11-Day Luxury Rwanda Safari Experience from Kigali

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day Luxury Rwanda Safari Experience from Kigali. Journey through the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda. Enjoy the country’s stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history. From the scenic Nyungwe Forest to the majestic Lake Kivu and the enchanting Volcanoes Forest to the diverse wildlife of Akagera Park, this safari promises an adventure like no other. Discover the warm hospitality of the Rwandan people at the Nyamirambo Women’s Center, explore the historic Butera Palace, and get closer to nature at Buhanga Eco Park. Join us on this thrilling safari and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights

Explore local culture, enjoy snacks, and learn Kinyarwanda at Nyamirambo Women’s Center.
Discover Rwanda’s history and venture to Nyungwe’s rainforest
Trek with chimpanzees and explore the forest canopy
Relax with stunning lake views and eco-friendly luxury
Explore Lake Kivu’s islands and learn about coffee farming
Experience game drives, boat rides, and wildlife sightings in Akagera Park

Itinerary of 11-Day Luxury Rwanda Safari Experience from Kigali

Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda

Meet our tour guide and drive to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Basics – Dinner

Day 2: Kigali Cultural Tour

After breakfast, head to Nyamirambo Women’s Center for a walking tour, followed by a local snack, a brief Kinyarwanda language lesson, and an introduction to the Center and its activities.
Visit a women’s hairdressing salon for a complimentary braid, and visit shops on your tour.
Enjoy a traditional lunch made and served at the home of the NWC’s best cook.
Shop for items at the local market and return for cooking at the house of NWC’s cook.
Visit Kimironko Market to purchase Kitenge fabric, which is associated with African culture and may be worn in various ways.
Overnight: The Retreat

Day Activities: Nyamirambo Women’s Center Visit

How Nyamirambo Women’s Center is Making a Difference.

In the vibrant neighbourhood of Nyamirambo in Kigali, Rwanda, a beacon of hope shines brightly in the form of the Nyamirambo Women Center (NWC). This remarkable organization supports and empowers local women through various programs and initiatives that positively impact the entire community.

Basics: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Morning transfer to Nyungwe

After breakfast, proceed to Nyungwe National Park.
Before visiting the Nyungwe, you will stop by the Nyanza Palace in Butera to learn about Rwanda’s history.
Overnight at a resort

Day Activities: The Nyanza Palace Tour

Basics: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk

After breakfast, go to Nyungwe National Park for an unforgettable chimp-tracking excursion.
Enjoy a canopy walk in the afternoon.
Overnight at a resort.

Basics: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Drive to Kibuye

Drive to Kibuye and enjoy an incredible stretch of sand bordered by diverse tropical flora.
Upon arrival, check in and have lunch.
Relax in the hotel for the next day’s activities.
Basics: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Islands Trip

Relax and appreciate the beauty of the Rwandan mountains from Lake Kivu’s hillside.
Hike around Napoleon Island and look for fruit bats and velvet monkeys on Kibuye, a nearby island. This excursion allows you to interact with communities after you arrive on the island, with people of the village greeting you with their unique songs, music, and dancing styles.
Depending on your availability, join the rural community and explore some of the island’s small farms.
You will get the opportunity to learn about coffee growing processes from farmers and participate in activities such as mulching, pruning, harvesting coffee beans, sorting, peeling, and roasting, among others, with an expert agronomist available to answer all questions during the trip.
The tour will end with a brief cruise along the Lake Kivu coast.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Depart for Volcanoes National Park, taking in the breathtaking views of hills and foggy valleys.
Before arriving at your destination, you will make a detour to Buhanga Eco Park, go on a trail walk in the park and witness where the tribal rites occurred.
Withdraw and transfer to your lodging for overnight.

Day 8: Gorilla Trekking and Visit to Gorilla Guardian Village

In the morning, transfer to the park headquarters with your packed lunch to be briefed on the gorilla code of behaviour. This will be followed by a hunt for gorillas in the bush, which might take 2–6 hours, depending on how the gorillas move in the jungle.
Meet and stay with the gorillas for an hour.
Ascend to Gorilla Guardian Village for a unique cultural performance and other activities.
Overnight in the lodge.

