Wildlife & Culture Tour
10 Days Rwanda tour, Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe forest, Volcanoes National Park
Overview
10 Days 9 Nights Rwanda Wildlife Safari & Cultural Tour Experience
Akagera National Park – Lake Kivu – Nyungwe Forest – Volcanoes National Park
Discover the “Land of a Thousand Hills” on this unforgettable 10 Days 9 Nights Rwanda Wildlife Safari and Cultural Tour Experience, combining gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, boat safaris, cultural tours, and breathtaking landscapes across Rwanda’s top national parks.
This itinerary offers the perfect balance of wildlife, primates, culture, and scenic relaxation.
Safari Highlights
- Game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Canopy walk above the rainforest
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Scenic relaxation at Lake Kivu
- Kigali city tour & Genocide Memorial visit
- Rich wildlife, birds, primates & cultural encounters
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Arrive at Kigali International Airport. Meet your safari guide and transfer to your hotel for a briefing and relaxation.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Drive to Akagera National Park for an afternoon game drive.
Wildlife includes:
- Elephants, giraffes, zebras
- Buffaloes, antelopes, hippos
- Lions and rhinos (Big Five experience)
Overnight: Akagera / Kigali area
Day 3: Boat Safari & Return to Kigali
Morning boat safari on Lake Ihema, then return to Kigali for relaxation.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Travel to southwestern Rwanda through scenic hills and tea plantations.
Overnight: Nyungwe area
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Expect:
- Chimpanzees in natural habitat
- Colobus monkeys & other primates
- Dense rainforest ecosystem
Overnight: Nyungwe
Day 6: Canopy Walk & Waterfall Hike
Experience:
- Famous Nyungwe canopy walkway
- Waterfall forest hikes
- Birdwatching & photography
Overnight: Nyungwe
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu
Drive to Lake Kivu for relaxation.
Activities:
- Beach relaxation
- Boat rides
- Sunset views over the lake
Overnight: Kibuye / Gisenyi
Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Travel to Ruhengeri near Volcanoes National Park.
Overnight: Volcanoes area
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Experience
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park – the highlight of the safari.
Experience:
- Trek through bamboo forests
- Meet mountain gorillas face-to-face
- Spend 1 magical hour observing them
Overnight: Volcanoes area
Day 10: Kigali City Tour & Departure
Return to Kigali for:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial visit
- City tour & souvenir shopping
Transfer to the airport for departure.
What to Pack
- Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, grey)
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Long-sleeved shirts & trousers
- Rain jacket (weather changes quickly)
- Insect repellent
- Hat & sunscreen
- Light sweater for mornings
- Camera (no flash for primates)
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Small backpack
Why Choose Rwanda?
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most premium safari destinations, offering:
- Easy access to mountain gorillas
- Safe and clean travel environment
- Incredible biodiversity
- Luxury and mid-range safari lodges
- Stunning “thousand hills” landscapes
Optional Add-Ons
- Uganda Bwindi gorilla trekking extension
- Burundi cultural safari
- Cross-border Great Lakes safari circuit
- Luxury helicopter transfers in Rwanda
Final Note
This 10-Day Rwanda Wildlife & Cultural Safari is a complete East African experience combining Big Five game drives, primate trekking, rainforest adventures, cultural heritage, and scenic relaxation in one unforgettable journey.
Tour Overview
Availability
Nov 18- Mar 17
Duration
10D/9N
Pickup Location
pickup avaiable from airport, train and also cruise
Language
English
Car PickUp
Available
Tour Guide
Included
Included
- Park fees Charges
- Breakfast
- Chimpanzee and Gorilla permit
- All activities and Attractions
- Full board accommodations
- English-speaking driver guide
- Ground Transportation
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
Excluded
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Bar Charges
Itenary
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08:00 AM
Day 1: Welcome to Rwanda The driver will be at Kigali Airport to pick you up from your flight. Depending on your arrival time you may be able to visit some of Kigali’s craft markets to browse amongst the pottery, carvings, batik, weaving, sculpture, musical instruments, leather and fabrics on offer. Prepare to use your haggling skills! All activities and purchases today are at your own cost. You will be transferred at your Kigali hotel or accommodation for refreshing and overnight. Journey Time, 15 minutes from airport.
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08:00 AM
Day 2: Transfer To Akagera National Park and Afternoon Game drive
After a relaxed breakfast, you head to Akagera National Park. Akagera National Park covers 2500 km² of savannah west of the Kagera River, in the north-east of Rwanda. The park has a variety of wildlife and is a habitat for over 500 different species of birds. Herds of elephant and buffalo emerge from the woodland to drink at the lakes, while you might stumble across a leopard, a spotted hyena or even a lion. Giraffe and zebra haunt the savannah, and more than a dozen types of antelope inhabit the park. You will have lunch (exclusive) and in the afternoon you will go for a long game drive in the national park. Accommodation can be either budget, mid range or luxury basing on your interest. Journey time 3 hours.
