8 days in Rwanda exploring the country’s top tourist destinations-Akagera, Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes National Parks as well as Lake Kivu offers visitors the chance to trek the mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, encounter the big five and other savannah animals. The Safari also involves relaxation on the serene shores of Lake Kivu.
Day 1: Travel to Akagera National Park, afternoon boat cruise
From the Airport or Hotel in Kigali, meet with the driver of your 8 days Rwanda Safari. Travelling from Kigali City to Akagera National Park takes 2-3 hours through the verdant rolling hills and be at Akagera National Park by noon for Lunch.
Your afternoon will be spent exploring Lake Ihema through a boat cruise where you will come across the inhabitants of this Lake like crocodiles and Hippos, not forgetting the bird species that roam around the surrounding wetland vegetation. Your delicious dinner and overnight will be at the booked Lodge or Tented Camp.
Day 2: Morning game drive through Akagera National Park and drive back to Kigali City
Head for a game drive through the northern circuit after a lovely breakfast to search for the nocturnal animals such as serval cats, lions, leopards and spotted hyenas before they return to their hideouts. You will also meet the Rothschild giraffes, impalas, elephants, Topis, Cape buffaloes, Kobs, Burchell’s zebras and common warthogs among others.
After this interesting and informative game drive, exit Akagera National Park for a drive to Kigali City. Lunch will be on arrival at the City and immediately undertake a brief City tour.
Day 3: Travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park, southwestern Rwanda
On the third day of your safari, have breakfast and check-out of your Hotel for a journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Before embarking on this 5-6 hours’ journey, first undertake a city excursion to some of the popular tourist sites that were missed the previous day.
Continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park with en-route visit to the Royal Palace at Nyanza as well as the former Museum in Butare city. Continue to your safari Lodge before nightfall for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Trekking the endangered Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
Before heading for briefing at the Visitor Center, first enjoy a hefty breakfast to be energetic enough for the trek. Start the search for these endangered Great Apes in the jungles of Nyungwe and after 1-3 hours, you will hear their hooting and chattering or see them jumping on tree branches from a distance.
Spend one hour taking photos, recording videos and observing them exhibit interesting traits and behavior. Retire to your Lodge after this amazing time with chimpanzees for Lunch. Relax at the Lodge for the rest of the day or undertake the canopy walk.
Day 5: Drive to shores Lake Kivu
Enjoy a wonderful breakfast then continue to Rubavu Town, on the shores of Lake Kivu where you will unwind to rejuvenate from the fatigue of the chimpanzee treks. Drive time from Nyungwe to Rubavu is 5-6 hours and comes with Lunch along the way.
Day 6: Proceed to Musanze – Northern Province of Rwanda
Breakfast will be at leisure, followed by a boat ride to the coffee Island then tours of Gisenyi Town for Lunch. After your Lunch, proceed to Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province for the opportunity to trek mountain gorillas. Continue to your reserved Safari Lodge on the outskirts of Volcanoes National Park.
Day 7: Trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Transfer to the Park Headquarters comes after breakfast at the Lodge and being at the Headquarters is for registration and orientation before trekking the mountain gorillas. Make sure to carry drinking water, Lunch box and trekking gear, then by 8am begin the trek for mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
This activity involves trekking one of the 13 habituated groups for 1-4 hours, depending on their movement. Spending time with these Great Apes is one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences climaxed by one hour with them. Meet your driver at the starting point to connect to the Lodge for Lunch and refreshment.
Day 8: Return to Kigali City. Departure
Breakfast and bid the Hotel/safari Lodge staff farewell before embarking on a return journey to Kigali City. This marks the end of the 8 days Rwanda Safari.
