Rwanda: Land of a Thousand Hills

Your journey

Journey Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 10-day journey across Rwanda, the beautiful “Land of a Thousand Hills”, where breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage come together in perfect harmony.

From the lively streets of Kigali to the lush rainforests of Nyungwe National Park, track playful chimpanzees and experience the thrilling Canopy Walkway before heading north to Volcanoes National Park for unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Conclude your adventure in Akagera National Park, where classic safari moments await amid rolling savannahs and shimmering lakes.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital and cultural heart.
• Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
• Experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway above the forest floor.
• Visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza.
• Encounter mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park.
• Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
• Track golden monkeys in their natural bamboo habitat.
• Discover Rwandan traditions at Gorilla Guardians Village.
• Enjoy game drives and a night safari in Akagera National Park.
• Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Ihema.
• Travel through Rwanda’s green hills, tea plantations and rural communities.

Day by day

Detailed Itinerary

Ten days of rainforest encounters, mountain wildlife, cultural experiences and classic savannah safari adventures across Rwanda.

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our company representative. After a brief opportunity to exchange currency, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Your professional safari driver-guide will be ready and waiting to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. Relax and enjoy the hotel amenities upon arrival. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by overnight rest.

Kigali Accommodation

Mid-range: Four Points by Sheraton Kigali

Luxury: Kigali Marriott Hotel

Begin your day with breakfast, then depart for Nyungwe National Park. En route, stop at the King’s Palace Museum for an immersive cultural experience, discovering Rwanda’s royal heritage, traditional customs and fascinating history.

Continue with a relaxing lunch along the way before arriving in Nyungwe. Check in at your lodge nestled in the rainforest, unwind and enjoy dinner surrounded by the serene beauty and sounds of the tropical forest.

Nyungwe Accommodation

Mid-range: Munazi Lodge

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

Start early with breakfast before venturing into Nyungwe National Park for chimpanzee trekking. Accompanied by expert guides, track these intelligent primates through dense forest trails and observe their behaviour in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to the lodge for refreshments and lunch. In the afternoon, experience the forest from a new perspective on the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, an elevated walkway offering panoramic rainforest views. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Chimpanzee Trekking

Explore forest trails with expert guides and learn about chimpanzee behaviour and conservation.

Nyungwe Canopy Walk

Enjoy an elevated perspective across the rainforest canopy and its rich biodiversity.

Nyungwe Accommodation

Mid-range: Munazi Lodge

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House

After breakfast, check out and begin a scenic drive towards Volcanoes National Park. Travel through western Rwanda, enjoying views of Lake Kivu, its islands and rolling hills covered with tea plantations.

Stop in Karongi for lunch and a short break before continuing to Musanze. Check in at your lodge, unwind after the journey and enjoy dinner surrounded by the region’s picturesque volcanic hills.

Volcanoes National Park Accommodation

Mid-range: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge

Luxury: Wilderness Bisate Lodge

After breakfast, transfer to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience. Accompanied by expert guides, enter the misty forest to track gorillas in their natural habitat.

After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and time to unwind. In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to learn about ongoing gorilla conservation efforts and Dian Fossey’s legacy. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Volcanoes National Park Accommodation

Mid-range: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge

Luxury: Wilderness Bisate Lodge

After breakfast, proceed to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your golden monkey trekking adventure. Explore the bamboo forest in search of these lively and endangered primates, observing their interactions and learning about conservation efforts.

Return to your lodge for a refreshing break and lunch. In the afternoon, visit Gorilla Guardians Village for a cultural experience with the local community, traditional Rwandan dance and an introduction to the region’s heritage. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Explore bamboo forest habitat with experienced trackers and observe golden monkeys in the wild.

Gorilla Guardians Village

Discover local culture, community traditions and traditional Rwandan dance.

Volcanoes National Park Accommodation

Mid-range: Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge

Luxury: Wilderness Bisate Lodge

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and departing for Akagera National Park. Travel through Rwanda’s rolling green hills and rural landscapes.

En route, stop at Bashana Companies & Imigongo Art Center in Kayonza, known for its distinctive geometric art designs. Enjoy a lunch and relaxation break before continuing to Akagera, Rwanda’s premier savannah reserve.

