Rwanda Wildlife Adventure

9 Days

Overview

Embark on a 9-day immersive journey through the heart of Rwanda, a haven of astounding biodiversity and rich culture. Kick off your adventure with a game drive in Akagera National Park, followed by an exhilarating gorilla trekking experience in the bamboo forests of the Volcanoes National Park. The serene shores of Lake Kivu beckon next, offering boat rides and captivating town tours of Gisenyi and Kibuye. Dive into the warmth of Bugarama’s hot springs, then shift gears with chimpanzee tracking in the dense canopies of Nyungwe Forest National Park. Along the way, meet other captivating primates and birds that call this forest home. The grand finale of this journey is a captivating forest walk in search of the elegant Colobus Monkeys, before returning to the vibrant city of Kigali. Experience Rwanda in all its wild splendor!

Itinerary

Day 1 – Kigali to Akagera National Park

Arrive in Kigali and, if your schedule permits, embark on a brief safari orientation. Following the briefing, journey to the diverse Akagera National Park, a haven of wetlands, woodlands, and savannahs. This park also boasts Rwanda’s lowest elevation point. After settling in and having lunch, enjoy the evening at your leisure. Stay overnight at Akagera Game Lodge.

Day 2 – Discover Akagera – Game Drive & Boat Ride

Wake up to a hearty breakfast before venturing on a morning game drive, the perfect opportunity to spot early risers and catch glimpses of wildlife not seen the previous day. After lunch back at the lodge, embark on an afternoon boat ride on the Akagera River and its nearby lakes. This excursion offers a close encounter with aquatic birds and animals frequenting the shoreline. End your day with dinner and a restful night at Akagera Game Lodge.

Day 3 – Kigali City Tour & Journey to Volcanoes National Park

Post breakfast, take one last game drive through Akagera before heading to Mt. Mutumba. Standing tall at 1,825M, the mountain offers a scenic view of the park and a picturesque spot for a picnic lunch. Later, transition to Kigali for a brief city tour, visiting poignant Genocide Memorial sites and bustling local markets. The day concludes with a transfer to Volcanoes National Park, arriving at Parc Des Volcans by afternoon. Enjoy your dinner and overnight stay at a choice of lodges including Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Sabinyo Silver Back Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi guest house, or Hotel Muhabura.

Day 4 – Encounter with the Gorillas

Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast before departing from your lodge, packed lunch in hand. Head to the ORTPN Offices for a thorough briefing and to meet your gorilla tracking escorts and rangers. As your trek begins, the rustling bamboo forests and the distant sound of bamboo breaking will signal the proximity of the gorillas. Anticipate an enchanting hour-long encounter with these majestic creatures. Post the mesmerizing experience, trek back to your lodge for lunch. Later in the afternoon, embark on a visit to the serene twin lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera. Wind down with dinner and rest up at your chosen lodge – options include Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Sabinyo Silver Back Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi guest house, or Hotel Muhabura.

Day 5 – Lake Kivu Sojourn

Following breakfast, journey to Gisenyi town, beautifully positioned on the edges of Lake Kivu. Once there, indulge in a scenic boat ride, exploring various fishing villages dotted along the shores. As the day draws to an end, enjoy dinner and a rejuvenating stay at either Kivu Serena Hotel or Hotel Malahide.

Day 6 – Exploration of Kibuye

Begin with breakfast and then set out to explore the charms of Gisenyi town. Later, set course for Kibuye town, situated on another facet of Lake Kivu. Choose between a swift boat ride or a scenic vehicle journey, both of which promise captivating views of the picturesque landscapes. Come nightfall, relax with dinner and find solace at Moriah Hills Hotel or Kibuye Guest House.

Day 7 – Journey to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Begin your day with a nourishing breakfast before setting off to explore the Bugarama hot water springs, journeying through the verdant Cyamudongo natural forest. Experience the warmth of the country’s most expansive hot spring, and if you’re up for it, indulge in a therapeutic warm bath. Later, head to River Rusizi for a delightful day trip, pausing for lunch along the way. Conclude your day with a serene drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Unwind with dinner and choose to lodge at either the Nyungwe Forest Lodge or Gisakura Guest House.

Day 8 – In Pursuit of the Chimpanzees

After breakfast, make your way to the Park headquarters for a detailed briefing on chimpanzee tracking. Delve into the lush forest on your quest to spot these intelligent primates. The time to spot the chimps can vary but ranges between 3-10 hours. While on this journey, marvel at the other primate species inhabiting the park: from the playful Silver monkey and mysterious Owl-faced monkey to the distinctive Ruwenzori colobus and the curious Grey-cheeked Mangabey. As evening falls, savor a sumptuous dinner and retreat to your chosen lodging: Nyungwe Forest Lodge or Gisakura Guest House.

Day 9 – Forest Wonders & Return to Kigali

Greet the day with breakfast and embark on a captivating forest walk in Nyungwe, on the lookout for the graceful Colobus Monkeys. Your trek will be embellished with encounters of diverse bird species and a vibrant showcase of flora and fauna. After relishing the wonders of the forest, head back to the lodge for a brief respite. Then, commence your journey back to Kigali. Depending on your plans, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Kigali or the airport, marking the end of your adventurous sojourn.

Note: The itinerary is subject to changes due to weather conditions, project availability, or other unforeseen circumstances. Thank you for choosing to make a difference in Rwanda; we look forward to facilitating an enriching experience!

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