Cost Includes
- Park Entrance Fees
- Gorilla permits and Chimp Permits
- All Transportations
- All Meals & Accommodations
- A professional Driver / Guide
- Drinking water
12-Day Best of Rwanda Safari
Tour Overview
This 12-Day Best of Rwanda Safari is an immersive journey through Rwanda’s most iconic landscapes, wildlife destinations, and cultural heritage sites.
Your adventure takes you deep into the lush rainforest of Nyungwe Forest National Park, where you will explore one of Africa’s oldest montane forests, home to chimpanzees and other primates, as well as breathtaking hiking trails.
The journey continues to the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park, where you will experience the unforgettable thrill of mountain gorilla trekking in their natural habitat.
Beyond wildlife encounters, this safari also highlights Rwanda’s rich history and culture, with guided visits from Kigali to Musanze, including meaningful stops at historical landmarks and local communities.
From scenic landscapes and forest adventures to powerful cultural experiences, this itinerary offers a complete and unforgettable exploration of the “Land of a Thousand Hills.”
Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Drinks other than Water
Tour Plan
Day 1: Kigali
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, a Tavira Africa Safaris driver guide will meet and greet you. The guide will brief you on your safari and transfer you to your hotel in Kigali, where you can relax after your journey.
Accommodation: The Governor’s Residence (Luxury hotel located in Kigali)
Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. En route, visit Nyanza King’s Palace, the National Museum of Butare, and the Murambi Genocide Memorial. Learn about Rwanda’s royal history and heritage.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Mid-range hotel near Nyungwe NP)
Day 3: Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, go for colobus monkey tracking in Nyungwe Forest with experienced guides. Learn about the park’s rich biodiversity before returning to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Mid-range hotel near Nyungwe NP)
Day 4: Nyungwe Forest National Park
Choose between the canopy walk or a nature walk to waterfalls in the morning. In the afternoon, continue primate viewing before returning to the lodge.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Mid-range hotel near Nyungwe NP)
Day 5: Nyungwe to Kibuye
Drive to Kibuye along scenic Lake Kivu views and Rwanda’s rolling hills. Arrive and relax at your lakeside accommodation.
Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge (Mid-range lodge in Kibuye)
Day 6: Kibuye to Gisenyi
Transfer to Gisenyi by road or boat while enjoying views of Lake Kivu’s islands. Arrive and relax by the lakeside.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (Luxury hotel in Gisenyi)
Day 7: Gisenyi to Musanze
Enjoy a relaxed morning at Lake Kivu before heading to Musanze. Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for cultural experiences.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Mid-range lodge near Volcanoes NP)
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park – Gorilla Trekking
Early breakfast followed by briefing at Volcanoes National Park headquarters. Begin gorilla trekking and spend time observing a gorilla family in their natural habitat.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 9: Golden Monkey Trekking – Musanze
Track golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and later visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Day 10: Musanze to Akagera National Park
Drive to Akagera National Park via Kigali. Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (Luxury lodge inside Akagera National Park)
Day 11: Akagera National Park to Kigali
Morning game drive in Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five. Later return to Kigali.
Accommodation: The Governor’s Residence (Luxury hotel in Kigali)
Day 12: Kigali – Departure
Visit Ntarama Church for a historical tour before transferring to the airport for your departure.
Accommodation: None (End of tour)