Day 9: Drive to Akagera National Park

Transfer to Akagera National Park.
Enjoy a game drive to your lodge upon arrival and clearance. You may see a variety of creatures along the trip, including antelopes, buffalo, and monkeys.
Overnight at a camp.

Day 10: Morning Game Drive and Boat Ride on Lake Ihema

In the morning, go on a game drive through Akagera National Park. View animals including buffalo, elephants, antelope, zebra, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, and an astonishing 490 bird species.
A ranger guide will lead you through the park, increasing your chances of seeing various wildlife. You may also see members of the lion pride in Akagera.
Enjoy a boat tour on Lake Ihema and see big hippos, Nile crocodiles, and many waterbirds on the lake’s island.
Overnight at a camp.

Day 11: Airport Transfer and Departure

Check out of your hotel and depart for Kigali on your international flight to conclude your tour.

What’s Included

• One non-resident gorilla permit per person is required in Volcanoes National Park,
• One non-resident chimpanzee tracking permit is needed in Nyungwe Forest.
• Park fees for non-residents
• Community and conservation fees
• All activities mentioned as stated unless clearly labelled as optional
• All accommodation properties are mentioned in the itinerary
• Roundtrip transfers concerning the above itinerary
• A professional and experienced English/German/Spanish/French-speaking driver/tour guide
• All transportation mentioned in a 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, including fuel
• All Taxes/VAT and all authority fees during the tour
• Refreshments will be provided while on the way

What’s Excluded

• Visa fees
• International flights from/to the client’s home country
• Additional accommodation before and after the end of the tour.
• Accommodation upgrades are also not included
• Tips, souvenirs, personal purchases,
• Travel insurance and visa fees
• Other soft drinks or premium soft drinks and extra meals are not mentioned in the itinerary.

Know Before You Go

Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Summer (June to August) for wildlife viewing and Akagera National Park visits.

Destinations: Rwanda and Uganda.

Currency: Rwandan franc (RWF) and Ugandan shilling (UGX).

Languages: Kinyarwanda, French, English (official), and Swahili.

Time Zone: GMT+2 (Rwanda) and GMT+3 (Uganda).

Calling Code: +250 (Rwanda) and +256 (Uganda).

Electricity: Types C (European 2-pin) and J (Swiss 3-pin) electric plugs.

Activities: Gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, volcano exploration, lake visits, national park adventures, and cultural experiences.

Weather: Moderate temperatures (15°C to 25°C).

Customized and flexible tours.

What To Bring

• Essential Documents:
• Valid passport (at least six months validity)
• Rwanda visa (or arrange for an e-visa)
• Travel insurance documents
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate (required)
• Clothing:
• Comfortable hiking boots/shoes
• Waterproof jacket or poncho
• Lightweight rain gear
• Warm layers (fleece, jacket) for cooler evenings
• Breathable clothing (cotton, linen) for warm days
• Sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Insect repellent and mosquito net (optional)
• Health and Hygiene:
• Malaria prophylaxis (consult your doctor)
• First-aid kit with essentials (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers)
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper)
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
• Electronics:
• Smartphone and portable charger
• Camera and charger (with extra batteries)
• Power bank for extra power
• Universal power adapter for Rwanda (Type C, J, or G)
• Miscellaneous:
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks (energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits)
• Guidebook, map, or travel app
• Backpack or daypack for carrying essentials
• Local currency (Rwandan francs) for incidentals

Remember:

Check with Wild Travel Safaris for specific packing recommendations and requirements where necessary.
Pack sustainably and responsibly, avoiding single-use plastics and excessive baggage.

Meeting Point: Kigali International Airport, KN 5 Road, Kigali, Rwanda

Cancellation Policy: For cancellations up to 20 days before the tour – Refund of 80% of the tour price.
Price of Adult – 1 to 6 USD 15000/person and Child 1 to 6 USD 15000/person

This is a private tour.