Rwanda's Complete Wildlife & Gorilla Adventure

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you'll be greeted by your Serengeti Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in the capital city. Spend the afternoon exploring Kigali's vibrant markets, cultural sites, or relaxing at your accommodation. Meet your tour guide and fellow travelers for a briefing about the exciting days ahead. Dinner will be at a local restaurant showcasing authentic Rwandan cuisine.

Depart early from Kigali and drive eastward toward Akagera National Park, Rwanda's largest protected savanna ecosystem. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive to spot wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and zebras. The park's diverse habitats range from savanna to wetlands, creating excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. Return to your lodge for dinner as the African sun sets over the landscape.

Experience a full day of safari adventures in Akagera National Park with early morning and afternoon game drives. Your expert guide will navigate the park's scenic routes, sharing insights about animal behavior, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation efforts. Spot a variety of wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, numerous bird species, and possibly the elusive Big Five. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your afternoon exploration. The park's diverse landscapes provide stunning backdrops for unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Bid farewell to Akagera's savannas as you travel westward to the lush Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa's oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. The scenic drive takes you through rolling hills and tea plantations. Upon arrival, settle into your forest lodge and take an evening nature walk to acclimate to the forest environment. Listen to the sounds of the jungle as night falls, creating an immersive rainforest experience.

Begin before dawn for an exhilarating chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest. Your guide will lead you through misty forest trails in search of one of the park's 13 chimpanzee groups. The trek combines physical challenge with the reward of observing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. You'll also encounter other primates, including colobus monkeys and various bird species. Return to your lodge for rest and afternoon relaxation, with optional guided nature walks or canopy walks available.

Travel from Nyungwe Forest to the scenic shores of Lake Kivu, Rwanda's largest lake. Spend the day relaxing on pristine beaches, swimming in the clear waters, or enjoying water-based activities. You may choose to visit local fishing villages, take a boat cruise to enjoy sunset views, or simply unwind at your beachside accommodation. Lake Kivu offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, with stunning views of the surrounding hills and distant volcanic peaks.

Depart Lake Kivu and drive northward toward the dramatic Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The scenic drive passes through verdant landscapes with views of volcanic peaks. Upon arrival in Musanze town, visit the Volcanoes National Park headquarters to complete gorilla permit registration and receive your trekking briefing. Settle into your lodge and prepare mentally and physically for the next day's extraordinary gorilla trekking adventure. Dinner features local specialties and final trek preparations.

This is the pinnacle of your safari experience. Start before dawn and hike through misty cloud forests of Volcanoes National Park in search of mountain gorillas. Your experienced guide will track gorilla groups using signs and vocalizations. Upon finding a gorilla family, you'll have a magical hour observing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat—an experience described as life-changing by most visitors. The trek combines physical exertion with profound emotional reward. Return to your lodge for celebration dinner, reflecting on this unforgettable encounter.

Enjoy a leisurely morning to recover from yesterday's trek. Explore additional attractions in Volcanoes National Park, such as the volcanic crater lakes, hiking to Bisoke volcano summit, or visiting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund research center to learn about gorilla conservation efforts. Alternatively, enjoy a guided nature walk through secondary forests or visit local Batwa communities to experience their traditional culture and way of life. This day offers flexibility to customize your experience based on interests and energy levels.

Depart Volcanoes National Park and drive back to Kigali, reflecting on the incredible experiences and wildlife encounters of your 10-day adventure. The scenic drive provides opportunities for final photography and relaxation. Upon arrival in Kigali, transfer to the airport for your international flight departure. Your Serengeti Tours guide will ensure smooth connections and bid you farewell, hoping you'll return to Rwanda to continue exploring this remarkable destination.