Embark on an epic journey with Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours on our 12 Days Around Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tour. This meticulously crafted itinerary is the ultimate showcase of Rwanda taking you from the vibrant savannah of Akagera National Park to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe and the misty volcanic peaks of the Virunga Massif. This tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness Rwanda’s remarkable conservation success and extraordinary biodiversity, including the iconic mountain gorillas, playful chimpanzees, and a vast array of other wildlife. Throughout your journey, you will be pampered with exceptional service and stay in the country’s most exclusive and eco-conscious lodges, offering a perfect blend of adventure, opulence, and authentic Rwandan charm. Prepare for a truly immersive experience that captures the heart and soul of this beautiful nation.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your private Fruits of Hope guide and chauffeur. After a brief introduction, you will be transferred to a private helicopter for a scenic flight to Akagera National Park, a journey that offers stunning aerial views of Rwanda’s landscape. The flight is a luxurious and efficient way to begin your adventure, avoiding a long drive and maximizing your time. Upon landing, you will be driven to your exclusive lodge and have the afternoon at your leisure to settle in and enjoy the spectacular Savannah views.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Full-Day Game Drives in Akagera
Today is dedicated to exploring the wonders of Akagera National Park. You will embark on a full-day game drive in a private 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide. Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah park and a conservation success story, home to the “Big Five.” Your guide will expertly track lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo, as well as giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species. The varied landscape of plains, woodlands, and swamps makes for a spectacular photographic opportunity. You will enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your adventure.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Mantis Akagera Game Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Boat Safari on Lake Ihema – Transfer to Kigali
After an early morning game drive, you will enjoy a tranquil boat safari on Lake Ihema, the second-largest lake in Rwanda. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the park from a different perspective, getting up close with hippos, crocodiles, and an incredible array of birdlife, including the rare shoebill stork. Afterwards, you will be transferred back to Kigali by helicopter, checking into your luxurious city hotel for a well-deserved evening of rest and relaxation.
Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Serena Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Kigali City Exploration – Transfer to Nyungwe
After a leisurely breakfast, you will embark on a private, guided city tour of Kigali. This curated experience offers a profound insight into Rwanda’s history and its remarkable journey of resilience. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and explore the bustling local markets and art centers. Afterwards, your scenic drive will take you south towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, a journey through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and verdant tea plantations. You will arrive at your luxury lodge on the edge of the ancient rainforest.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
An early start is required today for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. You will be led by expert park rangers deep into the dense forest, home to one of Africa’s largest populations of chimpanzees. The trek offers a unique opportunity to observe these intelligent and energetic primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you will embark on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. This spectacular suspension bridge, high above the forest floor, provides an incredible aerial perspective of the canopy and its rich biodiversity.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Colobus Monkey Trekking – Gisakura Tea Plantation Visit
This morning, you will have another thrilling primate encounter, trekking to see the stunning black-and-white colobus monkeys, which are known to live in large troops. Watching these acrobatic primates is a truly captivating experience. Afterwards, you will visit a local tea plantation in the Gisakura region to learn about the process from leaf to cup, a unique and aromatic cultural experience. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to relax at your lodge.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, you will depart from Nyungwe and head west to the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. The drive is a beautiful one, winding along the coastline with stunning views of the lake and its islands. You will arrive at your luxury lakeside resort in the afternoon. This is a day for pure relaxation. You can choose to unwind by the pool, take a dip in the lake’s warm, crocodile-free waters, or simply enjoy a sundowner as you watch the local fishermen head out for the night.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Cormoran Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 8: Lake Kivu Boat Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lake, followed by a private boat tour. Your guide will take you to one of the picturesque islands for a walk, and you will have the option to try your hand at kayaking. In the afternoon, you will be driven north to Volcanoes National Park, the home of the mountain gorillas. The landscape changes dramatically, from the serene lakeside to the majestic, mist-shrouded peaks of the Virunga volcanoes. Arrive at your lodge, an exclusive sanctuary of luxury and comfort at the base of the mountains.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 9: The Ultimate Gorilla Trekking Experience
This is the pinnacle of your tour. Following an early breakfast, you will be taken to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, you will venture into the bamboo forests and lush slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Once you find the gorilla family, you will have a magical and awe-inspiring hour to observe and photograph these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This is a truly humbling and unforgettable experience. Afterwards, you will return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking
Today offers a different, but equally rewarding, primate encounter. After an early breakfast, you will head back to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting off to track the playful and endangered golden monkeys. These primates, with their stunning golden fur, are a joy to watch as they leap through the bamboo forests. The trek is generally less strenuous than the gorilla trek, but no less exciting. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax, enjoy a massage, or take a village walk to learn about local Rwandan life.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 11: Dian Fossey Hike or Volcano Hike
On your final full day, you have a choice of two incredible activities. You can opt for a guided hike to the former Karisoke Research Center, the final resting place of the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey and her favorite gorilla, Digit. This hike offers a profound look into the history of gorilla conservation. Alternatively, for the more adventurous, you can hike one of the Virunga volcanoes. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy the magnificent surroundings of your lodge.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 12: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast at your lodge, reflecting on the incredible journey you have just completed. Depending on your flight schedule, your private guide and chauffeur will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your international departure, marking the end of your unforgettable 12 Days Around Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tour.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 12 Days Around Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tour
The 12 Days Around Rwanda Wildlife Safari Tour includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- 1 Golden Monkey Permit per person.
- 1 Colobus Monkey Permit per person.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Tour guide allowances.
- Relevant Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; Visa fees, international air fare, personal shopping bills, souvenirs, tips to local guides, personal travel insurance, items not listed as included in the cost.