13 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Cultural Safari: Embark on this 13 days journey through Rwanda’s wildlife and cultural treasures, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the land of a thousand hills. This safari offers an intimate experience with Rwanda’s remarkable wildlife, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage.
Safari Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
- Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 3: Full-day safari in Akagera National Park
- Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 6: Cultural Experience in Huye
- Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu
- Day 8: Coffee Tour and Local Interactions
- Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 10: Gorilla Trekking Experience
- Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Experience
- Day 12: Return to Kigali
- Day 13: Departure
Safari Details
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Your adventure begins with your arrival at Kigali International Airport, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Kigali for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park
On the second day, you will enjoy breakfast before transferring to Akagera National Park, located in northeastern Rwanda along the border with Tanzania. Upon arrival, you will have lunch and then visit local pastoral communities. Here, you will have the opportunity to interact with long-horned cattle and experience local brewing. Activities will include milking, cultural dances, and more. Afterward, you will continue to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Safari in Akagera
Begin your day with breakfast before embarking on a full-day adventure in Akagera National Park. This experience includes a game drive, where you will have the opportunity to observe a variety of savannah wildlife, including lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, and more. In the afternoon, you will transfer to Lake Ihema for a boat cruise, where you can expect to see hippos, crocodiles, monitor lizards, and other fascinating creatures.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
On the fourth day, you will start with a leisurely morning at a scenic spot in the park, enjoying a picnic breakfast. Following this, you will embark on an en route game drive as you check out of Akagera. Your journey will then continue to Nyungwe Forest National Park, with a stop at the Nyanza Palace to gain cultural insights into Rwandan heritage before proceeding to your destination.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
On the fifth day of your 13 days wildlife and cultural safari in Rwanda, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. During this session, you will learn about the guidelines to follow during the trek. The trekking experience will last between 2 and 7 hours, and once you encounter the chimpanzees, you will have one hour to observe them. Afterward, you will explore the forest canopy, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6: Cultural Experience in Huye
Following a restful night, you will enjoy breakfast at the lodge before embarking on a transfer to Huye for a cultural immersion. In Huye, you will visit the Butare Museum, a gift from the Belgian government in 1989. This museum offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Rwandan culture. Subsequently, you will have the chance to interact with local communities in the area.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu
The day will commence with breakfast, after which you will transfer to Lake Kivu, located approximately two hours from the park. Upon your arrival, you will participate in a boat cruise to explore the various islands on the lake and meet local fishermen. Later, you will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 8: Coffee Tour and Local Interactions
After enjoying breakfast in the morning, you will transfer to Cyimbiri Bay, a coffee center near Lake Kivu. You will embark on boat safaris to visit other washing bays around the lake. During this time, you will engage with local communities that rely on farming and fishing. In the evening, you will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 9: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will begin your morning transfer to Volcanoes National Park. Upon arrival, you will have lunch before proceeding to the Gorilla Guardian Village. While at the village, you will participate in activities such as coffee roasting, banana brewing, cultural dances, and more.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking Adventure
On this day, you will embark on an exciting adventure in Volcanoes National Park following an early morning breakfast. You will be transferred to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. During this session, you will be informed about the essential guidelines to follow during the trek. The trekking experience will last approximately 2 to 7 hours. Afterward, you will return to the lodge to relax.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Experience
You will rise early for breakfast before heading back to the park for the golden monkey trekking experience. This activity will begin with a briefing that outlines the necessary guidelines for interacting with these primates. Following this, you will visit the twin lakes, Ruhondo and Burera, where you will meet local communities. Here, you will participate in a cultural experience that provides insight into the lifestyle of the residents.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 12: Return to Kigali
After a restful night, you will enjoy a late breakfast before transferring back to Kigali. Upon your arrival, you will have lunch and then embark on a city tour, visiting various sites such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and more.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 13: Departure
On the final day of your safari, you will take part in another city tour of Kigali, exploring additional sites within the city. Subsequently, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, marking the conclusion of your 13 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Cultural Safari.
Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
