Arrival in Kigali – Airport Pickup & Hotel Transfer

Kigali - Upon arriving in Kigali, an Afri Safaris driver-guide, sometimes accompanied by an office representative, will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Take the opportunity to relax and explore Rwanda’s clean, organized, and lively capital, often called the “Singapore of Africa.” Kigali boasts a variety of cultural attractions, bustling local markets, and scenic viewpoints.

Check in at your hotel, where you can refresh, unwind, or enjoy a swim, depending on your arrival time.

Dinner and overnight stay at Mövenpick Hotel Kigali.

Kigali City Tour

Kigali Center City Walk - After breakfast, your Afri Safaris guide will meet you for a private Kigali city tour. Visit key landmarks, explore cultural sites, and gain insight into Rwanda’s history. The tour concludes around 4:00 PM.

Dinner & Overnight: Mövenpick Hotel Kigali

Mt. Kigali - Mount Kigali – the highest point in Kigali (1850m)

An Afri Safaris driver-guide will take you to the highest point of Kigali to enjoy panoramic views of the city. It takes about 15 - 20 minutes from the city center, driving around Biryogo and Nyamirambo up to the summit.

In the heart of Kigali City in Nyarugenge District is a car-free zone covering an entire street. It is a pedestrian-only area, perfect for walking, resting, or buying souvenirs from craft shops. Often, there are exhibitions and entertainment on weekends, making it a great spot to visit while in Kigali.

Old and New Kigali

Kigali has a vision for its future, with a new Kigali developing alongside the old. Crossing between the new and old Kigali offers a glimpse into the city’s past and its future.

Kandt House Museum - Richard Kandt was the first colonial governor of Rwanda, representing Germany until the early 1900s. Today, the Kandt House Museum in Kigali consists of three main sections.

The first section presents Rwandan life in all its aspects – social, economic, and political – before the colonial period.

The second section traces the experience of the Rwandan people during the colonial period. Following the Berlin Conference in 1884, the Germans ruled Rwanda until 1916, when the Belgians took over under the League of Nations Mandate after World War I. Richard Kandt’s life and deeds in Rwanda are covered here.

The third section covers the history of Kigali, before, during, and after the colonial era. Kigali became the capital upon independence in 1962.

Kigali Genocide Memorial - The Kigali Genocide Memorial is a place of remembrance and learning dedicated to the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and the road to recovery.

The Kigali genocide memorial site is a UNESCO World Heritage site, built at the burial site of 250,000 victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. The museum contains documentation of the genocide, and visiting this place is essential to understanding Rwanda’s recent tragic history and appreciating the immense progress the country has made in reconciliation and development. The museum also includes examples of other genocides worldwide, providing a vital lesson on the consequences of blind hate. The museum is free to visit, and you can explore it independently. An audio guide is available for a fee of $15. Allow at least 2 hours for the visit. For more on the genocide, you can visit other museums in Kigali covering pivotal incidents.

Elikapeka - After visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, you will be transferred to Elikapeka Resto for lunch, where you will enjoy a traditional Rwandan meal, an excellent opportunity to experience authentic local flavors and try something new.

Campaign Against Genocide Museum - After lunch at the restaurant, you will proceed to the Campaign Against Genocide Museum. This modern museum highlights the heroic role of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA), led by President Paul Kagame, in ending the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and showcases Rwanda’s journey of rebuilding into one of Africa’s most progressive nations.

On the way, you will enjoy scenic views of the Kigali Golf Club and Nyarutarama Golf Lake. The Kigali Golf Club is a beautiful 9-hole course set in a lush environment and can also be visited simply to enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Nearby, Lake Nyarutarama offers a tranquil natural setting surrounded by bush and woodland, making it ideal for nature lovers and birdwatching within the city of Kigali.

Niyo Art Gallery - Niyo Arts Center is a place for creativity to thrive; a safe haven where Rwandan artists can come and experiment with their art form, be it painting, sculpture, dance, music, or drumming. The artists in residence come from all over Africa, so you can expect to see a vast array of African art on display. Niyo Art Center provides a space where Rwandan creative artists can explore their talents and express themselves freely. In addition to the art, efforts are dedicated to improving the community by giving 40% of the profit to the Niyo Foundation, an NGO that supports women and children living in poverty in Rwanda.

Kimironko Market - This is the biggest and busiest market in Kigali, where almost everything is sold, from foodstuffs and fabrics to clothing. This economic landmark should not be missed on your Kigali day tour itinerary. You can have your measurements taken by a skillful tailor and get colorful African wear made for you in a matter of hours.

or Nyamirambo Women’s Center
The Nyamirambo Women’s Center is a cooperative by local women that offers skills to other women in the area as a way of uplifting them economically and socially. The center teaches basket weaving, handicrafts making, cooking, computer literacy, sewing, etc. You can visit the center to see a variety of handicrafts made by the women.

