The Savannah And Gorilla Forests
Journey through Rwanda's remarkable landscapes on this 9-day expedition combining thrilling savannah safaris with intimate mountain gorilla encounters. Starting in Kigali's vibrant capital, your adventure takes you through diverse ecosystems—from Akagera's wildlife-rich plains to the volcanic slopes where endangered mountain gorillas roam free. Experience the tranquility of Lake Kivu's crystal waters and explore Nyungwe's ancient rainforest canopy. This thoughtfully designed itinerary showcases Rwanda's incredible transformation, natural beauty, and conservation success stories.
Detailed trip itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Rwanda
- Arrival at Kigali International Airport with warm welcome
- Transfer to Hotel Mille Collines
- Afternoon at leisure to rest and acclimate
- Evening briefing about your upcoming adventure
- Accommodation: Hotel des Mille Collines (Full Board)
Day 2 Kigali City Tour & Journey to Akagera
- Morning exploration of Kigali including Genocide Memorial Museum
- Visit to CAG Museum showcasing Rwandan art and culture
- Lunch at historic hotel location
- Afternoon drive east to Akagera National Park (2.5 hours)
- Scenic journey through rural landscapes and villages
- Evening arrival and check-in
- Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Full Board)
Day 3 Akagera Wildlife Safari
- Pre-dawn game drive to spot predators and early-rising wildlife
- Return to lodge for breakfast
- Option for mid-morning boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Lunch and siesta during midday heat
- Afternoon game drive through diverse habitats
- Search for elephants, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and antelope
- Sunset boat cruise option for hippos and waterbirds
- Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Full Board)
Day 4 Transfer to Volcanoes Region
- Breakfast with final Akagera wildlife viewing
- Drive back through Kigali with lunch stop
- Continue north toward Volcanoes National Park
- Spectacular views of volcanic peaks emerging from mist
- Arrival at Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo
- Evening relaxation overlooking stunning lake panoramas
- Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Full Board)
Day 5 Mountain Gorilla Trekking
- Early breakfast and transfer to park headquarters
- Briefing by expert rangers about gorilla trekking protocols
- Trek into mountain forests (1-6 hours depending on gorilla location)
- Magical hour spent observing gorilla family in their habitat
- Watch juveniles play, silverbacks feed, and mothers nurture infants
- Return to lodge for celebratory lunch
- Afternoon at leisure to process this life-changing experience
- Accommodation: Virunga Lodge (Full Board)
Day 6 Golden Monkeys & Dian Fossey Legacy
- Morning trek to encounter rare golden monkeys
- Observe these playful primates leaping through bamboo forests
- Visit Dian Fossey Museum and learn about her groundbreaking research
- Afternoon scenic drive to Lake Kivu (approx. 3 hours)
- Journey through terraced hillsides and rural communities
- Evening arrival at lakeside retreat
- Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge (Full Board)
Day 7 Lake Kivu Exploration & Nyungwe Transfer
- Leisurely breakfast overlooking tranquil waters
- Boat excursion to Napoleon Island and Coffee Island
- Witness unique "swimming cows" being transported between islands
- Interaction with local fishing communities
- Lunch at lodge before departing south
- Scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest (4 hours)
- Pass through tea plantations and mountain villages
- Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House (Full Board)
Day 8 Chimpanzee Trek & Canopy Walk
- Pre-dawn departure for chimpanzee tracking
- Trek through pristine montane rainforest
- Listen for distinctive pant-hoots echoing through trees
- Observe chimpanzees feeding, grooming, and interacting
- Return to lodge for brunch
- Afternoon adventure on East Africa's only canopy walkway
- Suspended bridge offers bird's-eye view 50 meters above forest floor
- Spot colobus monkeys and rare bird species
- Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House (Full Board)
Day 9 Lake Kivu Exploration & Nyungwe Transfer
- Breakfast and check-out
- Drive back to Kigali (5-6 hours) through Rwanda's stunning countryside
- Stop in Butare to visit National Museum of Rwanda
- Visit Nyanza's King's Palace and traditional crafts center
- Picnic lunch en route
- Late afternoon arrival in Kigali
- Transfer to airport for departure flight
- Carry home memories of Rwanda's extraordinary beauty






