10 Days Ultimate Rwanda Expedition

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Tour Type

Wildlife Safari

Tour Duration

10 Days 9 Nights

Min. No of Pax

Tour Price

Budget On request

Mid-range On request

Luxury On request

The Price Includes

Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking driver guide
• All accommodation as per itinerary
• All meals as listed
• Park entry fees
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Boat safari on Lake Ihema
• Nyungwe Canopy Walk fees
• Cultural village visits
• Bottled drinking water

The Price Excludes

International flights
• Rwanda tourist visa
• Travel insurance
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
• Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
• Tips to guides, drivers, and porters
• Personal expenses such as laundry and souvenirs

Tour Overview

The 10 Days Ultimate Rwanda Expedition is a grand journey through Rwanda’s most iconic landscapes—Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu’s sparkling shores, Volcanoes National Park, and the vibrant capital city of Kigali. This immersive adventure allows travelers to experience Rwanda’s unmatched biodiversity, rich history, and diverse cultures at a comfortable pace. From classic savannah game viewing in Akagera to chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe and gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes, this itinerary captures the very best of Rwanda’s natural wonders. Travelers witness dramatic changes in scenery, from low-lying wetlands to high-altitude rainforests and towering volcanoes, offering an unforgettable mix of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic relaxation.

Designed for safari lovers, primate enthusiasts, photographers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers, this trip reflects the delicate balance between conservation and tourism that Rwanda is known for. You will explore the land of a thousand hills through guided nature walks, boat safaris, canopy walks, hikes, cultural tours, golden monkey tracking, and Kigali city tours. Each day is thoughtfully crafted to ensure maximum comfort, learning, and adventure. With carefully selected accommodation options, professional guides, and seamless logistics, this itinerary promises a deeply rewarding journey through Rwanda’s top attractions.

Day To Day

Day 1

Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a Rugo Miles Africa representative who will brief you about your upcoming 10-day Rwanda tour. After a smooth transfer to your hotel, you can relax and unwind from your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may opt for a short Kigali city excursion—perhaps visiting local art galleries, coffee shops, or the Kimironko Market. Kigali is known for its cleanliness, safety, and vibrant culture, making it the perfect introduction to your Rwanda safari experience.

Optional Activities:
• Kigali city tour
• Visit to Inema Arts Center
• Local market tour
• Coffee tasting experiences

Accommodations

Hotel Des Milles Collines
Heaven Boutique Hotel
Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 2

Transfer to Akagera National Park – Sunset Game Drive

After breakfast, begin your journey eastward to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. The scenic drive reveals local villages, rolling hills, and serene landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a hot lunch before heading out for a relaxed afternoon or sunset game drive. Akagera’s savannah plains and woodland habitats support a rich variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and more than 500 bird species. As the sun sets, capture breathtaking views over the acacia-dotted plains before returning to your lodge for dinner.

Optional Activities:
• Night game drive
• Behind-the-scenes conservation tour

Accommodations

Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Akagera Game Lodge
Magashi Luxury Camp

Day 3

Full-Day Game Drive & Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

Today is dedicated to exploring Akagera’s wildlife in depth. After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game drive across the northern plains where animal sightings are most abundant. Your expert guide will navigate through diverse ecosystems—from savannah to wetlands ... ensuring the best chance of spotting predators and grazing herbivores. In the afternoon, shift your experience from land to water with a stunning boat safari on Lake Ihema, famous for its hippos, crocodiles, and rich birdlife, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and papyrus gonoleks. The combination of land and water activities provides a comprehensive look at Rwanda’s savannah ecosystem.

Optional Activities:
• Bird watching tour
• Private photographic safari

Accommodations

Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Akagera Game Lodge
Magashi Luxury Camp

Day 4

Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, begin your scenic journey to the southwestern part of the country as you travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to 13 primate species. The drive itself is captivating, passing through rolling tea plantations and breathtaking hillsides. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy the fresh mountain air. In the afternoon, you may relax or take a short nature walk around the lodge area. Nyungwe’s lush vegetation and serene atmosphere make it a perfect place to unwind before the following day’s adventures.

