12 Days Rwanda Primate Encounters, Wildlife Wonders & Lake Kivu Escape.
12 Days Rwanda Primate Encounters, Wildlife Wonders & Lake Kivu Escape is an unforgettable journey designed for travelers seeking a perfect blend of wildlife, primates, culture, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes. This carefully planned Rwanda safari takes you through the country’s most remarkable destinations, beginning with the savannah plains of Akagera National Park before continuing to the misty mountains of Volcanoes National Park, the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu, and the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park.
Rwanda is often called the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” and this adventure allows visitors to discover why. From thrilling game drives where elephants and giraffes roam freely to life-changing encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, every day offers a unique experience. The journey also combines relaxing moments by Lake Kivu, exciting kayaking adventures, cultural interactions, and unforgettable rainforest discoveries.
This 12-day Rwanda Primate Encounters, wildlife wonders & Lake Kivu escape is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, adventure seekers, and travelers who want to experience Rwanda beyond the ordinary. It combines some of the country’s best attractions into one complete East African adventure.
Trip overview of 12 Days Rwanda Primate Encounters, Wildlife Wonders & Lake Kivu Escape.
- Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 2: Early Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Ihema Lake
- Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Iby’Icawu Cultural Experience
- Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking & Boat cruise on twin Lakes
- Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu
- Day 7: Full Day Kayaking Experience on Lake Kivu
- Day 8: Cycling on the Congo Nile Trail & Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
- Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk
- Day 10: Transfer to Kigali
- Day 11: Kigali City Tour
- Day 12: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for Departure
Detailed itinerary of 12 Days Rwanda Primate Encounters, Wildlife Wonders & Lake Kivu Escape.
Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Your Rwanda adventure begins with a warm welcome upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. You will meet your professional driver guide who will brief you about your upcoming journey before starting the transfer to Akagera National Park.
The drive takes you through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside, where you will enjoy views of green hills, local villages, farms, and peaceful rural communities. Along the way, you will experience the beauty that makes Rwanda one of Africa’s most scenic destinations.
Upon arrival in Akagera, you will settle into your accommodation, have lunch and prepare for the exciting wildlife experiences ahead. Located in eastern Rwanda, Akagera National Park offers a completely different landscape from the mountainous regions of the country. The park is known for its open savannah plains, wetlands, lakes, and diverse wildlife, making it a perfect starting point for this Rwanda safari. Then in the evening you shall have dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Wilderness Magashi camp
- Mantis Akagera Game lodge
- Akagera Rhino lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 2: Early Morning Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Ihema Lake
Wake up early for breakfast and prepare for an exciting wildlife experience inside Akagera National Park. The morning hours are among the best times for a game drive because many animals are active before the heat of the afternoon.
During your drive across the park’s golden savannah plains, you might have opportunities to spot some of Rwanda’s most impressive wildlife. Keep your eyes open for elephants moving through the grasslands, giraffes feeding on acacia trees, zebras grazing in open areas, and buffalo herds gathering near water sources. You may also encounter antelopes, monkeys, warthogs, and numerous bird species that make Akagera a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Later in the day after having lunch, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Ihema Lake, one of the highlights of Akagera National Park. The boat experience provides a different perspective of the park as you explore the lake’s shoreline. You can spot large hippos resting in the water, crocodiles lying along the banks, and colorful birds including kingfishers and African fish eagles.
The combination of a morning game drive and an afternoon boat cruise creates a complete wildlife experience, allowing you to discover both the land and aquatic ecosystems of Akagera. Then later have dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Wilderness Magashi camp
- Mantis Akagera Game lodge
- Akagera Rhino lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, leave Akagera National Park and begin your journey toward Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.
The scenic drive takes you through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant communities. As you approach the Northern Province, the dramatic volcanic mountains create a stunning backdrop, introducing you to the home of Rwanda’s famous primate experiences.
After arriving at your lodge, settle into your room and enjoy a delightful lunch overlooking the scenic Virunga Volcanoes. Later, set out for the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Fund, an award-winning center that celebrates mountain gorilla conservation and environmental education. Discover engaging exhibits that showcase Dian Fossey’s pioneering work, current gorilla research, community partnerships, and Rwanda’s extraordinary wildlife heritage. Step into the impressive 360-degree theater for an immersive conservation film, then experience virtual reality technology that transports you into the gorillas’ forest habitat. This fascinating visit deepens your understanding of gorilla conservation while giving you a realistic preview of the trekking experience, making it an ideal introduction before your adventure in Volcanoes National Park.
After return to your lodge for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Amarembo by Touch Down
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking & Iby’Icawu Cultural Experience
Today marks one of the most memorable highlights of your Rwanda primate encounters as you venture into the ancient forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of mountain gorillas.
