11 Days Virunga,Akagera and Nyungwe Safaris

11 Days Safaris Adventure through Virunga, Akagera and Nyungwe

11 days Rwanda safaris adventure through Virunga, Akagera and Nyungwe offers a unique and diverse experience in Rwanda.

About the National Parks:

a) Virunga National Park, located in the eastern part of the country, is home to the endangered mountain gorillas as well as other primates, birds, and mammals.

b) Akagera National Park, located in the northeast, offers a chance to see the big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos) and other wildlife in a savannah landscape.

c) Nyungwe National Park which is located in the southwest part of Rwanda, is a rainforest that is home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and other primates, as well as over 300 bird species. The itinerary usually includes gorilla trekking, game drives, chimpanzee trekking, and other activities such as canopy walks, waterfall hikes, and boat rides. The trip usually lasts for 11 days and can be customized based on your preferences and budget.

Tour Highlights

Day 1: Arrive at Kigali international airport in Rwanda.

Day 2: Embark on game drives in Akagera National Park, to see the Big Five and other wildlife in a savannah landscape.

Day 3: Go for a boat ride on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.

Day 4: Drive from Akagera National Park to Volcanoes National Park.

Day 5: Go for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and witness these majestic primates in their natural habitat.

Day 6: Trek chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park and observe these playful primates up close.

Day 7: Go for canopy walk in Nyungwe National Park to experience the thrill of walking on a suspension bridge 50 meters high above the forest.

Day 8: Go for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park.

Day 9: Go for a detailed tour of Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Day 10: Relax and take your time on the beaches of Lake Kivu, one of the African great lakes known for its clear waters, sandy beaches and scenic islands.

Day 11: Transfer from Lake Kivu to Kigali airport and end of tour.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda for your 11 Days Safari Adventure through Virunga, Akagera and Nyungwe National Park 

Arrive at Kigali airport and then meet and greet with our Gorilla Safaris Uganda tour guide at the airport and then transfer to your hotel or lodge in Kigali and check-in. If time permits, you can explore the city on your own, visiting places like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, cultural tour in Butare, the Kimironko Market, or the Inema Art Centre, National Museum of Rwanda and the nearby Botanical Gardens.

Day 2: Transfer from Kigali to Akagera National Park for game drive

After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, a journey of about 3 hours. Stop in the town of Rwamagana to visit the local market, where you can see different kinds of fresh produce and artisan crafts. Arrive at the park in the early afternoon and check-in at your lodge or campsite. Have lunch and some leisure time before going on an afternoon game drive where you can expect to see animals such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes, baboons, and sometimes even lions or leopards. Return to the lodge or campsite in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Budget: Dereva Hotel/Akagera Game Lodge/ Ruzizi Tented Camp

Mid-range: Magashi Camp/Karenge Bush Camp/Akagera Rhino Lodge

Luxury: Ruzizi Lodge/Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge

Note that the prices for accommodations in Akagera National Park can vary depending on the season and availability. It is always best to check with the lodge directly or with a reputable travel agent to get the most up-to-date pricing information and availability.

Day 3: Go for a game drive, a boat ride on Lake Ihema, or a Guided Nature Walk on Akagera National Park

Have early morning breakfast at the lodge or campsite and embark on a full day exploration of Akagera National Park, which covers an area of over 1,100 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. You can choose to go on a game drive, a boat ride on Lake Ihema, or a guided nature walk. The boat ride is a great way to see hippos, crocodiles and water birds like African fish eagle, Grey crowned crane, African darter, Little egret, Yellow-billed stork, Pied kingfisher, Giant kingfisher, White-backed night heron, Squacco heron and Goliath heron. While the nature walk allows you to learn about the park’s plants and insects. Return to the lodge or campsite in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Budget: Dereva Hotel/Akagera Game Lodge/Ruzizi Tented Camp

Mid-range: Magashi Camp/ Karenge Bush Camp/Akagera Rhino Lodge

Luxury: Ruzizi Lodge/Singita Kwitonda Lodge/Bisate Lodge

Day 4: Transfer from Akagera National Park to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast early in the morning, depart for Volcanoes National Park, a journey of about 4-5 hours. Along the way, you will pass through picturesque landscapes of hills, valleys, and farms. Arrive at the park in the early afternoon and check-in at your lodge or campsite. Have lunch and some leisure time before going on a cultural visit to the nearby Iby’iwacu Village. The village is a community project that aims to promote local culture, conservation, and development. You can learn about traditional dances, music, food, and handicrafts, as well as interact with the locals. Return to the lodge or campsite in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Budget: Kinigi Guest House/Muhabura Hotel/Amahoro Guest House

Mid-range: Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel/La Palme Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Luxury: Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 5: Go for Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Have an early breakfast at the lodge or campsite then start your safari adventure of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park meeting your guide and ranger at the park headquarters for a briefing on the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking. You will then be assigned to a specific gorilla group, based on your fitness level, interests, and availability. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain. Once you find the gorillas, you will spend up to one hour observing them and taking photos. Return to the lodge or campsite in the afternoon for relaxation. If you have the energy, you can go on a village walk or a scenic drive in the nearby countryside. Dinner and overnight at the lodge or campsite.