After purchasing souvenirs, you will be transferred back to your hotel to freshen up, relax, enjoy a swim, and have dinner.

Transfer to Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park - After breakfast, depart Kigali around 7:00 AM and drive east to Akagera National Park (approx. 2.5–3 hours). En route, stop at Imigongo Art Coffee Shop to stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee, and admire local artwork.

Upon arrival, check in, relax, and enjoy:

Half-day game drive at Nyamwashama

Sunset boat cruise on Lake Ihema to spot hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife

Dinner & Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge

Full-Day Akagera Safari

Akagera National Park - Start with an early morning game drive in the southern plain, followed by lunch at Karenge Bush Camp. Continue your safari, seeking lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other Big Five species in the northern plains.

Afterward, transfer back to your stays.

Dinner & Overnight: Karenge Bush Camp

Early Morning Safari and Transfer to Musanze in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda - Begin the day with a pre-breakfast morning game drive in Akagera’s northern plains, then transfer to Volcanoes National Park with packed lunch or lunch on the way. Enjoy stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes en route.

Overnight: Ingagi Park View Hotel, Musanze

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda - After an early breakfast, head to RDB Headquarters in Kinigi for a gorilla trekking briefing. Your assigned park rangers will lead you into the forest to track your gorilla family. Trekking can take 2–6 hours, depending on location, and you’ll have one incredible hour observing these majestic primates.

After the trek, return to the starting point where your driver-guide will be waiting to transfer you for lunch.

Lake Kivu Rwanda - After lunch, you will be transferred to Lake Kivu (Rubavu or Karongi) for relaxation, with optional evening and nightlife experiences.

Dinner & Overnight: Cormoran Lodge, Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu Boat Cruise & Transfer to Nyungwe National Park

Lake Kivu Rwanda - Enjoy a morning boat cruise on Lake Kivu, exploring its islands, beaches, and scenic shores.

Nyungwe Forest National Park - After lunch, drive to Nyungwe National Park, the jewel of Rwanda’s rainforests.

Dinner & Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or Munazi Lodge

Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

Nyungwe Forest National Park - Begin with an early morning chimpanzee trekking experience. Your expert guides will lead you through lush rainforest trails to observe chimps in their natural habitat, a dynamic, vocal, and unforgettable encounter lasting 3–5 hours.

After lunch, enjoy the Nyungwe Canopy Walkway and a nature walk at Uwinka Visitor Center, with opportunities for birdwatching and breathtaking forest views.

Dinner & Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hotel or Munazi Lodge

Return to Kigali / Departure

Nyungwe Forest National Park - After breakfast, depart for Kigali on a scenic drive (approximately 5–6 hours). En route, enjoy a relaxing stop at Stafford Coffee, renowned for its premium Rwandan coffee, where you will have refreshments and lunch. Upon arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight or dropped off at your pre-booked hotel within the city.

End of the 9-Day Rwanda Safari.

We hope you have enjoyed an unforgettable journey through Rwanda. Your professional driver-guide will ensure a smooth and timely drop-off, marking the conclusion of your remarkable safari experience with Afri Safaris.

• Stay Connected on Board with Wi-Fi and Power Charging System for your devices & comfortable Journey
• Accommodation & Assistance with the tourist permit application process for gorilla trekking Rwanda
• Airport transfers - Professional Driver guide
• Akagera & Nyungwe Park entrance fees. Canopy. Tea Plantation tour (optional)
• Private transport: 4x4 Safari Vehicle - Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Unforgettable photo opportunities that last a lifetime – every moment is wild and wonderful.
• We provide a selection of cool beverages and ample fresh water in eco-friendly reusable bottles
• Big Five safari in Akagera NP - Gorilla & Chimpanzee trekking - Lake Kivu

• •Gorilla permit costs vary by nationality. Permits are limited daily & must be purchased in advance
• •Tips •Portal fees •Personal expenses and everything else not mentioned in the inclusions

Join the 9-Day Best of Rwanda Safari, an incredible journey through Africa’s “Land of a Thousand Hills.” This memorable adventure offers Rwanda’s most iconic experiences: trekking with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, encountering the Big Five in Akagera National Park, trekking chimpanzees and enjoying canopy walks in Nyungwe National Park, and engaging in relaxing lakeside activities at Lake Kivu.

Experience Rwanda’s diverse landscapes, from savannahs and volcanic mountains to lush rainforests and sparkling lakes. In just one week, explore three of Rwanda’s premier national parks and enjoy a variety of wildlife, primates, stunning scenery, cultural visits, and thrilling activities all in one compact yet enriching itinerary.

This is the ultimate Rwanda experience, covering all major attractions. This comprehensive tour highlights gorillas, chimpanzees, Big Five wildlife, beautiful lakes, cultural sites, and Rwanda’s extraordinary landscapes.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.