9-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Itinerary
9-days Rwanda gorilla safari involves gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a Big 5 tour in Akagera, and chimpanzee tracking in either Nyungwe or Kyamudongo Forest.
The 9 days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari starts with Kigali city tour, followed by chimpanzee tracking and birding in Nyungwe Forest National Park. Then, proceed to Volcanoes National Park for Mountain Gorilla trekking, concluding with an extensive game viewing drive in Akagera National Park. The tour kicks off and stops in Kigali.
Trip Summary – 9 Days Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport. Take a Kigali City Tour through the different Genocide Memorial Sites, Curio shops and Kimironko fruits market.
Day 2: Hiking and Trekking along the colobus Trails in Nyungwe Forest.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest. Connect to Kibuye in the afternoon.
Day 4: Leave Kibuye for Kinigi via Gisenyi and Ruhengeri.
Day 5: Gorilla Tracking in PNV. Visit the twin lakes of Bulera and Rubondo.
Day 6: Day Hike to the Volcanic Mount Bisoke
Day 7: Drive to Akagera National Park. Take a boat ride along Lake Iheema.
Day 8: Big Game Drive in Akagera National Park.
Day 9: Connect to Kigali, do some shopping & later transfer to the airport.
A Detailed 9 day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Tour of Kigali City
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, our tour guide will greet you and escort you for a briefing at the hotel. One of the best ways to get a feel for Rwandan culture is to take a city tour with stops at the Genocide Memorial Museum, curio stores, and Kimironko fruit markets.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore the historic Nyamirambo district, the contemporary handicraft village, the Batwa pottery and dance center, as well as the Gisozi Genocide Memorial. Lunch can be obtained at a reputable restaurant in the vicinity. Subsequently, continue to Nyungwe National Park.
Day 2: Hiking and trekking Colobus trails: Nyungwe forest N.P
Proceed to Nyungwe Forest following breakfast to engage in the tracking of the Nyungwe Colobus monkeys. A walk in the forest offers a comprehensive learning experience led by expert tour guides who possess extensive knowledge in botany, ornithology, and inter species relationships within this ecosystem.
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Following that, proceed back to your lodge for lunch. Evening meal and overnight stay at Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest and Kibuye City
Following a cup of coffee, proceed to Nyungwe Forest at 0600 hours to track the chimpanzees. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch before traveling to Kibuye for dinner and an overnight stay at either Kibuye Guest House or Hotel Centre Bethanie.
Day 4: Kibuye to Gisenyi, then to Ruhengeri and Kinigi (PNV)
Following breakfast, proceed to Kinigi, the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, from Kibuye via Gisenyi and Ruhengeri. It will take six hours to travel 213 kilometers. The Kibuye-Gisenyi drive offers an opportunity to experience stunning landscapes, showcasing the picturesque tea-growing regions of Gisovu and Kayove. Short breaks will be allowed for photography and refreshments. A four-hour drive will take us to Gisenyi for lunch and a brief city tour. Afterward, we will drive for two hours to Ruhengeri and finally to Kinigi, the base for gorilla tracking. Accommodation and evening meal at Mountain Gorilla’s Nest / Kinigi Guest House.
Day 5: Encountering the Gorillas in the Mist at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
A morning breakfast is succeeded by a drive to Kinigi station, which serves as the park headquarters for guide allocation and a briefing on the essential guidelines for tracking mountain gorillas. Driving to the trailheads is the next step before climbing or trekking up the hills to the bamboo zone.
The duration of the hike to the gorillas can range from 2 to 5 hours, based upon their movements. A minimum of one hour is allocated with the mountain gorillas . Please proceed back to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the twin volcanic lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Evening meal and accommodation at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 6: Day Hike to Volcanic Mountain Bisoke
Commence your day early for the hiking expedition of Mt. Bisoke, featuring a stunning crater lake. The trail navigates through the rainforest, home to the endangered mountain gorillas that inspired the film “Gorillas in the Mist,” featuring Dian Fossey. The ascent to Crater Lake requires approximately three hours, while the descent takes around two hours.
It is advisable to wear long pants to protect against the stinging nettle plants found along the trail. The Mt Bisoke hike is appropriate for individuals who possess a moderate level of fitness. Convene at the lodge for lunch and unwind in the evening as you engage in discussions about the day’s experiences. Evening meal and accommodation at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Day 7:Volcanoes National park & Akagera National Park: Boat trip
Embark on a scenic drive to Kigali following breakfast, taking in the renowned rolling hills that Rwanda is famous for along the way. Embark on a journey to Akagera National Park, traversing the picturesque undulating plains characterized by dense broad-leafed woodlands, lighter acacia woodlands, and rolling grasslands. The landscape is further enhanced by an extensive network of lakes interconnected by papyrus swamps, creating a vast wetland ecosystem.
Following lunch, embark on a boat trip on Lake Ihema, where you will observe marine animals such as crocodiles and hippos, alongside a significant concentration of birdlife, with over 525 species documented. Distinct species including the Shoe-billed Stork and the Papyrus Gonolek are included in the list. The endemic species consist of jacanas, ibises, sandpipers, and herons. Please return to Akagera Safari Lodge for dinner and overnight accommodations.
Day 8: Big 5 game drive in Akagera National Park
This morning begins with an early start as you accompany your ranger in an open vehicle for your safari experience in Akagera National Park. A half-day game drive offers the chance to observe a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, lions, Maasai giraffe, gazelles, impala, baboons, oribi, Burchell’s zebra, topi, bush baby, leopard, and bushbuck. Enjoy lunch and engage in a discussion regarding the safari experience, while also preparing for your return flight home.
Day 9: Final day in Rwanda
Today marks the occasion to bid farewell to your fellow travelers, guide, and to a country that has served as your temporary home. After breakfast, you will proceed to Kigali for some shopping before transferring to the airport to catch your flight home.
9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Cost Inclusions
Gorilla Permits
Chimpanzee permit
Golden Monkey Trekking Permit
Canopy walk
Park entrance fees
Accommodation & meals
Full time English speaking guide
Ground TransportMiscellaneous
– Bottled Drinking water
– Government Taxes
9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Cost Exclusions
Alcoholic beverages
Shopping
Tips
Extra activities not in the itinerary