12-Day Rwanda Safari | Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife Tour

This 12-day Rwanda Safari takes you across the country from east to west. Start with airport pick-up and a city tour of Kigali. Visit Akagera National Park for game drives and a boat trip.

Travel to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee and colobus monkey trekking and a canopy walk. Then drive to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla and golden monkey trekking.

Spend two days relaxing or exploring Lake Kivu. The Rwanda safari ends with a drive back to Kigali and drop-off at the airport.

This tour offers wildlife, cultural, and scenic experiences across Rwanda’s top parks and attractions.

12-Day Rwanda Safari Highlights

Day 1: Airport pick-up – Kigali, Rwanda
Day 2: City tour and transfer to Akagera National Park – Game drive
Day 3: Akagera National Park – Game drive and boat trip
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
Day 6: Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 8-9: Gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Day 10-11: Lake Kivu
Day 12: End of the 12-day Rwanda Safari

Detailed 12-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Airport pick-up – Kigali, Rwanda

When you arrive at Kigali International Airport, your safari guide will welcome you and take you to Kigali city, where you will spend your first night. If you arrive early in the morning, you may visit some places around the city.

Day 2: City tour and transfer to Akagera National Park – Game drive

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kandt Museum, local markets, and art and craft centers during a short city tour. After the tour, travel to Akagera National Park for a late afternoon game drive. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 3: Akagera National Park – Game drive and boat trip

After breakfast, go on a morning game drive to explore the wide savannah. Akagera National Park is home to many animals and birds. You might see lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, and different antelopes. After lunch, take a boat trip on Lake Ihema. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Today you will travel from Akagera National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park through Kigali city. There will be a stop for lunch and to visit some tourist sites. In the evening, check in at your lodge in Nyungwe. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, go to the park offices for a briefing. Then start your chimpanzee trek, where you may also see other primates and birds. After the trek, have lunch and then go for the canopy walk to see Nyungwe Forest from above. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 6: Colobus monkey trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Start early and after a briefing, enter the forest to track the Colobus monkeys. One group has over 200 monkeys, which is a special sight. Enjoy the walk, take photos, and return to the lodge for lunch and rest. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 7: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Leave Nyungwe Forest and drive to Volcanoes National Park. The trip takes about 5 hours with stops if needed. On arrival, check in and relax for the day. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 8-9: Gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Meet the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The treks start early after a briefing at the park offices in Kinigi. You get one hour with the gorillas and golden monkeys once you find them.

You can also choose to visit the Gorilla Guardians Village or the twin lakes. Overnight in Volcanoes National Park.