8 Days Best of Rwanda Wildlife and Cultural Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, tourists are warmly received by a professional guide from Unique Africa Ventures and transferred to their hotel. After a brief rest, embark on a guided city tour of Kigali, often hailed as one of Africa’s cleanest and most welcoming capitals. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a reflective historical insight, explore local markets like Kimironko, and stop by art galleries showcasing contemporary Rwandan talent.

In the evening, enjoy a luxurious welcome dinner at one of Kigali’s top restaurants where you can savor fine local and international cuisine. The day ends at your elegant hotel, offering comfort and relaxation to prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.

Accommodation Options: The Retreat by Heaven, Kigali Serena Hotel, Kigali Marriott Hotel

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, tourists depart Kigali for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. The scenic drive east takes about two and a half hours through rolling hills and rural landscapes. On arrival, check into your luxury lodge overlooking Lake Ihema and enjoy a delicious lunch.

In the late afternoon, embark on a guided sunset game drive through the park’s diverse terrain, with chances to spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras roaming the open plains. The warm evening light enhances the beauty of Akagera’s landscapes, making it perfect for photography. Return to your lodge for dinner under the stars and unwind to the tranquil sounds of the African wilderness.

Accommodation Options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive and Boat Safari

After an early breakfast, set out for a thrilling full-day safari across Akagera. The park’s combination of savannah, woodland, and lakes offers a spectacular variety of wildlife viewing. Tourists can expect to encounter lions, leopards, rhinos, and numerous antelope species as they explore the park’s northern and southern sectors.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before heading to Lake Ihema for an afternoon boat safari. This scenic experience offers opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species such as African fish eagles and herons. As the sun sets, return to the lodge for a cocktail by the campfire followed by a gourmet dinner in a serene lakeside atmosphere.

Accommodation Options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, tourists depart Akagera for Volcanoes National Park in the northwestern part of Rwanda. The scenic journey passes through Kigali and continues through beautiful rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural communities. Stop for lunch in Kigali before proceeding to Musanze, the gateway to the park.

Upon arrival, check into your luxury lodge set against the backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend the afternoon at leisure, relaxing at the lodge’s spa or enjoying a guided walk in the nearby countryside. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner and settle into the comfort of your lodge surrounded by pristine mountain scenery.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a pre-trek briefing. After being assigned a gorilla group, set out with an experienced ranger and tracker to begin your trek through the misty rainforest. The trek may take several hours depending on the gorillas’ movements, but the reward is extraordinary.

Spending one hour with a gorilla family, observing their social interactions and gentle behavior, is an unforgettable moment that connects tourists deeply to nature. After descending the mountain, return to the lodge for lunch and rest. Later in the afternoon, enjoy optional activities such as visiting the Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo or exploring local cultural experiences. Dinner and overnight at your luxury lodge.

Accommodation Options: Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Visit Ibyiwacu Cultural Village – Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village located near Volcanoes National Park. This interactive experience allows tourists to learn about Rwanda’s traditional culture through dance, drumming, storytelling, and local crafts. Engage with the community and gain a deeper appreciation for Rwandan heritage and daily life.

Later, embark on a scenic drive to Lake Kivu, Rwanda’s most beautiful lake, nestled between the mountains of the Rift Valley. Upon arrival, check into your lakeside resort and enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the water. Take a sunset boat ride on the lake or simply relax on the terrace with breathtaking views. Dinner and overnight at your luxury resort.

Accommodation Options: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Lake Kivu Hotel, Cormoran Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park – Tea Plantation Visit

After breakfast, depart Lake Kivu for Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests renowned for its biodiversity and primate species. The drive passes through lush tea plantations and rolling hills that define Rwanda’s western corridor. Stop for a tour of a tea estate, where tourists can learn about tea cultivation and enjoy a tasting session with panoramic views of the countryside.

Arrive in Nyungwe in the afternoon and check into your luxury forest lodge. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the serene environment surrounded by dense greenery and bird songs. Enjoy a fine dinner featuring local ingredients and unwind by the fire as you prepare for the next day’s forest adventure.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Emeraude Kivu Resort

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk – Return to Kigali

After an early breakfast, tourists head into the forest for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience. Guided by expert trackers, follow the lively calls of chimpanzees and watch them play, swing, and interact in their natural habitat. This experience offers a deeper connection with Rwanda’s wildlife and the wonders of its rainforests.

After the trek, enjoy breakfast and take part in the famous Nyungwe canopy walk, a thrilling suspension bridge that offers spectacular views above the forest. Later, return to the lodge for lunch and then drive back to Kigali. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 8-day luxury Rwanda Wildlife and Cultural Tour.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)