9 Days Rwanda Tour, Wildlife, Gorillas & Culture

9 Days Rwanda

A 9-day Rwanda tour from Kigali with a city tour, game drives and a Lake Ihema boat ride in Akagera, gorilla and golden monkey trekking and a cultural village visit in Volcanoes National Park, and a museum stop on the way back to Kigali.

Why this safari works

This nine-day tour suits travellers who want to see Rwanda's history and culture as well as its wildlife. It begins with Kigali's memorials and craft village, then spends two days on game drives and a Lake Ihema boat ride in Akagera National Park. The final part in Volcanoes National Park adds a gorilla trek, golden monkeys and the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, with a stop at the national museum on the way back to Kigali.

Highlights

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial
  • Game drives in Akagera National Park
  • Boat ride on Lake Ihema among hippos and crocodiles
  • Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • Golden monkey trek in the bamboo forest
  • Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village and the national museum in Butare

Your route

  1. Kigali Rwanda · 2 nights
  2. Akagera National Park Rwanda · 2 nights
  3. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda · 3 nights
  4. Kigali Rwanda · 1 night
  5. Kigali International Airport Rwanda · Departure

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day1

    Arrival in Kigali

    Welcome to Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. When you arrive at Kigali International Airport our friendly tour guide will be there to greet you and take you to your hotel. Take some time to unwind and get ready for the adventure ahead.

    • Airport pick-up
    • Hotel in Kigali
  2. Day2
    Memorial garden paths and terraces, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Rwanda

    City of Kigali

    Set off on a tour through Kigali as we explore its history and culture. Our itinerary includes visits to landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, where we can gain insights into Rwanda’s past. We will also pay tribute at the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial and immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of Caplaki Craft Village.

    • Kigali city tour
  3. Day3
    Lone tree in golden savanna valley with hills, Akagera National Park, Rwanda

    Akagera National Park

    Today we’ll travel towards the east reaching Akagera National Park – a sanctuary for African wildlife. Get ready for an afternoon filled with thrilling game drives as we encounter elephants, powerful buffaloes and various species of antelopes. Afterward settle into your accommodation for a night’s rest.

    • Akagera game drive
  4. Day4
    Boat on lake with lodge among trees on shore, Akagera National Park, Rwanda

    Akagera National Park

    Get ready for a day dedicated to exploring Akagera National Park’s landscapes and magnificent wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for awe inspiring sightings of lions, graceful giraffes and maybe elusive leopards. As dusk approaches enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema while observing hippos and crocodiles thriving in their habitat.

    • Game drive and boat ride
  5. Day5
    Volcano rising over green farmland with clouds, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

    Volcanoes National Park

    Today brings us to the renowned Volcanoes National Park – a haven for mountain gorillas. During your visit be sure to explore the communities in the area. This will give you a chance to connect with residents and gain insights into their way of life.

    • Community visit
  6. Day6
    Young mountain gorilla resting, Rwanda

    Gorilla Trekking In Volcanoes National Park

    Immerse yourself in a unique experience as you set off on a gorilla tracking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Spend an hour being captivated by the presence of these creatures as you observe them in their habitat. This trek will provide you with opportunities for wildlife viewing and capturing photographs.

    • Gorilla trekking
  7. Day7
    Two golden monkeys close-up, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

    Golden Monkey Trekking

    Venture into the park’s bamboo forest to catch sight of the golden monkeys. In the afternoon pay a visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers have transformed into conservation advocates. Here they share their customs and lifestyle offering you a glimpse into Rwandan culture.

    • Golden monkeys and cultural village
  8. Day8

    Museum Visits

    On your way to Kigali make a stop at Butare’s National Museum. This museum boasts one of East Africa’s most remarkable ethnographic collections allowing you to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Rwandan culture.

    • Museum visit
  9. Day9

    End Rwanda Safari

    Depending on your flight schedule you may have some time before departing from Kigali International Airport. Consider exploring markets for souvenirs as you reflect upon this tour filled with magnificent wildlife encounters, diverse cultural experiences and Rwanda’s serene beauty.

    • Departure

Where you will stay

Akagera Np Rwanda — Day 3
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Akagera Np Rwanda — Day 4
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Akagera Np Rwanda — Day 5
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Volcanoes Np Day 8
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Frequently asked questions

Does the tour include a gorilla trek?

Yes. Day 6 is a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park, with an hour spent with the gorillas once they are found.

What does the Kigali city tour cover?

The Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial and Caplaki Craft Village.

What wildlife can I see in Akagera?

Elephants, buffaloes and antelopes on the first afternoon, then lions, giraffes and possibly leopards on Day 4, followed by hippos and crocodiles on the Lake Ihema boat ride.

What happens on the golden monkey day?

You walk into the park's bamboo forest to find golden monkeys, then in the afternoon visit Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, where former poachers now share their customs and work for conservation.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts with a pick-up at Kigali International Airport and ends there on Day 9, with time for souvenir shopping if your flight allows.