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08:00 AM
Day 3: Akagera Boat safari and Drive back to Kigali
This morning after breakfast, you go for a boat safari on the Akagera River to spot the many waterbirds like Cormorans, Fish eagles and kingfishers. It is then time to head back to Kigali. After lunch you will drive to the Bugesera district, south of Kigali, through a beautiful country-side not often visited by tourists. In the small town Nyamata you will visit a genocide memorial church. You will then be transferred back to Kigali where you will visit the Genocide Memorial in the city centre to learn more about this tragedy. Journey Time: 3 – 4 hours.
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8:00 AM
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Today, you will set off towards the famous Nyungwe Forest, one of the largest forests in East and Central Africa. The forest is abundant with flora and fauna including 13 primate species from colobus monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys and, of course, our cousins the chimpanzees. Nyungwe Forest is also a famous location for birders, with about 310 recorded bird species, 26 of which are endemic, this is one of the most important - and still little known - bird-watching destinations in Africa, there after transfer lunch either at your lodge or somewhere else. Journey Time: 6-7 hours.
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08:00 AM
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe forest
In the morning after a cup of coffee, you will proceed for the highlight of the day, the chimpanzee trekking trail in either the Cyamudongo or Uwinka sections. The total population between the two groups is a healthy 80 individuals. This exciting up-close encounter with human's closest relative you will not soon forget. After the chimp tracking you can relax at the lodge or choose an optional activity that you can discuss with your guide. Journey Time: 1-3 hours.
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08:00 AM
Day 6: Waterfall hike and optional Canopy walk.
Today you can choose to go for East Africa’s only canopy walk. This walk takes place above a deep gorge cutting across the massive forest. Lasting about 1½ hours, the walk takes you through some beautiful foliage and animal habitats and you'll have the chance to spot blue monkeys and unique birds that dwell in the upper levels of the forest canopy. In the afternoon, you will do the exciting waterfall hike to explore the beautiful nature of Nyungwe forest.This hike takes between 3 and 6 hours round trip, depending upon how frequently you stop to sightsee and whether you choose to drive a little further. The first part of the trail is basically following the road to the vehicle park and before delving into the forest. You will have to cross various streams before making a steep descent to the base of the small, refreshing waterfall. Monkeys are frequently seen along the way and the steep slopes provide excellent views into the canopy. After the trail, you return back to to you lodge for refreshing and relaxation. Journey 30 minutes – 1 hour.
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08:00 AM
Day 7: Transfer to Kibuye on Lake Kivu
After a relaxed breakfast you will travel to Kibuye on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu. Time allowing, you can visit the Ndaba Falls or take a walk around Kibuye town. In the afternoon you can have a boat to visit a few islands. Journey Time: 3- 4 hours.
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08:00 AM
Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Today you will transfer to northeast to the town of Musanze close to the Virunga Volcano range. This beautiful area represents the gateway to the mountain gorilla tracking. Journey Time -3 -5 hours.
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08:00 AM
Day 9: Gorilla Tracking
TWake early Morning! From the lodge, you drive into the park to the Office Rwanda is du Tourisme et Des Parc Nationaux (ORTPN). The head ranger of the ORTPN will divide you into groups based on interest and fitness. From the Office Rwanda is du Tourisme et Des Parc Nationaux (ORTPN ) office your Ultimate wild Safaris driver guide will take you as close as possible to the starting point of your tracking.You will track the Gorillas of one of the habituated groups who can tolerate the presence of humans for a brief period every day. Prepare for an exciting journey along forested slopes, entwined vines, bushes and bamboo before you eventually reach the gorillas.
Your guide will point out signs of previous gorilla activity, including dung, nests and chewed bamboo shoots. The time taken to track the gorillas can take as little as half an hour to as much as 8 hours! Once located, you will be allowed a maximum of one hour with the gorillas. Coming face-to-face with a mountain gorilla is a humbling and emotional experience. This is a fantastic and privileged opportunity to get up close and personal with Rwanda’s own ‘Gorillas in the Mist’. Journey Time 30 – 1 hour.
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08:00 AM
Day 10: Departure
Today after a relaxed breakfast you will be transferred by Ultimate wild safaris driver guide back to Kigali in time to catch your flight back home. Sadly, this is where you say goodbye to Rwanda. Please Note: This is only possible when your flight departs from Kigali at 3 p.m. or later. If you need another night in Kigali, we will be happy to make a booking for you. Journey Time: 2 5 hours.
" I highly recommend this group if you want to see Rwanda's wildlife! Jose and I started planning the trip 18 months in advance during the covid19 outbreak in Rwanda. However, our group always felt like we are in good hands with Ultimate Wild Safaris and never had any concerns regarding our personal safety."
5/5
5.0/5
Customer Review

Rooney Kim
11th Jun, 2021I highly recommend this group if you want to see Rwanda's wildlife! Jose and I started planning the trip 18 months in advance during the covid19 outbreak in Rwanda. However, our group always felt like we are in good hands with Ultimate Wild Safaris and never had any concerns regarding our personal safety.