Rwanda Explorer’s Escape: 11-Day Wildlife & Culture Tour
Embark on a transformative journey through Rwanda's most iconic destinations on the Rwanda Highlights Safari.
Overview
Experience Rwanda through a carefully balanced journey of wildlife, primates, landscapes and culture. Begin in Kigali before travelling to Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, continue to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzees and a canopy walk, and finish with the savannah and wetlands of Akagera National Park. With time for cultural experiences and Kigali’s history along the way, this 11-day journey brings together some of Rwanda’s most distinctive experiences.
Trip at a glance 11 days
Route: Akagera National Park → Kigali City → Nyungwe National Park → Safaris in Rwanda → Volcanoes National Park
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali | City & Cultural Experience
- Day 2: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park | Journey to Gorilla Country
- Day 3: Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking
- Day 4: Volcanoes National Park | Second Gorilla Trek or Golden Monkeys
- Day 5: Volcanoes to Nyungwe National Park | Into the Rainforest
- Day 6: Nyungwe Forest | Chimpanzee Trekking
- Day 7: Nyungwe Forest | Canopy Walk & Nature Hike
- Day 8: Nyungwe to Akagera National Park | From Rainforest to Savannah
- Day 9: Akagera National Park | Game Drive & Boat Safari
- Day 10: Akagera to Kigali | Genocide Memorial
- Day 11: Kigali | Departure
Full Itinerary
Arrival in Kigali | City & Cultural Experience
Arrive in Kigali and begin your Rwanda journey with a city tour. Explore some of the capital’s cultural and historical sites, including the Genocide Memorial, for an introduction to Rwanda’s recent history and heritage.
Kigali to Volcanoes National Park | Journey to Gorilla Country
Leave Kigali and travel towards Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. Settle into the area surrounded by the Virunga Mountains and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trek.
Volcanoes National Park | Gorilla Trekking
Set out into Volcanoes National Park for your gorilla trekking experience. Hike through the forested mountain slopes in search of a gorilla family and spend time observing these remarkable primates in their natural habitat.
Volcanoes National Park | Second Gorilla Trek or Golden Monkeys
Choose between an optional second gorilla trek or a golden monkey trek. Either experience offers another opportunity to explore the forest and encounter some of the region’s distinctive primates.
Volcanoes to Nyungwe National Park | Into the Rainforest
Travel south towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Rwanda’s key rainforest destinations. The journey takes you from the volcanic landscapes of northern Rwanda into the forested landscapes of the southwest.
Nyungwe Forest | Chimpanzee Trekking
Explore Nyungwe Forest on a chimpanzee trek, searching for chimpanzees in their natural rainforest habitat. Spend time experiencing the forest and its primate-rich environment.
Nyungwe Forest | Canopy Walk & Nature Hike
Experience Nyungwe from the treetops on a canopy walk, followed by a nature hike through the forest. Enjoy a different perspective of the rainforest and its surrounding landscapes.
Nyungwe to Akagera National Park | From Rainforest to Savannah
Travel from Nyungwe towards Akagera National Park. As the landscape changes, move from Rwanda’s rainforest region into the diverse savannah and wetland environment of Akagera.
Akagera National Park | Game Drive & Boat Safari
Explore Akagera with a game drive through the park, looking for its diverse wildlife and enjoying the surrounding scenery. Later, experience the park from the water on a boat safari.
Akagera to Kigali | Genocide Memorial
Return to Kigali and visit the Genocide Memorial, paying tribute to the victims of the Rwandan genocide and reflecting on Rwanda’s history.
Kigali | Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your Rwanda wildlife and cultural journey.
What's Included
Included & not included 5 included
Included
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Ground Transportation
- Activities and excursions as specified
- Entrance fees and permits
- Expert guides
Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this itinerary be customised?
Yes, every trip can be tailored to your dates, budget and interests.
How do I book, and what deposit is needed?
Reserve a departure on the website or send us an inquiry for a customized engagment and payment link.
Do I need a visa and vaccinations?
Most visitors need an East African Tourist Visa and a yellow fever certificate.
What People Say
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