Optional Activities:
• Tea plantation experience
• Birding around the forest edges
• Evening nature walk

Accommodations

One&Only Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Hill View Hotel
Munazi Lodge

Day 5

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest & Canopy Walk

Rise early for an extraordinary chimpanzee trekking adventure deep inside Nyungwe Forest. With over 500 chimpanzees, Nyungwe offers one of the most intimate encounters with these fascinating primates. Your trek will take you through dense rainforest, misty trails, and vibrant birdlife until you finally meet the chimpanzees as they swing through the treetops or move on the forest floor. After lunch and rest, head for the iconic Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge above the forest canopy offering panoramic views of the treetops, mountains, and wildlife below. This is one of the most photographed attractions in Rwanda.

Optional Activities:
• Colobus monkey trekking
• Waterfall hike
• Bird watching (special for Albertine Rift endemics)

Accommodations

One&Only Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Hill View Hotel
Munazi Lodge

Day 6

Transfer to Lake Kivu – Waterfront Relaxation

After breakfast, embark on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, one of Rwanda’s most iconic attractions. Suspended high above the forest floor, the canopy bridge offers breathtaking aerial views of the forest, tree crowns, and bird species. It is one of the longest and highest canopy walks in East Africa and is perfect for photography.

After the walk, begin your journey north toward Volcanoes National Park. The scenic route follows Lake Kivu’s shoreline, passing fishing villages, terraced hills, and beautiful scenery. Arrive in Musanze town in the evening and settle into your lodge.

Optional Activities:
• Boat ride on Lake Kivu
• Visit local markets in Rubavu
• Cultural village walk

Accommodations

Paradise Kivu Lodge
Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

Day 7

Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Today you will travel north to Volcanoes National Park, the legendary home of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. The drive offers magnificent views of rolling hills and the towering Virunga volcanoes. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before visiting the nearby Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, where you will meet local communities, learn about traditional lifestyles, music, dance, and ancient hunting practices. This cultural immersion adds richness to your Rwanda safari experience.

Optional Activities:
• Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
• Nature walk around Musanze caves

Accommodations

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Virunga Inn Resort
Bisate Luxury Lodge

Day 8

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is the highlight of your Rwanda expedition gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park. After a briefing at the park headquarters, you will be assigned to one of the habituated gorilla families. The trek may take 2–6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location, but the moment you encounter these gentle giants in their natural habitat will remain with you forever. Watching a silverback protect his family, juveniles playfully swinging on vines, and mothers nurturing their babies is a powerful and emotional experience. After the trek, return to your lodge to relax and reflect on this extraordinary adventure.

Optional Activities:
• Golden monkey trekking
• Visit to the twin lakes (Burera & Ruhondo)
• Dian Fossey tomb hike

Accommodations

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Virunga Inn Resort
Bisate Luxury Lodge

Day 9

Return to Kigali – Kigali City Tour

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival, embark on a comprehensive Kigali city tour covering key landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt House Museum, art galleries, and craft markets. This tour provides meaningful insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and cultural transformation. In the evening, check in to your Kigali hotel and enjoy a final night in the capital.

Optional Activities:
• Dinner at a top Kigali restaurant
• Night city tour

Accommodations

Hotel Des Milles Collines
Heaven Boutique Hotel
Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 9

Departure – End of the Ultimate Rwanda Expedition

Depending on your departure time, you may enjoy a relaxed breakfast or optional city explorations before being transferred to Kigali International Airport. This marks the end of your 10 Days Ultimate Rwanda Expedition with Rugo Miles Africa. Our team will assist with airport formalities to ensure a smooth departure.

At Rugo Miles Africa, every adventure is created with you in mind. Rather than following rigid schedules, we offer flexible itineraries that can be customized to match your interests, pace, and travel style. Our knowledgeable guides and travel experts work closely with you at every stage, designing a personalized journey that captures the true spirit of Rwanda. Your adventure, your story, your unforgettable experience.

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