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Experience Rwanda's top wildlife and cultural highlights in comfort and style.
Embark on an extraordinary 9-day comprehensive journey through Rwanda's most diverse ecosystems and cultural landscapes. This ultimate Rwanda experience takes you from the vibrant capital of Kigali to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe, the serene shores of Lake Kivu, and finally to the wildlife-rich savannahs of Akagera National Park.
Experience the emotional highlight of mountain gorilla trekking with in-depth conservation learning, explore Nyungwe's rich biodiversity through canopy walks and waterfall hikes, relax on Lake Kivu's picturesque shores, and complete your journey with classic African game drives and boat safaris in Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five.
Our expert guides will provide comprehensive insights into Rwanda's remarkable conservation success stories, from gorilla protection to lion and rhino reintroductions. This extended itinerary offers the complete Rwanda experience, combining primate encounters, cultural immersion, and classic safari adventures.
Perfect for travelers seeking the ultimate Rwanda journey that encompasses all the country's major attractions - from mountain gorillas to savannah wildlife, cultural villages to conservation projects, creating a truly comprehensive African experience.
Distance / Travel time: 10–15 km / 20–45 mins
Arrival, transfer and a guided visit to Kimironko Market or a curated artisan shopping experience. Evening orientation covering safety, cultural etiquette, and permit logistics.
What to expect: Kimironko market is active and colorful — a chance to see local produce, crafts and daily commerce.
Weather & Geography: Mild and pleasant; pack light layers.
Activity Difficulty: Low
Meals: Dinner included
Distance / Travel time: 100–115 km / 2.5–3.5 hrs
Scenic drive and arrival in Musanze. Afternoon visit to a conservation center or Iby'Iwacu cultural village; meet park staff and learn about anti-poaching, community revenue sharing, and gorilla monitoring.
What to expect: The day combines technical conservation briefings with hands-on cultural experiences — guests leave with both emotional and intellectual frameworks for gorilla tourism.
Weather & Geography: Cool mountain air; layers advised.
Activity Difficulty: Low to Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Early morning briefing and trek. Your guide will interpret gorilla behavior and ecology during the observation hour. After the trek, enjoy a longer debrief and optional visit to the gorilla guardians' village to meet the community rangers and learn about habituation and health monitoring.
What to expect: Time with gorillas is both a personal highlight and an important educational moment about species recovery and the role of community-based conservation.
Weather & Geography: Variable weather; prepare for cold mornings and muddy sections.
Activity Difficulty: Strenuous in parts
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included; Dinner at lodge
Distance / Travel time: Drive ~4–5 hrs with stops
Depart after breakfast stopping at Twin Lakes viewpoints and tea farms. Lunchtime arrival near Lake Kivu with optional short boat or island visit. Continue to Nyungwe for an early evening arrival.
What to expect: This long transfer string ties together Rwanda's diverse landscapes and affords many photo opportunities of rural life and dramatic vistas.
Weather & Geography: Progressive increase in humidity as you approach Nyungwe.
Activity Difficulty: Low to Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Start with a sunrise canopy walk followed by a focused birding walk to target species. After lunch, enjoy a guided hike to scenic waterfalls and a community coffee project visit where you'll learn local processing techniques and enjoy a community-hosted snack or meal.
What to expect: Nyungwe's extraordinarily high bird diversity makes it a magnet for birders; waterfalls are lush, photogenic and often peaceful.
Weather & Geography: Humid, forest rains common; waterproof gear essential.
Activity Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous depending on waterfall trail chosen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Distance / Travel time: 120–160 km / 3–4 hrs
Transfer to Lake Kivu with a relaxed afternoon boat trip to small islands, meet fishermen and learn about traditional nets and island livelihoods. Optional cycling along the shoreline or village visits.
What to expect: Lake Kivu is a cultural and ecological zone where fishing, agriculture and tourism coexist.
Weather & Geography: Warmer and breezy; sun protection recommended.
Activity Difficulty: Low
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Distance / Travel time: Approx 300 km / 6–7 hrs
A long but scenic crossing of Rwanda back to the east; stop in Kigali for lunch and short city visits if desired. Arrive at Akagera mid-late afternoon and enjoy a short introductory game drive.
What to expect: This day emphasizes logistics but is punctuated by changing scenery—from lake shores to agricultural plains to savannah.
Weather & Geography: Temperatures rise as you approach Akagera.
Activity Difficulty: Low (transfer) + light game drive activity
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Full-day game drives with picnic lunch and an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema to view hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds. Guides focus on mammal ecology, anti-poaching efforts and species reintroductions (e.g., lions, rhinos).
What to expect: Akagera combines riverine woodland, papyrus swamps and open grassland — excellent for a wide variety of species including giraffe, zebra, buffalo and predator sightings.
Weather & Geography: Warm and dry relative to the west; light breathable clothing recommended.
Activity Difficulty: Low to Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included
Distance / Travel time: 120–140 km / 2.5–3.5 hrs
Morning community conservation engagement, visit to ranger stations and optional cultural encounter with nearby villages. Afternoon transfer back to Kigali and fly back home.
What to expect: Guests gain an understanding of how park revenues are shared with adjacent communities and the economic logic of conservation incentives.
Weather & Geography: Back to Kigali's temperate climate.
Activity Difficulty: Low
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch included
Your comprehensive 9-day Rwanda ultimate wildlife and cultural journey concludes with transfer to Kigali International Airport, filled with unforgettable memories of gorilla encounters, rainforest exploration, and classic African safari experiences across this remarkable country.
All-inclusive package prices per person (including gorilla permit)
| Accommodation Level | Price Per Person | Gorilla Permit Included |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Range | $8,200 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| Luxury | $11,500 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| High-End | $15,800 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| Mid-Range | $7,500 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| Luxury | $10,600 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
| High-End | $14,500 | Yes ($1,500 value) |
Experience the wild like never before with our expertly crafted safaris
