10-Days Rwanda's Complete Wildlife & Gorilla Explorer

Welcome to Rwanda! Arrive at Kigali International Airport where our Explorer Wild Safaris team greets you warmly. After hotel check-in, enjoy an orientation tour of Rwanda's vibrant capital city, visiting local markets and learning about the country's remarkable history and culture. This day allows you to acclimatize and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Drive eastward to Akagera National Park, Rwanda's largest protected savanna ecosystem. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy an evening game drive to spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and various antelope species. The park's diverse habitats create excellent opportunities for wildlife photography as the sun sets over the African plains.

Spend a full day exploring Akagera's remarkable ecosystems with early morning and afternoon game drives. Your expert guide will navigate through different habitat zones—from grasslands to wetlands—maximizing your chances of encountering the Big Five and other iconic African wildlife. This immersive safari day showcases Rwanda's commitment to wildlife conservation.

Travel westward to the lush highlands of Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa's oldest rainforests. The scenic drive offers breathtaking views of Rwanda's rolling hills and tea plantations. Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your forest lodge, preparing for tomorrow's chimpanzee trekking adventure in this biodiverse sanctuary.

Begin before dawn for an exciting chimpanzee tracking expedition in Nyungwe's misty forests. Accompanied by experienced trackers, hike through dense vegetation following fresh chimpanzee signs and calls. Observing these intelligent primates in their natural habitat is a profound wildlife experience. Afternoon offers optional canopy walks or forest bird watching for additional exploration.

Travel to the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu for a well-deserved rest day. This stunning freshwater lake offers spectacular views of the Congolese highlands and provides a perfect balance to the intensive trekking activities. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water while absorbing the tranquil atmosphere and local culture of lakeside villages.

Drive north to the misty highlands of Volcanoes National Park, home to the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The scenic route winds through agricultural landscapes and highland villages. Arrive at your lodge situated on the park's slopes with views of volcanic peaks. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and receiving a detailed briefing for tomorrow's gorilla trekking adventure.

Experience the pinnacle of African wildlife tourism—trekking mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Start before dawn, hiking through misty bamboo forests and volcanic terrain with your experienced guide and porter. Encounter these magnificent primates in family groups, observing their complex social behaviors and personalities up close. This life-changing experience is the highlight of many travelers' African adventures. Afternoon allows rest and reflection of this extraordinary encounter.

Enjoy a second full day in Volcanoes National Park with optional activities including golden monkey trekking, visits to volcanic craters, or cultural tours of local communities. These options allow you to explore different facets of the park while giving your body time to recover from gorilla trekking. Our guides can customize activities based on your interests and energy levels.

Drive back to Kigali, reflecting on your incredible 10-day Rwandan adventure. Stop at scenic viewpoints and local markets for final purchases and photos. Arrive at Kigali International Airport with time for your evening or late-night international flight. Explorer Wild Safaris thanks you for choosing us and hopes to welcome you back to Rwanda soon.