9 Days Rwanda Journey Of A Lifetime

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Tour Type

Wildlife Safari

Tour Duration

9 Days 8 Nights

Min. No of Pax

Tour Price

Budget On request

Mid-range On request

Luxury On request

The Price Includes

All airport transfers
• Accommodation for 8 nights
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional English-speaking driver-guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle with fuel
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Golden monkey permit (or Dian Fossey hike)
• Nyungwe canopy walk fees
• Game drives in Akagera National Park
• Lake Ihema boat safari
• All park entry fees
• Bottled drinking water during the safari

The Price Excludes

International flights
• Rwanda visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses (tips, drinks, laundry)
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary
• Accommodation before and after the safari (if needed)
• Items of a personal nature

Tour Overview

The 9 Days Rwanda Safari (Akagera – Nyungwe – Volcanoes – Kigali) is one of the most comprehensive wildlife and primate tours in Rwanda, designed for travelers looking to experience the country’s diverse ecosystems, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This safari itinerary by Rugo Miles Africa takes you across Rwanda’s most iconic destinations, beginning with the savannah plains of Akagera National Park, continuing through the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe National Park, and culminating in the volcanic mountains of Volcanoes National Park, home to the world-famous mountain gorillas. Throughout this journey, travelers witness the dramatic contrast of Rwanda’s natural wonders, from lakes, wetlands, and open savannahs to dense rainforests and misty volcanoes.

This itinerary blends wildlife game drives, boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks, gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, cultural tours, and Kigali city experiences into a single unforgettable journey. Rwanda is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, and each day you will explore its ever-changing landscapes, friendly communities, and remarkable conservation achievements. Whether you seek up-close wildlife encounters, primate adventures, or scenic photography opportunities, this 9-day safari provides a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. The tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Rwanda as well as returning travelers seeking deeper insights into the country’s protected national parks, biodiversity, and local traditions.

Day To Day

Day 1

Arrival in Kigali – City Exploration & Cultural Introduction

Your Rwanda adventure begins at Kigali International Airport where a Rugo Miles Africa representative welcomes you with a briefing about your journey. After checking into your hotel, you may embark on a guided Kigali city tour depending on your arrival time. Kigali is one of Africa’s cleanest and most organized cities, offering a blend of modern architecture, historical sites, local markets, and cultural attractions. A city tour often includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides a deep understanding of Rwanda’s history and resilience. You may also explore art galleries, craft centers, and vibrant cultural hubs that showcase modern Rwandan creativity. Evening relaxation at your hotel.

Optional Activities:
• Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Kandt House Museum
• Kimironko local market
• Inema Arts Center

Accommodations

Hotel Des Milles Collines
Heaven Boutique Hotel
Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 2

Transfer to Akagera National Park – Savannah Landscapes & Afternoon Game Drive

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah wildlife destination and home to the Big Five. The drive offers beautiful views of rolling hills, farmlands, and traditional communities. Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for your first game drive.

Akagera is known for its diverse ecosystems including open plains, dense woodlands, lakes, and swamps. During your afternoon game drive, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, warthogs, and various bird species. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation as you prepare for a full day of exploration.

Optional Activities:
• Evening game drive
• Nature walk around the lodge
• Community visit near the park

Accommodations

Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Akagera Game Lodge
Magashi Luxury Camp

Day 3

Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park – Big Five & Scenic Views

Start your day early with a full-day game drive across the northern plains of Akagera. This area offers the best opportunity to spot predators such as lions, hyenas, and leopards. The diverse wildlife makes this day highly rewarding for nature photographers and wildlife lovers. As you explore different habitats, you may also see herds of elephants, topis, waterbucks, buffaloes, Masai giraffes, and a variety of birdlife.

The game drive includes stops at scenic viewpoints overlooking hills, lakes, and expansive savannah. After an exciting day in the wilderness, return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Optional Activities:
• Sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema (if time permits)
• Birdwatching excursions
• Ranger-guided nature walk

Accomodations

Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Akagera Game Lodge
Magashi Luxury Camp

Day 4

Lake Ihema Boat Safari – Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Enjoy a peaceful morning boat safari on Lake Ihema, the largest lake in Akagera National Park. This thrilling experience gets you close to hippos, large crocodiles, and numerous waterbirds such as African fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers. You may also spot elephants or buffaloes drinking near the shoreline.

After the boat safari, begin your long but scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park in southwestern Rwanda. The journey passes through beautiful countryside, terraced hills, and tea plantations. En route, visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to learn about Rwanda’s royal history. Arrive at Nyungwe in the evening and check into your lodge.

Optional Activities:
• Guided tea plantation visit
• Museum visit in Huye
• Evening relaxation at the lodge

Accommodations

One&Only Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Hill View Hotel
Munazi Lodge

Day 5

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest – Afternoon Nature Trails

Start your day early as you head into Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking. After a briefing from park rangers, enter the forest, listening to the sounds of birds, primates, and rustling leaves. Nyungwe is home to more than 500 chimpanzees, and trekking provides an opportunity to observe their behavior, communication patterns, and daily routines. The experience is both thrilling and educational, making it a highlight of your safari.

After the trek, enjoy lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, you may explore additional nature trails such as the Waterfall Trail or birdwatching routes. Nyungwe Forest is one of the best birding destinations in East Africa, with numerous endemic species.

Optional Activities:
• Colobus monkey tracking
• Waterfall hiking trail
• Birdwatching walks

Accommodations

One&Only Nyungwe House
Nyungwe Hill View Hotel
Munazi Lodge

Day 6

Nyungwe Canopy Walk – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

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

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Virunga Inn Resort
Bisate Luxury Lodge

Day 7

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today marks the most anticipated moment of your safari: gorilla trekking. After a morning briefing, set off with your ranger guides into the volcanoes to find one of Rwanda’s habituated gorilla families. The trek may take between one to six hours depending on the gorillas’ movement. Standing face-to-face with a silverback and observing the gentle interactions of mother gorillas and playful infants is an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Spend one magical hour with the gorillas, taking photos and learning about their behavior and conservation. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Optional Afternoon Activities:
• Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
• Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
• Musanze caves exploration

Accommodations

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Virunga Inn Resort
Bisate Luxury Lodge

Day 8

Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike & Return to Kigali

After breakfast, choose between golden monkey trekking or hiking to the Dian Fossey Tomb site. Golden monkeys are energetic, playful, and fascinating to watch as they jump through the bamboo forests. The Dian Fossey hike offers a deeper understanding of conservation history and honors one of the world's most renowned primatologists.

After your activity, begin the drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring Kigali’s markets, museums, and cultural centers.

Optional Activities:
• Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo) visit
• Canoeing on the Mukungwa River
• Community cultural tours

Accommodations

Hotel Des Milles Collines
Heaven Boutique Hotel
Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 9

Kigali City Tour – Departure

After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour if time allows. Visit memorial sites, historical museums, artisan shops, or local craft markets to collect souvenirs. Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 9 Days Rwanda Safari with Rugo Miles Africa.

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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