10-Days Rwanda's Complete Wildlife & Gorilla Adventure

Welcome to Rwanda! Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, Premium Safari Co.'s representative greets you with a warm welcome. Transfer to your mid-range hotel in the capital city, where you'll settle in and rest after your journey. In the afternoon, enjoy an optional guided tour of Kigali's key sites, including the Genocide Memorial and local markets, providing cultural context for your upcoming adventure.

Depart early from Kigali, driving eastward through Rwanda's rolling hills toward Akagera National Park. Upon arrival, settle into your lodge and embark on your first game drive through Rwanda's largest national park. The savanna landscape differs dramatically from the forests you'll explore later, offering opportunities to spot buffalo, zebras, giraffes, and with luck, lions and leopards. Return to the lodge as the sun sets over the plains.

Maximize your Akagera experience with a full day of game drives, beginning with an early morning departure when wildlife is most active. Your expert guide will navigate diverse habitats, from acacia woodlands to papyrus swamps, seeking out the park's incredible biodiversity. Enjoy a packed lunch in the field with panoramic views. An afternoon game drive follows, offering another opportunity to encounter Rwanda's diverse fauna. This comprehensive day ensures you experience Akagera's full wildlife spectrum.

Bid farewell to Akagera's savannas as you journey westward toward the mist-shrouded forests of Nyungwe National Park. The landscape transforms dramatically as you climb into the highlands, passing through rural villages and tea plantations. Upon arrival at your forest lodge, take time to acclimate to the cooler mountain air. An evening nature walk introduces you to the forest's canopy and nocturnal inhabitants, setting the stage for tomorrow's chimpanzee adventure.

Experience one of Africa's most intimate wildlife encounters on a guided chimpanzee habituation walk through Nyungwe's pristine forest. Starting before dawn, your expert guide leads you through dense vegetation, listening for the distinctive calls of wild chimpanzees. As you locate troops, observe their complex social behaviors, feeding habits, and family dynamics in their natural habitat. This profound experience reveals the intelligence and emotional depth of our closest primate relatives. Afternoon offers rest and reflection at the lodge.

Descend from Nyungwe's misty forests toward the sparkling waters of Lake Kivu, Rwanda's largest lake. The scenic drive offers stunning vistas of terraced hillsides and the Congo Basin beyond. Arrive at your lakeside lodge in the afternoon, where you can unwind after days of active trekking. Enjoy the lodge's amenities, relax by the water, or take an optional boat excursion to explore the lake's islands and fishing villages. The tranquil setting provides perfect balance to your adventure.

Dedicate this day to relaxation and optional activities at Lake Kivu. Swim in the warm waters, enjoy spa treatments at your lodge, or participate in water sports like kayaking. For the more adventurous, mountain biking excursions explore the scenic hillsides surrounding the lake, offering stunning panoramic views and encounters with local communities. Alternatively, visit nearby coffee plantations to learn about Rwanda's famous coffee production. The choice is yours, allowing for personalized pacing.

Journey north from Lake Kivu to the dramatic volcanic landscape of Volcanoes National Park. As you climb toward higher elevations, the air cools and vegetation becomes lusher. Arrive at your mountain lodge situated in the foothills, with views of the volcanic peaks that define this UNESCO World Heritage site. Take an afternoon acclimatization walk through local villages, meeting farmers and learning about life in this unique region. Rest well tonight, as tomorrow brings the highlight of your journey.

The pinnacle of your Premium Safari Co. adventure awaits: mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Beginning before dawn, your experienced guide leads your small group into the misty forest, following fresh gorilla signs and vocalizations. As you locate a habituated family, experience the profound moment of encountering these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Watch silverback males, mothers with infants, and juveniles as they feed and interact. This intimate hour in the presence of mountain gorillas is transformative, offering insights into primate intelligence, family bonds, and conservation importance. Return to the lodge for well-deserved rest and celebration.

On your final morning, enjoy one last walk through Volcanoes' stunning landscape, perhaps visiting a crater lake or exploring local villages. Depart for Kigali in the late morning, driving through Rwanda's picturesque highlands. Upon arrival in the capital, transfer to Kigali International Airport for your international flight. Reflect on the incredible wildlife encounters, natural beauty, and warm hospitality you've experienced with Premium Safari Co., carrying memories that will last a lifetime.