8-Day Rwanda Explorer Circuit
Kigali | Volcanoes | Nyungwe National Park | Lake Kivu |
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Cultural Introduction
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, guests will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari guide and transferred to their hotel in Kigali. This first day offers a gentle introduction to Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city.
Depending on arrival time, guests may enjoy a Kigali cultural experience, including visits to local craft markets, art centers, or the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a powerful historical and cultural understanding of Rwanda’s transformation. The evening is spent at leisure in preparation for the safari journey ahead.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel / Hotel des Mille Collines / Heaven Boutique Hotel (Mid-Luxury)
Meal Plan: Dinner
Day 2–3: Akagera National Park – Big Five Safari Experience
After breakfast, guests depart Kigali and drive east toward the wilderness of Akagera National Park. The journey reveals Rwanda’s scenic countryside before arriving in the savannah landscapes of the park.
Over the next two days in Akagera National Park, guests will enjoy thrilling game drives in search of the Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. The experience is enriched with beautiful views of open plains, lakes, and wetlands.
A boat safari on Lake Ihema offers close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife. Evenings are spent at a safari lodge surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Magashi Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4–5: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking Adventure
After breakfast, the journey continues north through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills toward the Volcanoes region. Upon arrival in Musanze, guests check in at a lodge near the mountains and enjoy a relaxing evening.
The highlight comes on Day 5 with an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. After a morning briefing at park headquarters, guests are guided into the dense rainforest to track a habituated gorilla family.
Once located, guests spend one magical hour observing the gorillas in their natural environment — an emotional and once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter. The rest of the day is spent at leisure at the lodge.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6–7: Nyungwe Forest – Primates & Rainforest Experience
After breakfast, guests travel southwest toward one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. The journey passes through scenic tea plantations and mountainous landscapes before arriving at Nyungwe.
In Nyungwe Forest National Park, guests will enjoy guided chimpanzee tracking and forest experiences, including the famous canopy walkway suspended above the rainforest. The area is rich in biodiversity, offering sightings of colobus monkeys, butterflies, and rare bird species.
Evenings are spent in peaceful forest lodges surrounded by nature.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One&Only Nyungwe House / Emeraude Kivu Resort
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Lake Kivu Relaxation – Return to Kigali
After breakfast, guests travel to the scenic shores of Lake Kivu for a relaxing final experience. The lake offers calm waters, fresh air, and beautiful views of surrounding hills and islands.
Guests may enjoy a boat ride, lakeside walk, or simply relax before beginning the return journey to Kigali. Depending on flight schedules, guests are transferred to Kigali International Airport or their hotel, marking the end of the Rwanda Explorer Circuit.
Accommodation: Day Room in Kigali (Optional)
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch
INCLUSIONS
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Airport pick-up and drop-off
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Private 4x4 safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
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7 nights accommodation in mid-range or luxury lodges
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Gorilla trekking permit
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Chimpanzee tracking permit (Nyungwe)
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Park entrance fees for all national parks
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Game drives in Akagera National Park
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Boat safari on Lake Ihema
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Canopy walk experience in Nyungwe Forest
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Bottled drinking water during safari
EXCLUSIONS
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International flights
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Rwanda visa fees
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, laundry)
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Tips and gratuities
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Optional activities not listed in itinerary
RWANDA WILD HIKES
