10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari Adventure with Lake Kivu Waterfront Stay: There are journeys that invite travellers into the heart of a country, and there are journeys that transform the way its landscapes, wildlife, and culture are understood—and this ten-day Best of Rwanda Safari Adventure belongs to the latter. Designed as an unhurried, deeply immersive exploration of Rwanda’s most iconic destinations, this itinerary blends big-game encounters in Akagera National Park, primate trekking in both Volcanoes and Nyungwe Forests, cultural storytelling in Kigali, and the calm embrace of Lake Kivu’s shimmering waterfront. Every day offers a deliberate balance of adventure and serenity, allowing travellers to move through savannahs, rainforests, volcanic highlands, and peaceful lakeside scenes with a sense of natural flow. Supported by professional guiding, thoughtfully curated lodges, and a seamless route, this journey offers a powerful and comprehensive introduction to Rwanda’s natural and cultural heartbeat.
This ten-day safari experience takes travellers through Rwanda’s contrasting landscapes, beginning with Kigali’s cultural insights before descending into the wildlife-rich savannahs of Akagera National Park for game drives, boat excursions, and big-game encounters. From the east, the journey transitions into the volcanic north, where mountain gorillas await within the misted forests of Volcanoes National Park. The adventure continues across the Congo–Nile Divide toward Lake Kivu, offering a period of rest along the waterfront, before moving south into the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee tracking, canopy walking, and botanical exploration. With a harmonious blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, this itinerary offers one of the most complete introductions to Rwanda’s wilderness and heritage, supported by high-quality lodge stays and expert guidance from start to finish.
Highlights
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Evening at Leisure
- Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 3: Full-Day Wildlife Game Drive in Akagera National Park
- Day 4: Lake Ihema Boat Safari & Transfer to Kigali
- Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Relaxation in Musanze
- Day 6: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 7: Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Lake Kivu
- Day 8: Lake Kivu Waterfront Stay – Boat Ride, Relaxation & Local Exploration
- Day 9: Scenic Drive to Nyungwe Forest & Evening at Leisure
- Day 10: Chimpanzee Tracking & Departure to Kigali
10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari Adventure with Lake Kivu Waterfront Stay
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival in Kigali & Evening at Leisure
Guests are welcomed upon arrival at Kigali International Airport by a professional driver-guide who escorts them to their hotel. With the rest of the day left open, travellers may unwind, enjoy the lodge amenities, or explore Kigali’s clean and vibrant neighbourhoods at their own pace. Dinner is served at the lodge, setting a calm introduction to the journey ahead.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
Mid-Range: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Comfort/Budget: The Nest Kigali
Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
The morning begins with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, followed by art galleries and local markets that reveal the cultural pulse of the city. After lunch, the journey continues east toward Akagera National Park. The landscapes gradually open into savannahs, acacia woodlands, and lakeshores as guests check into their lodge overlooking the plains. An early evening at leisure allows travellers to settle in before the next day’s wildlife encounters.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Magashi Camp
Mid-Range: Akagera Game Lodge
Comfort/Budget: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Full-Day Wildlife Game Drive in Akagera National Park
A full-day safari unfolds across Akagera’s sweeping hills, open plains, and lakes filled with hippos and crocodiles. Guests search for elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and numerous antelope species while guided by expert trackers who interpret the landscape with depth and precision. A picnic lunch is enjoyed overlooking the savannah before continuing the game drive into the afternoon. The evening is spent relaxing at the lodge with views over the park’s rolling hills.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 2.
