KigaliAkagera National ParkNyungwe National Park Lake KivuVolcanoes National Park
An epic 10-day journey into Rwanda taking in three national parks and Lake Kivu. See the Big Five as well as gorillas and chimpanzees. All while spending time in some of the most unspoiled and magical national parks in Africa.
Itinerary Highlights
Explore Kigali
Daily Safaris in Reserves
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe
Digital Detox on Lake Kivu
Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
What’s included
Private tours for most included activities
Meet & greet airport service
Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
Expert guides in each destination
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
9
Nights
Price Guide
$TBC pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Day 1
Fly to Kigali
Day 1
Kigali
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Kigali. Today depending on your arrival time, take a private day tour of the city of Kigali and all it has to offer or relax at your hotel.
Day 2-3
Akagera National Park
This morning starts early, transferring from Kigali to Akagera National Park, a drive lasting around three hours. The journey is mainly on tarmacked good quality roads until the final section.
The 100,000-hectare Akagera National Park is situated in eastern Rwanda, bordering Tanzania, and has been managed by African Parks in partnership with the RDB since 2010. It comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and low grassy mountains. Akagera has undergone an incredible transformation in the last eight years where poaching has virtually been eliminated, and wildlife is now thriving. African Parks reintroduced lions in 2015 after a 20-year absence and reintroduced the black rhinoceros in 2017.
This evening enjoys a boat trip across Lake Ihema spotting hippos and many different species of birds. Before returning to your hotel in the park for dinner.
Day 4-5
Nyungwe National Park
Drive from Akagera National Park to Nyungwe Forest. Along the way to Nyungwe Forest, stop in the Cultural Heritage Corridor of Rwanda and visit the King’s Palace and The Ethnographic Museum.
Covering over 1000 square kilometres, Nyungwe is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. It’s believed to be one of Africa’s oldest forests, staying green even through the Ice Age, which explains its diversity.
Wake up early the following day to go chimpanzee tracking in the Nyungwe Forest. After a short briefing by your guide, walk through stunning tea plantations before entering the thick, luscious forest. There are over 13 species of monkey found in the woods and excellent birding opportunities with over 100 species of butterflies and the occasional chameleon.
The excursion can last one to four hours, but you will hear the chimpanzees when you enter the forest. Once found, you will stay for an hour with the chimpanzees, watching them play, fight and eat in the atmospheric forest.
Day 6-7
Lake Kivu
Transfer along the beautiful coastal road to Lake Kivu. The drive lasts around three hours and offers some of Rwanda’s most beautiful scenery. Look out over Lake Kivu’s hundred islands and beautiful shores.
Spend your time here relaxing at your hotel.
Day 8
Gorilla tracking
Wake up at sunrise and drive the short journey to the park headquarters, where briefing, porters and tea and coffee will be given before starting the adventure into the forest. Local ports can be arranged and help with the guide to complete the gorilla tracking experience.
Tracking can be between 90 minutes and the whole morning, depending on what family group is assigned. You will spend one hour with the gorillas – sometimes moving around to stay with the gorillas or following them. The guide will ensure you are in the best spots to take the most beautiful pictures and experience the breathtaking experience properly.
Day 9
Golden Monkey tracking
Hike to see the smaller and nimbler monkeys is a fun and adventurous way to explore the forest. Named because of their bright orange bodies, they are indigenous to the region and more elusive than the gorillas, and these fast-moving monkeys will undoubtedly keep you on your toes.
Return to your hotel to freshen up and have a light meal before returning to Kigali that afternoon.
Day 10
Fly home
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide $TBC per person
When to travel
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Fractionally south of the Equator and with much of the country lying at altitude, Rwanda enjoys an agreeable tropical highland climate. Temperatures vary considerably between locations but very little from month to month. Peak temperatures rarely exceed 30°C in the daytime or drop below 15°C at night. Akagera is generally the warmest and the Virunga mountains the coolest. The average daily temperature in Kigali is 21°C. There are two rainy seasons in a year, from mid-February to May and mid-September to mid-December. The dry season, from June to mid-September, sees light cloud cover and occasional light rainfall. The roads and paths tend to be easier to navigate in this period.
