9-Day Classic Rwanda Safari

9-Day Classic Rwanda Safari

The 9-Day Classic Rwanda Safari offers the perfect opportunity to discover Rwanda’s incredible wildlife, breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. This carefully designed journey by Jackal Adventures Africa combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with authentic cultural experiences across Rwanda’s most remarkable destinations.

The 10-Day Classic Rwanda Safari introduces travelers to the famous savannahs of Akagera National Park, the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu, and the mist-covered Volcanoes National Park. Every destination presents unique attractions that make Rwanda one of Africa’s leading safari destinations.

Detailed: 9-Day Classic Rwanda Safari

Day 1Arrival in Kigali

Arrive in Kigali. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel to rest after your long flight.

• Meal Plan: D
• Accommodation: Hotel Des Mille Collines

 

Day 2Transfer to Akagera National Park

Following breakfast, you drive through beautiful countryside before arriving at Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park protects more than 2,500 square kilometers of grasslands, wetlands, woodlands, lakes, and rolling hills. The park supports an impressive diversity of wildlife, making it one of the finest destinations for Rwanda Wildlife Safaris.

• Meal Plan: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge 

 

Day 3Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park

This day begins before sunrise. Early mornings provide excellent wildlife viewing because predators remain active while temperatures stay cool.

Beyond the famous Big Five, Akagera offers remarkable biodiversity. Vast herds of zebras graze alongside topis, elands, impalas, bushbucks, waterbucks, and oribis. Towering giraffes browse peacefully across the acacia woodland while elephants slowly move through the open plains.

• Meal Plan: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge 

 

Day 4Journey to Nyungwe National Park

Following breakfast, you begin a scenic drive through Rwanda’s picturesque hills, tea plantations, valleys, and rural villages.

Along the route, you visit the historic Royal Palace Museum in Nyanza. This impressive site introduces visitors to Rwanda’s traditional monarchy, royal customs, and architectural heritage. The beautifully reconstructed royal residence provides fascinating insight into the country’s cultural identity.

• Meal Plan: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel 

 

Day 5Chimpanzee Trekking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk Adventure

Today delivers another unforgettable highlight. After an early breakfast, you transfer to Nyungwe National Park headquarters for a comprehensive safari briefing. Experienced park rangers explain trekking procedures before guiding you into one of Africa’s most spectacular rainforests.

The exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure takes you through dense forest trails while following fresh chimpanzee movements. Once you locate the chimpanzees, you enjoy one magical hour observing their playful behavior, family interactions, feeding habits, and incredible intelligence.

The famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk. This suspended bridge rises approximately 70 meters above the forest floor and stretches across the treetops. The panoramic views reveal endless rainforest scenery while offering excellent opportunities to observe birds and primates from above.

• Meal Plan: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top View Hotel

 

Day 6Relaxing Lake Kivu Boat Cruise and Lakeside Exploration

After breakfast, you enjoy a scenic boat cruise across the calm waters while admiring surrounding mountains, green islands, and charming fishing villages. The lake supports abundant birdlife, including cormorants, kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, and numerous waterbirds. Every moment offers wonderful photography opportunities.

The afternoon offers time to relax at your lodge or enjoy optional nature walks along the lakeshore. Fresh mountain air, peaceful surroundings, and spectacular sunsets create the perfect ending to another memorable day of your 10-Day Classic Rwanda Safari.

• Meal Plan: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel 

 

Day 7Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

After breakfast, you travel through spectacular volcanic landscapes, fertile farmland, and picturesque villages. Every section of the journey reveals another breathtaking view of Rwanda’s beautiful countryside.

Before reaching the park, you visit the renowned Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village. This inspiring community tourism project preserves Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods for local families. The visit provides a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic traditions before your unforgettable Gorilla Trekking adventure.

• Meal Plan: B, L, D
• Accommodation: Davinci Gorilla Lodge 

 

Day 8Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park & Twin Lakes Excursion

After an early breakfast, you travel to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a detailed briefing before beginning one of Africa’s greatest wildlife experiences. Rangers explain gorilla trekking guidelines while assigning each group to a specific gorilla family.

Your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking adventure begins with experienced trackers leading the way through bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and lush vegetation. Every trek differs according to the gorillas’ daily movements, making each experience unique.

Finally, you meet a mountain gorilla family in its natural habitat. During your allocated hour, you quietly observe these gentle giants feeding, grooming, playing, and caring for their young.

• Meal Plan: B, L, D 
• Accommodation: Davinci Gorilla Lodge 

 

Day 9Golden Monkey Trekking and Return to Kigali

Following breakfast, you return to the park headquarters before entering the bamboo forests for an exciting golden monkey trekking experience.

Golden monkeys rank among the most colorful and entertaining primates in Africa. Their playful behavior, bright golden fur, and energetic movements provide excellent wildlife photography opportunities. During your allocated viewing time, you watch these endangered monkeys jump between bamboo stems while feeding, playing, and interacting with one another.

Following the trek, you return to your lodge for lunch before beginning the comfortable drive back to Kigali.

• Meal Plan: B, L 

 

9-Day Classic Rwanda Safari Inclusions and Exclusions

 

Inclusions

• Accommodation
• Transport in a 4WD safari vehicle with pop-up roof
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Chimpanzee trekking permit
• Golden monkey trekking permit
• Park entrance fees
• Game drives in Akagera National Park
• Lake Ihema boat safari
• Lake Kivu boat cruise
• Nyungwe Canopy Walk
• All activities listed in the itinerary
• Full-board meals
• Bottled drinking water
• Government taxes

 

Exclusions

• International flights
• Rwanda entry visa
• Travel insurance
• Porter services
• Alcoholic beverages
• Laundry services
• Personal expenses
• Optional activities
• Tips and gratuities

Safari Quotation

No. Of People	2 People	4 People	6 People
Rate Per Person

Rates are per person sharing, in USD. Final pricing is tailored to your travel dates, lodge selection, and group size.