Lake Ihema Boat Safari & Transfer to Kigali
The day begins with a gentle boat safari on Lake Ihema, where sightings may include hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and elephants coming to drink along the shoreline. After the excursion, the journey returns to Kigali, allowing time for rest, dinner, and preparation for the next leg of the adventure.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
Mid-Range: The Retreat by Heaven
Comfort/Budget: The Nest Kigali
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Relaxation in Musanze
After a relaxed breakfast, guests begin the scenic drive toward Rwanda’s volcanic north, where the Virunga peaks rise dramatically above terraced fields. Upon arrival in Musanze, check-in is followed by an afternoon of leisure, village walks, or optional cultural visits around the region. Dinner is served at the lodge, with the sound of mountain breezes drifting through the highland valleys.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Comfort/Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
At dawn, guests assemble at the park headquarters for a briefing with rangers before setting off into the bamboo forests and volcanic foothills. The trek can range from moderate to challenging depending on the gorilla family’s location, but the reward—an hour spent observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat—is an emotional highlight of the entire journey. After returning to the lodge for lunch, the rest of the day is left open for rest or optional activities such as cultural performances or local craft workshops.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 5.
Golden Monkey Tracking & Transfer to Lake Kivu
The morning is dedicated to golden monkey tracking, a lively and visually beautiful experience featuring bright, agile primates that inhabit dense bamboo zones. After the trek, lunch is served before driving to the serene shores of Lake Kivu. The rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing by the water, enjoying sunset views and a peaceful lakeside atmosphere.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Mid-Range: Paradise Kivu
Comfort/Budget: Inzu Lodge
Lake Kivu Waterfront Stay – Boat Ride, Relaxation & Local Exploration
The day unfolds with a gentle boat ride across Lake Kivu, where guests explore islands, fishing communities, and scenic inlets while enjoying panoramic views of terraced hills. The afternoon remains flexible, offering opportunities for swimming, lounging along the waterfront, coffee tours, or leisurely nature walks. This slow-paced day provides balance before moving south to Nyungwe’s dense rainforest.
Lodge Options: Same as Day 7.
Scenic Drive to Nyungwe Forest & Evening at Leisure
A scenic drive along the Congo–Nile Divide carries travellers into Rwanda’s ancient rainforest. The road reveals rolling hills, waterfalls, tea plantations, and rugged landscapes as guests approach Nyungwe Forest National Park. After check-in, the evening is spent relaxing with views of mist drifting over the forest canopy.
Lodge Options:
Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Comfort/Budget: Gisakura Guesthouse
Chimpanzee Tracking & Departure to Kigali
The final morning begins early as guests join rangers for a chimpanzee trek deep inside Nyungwe Forest. The experience offers insight into the social dynamics, calls, and agile movements of one of Africa’s most intelligent primates. After lunch, the journey returns to Kigali, where guests are transferred to the airport for departure, marking the end of a transformative ten-day adventure across Rwanda’s wilderness and cultural soul.
The best time to go on a safari is during the dry seasons, when wildlife gathers around water sources and sightings are more frequent and rewarding.
Comfortable stays in the heart of nature, ranging from luxury lodges and tented camps to eco-friendly retreats that blend seamlessly with the wild.
Safari Inclusions
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All airport transfers
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Professional driver-guide services
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Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
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Gorilla trekking permits
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Golden monkey permits
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Chimpanzee permits
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Akagera park entry
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Game drives
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Boat safari fees
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All accommodations for nine nights
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Meals as outlined
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Bottled drinking water
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Ranger fees
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All activities mentioned in the itinerary are included
Safari Exclusions
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases
- Drinks not listed
- Optional activities
- Laundry
- Tips for guides or lodge staff
- Any additional services not explicitly stated as included are excluded
10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari Adventure with Lake Kivu Waterfront Stay
Travel Tips
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Gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey permits should be secured well in advance.
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Sturdy waterproof hiking boots are essential for rainforest treks.
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Pack layers to manage temperature shifts between regions.
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A rain jacket is necessary, especially in Nyungwe’s moist climate.
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Hiring a porter supports conservation communities and enhances trekking comfort.
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Bring a high-quality camera for wildlife and landscape photography.
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Stay hydrated, especially at higher altitudes in Musanze and Nyungwe.
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Always follow ranger instructions when observing wildlife.
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Carry cash for crafts and small community interactions.
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Consider adding a rest day in Kigali before departure if flights are long.
10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari Adventure with Lake Kivu Waterfront Stay
YOUR SAFARI THROUGH THE LENS
- Visualize the experience.