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Tour Overview of 9 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari Tour
The 9 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking 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 mountain 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, making the 9 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari one of the most complete wildlife itineraries in East Africa.
Your 9 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari begins with a full day exploring Kigali’s history and modern transformation before transferring to Nyungwe Forest for thrilling primate encounters, rainforest canopy walks, and nature trails. After enjoying Lake Kivu’s scenic boat rides and cultural experiences, the adventure continues to Volcanoes National Park for the ultimate highlight — mountain gorilla trekking. This unforgettable moment defines the 9 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari, offering close-up interactions with endangered gorillas in their natural habitat. The journey concludes in Akagera National Park with Big Five game drives across savannah plains and lakes, completing this remarkable 9 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari experience.
Book this 9 Days Rwanda gorilla trekking safari today and enjoy the most comprehensive Rwanda wildlife adventure.
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 $ 5,650 per person
Discounted prices per person as the number of people rises. Prices for children are fixed as $ 150 per child.
| No of People | Up To | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | – | $ 5650 |
| 2 | – | $ 4900 |
| 3 | – | $ 3700 |
| 4 | – | $ 3450 |
| 5 | – | $ 3220 |
| 6 | – | $ 2990 |
| 7 | 15 | $ 2700 |
Posted on Tripadvisor patty eVerified 100% recommended I was originally in Tanzania for a safari but decided to add the gorilla trek at the end of my trip because the flight was too long to fly to Africa from California again at my age. I booked through Viator. From the beginning, communication with Universal Adventures was positive. They were prompt to answer any questions. And a few days before the excursion, they sent me my driver's name and WhatsApp number. His name is Christian.We communicated through WhatsApp, and he was very prompt to reply back. He was early to pick me up at 4:30am. I had another person in the car. The car was clean. Its a long drive to the meeting place. We stopped for breakfast pastries at a local shop( they take credit cards and had a clean breakfast. We then drove to the meeting place where we met up with our group. There they had hot drinks like coffees, lattes, teas, etc. We then had to drive to the beginning of the mountain. It was a long drive as the roads are not paved. My group was assigned the Isimbi gorilla family and our guide was Jolie. My porter was Adolf. I was the least active one in the group but the crew never made me feel bad. After what I thought was a 4 hr hike (it was really 1 hr and 26 minutes) we found our gorilla family. We had plenty of time to take pictures with them. After we were done, Christian took us to a rooftop restaurant. The food was delicious! I recommend this excursion 100%. The company is awesome and very professional.Posted on Tripadvisor Juliet KVerified Gorilla Experience in Rwanda! Easy ride, the trip was one in a life time experience. The driver (Christian) was very nice and kind and made the trip smooth! Everything was great.Posted on Tripadvisor zoe457Verified Amazing experience seeing the gorillas of Rwanda! Amazing experience seeing the gorillas. Dodos picked me up in Kigali and was very helpful through the whole process. He even had cold drinks when I finished the gorilla trekking. Highly recommend!Posted on Tripadvisor Trevor BVerified Great way to see Kigali! Our guide Christian was knowledgeable and kind. He showed us all the highlights including the moving Genocide Memorial. His personal stories and insights into Rwandan society were invaluable. It was truly a pleasure to spend the day with him in Kigali.Posted on Tripadvisor Destination709424Verified Gorilla Trekking Me and my partner have always dreamed of doing gorilla trekking so when Christian helped this come to life it was surreal! As tourists we felt incredibly safe and welcomed with Christian he was super knowledgable and happy to share lots of description and reasoning with all our questions to help us learn and understand the culture. We also did a cultural village visit, Golden Monkey Trek, Diane Fossey Museum and women’s centre. All suggested and planned with Christian from Universal Ventures Rawanda. Any requests we had were never too much for Christian he was always happy to help. I would 110% recommend Christian to all my friends and family who I know want to come to Rawanda. Thankyou for making our dreams come true!Posted on Tripadvisor Geti LVerified 100% would recommend Amazing team and guide. I didn’t have to think about anything since they planned everything from airport pick up till drop off. Best value for buck but also great attitude and support. Got permission to visit the Pablo family thanks to our guide!Posted on Tripadvisor Yanis RVerified Thanks Kim for that wonderful day Kim was my guide for my experience with the gorillas. He made the day so comfortable. Everything was perfect! We also had many conversations about everything. I definitely recommend traveling with him!!Posted on Tripadvisor Aglaia OVerified Amazing Rwanda gorilla trek! Playful babies, calm silverback, great guides. Book permits well in advance. My gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda was absolutely incredible. We found the gorillas within about an hour of hiking, and seeing them up close was unforgettable. The baby gorillas were especially playful and entertaining to watch, constantly moving around and interacting with each other. In contrast, the silverback was calm, quiet, and completely self-focused — somehow both powerful and peaceful at the same time. The gorillas were not scary at all, and we never felt threatened during the experience. The guides were fantastic: experienced, knowledgeable, and very entertaining throughout the trek. One of our guides even shared stories about crossing paths with Dian Fossey, which made the experience feel even more special and connected to Rwanda’s conservation history. One important tip: make sure to secure your trekking permit well in advance, as spots are limited and can sell out quickly. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that I would highly recommend.Posted on Tripadvisor MARCELLE EVerified Gorilles Kigali Nous avons choisis la parcours long mais ca valait le coup. Nous en avons pris pleins les yeux les guides étaient top le trajet depuis Kigali pas trop long avec le chauffeur de l'agence , NEZA qui a vraiment été super du début à la fin . Il nous été d’une grande aide.le responsable de l’agence et était super et disponible il nous a aidé pour toutes les démarches.Posted on Tripadvisor Teresa BVerified The trek was perfect! We saw a beautiful family of gorillas including two Silverbacks! The best experience of my life! Seeing gorillas in their natural habitat was incredible! A truly serene experience. The tour was well planned and could not have been more perfect. The entire team guided with professionalism and love. My porter, Jacqueline, was wonderful and took great care of me. My personal guide/driver, Kim, was a delight! I learned much about Rwanda from him on the drive. I was surprised he greeted me with champagne toast! The day could not have been better.