After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing from the Rwanda Development Board guides by 7:30am. You will then begin your trek through the beautiful forest landscapes while searching for one of the habituated gorilla families living within the Virunga Mountains.
The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorilla group, but every moment along the trail offers incredible scenery. You may walk through bamboo forests, climb forested slopes, and observe the rich biodiversity of the park. Meeting a gorilla family in their natural habitat is a powerful experience as you watch them feed, play, and interact peacefully for a period of one hour.
After the trek, return to the lodge have lunch and continue your cultural journey with a visit to Iby’Icawu Cultural Village/Gorilla Guardian village. Here, you will learn more about Rwanda’s traditions, history, and local lifestyle. Through traditional music, dance performances, storytelling, and cultural demonstrations, you will gain a deeper appreciation of Rwanda’s heritage.
This combination of gorilla trekking and cultural discovery creates a perfect balance between wildlife adventure and authentic local experiences. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Amarembo by Touch Down
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking & Boat cruise on twin Lakes
After breakfast, prepare for another exciting primate experience in Volcanoes National Park with golden monkey trekking. These rare and playful primates are among Rwanda’s most fascinating wildlife species and can only be found in a few locations within the Albertine Rift region.
Your adventure begins with a briefing at the park headquarters before entering the forest in search of the golden monkey troops. Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking is often more active as these energetic animals move quickly through the bamboo forests while searching for food. Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains and discover the rich plant life that supports these unique primates.
Once you find the golden monkeys, you will have one hour to observe their behavior, take photographs, and enjoy their playful movements as they jump between bamboo branches. The experience offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate Rwanda’s incredible biodiversity.
Later in the day after having lunch in the lodge, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on the Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, one of northern Rwanda’s most scenic experiences. As you cruise across the calm waters, admire spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes, lush green hills, and peaceful lakeshores. You may also see local fishermen in traditional boats and nearby communities going about their daily lives. The cruise offers excellent opportunities for photography while allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of this remarkable destination. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Amarembo by Touch Down
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, leave Volcanoes National Park and continue your journey toward Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s largest and most beautiful freshwater lakes.
The drive offers spectacular views of Rwanda’s countryside, including green hills, farms, and traditional villages. Upon arrival at Lake Kivu, you will relax, have lunch and enjoy the peaceful lakeside environment with beautiful views across the water.
The lake provides the perfect setting to unwind after the exciting primate experiences in Volcanoes National Park. You can enjoy the fresh breeze, watch the sunset over the hills, and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding one of Rwanda’s most famous destinations.
Accommodation Options
- Kivu Serena Hotel
- Hill View Hotel Lake Kivu
- Paradise Malahide
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 7: Full Day Kayaking Experience on Lake Kivu
Today, enjoy a full-day kayaking adventure on the calm waters of Lake Kivu, offering one of the most relaxing and scenic experiences of this Rwanda safari. After having breakfast, you will transfer to the point of the Kayaking.
Then after receiving a safety briefing and preparing your kayaking equipment, you will begin paddling across the peaceful waters of the lake. As you move along the shoreline, you will enjoy incredible views of Rwanda’s rolling hills, small islands, fishing communities, and beautiful landscapes that surround Lake Kivu.
The kayaking experience allows you to discover the lake at a slower pace while connecting with nature. Unlike exploring by vehicle, kayaking gives you a unique opportunity to experience the quiet beauty of the water and observe daily life along the shores. You may see local fishermen preparing their boats, children playing near the villages, and birds flying across the lake.
During the adventure, you can stop at different points to rest, take photographs, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The combination of adventure and relaxation makes Lake Kivu kayaking a highlight for travelers looking for unique outdoor activities in Rwanda.
The experience also provides unforgettable memories as you paddle through one of Africa’s most beautiful lake regions while enjoying views that stretch across the hills and islands. Lunch shall be served during the activity. Then later return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stays.
Accommodation Options
- Kivu Serena Hotel
- Hill View Hotel Lake Kivu
- Paradise Malahide
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 8: Cycling on the Congo Nile Trail & Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
After having breakfast, checkout of the lodge and start your day with an exciting cycling adventure along a section of the famous Congo Nile Trail. This scenic route offers an amazing way to explore Rwanda’s natural beauty while passing through local communities, farmland, and breathtaking landscapes.
As you cycle along the trail, you will enjoy panoramic views of Lake Kivu, meet friendly local residents, and experience the peaceful lifestyle of rural Rwanda. The journey provides wonderful opportunities for photography as you pass through green hills and beautiful countryside scenery.
