12 Days Best of Rwanda Country Tour
Rwanda’s ultimate tour combining lakes, forests, gorillas, savannah, culture and iconic highlights in one seamless adventure
This 12-day Best of Rwanda Country Tour is a comprehensive journey designed to showcase the very best of Rwanda in one unforgettable experience. From Kigali’s inspiring history and vibrant culture to classic Big Five safaris in Akagera National Park, once in a lifetime gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, scenic Lake Kivu shores, and immersive cultural encounters, this itinerary blends wildlife, nature, culture, and community experiences seamlessly. Traveling from savannah to rainforest and volcanic mountains, this tour offers an authentic, well-paced, and enriching introduction to the Land of a Thousand Hills.
Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali
Arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet and greet, assistance with immigration and luggage, and transfer to your hotel. Time to relax.
Dinner and overnight in Kigali.
Day 2 – Full Day Kigali City Tour: Introduction to Rwanda
A full-day guided Kigali City Tour including the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Campaign Against Genocide Museum, local markets, craft centers, and art galleries. Learn about Rwanda’s history, resilience, and transformation into one of Africa’s green, cleanest and safest cities.
Dinner and overnight in Kigali.
Day 3 – Kigali to Akagera National Park (Lake Ihema Boat Safari)
Drive to Akagera National Park check in and start with a short game drive, check in at the lodge for lunch. After lunch, enjoy a sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema, home to hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Dinner and overnight in Akagera National Park.
Day 4 – Akagera Game Drive & Night Safari
Full-day game drive searching for wildlife including the big five animals like Rhino,lions, leopards etc you will enjoy picnic lunch. In the evening at 5:00pm, enjoy a night safari after checking in at Karenge Bush Camp increasing a chance of spotting predators coming out to hut.
Dinner and overnight at Karenge Bush Camp.
Day 5 – Morning Game Drive, Transfer to Musanze & Dian Fossey Visit
Early morning game drive, breakfast, and transfer to Musanze. Afternoon visit to the Dian Fossey Museum and Research Center to give a brief introduction about the gorilla’s life according to the research and conservation story.
Dinner and overnight in Musanze.
Day 6 – Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Starting early after breakfast driving to the park head quarter for briefing about a Guided gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park, after you will continue and do trekking. After trekking you enjoy your Afternoon at leisure.
Dinner and overnight in Musanze.
Day 7 – Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Gisenyi
This day you go through the same process to Golden Monkey trekking followed by a scenic drive to Gisenyi on Lake Kivu.
Dinner and overnight in Gisenyi.
Day 8 – Lake Kivu Leisure & Boat Trip (Kibuye)
Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure by Lake Kivu(Gisenyi). Later, depart for Kibuye (Karongi), enjoying one of Rwanda’s most scenic drives.
After lunch, take a boat trip on Lake Kivu, exploring nearby islands and enjoying peaceful lake views.
Dinner and overnight in Kibuye.
Day 9 – Lake Kivu Community Experience & Transfer to Nyungwe
After breakfast, enjoy an authentic community walk and interaction around Lake Kivu, learning about fishing traditions, daily life, and the importance of the lake to local communities.
After lunch, continue the drive to Nyungwe National Park, arriving in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in Nyungwe.
Day 10 – Chimpanzee Trekking & Rope Course
Very early morning departure for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. After the trek, return to the lodge for lunch and some rest.
In the afternoon, enjoy the adventurous Nyungwe rope course, offering a fun and unique forest experience.
Dinner and overnight in Nyungwe.
Day 11 – Canopy Walk, Zipline & Cultural Visits to Kigali
After breakfast, enjoy the iconic Nyungwe Canopy Walk, followed by an exciting zipline experience over the rainforest.
Later, drive back to Kigali, stopping en route in Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum, and in Nyanza to visit the King’s Palace Museum and the iconic Inyambo royal cows.
Arrival in Kigali in the evening.
Dinner and overnight in Kigali.
Day 12 – Departure & Souvenir Shopping
After breakfast, enjoy time for last-minute souvenir shopping and relaxation in Kigali. Transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight.
End of Services.
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- Private transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
- Kigali City Tour and cultural site entrances
- Akagera National Park entrance fees
- Game drives and night safari in Akagera
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Golden Monkey trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- Dian Fossey Museum visit
- Lake Kivu boat trip and community experience
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk, Zipline, and Rope Course
- Ethnographic Museum and King’s Palace Museum visits
- Bottled drinking water during the tour
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