Budget: Kinigi Guest House/ Muhabura Hotel/ Amahoro Guest House

Mid-range: Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel/La Palme Hotel/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Luxury: Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Day 6: Go for Golden Monkey Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park

Have early morning breakfast at the lodge or campsite and embark on a golden monkey trek in the park. Golden Monkey Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park is an exciting and unique experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Here’s what you can expect during your Golden Monkey Trekking tour:

a) Group Formation: The trekking groups are usually made up of a maximum of eight individuals and a minimum of two individuals per trekking session.

b) Trekking Time: The trekking session usually lasts for about four hours and is done in the morning, starting at around 7:00 am.

c) Guide: You will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will provide you with information on the golden monkeys and their habitat.

d) Habitat: The trek takes place in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park.

e) Sightings: You will have an opportunity to observe the golden monkeys as they swing from tree to tree, play and feed on bamboo shoots.

e) Photography: You will be allowed to take photographs of the golden monkeys, but flash photography is not allowed as it may startle the primates.

f) Fitness Level: Golden Monkey Trekking is not as strenuous as gorilla trekking but requires a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to walk on uneven and hilly terrain.

Lunch will be hard en-route hence it is advisable to go with your parked lunch for the trek. These playful primates are endemic to the region and are a joy to watch. Dinner and overnight at the lodge or campsite.

Budget: Kinigi Guest House/Muhabura Hotel/Amahoro Guest House

Mid-range: Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel/La Palme Hotel/Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Luxury: Bisate Lodge/Virunga Lodge/Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Note that a permit is required to participate in Golden Monkey Trekking, and it is advisable to book in advance to secure your spot. Also, the trekking experience is subject to weather and other conditions, which may affect the monkeys’ movements and sightings.

Day 7: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

After breakfast early in the morning, depart for Nyungwe National Park, a journey of about 6 hours. Stop at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to learn about the history and traditions of the Rwandan monarchy. Continue to Butare, the intellectual and cultural capital of Rwanda, where you can visit the National Museum of Rwanda and the nearby Botanical Gardens. Arrive at Nyungwe National Park in the evening and check-in at your lodge or campsite. Dinner and overnight at your accommodation.

Budget:

1. Gisakura Guesthouse
2. Emeraude Kivu Resort
3. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-range:

1. Nyungwe Forest Lodge
2. One&Only Nyungwe House
3. Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge

Luxury:

1. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
2. Nyungwe House, a Mantis Collection Hotel
3. One Nature Nyungwe House

Day 8: Go for Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe National Park, which is home to over 500 chimps and other Primates

Have an early morning breakfast at the lodge or campsite then go for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, which is home to over 500 chimps and other primates. Meet your guide and ranger at the park headquarters for a briefing on the trekking rules and procedures. You will then set off on a guided hike through the forest, searching for the chimps and listening to their calls. Once you find the chimps, you will spend up to one hour observing them and learning about their behaviour and ecology. Return to the lodge or campsite in the afternoon for relaxation. Dinner and overnight at your accommodation.

Budget:

1. Gisakura Guesthouse
2. Emeraude Kivu Resort
3. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-range:

1. Nyungwe Forest Lodge
2. One&Only Nyungwe House
3. Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge

Luxury:

1. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
2. Nyungwe House, a Mantis Collection Hotel
3. One Nature Nyungwe House

Day 9: Embark on detailed tour of Nyungwe National Park

After early morning breakfast, you can choose from a range of activities in Nyungwe National Park, such as the Canopy walk a 50-meter high suspension bridge that offers panoramic views of the forest and its inhabitants.

You can also go for a guided hike to see the black-and-white colobus monkeys, which are endemic to the Albertine Rift or go for a scenic walk to the nearby Kamiranzovu Waterfall, where you can swim and picnic. Return to the lodge or campsite in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Budget:

1. Gisakura Guesthouse
2. Emeraude Kivu Resort
3. Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Mid-range:

1. Nyungwe Forest Lodge
2. One&Only Nyungwe House
3. Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge

Luxury:

1. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
2. Nyungwe House, a Mantis Collection Hotel
3. One Nature Nyungwe House

Day 10: Explore Lake Kivu and Surrounding Areas

After breakfast, depart for Lake Kivu, a journey of about 4-5 hours. Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes and is known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and scenic islands. Arrive at the lake in the early afternoon and check-in at your hotel or resort. Have lunch and some leisure time before going on a boat ride to one of the islands, where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the views. Return to the hotel or resort in the evening for dinner and overnight.

Budget: Discover Rwanda Gisenyi Beach/Home Saint Jean/Centre Pastoral Notre Dame de Fatima

Mid-range: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel/Palm Beach Resort & Spa/Inzozi Beach Hotel

Luxury: Lake Kivu Marriott Hotel/Lake Kivu Serena Hotel/Cormoran Lodge

Day 11: Transfer from Lake Kivu to Kigali and end of 11 Days Virunga, Akagera and Nyungwe Safaris Tour

Have early morning breakfast and depart for Kigali, a journey of about 3-4 hours drive. Stop at the Gisenyi market to buy some souvenirs or try some local delicacies. Arrive in Kigali in the early afternoon and have lunch at a restaurant or cafe. Depending on your flight schedule, you can visit some more attractions in Kigali, such as the Caplaki Craft Village, cultural sites, the Ivuka Arts Center, or the Nyamirambo Women’s Center. Transfer to the airport in Kigali for your departure flight.

End 11 Days Virunga, Akagera and Nyungwe Safaris.