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9 Days Best of Rwanda, Gorilla Trekking & Big Five Safari

Tour Overview of 9 Days Best of Rwanda Tour

The 9 Days Best of Rwanda, Gorilla Trekking & Big Five Safari is the perfect adventure for travelers seeking Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife, culture, and landscapes in one unforgettable journey. This grand tour covers the country’s top highlights — from chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest and gorillas in Volcanoes National Park to lions and elephants in Akagera National Park. Along the way, you will explore Lake Kivu’s peaceful shores, traditional fishing life, and Rwanda’s fascinating cultural heritage.

The itinerary begins with a full day exploring Kigali’s history and modern transformation before transferring to Nyungwe for primate experiences, rainforest canopy walks, and nature trails. You will relax on the shores of Lake Kivu with scenic boat rides and cultural encounters before heading to Volcanoes National Park for the ultimate wildlife highlight — mountain gorilla trekking. Finally, the journey concludes in Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five, with classic safari game drives across savannah plains and lakes. This 9 days best of Rwanda tour is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers seeking a complete Rwanda safari experience.

Book this 9 Days Best of Rwanda Safari.

Day 1: Full-Day Kigali City Tour

Upon arrival in Kigali, enjoy a full-day city tour exploring Rwanda’s capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, Inema Arts Center, craft shops, and historical landmarks. Learn about Rwanda’s past and its inspiring story of recovery and progress. Dinner and overnight in Kigali.

Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel / Lemigo Hotel / Mille Collines
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Nyungwe Forest National Park, traveling through scenic countryside and tea plantations. Visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye along the way. Arrive at your lodge in Nyungwe by evening and relax.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One & Only Nyungwe House / Gisakura Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk

Begin early with a briefing at the park for your chimpanzee trekking adventure. Follow your ranger guide deep into the ancient rainforest to observe chimps in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for lunch, then in the afternoon enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a suspended bridge offering breathtaking views of the forest canopy.

Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / One & Only Nyungwe House / Gisakura Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Lake Kivu Adventure in Kibuye

After breakfast, drive north to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s most stunning freshwater lake. Check in at your lakeside lodge, enjoy lunch, and spend the afternoon relaxing by the water. Optional activities include a boat ride, kayaking, swimming, or visiting nearby islands. Sunset at Lake Kivu is a highlight.

Accommodation: Cormoran Lodge / Moriah Hill Resort / Rwiza Village
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Transfer from Kibuye to Gisenyi – Night Fishing Experience

After breakfast, take a scenic drive along the shoreline from Kibuye to Gisenyi. Arrive for lunch and check into your lodge. In the evening, discover the fascinating Night Fishing Experience, watching local fishermen sing as they paddle their wooden boats under the moonlight — a rare cultural moment unique to Lake Kivu.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / Paradise Malahide / Inzu Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Lake Kivu to Volcanoes National Park – Cultural Visit

After a leisurely morning, depart Gisenyi and transfer to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze. After checking into your lodge, enjoy a cultural visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you will learn about traditional music, drumming, medicine, dancing, and local customs.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is the most anticipated moment of your tour. After breakfast, head to Kinigi Park Headquarters for gorilla trekking briefing. Hike into the forest to meet a family of endangered mountain gorillas, spending up to one magical hour observing and photographing them. This emotional encounter is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic journey to Akagera National Park, home to lions, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, giraffes, and more. Arrive by afternoon, check in at your lodge, and enjoy dinner with views of the savannah.

Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Mantis Akagera Safari Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Full Game Drive & Return to Kigali – End of Tour

Enjoy an early morning full game drive across the open savannah, wetlands, and woodlands of Akagera. Spot the Big Five and many more wildlife species. After the game drive, begin your drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon for drop-off at the airport or your hotel.

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch

Included in 9 Days Best of Rwanda

  • Gorilla trekking permit ($1,500 per person)
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • All ground transportation in a private 4×4 vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary
  • Canopy walk fees
  • Boat rides and night fishing experience
  • Cultural village visit
  • All park entry fees
  • Bottled drinking water

Excluded in 9 Days Best of Rwanda

  • International flights & visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional activities not mentioned
  • Personal expenses (tips, drinks, souvenirs)
  • Porter or guide gratuities

End of 9 Days Best of Rwanda Safari

Your 9 Days Best of Rwanda, Gorilla Trekking & Big Five Safari ends with unforgettable memories of primates, wildlife, culture, and the stunning landscapes that make Rwanda one of Africa’s most remarkable destinations.

    Starting from US $ 5,650per person

    Discounted prices per person as the number of people rises. Prices for children are fixed as $ 150 per child.

    No of PeopleUp ToPrice per person
    1$ 5650
    2$ 4900
    3$ 3700
    4$ 3450
    5$ 3220
    6$ 2990
    715$ 2700

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