11-Day Rwandan Legacy: Gorillas, Forests & Cultural Immersion
AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK · KIGALI CITY · NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK

11-Day Rwandan Legacy: Gorillas, Forests & Cultural Immersion

Embark on a captivating journey through Rwanda, where you'll explore the country's rich heritage and encounter its diverse wildlife.

5.0 · 12 traveller reviews
Duration11 Days
FromUSD 5,872
CountrySafaris in Rwanda
THE JOURNEY

Overview

Explore Rwanda through a journey that brings together wildlife, rainforest, cultural heritage and some of the country’s most distinctive landscapes. Begin in Kigali with an introduction to Rwanda’s history and culture, then travel to Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking, a canopy walk and forest experiences. Continue to Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking and a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, before finishing with game drives and a boat safari in Akagera National Park.

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 | Genocide Memorial & National Museum
  • Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe National Park | Journey into the Forest
  • Day 3: Nyungwe Forest | Chimpanzee Trekking & Cultural Village
  • Day 4: Nyungwe Forest | Canopy Walk & Nature Hike
  • Day 5: Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park | Into Gorilla Country
  • Day 6: Volcanoes National Park | Mountain Gorilla Trekking
  • Day 7: olcanoes National Park | Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village & Optional Golden Monkeys
  • Day 8: Volcanoes National Park to Akagera National Park | Journey to the Savanna
  • Day 9: Akagera National Park | Game Drive & Lake Ihema Boat Safari
  • Day 10: Akagera to Kigali | Craft Markets & City Exploration
  • Day 11: Kigali | Departure
DAY BY DAY

Full Itinerary

1
DAY 1

Arrival in Kigali | Genocide Memorial & National Museum

Arrive in Kigali and begin your journey with a city tour. Visit the Genocide Memorial and National Museum to gain an introduction to Rwanda’s history, heritage and culture before settling into the capital.

Dinner
2
DAY 2

Kigali to Nyungwe National Park | Journey into the Forest

Travel from Kigali towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, a major destination for Rwanda’s primates and rainforest experiences. Arrive and settle in, ready for the following days of exploration.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
3
DAY 3

Nyungwe Forest | Chimpanzee Trekking & Cultural Village

Head into Nyungwe Forest for a chimpanzee trekking experience, searching for chimpanzees and other primates in their forest habitat. Later, visit a local cultural village to learn about Rwandan traditions and community life.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
4
DAY 4

Nyungwe Forest | Canopy Walk & Nature Hike

Experience Nyungwe from the treetops on a canopy walk, followed by a nature hike through the forest. Take time to explore the surrounding vegetation and discover more of the park’s natural environment.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
5
DAY 5

Nyungwe to Volcanoes National Park | Into Gorilla Country

Leave Nyungwe and journey north towards Volcanoes National Park. The landscape changes as you approach the volcanic region, home to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
6
DAY 6

Volcanoes National Park | Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Trek through the forested slopes of Volcanoes National Park in search of a mountain gorilla family. Spend time observing the gorillas in their natural environment before returning from the forest.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
7
DAY 7

olcanoes National Park | Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village & Optional Golden Monkeys

Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an introduction to Rwandan traditions and community life. An optional golden monkey trek is also available for those who would like another primate experience in the Virunga region.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
8
DAY 8

Volcanoes National Park to Akagera National Park | Journey to the Savanna

Travel across Rwanda towards Akagera National Park, the country’s largest national park. Settle into the changing landscape as you move from the volcanic highlands towards Rwanda’s eastern savanna.

Breakfast Lunch
9
DAY 9

Akagera National Park | Game Drive & Lake Ihema Boat Safari

Explore Akagera on a game drive, looking for wildlife including elephants, lions and hippos. Later, experience the park from the water on a boat safari on Lake Ihema.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
10
DAY 10

Akagera to Kigali | Craft Markets & City Exploration

Return to Kigali and spend time exploring the city. Visit local craft markets for souvenirs and enjoy further time discovering Kigali at your own pace.

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
11
DAY 11

Kigali | Departure

Transfer to the airport for your departure from Rwanda, marking the end of your wildlife, forest and cultural journey.

Breakfast
THE FINE PRINT

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
WHERE YOU'LL GO

Destinations

GOOD TO KNOW

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.

TRAVELLER STORIES

What People Say

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Ian K profile picture
Ian K
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
An amazing experience I had an amazing experience,the guide was great. Got to enjoy different places. We had different activities, water tubing,quad biking zip lining,quad biking and amazing dinners at the hotels and lodges.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
lumonya j profile picture
lumonya j
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing safari experience Great eye for sighting all animals. Knowledgeable with the different parks, very hospitable, alternate and careful on the road. You won't regret.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Brad H profile picture
Brad H
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
AWESOME Experience! This was the second time I have worked with Zacc and Paanvuu Safaris in Uganda. This time, we traveled with my wife and daughter who were making their first visit to Africa. Zacc and Paanvuu had EVERYTHING arranged perfectly so that there was nothing for us to do but enjoy an amazing experience! Safe travels, wonderful accommodations, good food, and incredible safaris. 100% recommend!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Scenic31734850335 profile picture
Scenic31734850335
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Fantastic First Experience of Africa! Paanvu was incredible and our driver Zaac did an amazing job at showing us some incredible sights, Safari’s, and waterfalls as well as being extremely knowledgeable about everything we got to explore! He was very positive the entire trip and took good care of us while we were able to explore the beauty of Uganda! 10/10 would go again!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Compass33176568006 profile picture
Compass33176568006
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing experience What an AMAZING experience. So glad we picked an amazing company to take us! They knew exactly where to go! Will definitely use them again!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Sara profile picture
Sara
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Our team visited the Ewaffe Cultural Village. Zach organized an experience for our group of seven at Ewaffe Cultural Village. It was a great day getting to participate in different Ugandan traditions and practices! Thanks, Zach!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Hannah L profile picture
Hannah L
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Really great time, very well put together! This was my first safari ever and it was so good!! We had Zac taking us (2 ppl) and he was brilliant, super punctual and very knowledgeable about how to find specific animals on the trails. The vehicle was perfect, very comfortable to travel in but worked really well for safari too as the roof could be raised. We had so so much fun and would defo do it all over again <3
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Brad H profile picture
Brad H
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Paanvuu and Zacc are the best! I have been on several safaris and this one was one of the best! Zacc took great care of our entire team, answering questions, taking care of all arrangements, driving safely, and providing a great experience. We visited Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda where we took two game drives and a boat safari. We saw many animals UP CLOSE and really got to experience the best of Africa. Thanks Zacc and Paanvuu Safaris!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
evie_e_wyse profile picture
evie_e_wyse
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Loved every moment! Zacc was an extraordinary guide. He spotted animals and made sure we had a moment to stop along the road to have a good look and take photos. He provided information and respectfully answered all our group’s questions. Water was always available in the van. He made sure we were comfortable and enjoying the trip along the way. There were times in our trip that required careful driving. I felt entirely safe and comfortable with Zac’s driving. He was kind, fun, and a great conversationalist. I would highly recommend Paanvuu Safari and hope to use them again in the future!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Maps18765867286 profile picture
Maps18765867286
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
We did it all thanks to Zac. Got to interact with the locals and check out all the spots! Perfect. Zac is the best guide out there. Very knowledgeable, friendly and fun to hang with on your adventure. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and showing you his beautiful country! You will not forget this experience and may even make a true friend. Highly recommend!
USD 5,872per person
Book Now
Gallery image