9 Days Rwanda Safari (Primate Safaris In Rwanda)

9 days Rwanda Safari combines Mountain gorillas, Chimpanzees, and big game wildlife. The 9 Days Rwanda safari visits Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, & Akagera National Park.

This 9 day Rwanda safari itinerary typically covers a Kigali city tour, chimpanzee tracking and a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, relaxation at Lake Kivu, gorilla trekking & golden monkey viewing in Volcanoes National Park, and boat cruises in Akagera National Park. This expedition provides a comprehensive overview of Rwanda’s varied terrains and fauna, beginning and ending in Kigali. Plan your 9-day Rwanda Safari to Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu, and Akagera National Park with gorilla-safaris.com

 

A Detailed 9 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary

 

Day 1: Arrival

Upon your arrival at Kanombe International Airport in Kigali, our guide will be there to assist you and facilitate your transfer to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Accommodation and dinner at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, or a comparable establishment (full board).

 

Day 2: Volcanoes National Park

Depart early in the morning for a transfer to Volcanoes National park to attend the briefing at the Park Headquarters followed by gorilla trekking in Volcano National Park. The typical duration to locate the mountain gorillas within the jungle ranges from 2 to 4 hours. The park was established in 1925, following the discovery of Mountain Gorillas, and it holds the distinction of being the first national park in Africa. Even today, few experiences rival the encounter with a mountain gorilla as it feeds on bamboo shoots; it is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most remarkable travel highlights. Following the in-person encounter with the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, proceed to the lodge for lunch. In the evening, unwind on your room’s balcony or engage with the local community, or consider an excursion to discover the stunning twin lakes in the area, such as Lake Bulera and Ruhondo. Accommodation and dinner at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, or a comparable establishment (FB)

Day 3: Volcanoes National Park – Lake Kivu

Begin your day with a filling breakfast before departing from Volcanoes National Park to Rubavu/Gisenyi. Gisenyi is an attractive town situated along the shores of Lake Kivu, a major water body in Rwanda. Unwind and partake in beach activities such as sport fishing, boating, and swimming. Accommodation and dinner at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cormoran Lodge, or Hotel Paradis Malahide.

Day 4: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Upon completing breakfast, depart from Gisenyi. Travel to Nyanza to explore the royal palace of the Mwami, the traditional king of Rwanda. An onsite storyteller will present the historical facts regarding the pre-colonial kingdom. Travel from Nyanza to Butare to explore the national cultural museum. After lunch, you will proceed to Gikongoro to visit the Murambi genocide memorial. Advance to Nyungwe National Park. Evening meal and accommodation at Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Day 5, Nyungwe Forest National Park

Enjoy a prompt breakfast, following which you will advance to the park headquarters. A park official will provide you with a briefing shortly, after which you will embark on a primates’ walk in Cyamudongo Forest. The duration of this trek may vary from 1 to 6 hours, contingent upon the movement patterns of the primates. It is recommended to bring an ample supply of water and a packed lunch for this walk. This walk offers the opportunity to observe large groups of colobus monkeys and chimpanzees. In the afternoon, we will proceed to the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, providing an opportunity to observe the forest canopy along with the adjacent tea plantations. Evening meal and accommodation at Nyungwe Forest Lodge

Day 6, Nyungwe Forest National Park – Kigali

This morning, we will depart early and either drive back to Kigali or transfer to Kamembe Airport for a domestic flight back to Kigali, which will take approximately one hour. We will have an afternoon for personal leisure or the option to explore and shop independently. Evening meal and overnight accommodation at Kigali Serena, Radisson Blu, or a comparable establishment.

Day 7, Kigali – Akagera National Park

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart from Kigali and embark on a three-hour drive to Akagera National Park, situated along the Rwanda-Tanzania border. Lunch will be served at the lodge, providing a view of Lake Ihema, followed by an afternoon game drive to observe Burchell’s Zebra, lions, elephants, topi, giraffes, impalas, and over 425 species of birds, including the African jacana, sacred ibis, and goliath heron. Evening meal and accommodation at Ruzizi Tented Camp or Akagera Game Lodge

Day 8, Akagera National Park

Embark on an early morning game drive to observe the wildlife that you may have overlooked during your previous adventure. Enjoy a mid-morning meal, subsequently followed by lunch. In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Ihema. Observe extensive groups of hippos, large Nile crocodiles, and a variety of water birds. Evening meal and accommodation at Ruzizi Tented Camp or Akagera Game Lodge

Day 9: Departure

This morning, we will conduct a game drive out of the park on your way back to Kigali. We will have lunch in Kigali and then proceed to the airport for your international flight departure.

The End of the Tour