It is considered one of the country’s driest months, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 27 degrees Celsius. The days are generally sunny and pleasant, making exploring Rwanda's natural beauty and outdoor activities a favourable time. However, it is important to note that temperatures can vary depending on the altitude, with higher regions experiencing cooler temperatures.
The temperature during this month ranges between 16 to 23 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time to visit the country. The days are generally sunny, with clear blue skies and very little rainfall. However, it is important to note that the weather in Rwanda can be unpredictable, so it is advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat, just in case.
Warm temperatures and increased humidity characterise the weather in Rwanda during this month. The average daily temperature ranges between 18°C and 27°C, making it a pleasant time to explore the country's natural beauty. However, March also marks the beginning of the rainy season, with precipitation increasing as the month progresses.
The weather in Rwanda during April is generally warm and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging between 17 to 24 degrees Celsius. The mornings and evenings are usually cool, while the afternoons can be slightly hot. However, it is important to note that the weather can vary across different regions of Rwanda due to the country's diverse topography. April marks the start of rainfall in Rwanda, with occasional showers and thunderstorms becoming more frequent towards the end of the month. These showers help to rejuvenate the vegetation and bring a refreshing change to the landscape.
The average temperature ranges from 17 to 23 degrees Celsius, providing a pleasant and moderate climate. However, occasional rain showers can still occur, especially early in the month. Humidity levels are generally high, adding a touch of moisture to the air. Packaging a mix of lightweight clothing and a light jacket or sweater is advisable to cater to the fluctuating weather conditions.
During this month, the weather in Rwanda is characterised by frequent rainfall and cooler temperatures. The average daily temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. However, it is important to note that the rainfall in June can be heavy at times, so it is advisable to pack appropriate rain gear and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
the weather in Rwanda during July is characterised by cool temperatures and a relatively low chance of rainfall. It is part of the dry season, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The skies are usually clear, allowing for ample sunshine throughout the day. However, it is worth noting that the mountainous terrain of Rwanda can result in variations in weather patterns across different regions.
During this time of the year, temperatures in Rwanda are relatively mild, ranging from 15 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. The days are usually warm and sunny, with occasional rainfall. August is part of the dry season in Rwanda, so rainfall is less frequent than in other months. However, carrying an umbrella or raincoat is still advisable, as there can be intermittent showers.
The weather in Rwanda this month is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. While the days can be warm and pleasant, especially in the lower-lying areas, the nights tend to be cooler. Rainfall gradually increases throughout the month, with occasional showers and thunderstorms becoming more frequent towards the end of September. It is advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat when venturing outdoors during this time.
As October marks the end of the dry season, temperatures rise slightly, with average highs ranging from 24 to 29 degrees Celsius. However, it is important to note that temperatures can vary depending on the altitude and location within the country. During this time, the skies become cloudier, and there is an increase in humidity levels as the rainy season approaches. Although October is not the peak of the rainy season, there can still be occasional showers and thunderstorms, especially towards the end of the month.
The country experiences a transition from the dry season to the short rainy season, leading to a slight increase in precipitation. Daytime temperatures range from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, providing pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. However, carrying an umbrella or raincoat is advisable as sudden showers may occur. The landscape becomes lush and green as the rain rejuvenates the vegetation.
The average daytime temperature ranges between 22°C and 28°C, providing a pleasant and comfortable climate for outdoor activities. However, it is important to note that the weather can vary across different regions of the country. In the northern and western parts of Rwanda, the rainfall tends to be slightly higher, while the eastern and southern regions experience drier conditions.
Add on’s
There are many add-on options for Rwanda; All Rwandan tours can be added with itineraries from all countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Seychelles and Uganda.
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