The 10 Days Ultimate Rwanda Safari Adventure by Unique Africa Tours is designed to showcase the very best of Rwanda, combining thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and indulgent luxury experiences. Over ten days, you will explore the country’s four major attractions: Akagera National Park for classic Big Five safaris, Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking and the famous canopy walk, Lake Kivu for serene lakeside relaxation, and Volcanoes National Park for gorilla and golden monkey trekking. Each day is carefully curated to balance adventure with luxury, ensuring seamless transfers, personalized service, fine dining, and stays at Rwanda’s most prestigious lodges. This is the ultimate journey for travelers seeking an exclusive, all-encompassing experience of Rwanda.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be greeted by your professional driver-guide and transferred to your luxury hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a guided city tour that includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Center, and bustling local markets. Later, check into your lodge for relaxation and a gourmet welcome dinner. This night serves as the perfect introduction to Rwanda’s culture, warmth, and hospitality.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven Kigali.
Meals: (Dinner)
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park. The journey offers stunning views of hills and valleys before you arrive at the park gates. Check into your luxury lodge and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch overlooking the wilderness. In the afternoon, set out on your first game drive, where you may spot giraffes, zebras, antelopes, elephants, and buffaloes. As the sun sets over the savannah, return to your lodge for cocktails by the fire pit followed by a lavish dinner.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Full Day Safari in Akagera
Rise early for a full day of game drives through Akagera National Park. The northern plains offer the best chances of spotting lions, rhinos, and leopards, as well as an abundance of birdlife. A picnic lunch will be served in the wild, adding to the authentic safari atmosphere. After more hours of exploring the park’s wetlands and woodlands, you will return to your lodge for relaxation. In the evening, enjoy a candlelit dinner and perhaps an optional night game drive to spot nocturnal animals.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Akagera – Kigali
After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy a short morning game drive as you make your way out of the park. You will then return to Kigali for a leisurely afternoon. Depending on your interests, you may enjoy optional activities such as a private coffee-tasting tour, shopping for handmade crafts, or dining at one of Kigali’s finest restaurants. Your evening will be spent at a luxury hotel, resting before your journey to Nyungwe National Park the next day.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel, The Retreat by Heaven Kigali
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Today, you will set off on a scenic drive to Nyungwe National Park. Along the way, visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye for a glimpse into Rwanda’s cultural heritage. Upon arrival in Nyungwe, check into your luxury lodge nestled among tea plantations and misty hills. The evening is free for relaxation, perhaps with a guided tea tasting or a spa treatment, followed by a delicious dinner overlooking the rainforest.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe
Wake up early for a hearty breakfast before heading out for chimpanzee trekking. Guided by expert trackers, you will follow the calls and movements of these lively primates as they leap through the trees. Spending time with chimpanzees is a thrilling experience, giving insight into their social structures and playful personalities. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge offering spectacular aerial views of the forest.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Colobus Monkey Trekking and Nature Walks
After breakfast, embark on a trek to see the striking colobus monkeys, known for their beautiful black-and-white coats and large groups. Later, enjoy guided forest walks that reveal the park’s rich biodiversity including orchids, birds, and butterflies. Return to your lodge for an afternoon of leisure, where you may indulge in spa treatments, a swimming pool, or simply enjoy the serene rainforest setting. Dinner will be served at your luxury lodge with breathtaking forest views.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Gisakura Guesthouse
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Nyungwe – Lake Kivu (Kibuye)
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and drive to the shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s most scenic freshwater lakes. Upon arrival in Kibuye, check into your lakeside lodge. Spend the afternoon on a private boat cruise, visiting small islands and enjoying the tranquility of the lake. Kayaking and swimming are also available for those who wish. As the day ends, savor fresh fish and international cuisine at a lakeside dinner with panoramic views of the sunset.
Accommodation: Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Cormoran Lodge, Moriah Hill Resort
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy a relaxed morning at Lake Kivu before departing for Volcanoes National Park. The drive takes you through Rwanda’s famous “thousand hills” and lush farmlands, with the Virunga Volcanoes coming into view as you near the park. On arrival, check into your luxury lodge with views of the misty mountains. In the afternoon, you may visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for an authentic introduction to Rwandan traditions, dances, and drumming. In the evening, enjoy a fine dining experience at your lodge.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Virunga Lodge
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking – Departure
This is the highlight of your safari. After breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out on your gorilla trek. The trek may last between 2 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family, but the reward is spending one magical hour in their presence. Watching gorillas interact in their natural habitat is one of the most profound wildlife experiences in the world. After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch, then begin your drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a farewell dinner in Kigali before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
End of the 10 Days Ultimate Rwanda Safari Adventure.
The 10 Days Ultimate Rwanda Safari Adventure cost includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- 1 Colobus Monkey Permit per person.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Game Drive in Akagera.
- Tour Guide Allowances.
- Bottled Water in the car.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
The tour cost excludes; Visa fees, International air fare, souvenirs, tips to local guides, personal shopping bills, personal travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, telephone usage and items not listed as included in the cost.