9 Days Rwanda Safari Tour

A 9 Days Rwanda Safari Tour is the perfect itinerary for travelers seeking an unforgettable African adventure. This carefully planned safari combines Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Big Five wildlife, scenic landscapes, rich culture and relaxing lakeside experiences. From the vibrant streets of Kigali to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe Forest, every day offers a unique experience.

Whether you’re visiting Rwanda for the first time or returning to discover more, this safari provides the ideal balance of wildlife, nature, culture and relaxation.

9 days Rwanda safariTour Highlights

Explore Kigali City, including a visit to the Genocide Memorial

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Canopy walk adventure in Nyungwe Forest, the highest in East Africa

Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Golden monkey trekking or Bisoke Mountain hike

Boat safari on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds

Game drives in Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five

Stunning scenic drives through Rwanda’s rolling hills and landscapes

Detailed 9 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & City Tour

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be met by your Qash Safaris guide who will warmly welcome you and provide a briefing about the trip. You will then embark on a short city tour of Kigali, visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and cultural centers. Afterward, enjoy lunch before transferring to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Serena Hotel Kigali
- Mid-range: Hotel Chez Lando
- Budget: Iris Guest House
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park, a 4-5 hour scenic drive through Rwanda’s picturesque countryside. Along the way, you may stop at ethnographic museums and tea plantations for a brief cultural experience. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and relax in the evening.

Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House
- Mid-range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Budget: Gisakura Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Start your day early with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. This exhilarating experience involves tracking these lively primates through dense tropical rainforest, where you will observe their fascinating behaviors.

After lunch, embark on a canopy walk adventure, the highest in East Africa, offering breathtaking aerial views of the rainforest and wildlife below. Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departing for Volcanoes National Park, a 5-6 hour scenic drive through Rwanda’s iconic rolling hills and lush landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy a relaxing evening as you prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure the next day.

Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Mid-range: Gorilla Solution Lodge
- Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing on gorilla trekking. The trek, led by expert rangers, takes you through lush bamboo forests and volcanic terrain in search of a mountain gorilla family. Once found, you will spend one hour observing and photographing these magnificent primates before trekking back.

Return to your lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking or Mount Bisoke Hike

Option 1: Golden Monkey Trekking – Hike through Volcanoes National Park to track the playful and rare golden monkeys, a unique species endemic to the Virunga Mountains.

Option 2: Mount Bisoke Hike – Embark on a full-day hike up Mount Bisoke, an extinct volcano with a stunning crater lake at the summit.

After your activity, return to the lodge for relaxation and dinner.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 7: Drive to Akagera National Park & Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

After breakfast, drive to Akagera National Park, arriving in time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you will see hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Return to your lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation Options:
- Luxury: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
- Mid-range: Akagera Game Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 8: Half-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Start the day with a morning game drive, exploring the savannah landscapes in search of lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and more. The game drive lasts around 4-5 hours, after which you return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Optional: An evening nature walk or cultural visit.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 9: Return to Kigali & Departure

On the last day of your safari, enjoy breakfast at leisure before driving back to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. If time allows, stop by Kigali’s craft markets for souvenir shopping before heading to the airport.

Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch

End of 9 Days Rwanda Safari