills and local fishermen at work and children greeting you as you walk through the villages. The trail provides an authentic experience of Rwandan daily life by combining natural landscapes with cultural exploration of the region.

Optional Experiences:

  • Short hikes with Lake Kivu views become available for visitors to enjoy.
  • The trail offers cycling sections which provide an alternative way to explore the area.
  • Guests can visit community-based projects which receive support from eco-tourism initiatives.

Accommodations: Luxury Tier – Lake Kivu Serena Hotel | Mid-Range Tier – Paradise Malahide | Budget Tier – Inzu Lodge

DAY 9

Journey to Nyungwe National Park-Into the Rainforest

After breakfast on the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, your private guide and exclusive 4×4 vehicle take you south through Rwanda’s rolling hills-a journey that reveals why this country is called the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”

You arrive at Nyungwe National Park, a pristine rainforest spanning over 1,000 square kilometers and one of the last remaining mid-elevation forests in Africa. This is a highlight of every Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary, especially for those seeking more than just a gorilla trekking safari.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Your stay is at the charming Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, perched on a hilltop overlooking tea plantations and the vast green canopy of Nyungwe. While this lodge is modest compared to some luxury Rwanda safari packages, it is one of the best safari lodges in Rwanda for its stunning panoramas and close proximity to the park.

Included & Optional

  • Included: Scenic drive with photo stops en route.
  • Optional: Afternoon birdwatching tours (310+ species are found here, including Ruwenzori turacos and sunbirds).
  • Optional: Short canopy walk across a 70m-high suspension bridge with breathtaking views of the forest.

Accommodations: Luxury Tier – One&Only Nyungwe House | Mid-Range Tier – Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel | Budget Tier – Gisakura Guesthouse

DAY 10

Journey to Nyungwe National Park-Into the Rainforest

Your day starts with a nutritious breakfast at 07:30 when you will begin your Nyungwe chimpanzee trekking tour through the forest. The expert guides and trackers will lead you through dense rainforest while you listen for the sounds of these intelligent primates. The moment you see the chimpanzees moving between trees or searching for food on the forest floor it creates an unforgettable experience that matches the gorilla trekking safari you previously enjoyed.

Why Nyungwe is Special

The chimpanzee encounter provides a different experience than gorilla trekking because it features active and lively interactions with the animals. The constant movement of chimpanzees throughout the forest creates an exciting experience for people who want fast-paced Rwanda adventure tours.

Other Optional Activities:

  • Visitors can explore hidden waterfalls which exist deep inside the rainforest.
  • Visitors can explore the swamp area to discover its distinctive plant species.
  • The community-based cultural tours visit local villages as part of Rwanda cultural tours which benefit the local population.

Accommodations: Luxury Tier – One&Only Nyungwe House | Mid-Range Tier – Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel | Budget Tier – Gisakura Guesthouse

DAY 11

Kigali City Tour and Departure

Travel to Kigali for a guided city tour. Begin at the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving space of remembrance and resilience, then explore vibrant craft markets and art galleries. This tour offers a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s transformation into one of Africa’s most progressive nations.  You can learn more about the memorial directly at the Kigali Genocide Memorial official website.

Day Accommodations: Luxury Tier – Kigali Serena Hotel | Mid-Range Tier – Park Inn by Radisson Kigali | Budget Tier – Heaven Boutique Hotel

11-Day Rwanda Safari Tour Itinerary Pricing Details

Safari prices for budget, Mid-range and Luxury Safari Packages 

Prices per person travelling (PP). Permits Included: Optional add-activities attracts adjustments  

Luxury Safari Tier

Lodges included: Bisate Lodge, Magashi Camp, One&Only Nyungwe House, Lake Kivu Serena, Kigali Serena

2 people traveling

$15,800 PP

4 people traveling

$13,200 PP

6 people traveling

$11,800 PP

 Target clients: Honeymooners, high-net-worth travelers, exclusive wildlife & cultural experiences.

