10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari- Gorillas and Golden Monkeys

10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari- Gorillas and Golden Monkeys

This 10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari takes you to Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park. You will enjoy exciting game drives, a boat cruise, forest walks, mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking.

Whether you are travelling as a couple, family, solo traveler or group, this safari offers an excellent opportunity to discover the best of Rwanda.

Discover Rwanda with World Blossom Safaris. Experience an unforgettable 10-day adventure through Rwanda’s beautiful national parks, breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and incredible wildlife

With World Blossom Safaris, you will enjoy professional guiding, comfortable accommodation and personalized safari services.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Kigali, Rwanda’s beautiful capital city.

  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

  • Search for the Big Five in Akagera.

  • Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

  • Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park.

  • Experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway.

  • Relax along the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.

  • Trek endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.

  • Track golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

  • Discover Rwanda’s beautiful countryside and culture.

Detailed 10-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Welcome to Rwanda

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will meet our professional safari guide from World Blossom Safaris.

After a warm welcome, transfer to your hotel in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city tour or relax at your accommodation.

Your guide will brief you about the upcoming 10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali.

Meals: Dinner.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Historical and Cultural Experience

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali.

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about Rwanda’s history and the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

You will also explore local markets, craft centres and cultural attractions. These experiences offer an opportunity to understand Rwanda’s traditions and development.

After lunch, return to your hotel and relax.

Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Wildlife Safari

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.

Enjoy beautiful views of rolling hills, villages and countryside along the way.

Upon arrival, enter the park and enjoy an afternoon game drive. Akagera is home to elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes and zebras.

Look out for different wildlife species as you explore the savannah plains.

Later, transfer to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Lodge near Akagera National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Akagera National Park – Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

Start your day with an early breakfast before heading out for a morning game drive.

Explore different sections of Akagera National Park while searching for the Big Five.

You may encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos and leopards. The park is also home to numerous antelope species and beautiful birds.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Look out for hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds along the shoreline.

Return to your lodge after an exciting wildlife experience.

Accommodation: Lodge near Akagera National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Akagera National Park for Nyungwe Forest in southwestern Rwanda.

Enjoy scenic views of Rwanda’s countryside, tea plantations, hills and traditional villages.

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s remarkable montane rainforests. It is famous for its chimpanzees, other primates and rich birdlife.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax.

Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6: Nyungwe Forest – Canopy Walk Experience

After an early breakfast, head into Nyungwe Forest for an exciting nature experience.

Enjoy a guided forest walk and discover different tree species, birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

You will also experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walkway. This suspension bridge offers spectacular views of the rainforest from above.

Nyungwe is also an excellent destination for chimpanzee tracking, which can be arranged as an additional activity subject to availability.

After your adventure, return to your lodge for relaxation.

Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu – Relaxation and Scenic Views

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe Forest for Lake Kivu.

Lake Kivu is one of Rwanda’s most beautiful natural attractions. It is surrounded by green hills and charming lakeside communities.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

You may choose optional activities such as:

  • Boat rides on Lake Kivu.

  • Kayaking.

  • Swimming in designated safe areas.

  • Lakeside relaxation.

  • Exploring nearby communities.

Spend the evening enjoying beautiful lake views.

Accommodation: Hotel near Lake Kivu.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park – Home of Mountain Gorillas

After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu for Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda.

This park is famous for its endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Enjoy beautiful views of the Virunga Mountains and surrounding countryside during your journey.

Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax.

Your guide will brief you about the upcoming mountain gorilla trekking experience. You will also receive information about trekking guidelines and preparation.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 9: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is one of the biggest highlights of your 10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by experienced rangers.

You will then enter the forest in search of an assigned mountain gorilla family.

The trek can take several hours, depending on the location of the gorillas.

Once you find them, enjoy one unforgettable hour observing these magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

Watch the silverback, mothers and young gorillas as they feed, play and interact.

After trekking, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Important: Gorilla permits should be booked in advance because availability is limited.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 10: Golden Monkey Tracking – Departure to Kigali

After an early breakfast, head to Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your golden monkey tracking experience.

Meet your park ranger for a briefing before entering the bamboo forest.

Golden monkeys are beautiful and playful primates. Their golden-orange fur makes them easy to distinguish from other monkey species.

Enjoy watching them jump between bamboo branches, feed and interact with one another.

After the experience, return to your lodge and prepare for departure.

Your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your international flight.

This marks the end of your memorable 10-Day Best of Rwanda Safari with World Blossom Safaris.

Meals: Breakfast.

What Is Included in the Safari Package?

  • Airport pickup and drop-off.

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle.

  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide.

  • Nine nights of accommodation.

  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary.

  • Golden monkey tracking permit.

  • Akagera National Park entrance fees.

  • Akagera game drives.

  • Lake Ihema boat cruise.

  • Kigali city tour.

  • Nyungwe Canopy Walkway.

  • Bottled drinking water during the safari.

  • All ground transportation.

  • Applicable government taxes.

What Is Excluded?

  • International flights.

  • Rwanda visa fees, where applicable.

  • Travel and medical insurance.

  • Personal expenses.

  • Laundry services.

  • Tips and gratuities.

  • Alcoholic and additional beverages.

  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Chimpanzee trekking permits in Nyungwe.

  • Any services not mentioned in the inclusions.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda

Rwanda can be visited throughout the year. However, the dry seasons are particularly popular for gorilla trekking and wildlife safaris.

June to September: This is one of the best periods for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and wildlife viewing.

December to February: These months also offer favourable conditions for trekking and exploring Rwanda’s national parks.

March to May: This is a rainy season. Forest trails can become muddy, but the landscapes are beautifully green.

October to November: There are occasional rains, making this a good period for scenic photography and nature exp