12-Day Safari Combining Three National Parks

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where our team will meet and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing evening to recover from your journey. If you’d like, take a short walk around Kigali or have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Kigali at The Governor’s Residence.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. En route, stop at the Nyanza King’s Palace, a cultural heritage site showcasing Rwanda’s royal history. After the visit, proceed to Nyungwe and head straight to the park for the thrilling canopy walk experience, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views from above the forest treetops. After this adventure, check in at your lodge and relax for the evening. Overnight in Nyungwe at Nyungwe Top View Hotel.

Start the day early with a chimpanzee trekking adventure in the dense Nyungwe Forest. As you follow expert guides, spot chimps in their natural habitat along with other primates and bird species. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation, with an optional short nature walk available. Overnight in Nyungwe at Nyungwe Top View Hotel.

Depart after breakfast for a drive to Lake Kivu, a scenic freshwater lake on Rwanda’s western border. Upon arrival, relax at your lakefront lodge and enjoy the serene surroundings. You can opt for a leisurely afternoon or partake in activities such as kayaking or a boat ride. Overnight in Gisenyi at Serena Lake Kivu Hotel.

Spend the day relaxing by Lake Kivu. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, take a swim, or explore the lake on a boat trip to discover small islands. This day allows for pure relaxation before heading back into the wildlife adventures. Overnight in Gisenyi at Serena Lake Kivu Hotel.

After breakfast, take a 2-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park, home to the famous mountain gorillas. Check into your lodge, and in the afternoon, you can visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for a traditional cultural experience. Learn about local customs and history from the friendly community. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

Wake up early for a once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience. After a briefing, head into the misty forests to track these incredible creatures. Spend an hour observing the gorillas in their natural environment before returning to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and rest. Overnight near Volcanoes National Park at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.

In the morning, set off for golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. After the trek, have lunch and then embark on a scenic drive to Akagera National Park (about 4-5 hours), famous for its game reserves. Check into your lodge in Akagera. Overnight in Akagera National Park at Ruzizi Tented Lodge.

Begin your day with an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park, searching for the Big 5—elephants, lions, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards—along with zebras, giraffes, and more. After lunch, take an afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Overnight in Akagera National Park at Ruzizi Tented Lodge.

Enjoy another morning game drive to explore a different part of Akagera, looking for wildlife you may have missed. Return to your lodge for lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing or take a nature walk. Overnight in Akagera National Park at Karenge Bush Camp.

After breakfast, enjoy a final game drive in Akagera National Park before heading back to Kigali (3-hour drive). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax for the evening, or explore Kigali at your leisure. Overnight in Kigali at The Governor’s Residence.

On your final day, enjoy a Kigali city tour, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Art Center, and Kimironko Market. This tour will give you insight into Rwanda’s history and culture. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute shopping before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.