Later, have lunch and continue your journey toward Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest and most important rainforests. The transfer introduces you to another side of Rwanda, where dense forests replace the open landscapes of previous destinations.
Upon arrival in Nyungwe, you will check in, settle into your accommodation, have dinner, overnight stay and prepare for the next exciting rainforest adventure.
Accommodation Options
- One&Only Nyungwe House
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Chimpanzee Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Today, continue your Rwanda primate encounters with an unforgettable chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe National Park. This ancient rainforest is one of Africa’s best destinations for observing chimpanzees in their natural environment.
Your day begins early with breakfast then a visit to the park headquarters by 5:00am, where you will receive a briefing before entering the forest. Guided by experienced trackers, you will walk through the rainforest while searching for chimpanzee communities. Along the way, you may encounter other forest species, including monkeys, colorful birds, and unique plant species that make Nyungwe a biodiversity treasure.
Once you locate the chimpanzees, you will have the opportunity to observe their behavior as they communicate, feed, and move through the forest in one hour. Their intelligence and social interactions make chimpanzee trekking one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Rwanda.
After the trek, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge located high above the rainforest. Walking above the treetops provides spectacular views of the forest and allows you to appreciate the size and beauty of this ancient ecosystem.
The combination of chimpanzee trekking and the canopy walk creates a perfect rainforest adventure filled with discovery, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Then later return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- One&Only Nyungwe House
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Chimpanzee Lodge
Meal Plan: Full Board
Day 10: Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, leave Nyungwe National Park and begin your journey back to Kigali.
The drive takes you through Rwanda’s scenic countryside, offering beautiful views of hills, plantations, villages, and local communities along the way. It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the incredible experiences of your journey, from wildlife adventures in Akagera to primate encounters in Volcanoes and Nyungwe. Lunch shall be served en route
Upon arrival in Kigali, you will check into your accommodation and have time to relax before exploring Rwanda’s vibrant capital city the next day. You shall dinner and overnight stay though Dinner will be at your own cost since the accommodations are based on bed and breakfast.
Accommodation Options
- Kigali Serena hotel
- Hotel Des Mille collines
- Five to Five hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and breakfast
Day 11: Kigali City Tour
After having breakfast, your final full day in Rwanda begins with an exploration of Kigali, a clean and vibrant city known for its beautiful surroundings, friendly people, and rich cultural heritage.
The city tour introduces you to some of Kigali’s most important attractions, beginning with the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This important site provides insight into Rwanda’s history and honors the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi while sharing lessons about peace and reconciliation.
Continue your exploration with a visit to Kimironko Market, one of Kigali’s busiest local markets. Here, you can experience everyday life in the city, interact with local traders, and discover traditional fabrics, fresh produce, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.
You may also visit cultural attractions such as the Rwandan National Museum to learn more about the country’s history and traditions. A stop at Inema Arts Center offers a chance to appreciate Rwanda’s growing art scene through creative exhibitions and local artwork. You can also visit more places when time allows. Lunch shall be served during the city tour.
The Kigali city tour provides a perfect ending to your Rwanda adventure by combining history, culture, and modern city experiences. Return to the lodge for dinner (though it is at your own expense since it is on bed and breakfast basis) and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options
- Kigali Serena hotel
- Hotel Des Mille collines
- Five to Five hotel
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Day 12: Transfer to Kigali International Airport for Departure
After having breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, your driver guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
As you leave Rwanda, you will carry unforgettable memories of your journey through Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest, and Kigali. From wildlife encounters and primate experiences to cultural discoveries and scenic adventures, this safari offers a complete exploration of Rwanda’s natural and cultural treasures.
Your 12 Days Rwanda Primate Encounters, Wildlife Wonders & Lake Kivu Escape comes to an end, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary East African adventure filled with discovery, adventure, and lifelong memories.
Safari Highlight: End of Safari
Safari Package Includes
- Accommodation throughout the safari
- Gorilla permits
- Golden monkey permits
- Chimpanzee permits
- Meals and water as specified in the itinerary.
- Park entrance fees throughout the safari.
- Boat cruises on twin lakes and Ihema lake
- Game drive
- Canopy walk
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- Private transportation in a comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Fuel for all transfers and excursions.
- Bottled drinking water while on safari.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers.
- Government taxes and applicable service charges.
Safari Package Excludes
- International and domestic flights.
- Dinner in Kigali
- Rwanda visa fees where applicable.
- Travel insurance.
- Alcoholic drinks and beverages not included in the meal plan (though some are provided by luxury lodges).
- Tips and gratuities.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs, and additional snacks.
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
- Donations and charitable contributions.
- Any item of a personal nature not specifically mentioned under the safari package inclusions