10 Days Rwanda Complete Adventure

Overview

The 10 Days Rwanda Complete Adventure is an immersive journey through the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” designed to showcase Rwanda’s remarkable blend of primate encounters, volcanic landscapes, rainforest trekking, and tranquil lakeside escapes. This itinerary combines Rwanda’s most iconic experiences, from mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park to chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, along with cultural immersion and relaxation on the shores of Lake Kivu.

Rwanda stands out for its exceptional conservation success, clean cities, and well-protected national parks, making it one of Africa’s most rewarding and organized safari destinations. This adventure is ideal for travellers seeking a balance of wildlife, nature, culture, and comfort, all within a compact yet diverse circuit.

Tour Highlights

Gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park.
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Canopy walkway experience above ancient rainforest.
Scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling “thousand hills.”
Relaxation along the shores of Lake Kivu.
Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
Cultural experience at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
Kigali city tour including museums and genocide memorial.
Luxury and midrange eco-lodge stays throughout Rwanda.
Exceptional photography opportunities in forests and landscapes.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you are welcomed by your driver-guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on arrival time, you may explore Kigali’s clean and vibrant cityscape or simply relax after your journey.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel / The Retreat by Heaven
Midrange: Hotel Des Mille Collines / Four Points by Sheraton Kigali

Day 2: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour, including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft centers. Later, drive north through Rwanda’s scenic hills to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge / One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Midrange: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Day 3: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Early morning transfer to park headquarters for a briefing before entering the forest for your gorilla trekking experience. The trek can take between 2–6 hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once located, you spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Bisate Lodge / Singita Kwitonda Lodge
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Day 4: Golden Monkey Tracking & Cultural Visit

After breakfast, return to the forest for golden monkey tracking, a lighter and highly rewarding primate experience. In the afternoon, visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about traditional Rwandan customs, dance, and community life.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: One&Only Gorilla’s Nest / Bisate Lodge
Midrange: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Day 5: Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi)

Depart after breakfast and drive to Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes. Arrive in Gisenyi and spend the afternoon relaxing by the lakeshore, enjoying views of the water and surrounding hills.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel / The Retreat Gisenyi
Midrange: Paradise Malahide / Kivu Peace View Hotel

Day 6: Lake Kivu Relaxation & Boat Experience

Enjoy a full day at Lake Kivu with optional activities such as boat rides, kayaking, cycling along the shoreline, or visiting nearby fishing villages. This is a peaceful contrast to the trekking days in Volcanoes National Park.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Midrange: Paradise Malahide

Day 7: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, travel south through Rwanda’s scenic tea plantations and rolling hills to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Arrive in the afternoon and relax at your lodge surrounded by dense rainforest.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (select rooms)
Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Emeraude Kivu Resort (en route category alternative)

Day 8: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk

Early morning chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe Forest, home to one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. In the afternoon, enjoy the famous canopy walkway suspended above the forest, offering panoramic views of the lush jungle and wildlife below.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: One&Only Nyungwe House
Midrange: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Day 9: Nyungwe to Kigali

After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and return to Kigali via Rwanda’s scenic countryside. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening or optional shopping and dining in the city.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel / The Retreat by Heaven
Midrange: Hotel Des Mille Collines / Four Points by Sheraton Kigali

Day 10: Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Rwanda Complete Adventure.

Accommodation Options:

Luxury: N/A (Departure Day)
Midrange: N/A (Departure Day)

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off transfers
Accommodation in luxury or midrange lodges and hotels
All park entrance fees and permits (including gorilla & chimpanzee permits where applicable)
Professional English-speaking driver-guide
4×4 safari vehicle transportation
Kigali city tour
Gorilla trekking experience
Golden monkey tracking
Chimpanzee trekking experience
Canopy walkway experience in Nyungwe
Boat activities on Lake Kivu (as per itinerary)
Bottled drinking water during transfers and excursions
Full board or half board meals as per lodge arrangement
Government taxes and service charges

Exclusions

International flights
Rwanda visa fees
Travel insurance
Premium alcoholic beverages
Optional activities not listed in itinerary
Laundry services
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
Additional nights outside itinerary
Any services not explicitly mentioned in inclusions