Private • Rwanda
9 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Wildlife & Cultural Safari
Gorillas, savanna predators, and the culture that shapes this extraordinary country
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Northern Province
- Duration
- 9 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 8
Discover the very best of Rwanda on this unforgettable 9-day safari combining wildlife adventures, mountain gorilla trekking, cultural experiences, and scenic landscapes. Explore the vibrant city of Kigali, enjoy thrilling game drives in Akagera National Park, encounter endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and learn about Rwanda’s fascinating history and traditions.
This safari offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, conservation, and adventure in the beautiful "Land of a Thousand Hills."
Highlights
What you'll experience
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Spend a full hour sitting with a habituated mountain gorilla family — juveniles tumbling over each other, the silverback resting an arm's length from your boot. Your tracker, Innocent, has known most of these individuals since birth.
Golden Monkey Dawn on the Volcano Slopes
Before the mist burns off Mount Sabyinyo, golden monkeys ripple through the bamboo forest like sparks — dozens at a time, chattering and dropping half-eaten bamboo shoots at your feet.
Big Game in Akagera National Park
Akagera's re-introduced lion and black rhino populations give Rwanda a genuine Big Five story. Early mornings here belong to elephants crossing the road to Lake Ihema, while hippos grunt in the papyrus below.
Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Float past basking Nile crocodiles and wallowing hippos while malachite kingfishers and African fish eagles work the shore. The light on the lake at four in the afternoon is the colour of copper.
Kigali's Genocide Memorial and Living City
The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a place of grief and determined recovery. Afterwards, the Nyamirambo Women's Centre and the Kimironko market offer a different, essential Rwanda — loud, fragrant, and full of ambition.
Nyungwe Canopy Walkway
Sixty metres above the forest floor, the canopy walkway sways gently as a troop of Angola colobus monkeys crosses overhead. Nyungwe is one of Africa's oldest montane forests and every hour inside it produces something you were not expecting.
Community Village Walk near Musanze
An afternoon with a Batwa community near Musanze moves at the speed of conversation — tracking through the forest edge, learning to read animal signs, and sharing food prepared over an open fire as the volcanoes turn pink behind the ridge.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Journey?
Rwanda packs extraordinary biological and human depth into a country the size of Maryland. This nine-day route puts you inside each layer — primate, predator, forest, and people — without the logistics fog that comes with crossing multiple borders.
Guides Who Know the Names
Your lead guide has trekked Volcanoes for over a decade and can identify individual gorillas by their nose prints. In Akagera, a resident researcher joins your morning drive. These are not scripts — they are working naturalists.
Small Party, Real Access
A maximum of eight guests means you share sunrise game drives with nobody you haven't chosen to travel with. Permits, boat departures, and community visits are booked exclusively for your group.
Conservation at the Core
A portion of every safari fee is directed to the International Gorilla Conservation Programme and the African Wildlife Foundation's Akagera lion monitoring work. The animals you see are alive, in part, because tourism pays for their protection.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Welcome to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel. Take time to relax and recover from your journey while preparing for the exciting experiences ahead.
Accommodation: Kigali Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Meals · Dinner
Day 2
Kigali City Tour – History, Culture & Heritage
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Kigali with a guided city tour showcasing Rwanda’s history, culture, and transformation. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, an important historical site that provides insight into Rwanda’s past and honors the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. Continue to the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial, which commemorates the United Nations peacekeepers who lost their lives during this tragic period.
Later, experience Kigali’s vibrant culture with a visit to Caplaki Craft Village, where you can discover traditional Rwandan artwork, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs while supporting local artisans.
Accommodation: Kigali Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Transfer to Akagera National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, depart Kigali and travel eastwards to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive through the park’s beautiful landscapes of open plains, wetlands, and rolling hills. Search for some of Africa’s iconic wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and numerous bird species. Later, check into your lodge and relax as you enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Akagera.
Accommodation: Akagera National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Akagera National Park – Wildlife Safari & Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
Today is dedicated to exploring the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Akagera National Park. Set out on a morning game drive in search of more wildlife encounters. Keep your eyes open for lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and possibly the elusive leopard. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Cruise along the calm waters while observing hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of water birds along the shoreline. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy Rwanda’s natural beauty and capture unforgettable photographs.
Accommodation: Akagera National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Community Experience
After breakfast, depart Akagera National Park and travel north towards Volcanoes National Park, home of Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Enjoy the scenic drive through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside of rolling hills, farms, and traditional villages. Upon arrival, explore the local communities around Volcanoes National Park. Interact with residents, learn about their traditions, and gain insight into their daily lives and the important role communities play in conservation.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari — an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing from experienced guides and trackers. Learn about gorilla trekking guidelines before entering the forest in search of a habituated gorilla family.
The trek takes you through beautiful bamboo forests and volcanic landscapes as you search for these gentle giants. Once you locate the gorillas, spend one magical hour observing their behavior, social interactions, and daily activities in their natural habitat. This once-in-a-lifetime encounter offers incredible wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Experience
After breakfast, head into Volcanoes National Park for an exciting golden monkey trekking adventure. Explore the bamboo forests in search of these rare and playful primates, known for their striking golden fur and energetic movements. Enjoy time observing and photographing them as they jump through the trees and interact within their natural environment.
In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians Village), where former poachers have transformed into conservation supporters. Experience traditional music and dance, learn about Rwandan customs, and discover how tourism helps support local communities and wildlife protection.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Huye (Butare) Cultural Visit – Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, begin your journey back towards Kigali with a stop in Huye, formerly known as Butare, Rwanda’s cultural center. Visit the National Museum of Rwanda, one of East Africa’s finest ethnographic museums. Explore fascinating exhibits showcasing Rwanda’s history, traditions, royal heritage, traditional lifestyles, and cultural identity.
Continue to Kigali for your final evening in Rwanda.
Accommodation: Kigali Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Departure – End of Rwanda Safari
Enjoy your final breakfast before depending on your flight schedule, spending some time exploring Kigali or shopping for last-minute souvenirs at local markets. Your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
Your 9-day Rwanda Gorilla, Wildlife, and Cultural Safari comes to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, African wildlife, rich traditions, and the breathtaking beauty of Rwanda.
End of Safari
Meals · Breakfast
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- 8 nights accommodation (twin-share basis, single supplement available)
- One mountain gorilla trekking permit per person in Volcanoes National Park
- One golden monkey trekking permit per person
- All park entrance fees (Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera)
- Domestic flight Kamembe–Kigali–Akagera (economy class)
- All ground transfers in private 4WD safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking guide throughout
- Canopy walkway entry fee, Nyungwe
- Batwa community visit fee
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema, Akagera
- All meals as listed in the itinerary
- Drinking water and soft drinks in vehicle
- Kigali Genocide Memorial entrance fee
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years for gorilla trekking (Rwanda Development Board regulation)
Safari Duffel
Soft-sided bags of no more than 15 kg for domestic flights; hard cases storable at Kigali hotel
First Group Event
Welcome briefing at 19:00 on Day 1 at the Kigali hotel
Last Group Event
Final game drive departs 06:00 on Day 9; group disperses at Kigali airport by 14:00
Guaranteed Departures
All departures are private and guaranteed from a minimum of 2 guests
Alternate Sightseeing
If gorilla permits are unavailable on the booked date (rare but possible during peak season), we substitute a second golden monkey trek and arrange a permit on the nearest available day