9 Days Best of Rwanda — Parks & Lake Kivu
overview
Discover the best of Rwanda on a 9-day safari combining the country’s remarkable national parks, rainforest, wildlife, and the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. From the savannahs and wetlands of Akagera National Park to the ancient forests of Nyungwe and the scenic landscapes surrounding Lake Kivu, this journey showcases Rwanda’s extraordinary natural diversity.
Enjoy exciting game drives in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife in Akagera, explore the primate-rich rainforest of Nyungwe, and relax along the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu. The itinerary also allows time to experience Kigali and Rwanda’s distinctive landscapes and culture.
This safari is ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded Rwanda experience focused on wildlife, rainforest, scenic landscapes, lakes, and culture, without making gorilla trekking the central focus.
Day 1: Kigali – Akagera National Park
Begin your journey in Kigali and travel east toward Akagera National Park. As you leave the city, enjoy views of Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside before reaching the park’s savannah and wetland landscapes. After arrival, enjoy an afternoon game drive in search of elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and other wildlife.
Main Destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 2: Full-Day Akagera National Park
Spend a full day exploring Akagera on morning and afternoon game drives. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and numerous antelope species. You can also enjoy an optional boat safari on Lake Ihema, offering a different perspective of the park’s wetlands and wildlife.
Main Destination: Akagera National Park
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3: Akagera – Kigali – Nyungwe National Park
Leave Akagera and travel through Kigali toward southwestern Rwanda. Continue through the scenic countryside toward Nyungwe National Park, one of the country’s most important rainforest ecosystems. The journey offers beautiful views of Rwanda’s hills, valleys, and agricultural landscapes before reaching the forested highlands.
Main Destination: Nyungwe National Park
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 4: Nyungwe Forest – Chimpanzee & Primate Experience
Explore the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe, home to chimpanzees and a remarkable diversity of primates and forest species. Depending on your selected activities, enjoy a guided forest experience or chimpanzee trekking, followed by time to appreciate the forest’s rich biodiversity.
Main Destination: Nyungwe National Park
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 5: Nyungwe Canopy Walk – Lake Kivu
After breakfast, experience the spectacular Nyungwe Canopy Walkway, suspended high above the forest floor and offering panoramic views across the rainforest canopy and surrounding mountains. Later, continue toward Lake Kivu, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery along one of Africa’s Great Lakes.
Main Destination: Lake Kivu
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 6: Full-Day Lake Kivu
Enjoy a relaxing day around Lake Kivu. Take in the lake’s beautiful scenery and enjoy activities such as a boat excursion, lakeside relaxation, or exploring the surrounding communities. The day provides a welcome change of pace after several days of wildlife and rainforest exploration.
Main Destination: Lake Kivu
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Day 7: Lake Kivu – Kigali
After breakfast, begin your journey back toward Kigali. Travel through Rwanda’s scenic hills and countryside, with opportunities to stop at viewpoints or local attractions along the way. Arrive in Kigali and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Main Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Day 8: Kigali City & Cultural Experience
Spend the day discovering Kigali and experiencing some of Rwanda’s history and culture. Visit selected city attractions, explore local neighborhoods, and learn more about Rwanda’s transformation and contemporary identity. You can also enjoy local cuisine and have time for shopping or purchasing souvenirs.
Main Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Day 9: Kigali – Departure
Enjoy breakfast and some free time in Kigali depending on your flight schedule. Later, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your Best of Rwanda safari.
Main Destination: Kigali
Accommodation: End of Safari / No Accommodation
- 8 nights accommodation
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Big Five and wildlife game drives in Akagera National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking or selected Nyungwe forest activity
- Nyungwe Canopy Walkway
- Lake Kivu activities as specified
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- National park entrance and applicable conservation fees
- 4×4 safari vehicle and transportation
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Kigali airport/hotel transfers
- Government taxes and service charges
- International and domestic flights
- Rwanda visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Optional activities
- Gorilla trekking and gorilla permit
- Porter fees
- Laundry services
- Personal items and souvenirs
- 8 nights accommodation
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Big Five and wildlife game drives in Akagera National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking or selected Nyungwe forest activity
- Nyungwe Canopy Walkway
- Lake Kivu activities as specified
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- National park entrance and applicable conservation fees
- 4×4 safari vehicle and transportation
- Bottled drinking water during safari
- Kigali airport/hotel transfers
- Government taxes and service charges
- International and domestic flights
- Rwanda visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Optional activities
- Gorilla trekking and gorilla permit
- Porter fees
- Laundry services
- Personal items and souvenirs
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