Welcome to an unforgettable journey through the heart of Africa with Fruits of Hope Adventure Tours. This 9 Days Rwanda Luxury Safari Adventure is meticulously crafted to immerse you in the breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and incredible wildlife of Rwanda, the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” From the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe to the majestic volcanoes of the Virunga Massif and the serene shores of Lake Kivu, this itinerary promises an exclusive and opulent experience. You will stay in Rwanda’s most exquisite and eco-conscious lodges, offering unparalleled comfort, world-class service, and intimate encounters with nature. Prepare to be captivated by the magic of Rwanda as you track endangered mountain gorillas, trek with chimpanzees, and explore a landscape of stunning biodiversity.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – City Tour
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 your luxury hotel in the vibrant capital city. In the afternoon, 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 and hope. You will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a place of remembrance and learning, and explore the bustling local markets and art centers, showcasing the country’s creative spirit. The evening is at your leisure to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Serena Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre.
Meals: (Lunch, Dinner).
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, you will begin your scenic drive south towards Nyungwe Forest National Park. This journey is an experience in itself, as you travel through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and verdant tea plantations. The route provides numerous opportunities for spectacular photos. You will arrive at your luxury lodge in the Gisakura tea region, on the edge of the ancient rainforest. Settle into your exquisite accommodation and spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps enjoying a massage at the spa or simply taking in the magnificent views from your private deck.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
An early start today is essential for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience. After a briefing, you will be led by expert park rangers deep into the dense forest. Nyungwe is home to one of Africa’s largest populations of chimpanzees, and the trek offers a chance to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, you will embark on the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. This exhilarating suspension bridge, suspended high above the forest floor, provides a unique perspective of the canopy and its incredible biodiversity.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House, Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel, Nyungwe Forest Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu & Lakeside Relaxation
Today, 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, Kivu Lodge, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Lake Kivu Activities – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After a relaxed breakfast overlooking the lake, you have the option to engage in various water-based activities. You could take a boat tour to one of the picturesque islands, go kayaking, or simply enjoy a morning of swimming and sunbathing. In the afternoon, you will be driven north to Volcanoes National Park, the home of the mountain gorillas. The landscape transforms from lakeside serenity to the dramatic, mist-shrouded peaks of the Virunga volcanoes. Arrive at your lodge, a 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 6: Gorilla Trekking Experience
This is the pinnacle of your safari adventure. After an early breakfast, you will be taken to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking etiquette. The trek begins as you follow your experienced guides and trackers into the bamboo forests and lush slopes of the volcanoes. The duration of the trek can vary from one to several hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once you find them, you will have a magical hour to observe and photograph these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This is a truly humbling and life-changing experience. Afterward, you will return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and an evening of celebrating your incredible encounter.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking or Dian Fossey Hike
Today, you have a choice of two equally rewarding activities. You can opt for a trek to see the playful and endangered golden monkeys, a vibrant species that inhabits the same bamboo forests as the gorillas. Alternatively, you can embark on a 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 and the sacrifices made to protect them. The rest of the afternoon is for you to relax at your lodge and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Accommodation: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 8: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Following a final breakfast in the Virunga highlands, you will begin your journey to Akagera National Park in the east of Rwanda. The drive is long but offers a captivating change of scenery, moving from the mountainous west to the Savannah plains of the east. Akagera is a success story of conservation and is now home to the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). Upon arrival, you will check into your luxury tented camp, a perfect base for your final wildlife viewing experiences.
Accommodation: Magashi Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 9: Akagera Game Drive – Departure
Your final day begins with an early morning game drive through the vast plains of Akagera. Your expert guide will navigate the park in a 4×4 vehicle, seeking out the diverse wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes. The vast landscapes and abundant birdlife make for a spectacular photographic opportunity. After a farewell lunch, you will be driven back to Kigali International Airport for your departure, filled with incredible memories of your luxury safari adventure in Rwanda.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 9 Days Rwanda Luxury Safari Adventure.
The 9 Days Rwanda Luxury Safari Adventure includes;
- Airport Transfers.
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Chimpanzee Permit per person.
- 1 Golden 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.