Rwanda Wildlife Tour

Join us on the Rwanda Wildlife Tour!

10 Days, 9 Nights

Rwanda has some of the most spectacular wildlife in Africa. There are so many unique animals to observe on a trip here, from mountain gorillas to golden monkeys, to the big five. This 10 day, 9-night experience will give you plenty of opportunities to view these animals in their natural habitat. You’ll take exciting game drives through Akagera National Park and view animals like elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, and Nile crocodiles. You’ll make your way through the thick forests on chimpanzee and golden monkey treks. The highlight is bound to be your gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. This excursion is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and will be truly memorable.

Rwanda has a long and impressive history. This itinerary will also give you many opportunities to experience the country’s unique and traditional culture. You’ll go on an extensive tour of Kigali city, participate in a fishing experience, visit the Iby’ Iwacu Cultural Village, and go to a coffee plantation. You’ll leave with a well-rounded view of this amazing country.

This trip is excellent for families, couples, or small groups and can be customized to your preferences. Let’s explore the Land of 1,000 Hills together!

Day 1

Welcome to Rwanda! After you land at Kigali International Airport, your guide will escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day will be at your leisure to explore the city or relax. This evening you’ll have dinner at your hotel and rest before your Rwandan journey ahead!

Arrive at Kigali International Airport (KGL) and meet a representative of the Off Season Adventures team
Transfer to your hotel
Afternoon at your leisure
Overnight and dinner at Ubumwe Grande Hotel

Day 2

You’ll begin today with a tour of Kigali. You’ll travel through time and learn more about the history of this country and how it became the nation it is today. You’ll also be able to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This site honors the memory of more than one million Rwandans killed in 1994 and serves as a place for education and peace-building. After lunch, you’ll make your way to Volcanoes Nationa Park. The drive is incredibly scenic and winds through the hills, tea plantations, and local villages. This afternoon is at your leisure to relax before your trekking experience.

Breakfast at your hotel
Tour of Kigali City
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial
Lunch
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Afternoon at your leisure
Overnight and dinner at Ingagi Parkview Hotel

Day 3

Wake up early with anticipation of the exciting gorilla trekking experience ahead. After breakfast and some African coffee, you’ll head to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park for a briefing. You’ll meet your ranger and guide, who will lead you into the forest to find the gorillas. The experience can take 2-6 hours, and there is plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have an hour to spend, so make the most of it. Being the presence of endangered animals is incredible and sure to be life-changing. Next, you’ll head back to your hotel for a well-deserved lunch. This afternoon you can relax or head to the Iby’ Iwacu Cultural Village. This experience is operated by ex-poachers and will give you an immersive insight into traditional Rwandan life and culture.

Breakfast at your hotel
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park
Lunch
Optional visit to the Iby’ Iwacu Cultural Village
Overnight and dinner at Ingagi Parkview Hotel

Day 4

This morning you’ll embark on another exciting trekking adventure. You’ll once again head to Volcanoes National Park to search for the golden monkeys. Your walk will take you through the tea plantations and local villages that line the borders of the park. Once you find the monkeys, you’ll have an hour to spend and observe them. You can watch them eat, play, and swing from tree to tree. Next, you’ll head back to your hotel for lunch and to rest. This evening you’ll travel to Lake Kivu. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a nighttime fishing experience with the area’s local people. They’ll teach you about their traditional techniques and give you a chance to try them out.

Breakfast at your hotel
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Transfer to Lake Kivu
Local fishing experience on Lake Kivu
Overnight and dinner at Kivu Paradise

Day 5

Today you’ll start with a visit to Kimbiri to learn more about Rwandan coffee. You’ll visit a plantation and learn all about the production process and have the chance to taste some. You’ll then start your journey to Nyungwe National Park. Located in the western part of the country, the drive here meanders along Lake Kivu with stunning countryside views. Upon arrival, you’ll head out on the exciting Canopy Walk in the forest. The short hike will immerse you in nature and give you the chance to view local flora and fauna and different species of primates. The highlight of this experience is the three suspensions bridges you’ll cross during your walk. Spanning 160 meters and 70 meters above the forest floor, they will give you a bird’s eye view of the area. Head to your hotel for dinner and to rest after a busy day.

Breakfast at your hotel
Visit Kimbiri and coffee plantation experience
Lunch
Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Canopy Walk
Overnight and dinner at Emeraude Kivu Resort

Day 6

After an early breakfast, you’ll make your way to the Nyungwe Forest National Park headquarters for a briefing on the day’s activities. This morning you’ll be heading out on a trek to find the chimpanzees that call this forest home. These incredible creatures are very active and move quickly, so be ready to chase after them. You’ll once again have an hour to observe them, so make the most of your time and enjoy being in their presence. You’ll then enjoy a delicious local lunch before driving to a nearby tea plantation. There are several in this area, and this experience will take you through the entire production process, from picking the leaves to quality assurance. You’ll have the chance to taste the finished product and to take some home.

Breakfast at your hotel
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
Lunch
Tea plantation experience
Overnight and dinner at Emeraude Kivu Resort

Day 7

Today you’ll begin with a relaxing breakfast before embarking on a waterfall hike in the park. The experience lasts from 2-3 hours and gives you the chance to view many waterfalls, local primates, and bird species. Next, you’ll start your journey to Kigali, making a stop for lunch along the way. You’ll also visit the King’s Palace Museum to learn more about Rwandan history. Your local guide will take you time to learn more about ancient life in Rwanda and how the country became what it is today. You’ll reach Kigali in the afternoon, and the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Breakfast at your hotel
Waterfall hike in Nyungwe National Forest
Transfer to Kigali
Lunch
Visit the King’s Palace Museum
Overnight and dinner at Ubumwe Grande Hotel

Day 8

This morning you’ll travel to Akagera National Park. The journey is once again stunning as it meanders its way through the countryside. There will be plenty of opportunities for photo stops along the way. Once you reach the park, you’ll check into your hotel and then depart on a boat trip on Lake Ihema. You’ll observe hippos, crocodiles, as well as buffaloes, and elephants drinking water on the banks. You’ll return to your lodge for dinner and to rest.

Breakfast at your hotel
Transfer to Akagera National Park
Lunch
Boat trip on Lake Ihema
Overnight and dinner at Akagera Game Lodge

Day 9

Wake up early to enjoy breakfast before heading out on an exciting day of game drives through the park. It is one of the oldest in Africa and consists of various ecosystems ideal for wildlife viewing. The park is home to the Big Five and many other species, so keep your eyes peeled for lions, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, and giraffes. You’ll enjoy lunch within the park to maximize your experience and to see as much as you can. This evening will be spent back at your lodge, where you’ll have time to reflect on the day and enjoy dinner.

Breakfast at your lodge
Game drives within Akagera National Park
Boxed lunch in the park
Overnight and dinner at Akagera Game Lodge

Day 10

Today marks your final day in Rwanda. After breakfast at your lodge, you’ll make your way back to Kigali. If time allows, you can explore the city before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Breakfast at your lodge
Transfer to Kigali
Transfer to Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your flight home

We are happy to customize additional day excursions before or after this tour if you want to get more out of your journey. Possible additions include golden monkey trekking, Lake Kivu, hiking in Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe National Park, and so much more!