Itinerary for The Best 10-Day Rwanda Safari Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your guide who will provide an overview of your upcoming adventure. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Kigali to relax and unwind after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner where you will receive a detailed briefing about the exciting safari ahead, setting the tone for the remarkable experiences to come.

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, you will Explore a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, passing through Rwanda’s picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills and tea plantations. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge nestled within the lush forest and have lunch. In the afternoon, you will explore the park on a guided canopy walk, providing a bird’s-eye view of the forest and its diverse wildlife. The elevated walkway offers a unique perspective on the rich flora and birdlife of Nyungwe. Dinner will be served at the lodge, where you will spend the night surrounded by the serene sounds of the rainforest.

Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

You will start your day early with breakfast before heading into the heart of Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by experienced guides, you will trek through the dense forest to find a troop of chimpanzees and observe their playful behavior and complex social interactions. After this thrilling experience, you will return to the lodge for lunch. You will then check out and begin your journey to Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of Rwanda. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge and have dinner, preparing for the exciting gorilla trekking experience the next day.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is one of the highlights of your safari. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. You will then set off with experienced trackers to find a family of mountain gorillas in the misty mountains. The trek can be challenging but incredibly rewarding as you observe these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat. You will spend an unforgettable hour with the gorillas, watching their behaviors and interactions. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan culture and traditions. Dinner will be at the lodge.

Day 5: Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and Explore a journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. The drive will take you through scenic landscapes and across the Rwanda-Uganda border. Upon arrival at Bwindi, you will check into your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, you can relax at the lodge or take a short guided walk to explore the local surroundings and learn about the Batwa pygmies’ culture. Dinner will be served at the lodge, where you will spend the night, preparing for another day of gorilla trekking in the renowned Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Today marks your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. After an early breakfast, you will gather at the park headquarters for a briefing by the guides. You will then Explore a thrilling trek through the dense forest, accompanied by experienced trackers who will lead you to one of the habituated gorilla families. Once you find them, you will spend a magical hour observing these incredible primates in their natural habitat, an experience that promises to be both humbling and awe-inspiring. After the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and have the afternoon at leisure. You can choose to explore the local community, visit a nearby waterfall, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Dinner will be served at the lodge.

Day 7: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park

After breakfast, you will bid farewell to Bwindi and Explore a scenic drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park, passing through picturesque landscapes and rural villages. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge overlooking the park’s vast savannah plains. After lunch and some time to relax, you will Explore an afternoon game drive in search of the park’s diverse wildlife. Queen Elizabeth National Park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, and Uganda kob, as well as over 600 bird species. You will return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Day 8: Game Drives and Boat Safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park

Today, you will explore Queen Elizabeth National Park further through morning and afternoon game drives. After an early breakfast, your guide will take you through the park’s diverse habitats, increasing your chances of spotting more wildlife. The park’s unique ecosystems include savannah, wetlands, crater lakes, and forests, each offering a different wildlife viewing experience. You will return to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, Explore a boat safari along the Kazinga Channel, a natural waterway that connects Lake George and Lake Edward. This boat safari offers an opportunity to view hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species up close. After the boat safari, you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Transfer to Kigali

After breakfast, you will check out of your lodge and begin the journey back to Kigali. The drive will take you through rolling hills and scenic countryside, with stops along the way to enjoy lunch and take photographs. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will have the option to visit local craft markets for souvenirs or take a city tour, visiting landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the incredible wildlife encounters and cultural experiences of your Rwanda-Uganda safari adventure.

Day 10: Departure from Kigali

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time to explore more of Kigali independently before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable 10-day Rwanda-Uganda safari, filled with memorable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion experiences.

Price inclusions and exclusions

Price Inclusions for The Best 10-Day Rwanda Safari Tour

All game drives as revealed in the itinerary
Services of a qualified and seasoned tour guide and driver
Accommodations for your holiday stay
Park entry fees
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and supper) as listed in the schedule
Pickup and dropoff at the trip departure/arrival points and your place of accommodation
Included in the services are all taxes and service costs
Fees for transportation and transfers for the trips

Price Exclusions for The Best 10-Day Rwanda Safari Tour

traveler's medical insurance
The price of domestic and international airfares
Visa cost
personal expenses, such those incurred when visiting curio stores
Airport Taxes
Tips and gratuities for the driver and guide
optional activities (like a hot air balloon ride) not included in the schedule

The Best 10-Day Rwanda Safari Tour