On arrival, check in at Ruzizi Tented Lodge, an eco-friendly retreat along the shores of Lake Ihema. Relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day’s safari adventures.

Akagera National Park Accommodation

Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Luxury: Wilderness Magashi Camp

Start with an early breakfast before setting out on a full-day game drive through Akagera National Park. Explore open plains, woodlands and lakeshores while searching for elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and a variety of birdlife.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush. In the late afternoon, head to Lake Ihema for a sunset boat ride. Glide across the water and look for hippos, crocodiles, African fish eagles, kingfishers and other waterbirds. Return to Ruzizi Tented Lodge for dinner and overnight rest.

Full-Day Game Drive

Explore the park’s varied habitats with your guide and search for its remarkable wildlife.

Sunset Boat Ride

Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Ihema with opportunities to spot hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.

Akagera National Park Accommodation

Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Luxury: Wilderness Magashi Camp

After breakfast, head out for a morning game drive as the park awakens. Look for elephants, antelopes and predators moving across the plains in the golden morning light.

Return to Ruzizi Tented Lodge around 11:30 a.m. for lunch and an afternoon at leisure beside the lake.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., set out on a night game drive with expert rangers. Search for nocturnal species such as hyenas, serval cats, bushbabies and possibly a leopard. Return to the lodge around 8:30 p.m. for dinner and overnight stay.

Akagera National Park Accommodation

Mid-range: Ruzizi Tented Lodge

Luxury: Wilderness Magashi Camp

Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and savour the peaceful surroundings one last time before departing Akagera for Kigali.

On arrival in Kigali, explore local craft shops and coffee boutiques for souvenirs and Rwanda’s famous coffee. Continue to Hotel Des Mille Collines for a farewell lunch, reflecting on your journey through Rwanda’s forests, mountains and savannahs.

After lunch, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

Tour concludes. Safe travels and memorable moments in Rwanda!

2025/2026

Tour Pricing

Prices are quoted per person in USD.

Mid-range Package

Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Munazi Lodge, Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge and Ruzizi Tented Lodge.

Luxury package pricing was not specified in the supplied itinerary. Please contact AMARÉA TRAVEL & SAFARIS for a tailored quotation.

Tour Includes

• Accommodation at designated lodges and hotels as per the itinerary.
• All meals as specified in the meal plan.
• Arrival and departure transfers to and from Kigali International Airport.
• Private 4x4 safari vehicle with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide for the entire tour.
• Guided visit to the King’s Palace Museum en route to Nyungwe National Park.
• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park with expert guides.
• Canopy Walk experience in Nyungwe National Park.
• One gorilla trekking permit per person ($1,500 each, non-refundable).
• Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Kinigi, Musanze.
• Golden monkey trekking permit and guided experience.
• Cultural expedition at Gorilla Guardians Village.
• Porter service during gorilla, golden monkey and chimpanzee trekking.
• Full-day game drives, night safari and sunset boat ride in Akagera National Park.
• Bottled water provided during transfers and activities.
• All national park entrance fees, permits and government taxes included.
• Professional, knowledgeable English-speaking guides throughout the tour.

Tour Excludes

• International flights to and from Rwanda.
• Rwanda visa fees, if applicable.
• Travel insurance, highly recommended.
• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, phone calls and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary.
• Drinks at meals unless specified.
• Additional services not clearly listed under inclusions.

What to Wear During Primate Trekking

Gorilla, golden monkey and chimpanzee trekking take place in forest terrain. Appropriate clothing helps you stay comfortable and protected on the trails.

• Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers: Protect your skin from insects, thorny plants and nettles. Choose breathable fabrics in neutral or earthy tones.
• Sturdy hiking boots: Wear comfortable, waterproof boots with good ankle support for muddy and uneven trails.
• Gaiters or long socks: Tuck trousers into long socks or use gaiters to help keep mud and insects out.
• Rain jacket or poncho: Forest and mountain weather can change quickly.
• Gardening or trekking gloves: Help protect your hands when holding vegetation or balancing on branches.
• Hat and sunglasses: Useful for sun protection.
• Light sweater or fleece: Early mornings can be cool.
• Daypack: Carry water, snacks and your camera.

Pro tip: Avoid bright colours, camouflage and loud patterns. Neutral colours are a practical choice for forest trekking.