Mid-Range Tier

Lodges included: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Lake Kivu Serena, Park Inn Kigali

2 people traveling

$7,800 PP

4 people traveling

$6,750 PP

6 people traveling

$6,300 PP

 Target clients: Couples, families, small groups wanting comfort + authenticity without full luxury spend.

Budget Safari Tier

Lodges included: Akagera Game Lodge, La Palme Hotel/Muhabura, Gisakura Guesthouse, Inzu Lodge, Heaven Boutique Hotel

2 people traveling

$5,200 PP

4 people traveling

$4,850 PP

6 people traveling

$4,400 PP

 Target clients: Backpackers, student groups, budget-conscious wildlife travelers.

Request Your Personalized Safari Quote

Complete the form below with as much detail as possible. The better we can create an unforgettable safari experience for you the more we understand your vision.

Safari Inquiry: Budget, Expectation, and Quotation

We typically respond within 24 hours with a personalized quotation. Refund Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

What’s Included in our safari packages 

Budget Tier (2–6 people)

  • The gorilla permit costs and chimpanzee permit.
  • Accommodation in clean, comfortable safari lodges
  • Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof & driver-guide
  • All park entry fees and activities
  • Daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Bottled drinking water in vehicle
  • Fuel, transport, and airport transfers
  • Guided game drives, boat cruises & trekking experiences
  • Government taxes and conservation fees

Mid-Range Tier (2–6 people)

All items in Budget Tier, plus:

  • The lodges offer en-suite bathrooms and scenic views as part of their upgraded accommodations.
  • Priority park access (where applicable)
  • Selected lodges near park gates for optimal timing
  • Free Wi-Fi in most accommodations
  • Cultural interaction experience or crater lake hike (bonus activity)
  • Travel concierge support during safari

Luxury Tier (2–6 people)

All Mid-Range inclusions, plus:

  • Premium lodges or tented camps with exceptional service
  • Personalized meet & greet on arrival in Entebbe
  • Exclusive room views (forest, river, or savannah)
  • Sundowners, private dinners, or bush breakfasts where available
  • Upgraded vehicle options (Wi-Fi, fridge, power sockets)
  • Complimentary massage or spa treatment at select lodges
  • VIP fast-track assistance at airport (optional add-on)

NOT INCLUDED: Tips to Staff & Guides and Travel Insurance. International & Inter-Africa flights.

Some Safaris You Might Like:

Trusted Excellence in Uganda & Rwanda Luxury Safaris

Expert-Led Safaris

Our licensed local guides are cultural storytellers, trustworthy hosts and wildlife experts. With extensive regional knowledge, we ensure your trip is secure, full of insights, hidden routes, and amazing natural experiences.

24/7 Concierge

We support you from preparing to returning home. Logistics, updates, and emergencies are handled 24/7 by our in-house travel department. You’ll always speak to specialists, not phone centres, assuring stress-free travel.

Value-Added Safaris

Our personalised service makes sure you have the best vacation in East Africa. Many visitors think that private safaris are too expensive, therefore our customers are really happy to discover that they can customize or book one.

With over 14 years, we are ready to journey with you

Need Help Planning?

Our expert safari team is ready to assist with bookings, customizations, and all your questions.

IMPORTANT: The CDC Uganda Traveler Health page should be checked for current vaccine and malaria prevention advice before your trip. Check the U.S. State Department’s Uganda Travel Advisory to get the latest information on entry requirements and safety tips.

Tested for Trust & Local Expertise

Njagi Safaris, a well-known brand of Njagi SMC Limited, has been offering real, eco-friendly gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris in Uganda and Rwanda since 2014. We specialise in unique, off-the-beaten-path adventures that are tailored to your interests, schedule, and budget.

We are proud to work with community-driven lodges and conservation-focused operators. Our company was started by Ugandan native Nsenga Peter Daniel and is based on local passion. We have 15 carefully planned safari packages that will take you on smooth trips that connect you to nature, culture, and your goals.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NJAGI SMC LIMITED

NJAGI SAFARI | A Brand of Njagi SMC Limited