The 10 Day Ultimate Rwanda Experience
Kigali, the royal south, Nyungwe's chimpanzees, Lake Kivu, gorillas and golden monkeys in the volcanoes, and a camping safari in Akagera: the whole country in ten days.
Enquire About This TourOverview
Our flagship trip. It starts with Kigali and the royal history of the south, then goes deep into Nyungwe for chimpanzees and the canopy walk. From there it follows Lake Kivu north to the volcanoes for golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, crosses to Akagera for a night camping on its highest peak and a full day of safari, and finishes back in Kigali. Every permit and meal is taken care of.
- Gorilla Trekking
- Primates
- Game Drive
- Boating
- Canopy Walk
- Hiking
- Camping
- Culture & Heritage
- City Tour
Highlights
- Mountain gorilla and golden monkey trekking
- Chimpanzee trekking, the canopy walk and a waterfall hike in Nyungwe
- Island boat trip and coffee experience on Lake Kivu
- Night camping on Akagera's highest peak and a Lake Ihema boat safari
- King's Palace at Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye
- Kigali's museums, markets, art and food
Itinerary
A typical running order. Justin adjusts timings around your group, the weather and park conditions.
- 1
Day 1: Kigali
Airport welcome and a first look at the city: the Kandt House Museum, Juru Park, a Nyamirambo food walk, the Inema Arts Center, the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial and the local markets. Overnight in Kigali.
- 2
Day 2: Royal south to Nyungwe
South to the King's Palace Museum at Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye, then on to Nyungwe. Overnight near the forest.
- 3
Day 3: Chimpanzees, canopy and waterfall
Early chimpanzee trek on the Uwinka or Cyamudongo trail, a nature walk, the canopy walkway and the hike to Ndambarare Waterfall. Overnight near Nyungwe.
- 4
Day 4: Lake Kivu
North to Kibuye for a lakeside walk, a coffee plantation visit, a boat ride to hike Napoleon Island and a swim at Peace Island, with an optional barbecue fish dinner. Overnight on Lake Kivu.
- 5
Day 5: Musanze and golden monkeys
A scenic drive to Musanze and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, then an afternoon exploring local community life. Overnight in Musanze.
- 6
Day 6: Mountain gorillas
An early start for gorilla trekking and your hour with a gorilla family, then an afternoon of dance and storytelling at a cultural village. Overnight in Musanze.
- 7
Day 7: To Akagera and camp
Cross the country to Akagera for an evening game drive, then camp on Mutumba, the park's highest peak.
- 8
Day 8: Full day in Akagera
Morning and afternoon game drives across the park, and a late-afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema among hippos, crocodiles and water birds. Overnight at a lodge in the park.
- 9
Day 9: Back to Kigali
Return to Kigali for the boardwalks of Nyandungu Eco-Park, then craft shopping at Kimironko market and the artisan shops. Overnight in Kigali.
- 10
Day 10: Last day and departure
The Presidential Palace Museum, the car-free zone and a café lunch with single-origin Rwandan coffee. Choose a cooking workshop or the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, then a farewell dinner before your airport transfer.
What's Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Private 4x4 vehicle with driver and fuel for the whole trip
- English-speaking guide plus specialist local guides
- Nine nights' accommodation (hotels, forest and lake lodges, one night camping)
- All meals
- All permits: gorilla, golden monkey, chimpanzee, canopy walk and waterfall, and Akagera
- Museum and site entry fees
- Boat trips on Lake Kivu and Lake Ihema
Not Included
- International flights and visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, trackers and porters
- Drinks and personal purchases
- Optional extras such as the barbecue dinner on Lake Kivu
Plan Your Visit
The practical details, so you know what to expect before you enquire.
Duration
Best time to visit
Fitness level
Getting there
What to bring
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Rain jacket and warm layer
- Neutral-coloured safari clothing
- Binoculars and a zoom lens
- Garden gloves for the treks
- Swimwear for Lake Kivu
Want to Book This Trip?
Every tour is quoted individually for your group size, dates and accommodation style. Send Justin your plans and he will come back with a tailored itinerary and quote.
You Might Also Like
Tours that pair well with this one or cover similar ground.
3 days / 2 nightsAcross Rwanda
3 Day Culture, Canopy & Waterfall Adventure
The royal south, the Nyungwe canopy walk and Ndambarare Waterfall in three days, with two nights on the edge of the rainforest.
- Culture & Heritage
- Canopy Walk
- Hiking
1 dayMusanze & the Volcanoes
1 Day Gorilla Trekking Adventure
A pre-dawn start from Kigali to trek the slopes of Volcanoes National Park and spend an hour with a mountain gorilla family, with a cultural visit in the afternoon.
- Gorilla Trekking
- Primates
- Hiking
2 days / 1 nightMusanze & the Volcanoes
2 Day Mount Kabuye Hike & Lake Ruhondo
Climb Mount Kabuye through villages and forest to a summit view of the Twin Lakes and the Virunga volcanoes, camp on top, then walk down to Lake Ruhondo for a boat trip to the islands.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Boating