A slow, complete journey through Rwanda: Nyungwe's chimps, the length of Lake Kivu, the Virunga volcanoes and Akagera's savannah.
Twelve days lets you see Rwanda the way it deserves: at walking pace. You start in the rainforest of Nyungwe, travel the whole length of Lake Kivu, spend four nights in the Virungas and finish on safari in Akagera.
There is time here for things most itineraries skip: a canoe on the Twin Lakes, a boat to the islands of Kivu, a morning in Rubavu’s market, and quiet afternoons that belong to you.
Rwanda
Luxury safari
Handpicked luxury lodges and camps, chosen for their setting, service and guiding.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Minimum age 15
Gorilla permits are only issued to visitors aged 15 and over.
Pace and fitness
Relaxed, fitness: active.
We meet you at the airport and take you to The Retreat.
Overnight
The Retreat by Heaven (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A small, solar-powered boutique hotel in Kigali with its own spa and Fusion restaurant.
Drive south via the King’s Palace at Nyanza and the Ethnographic Museum in Huye to Nyungwe House.
Overnight
One&Only Nyungwe House (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Rooms inside a working tea plantation, on the very edge of Nyungwe Forest.
An early morning with Nyungwe’s chimpanzees, and an afternoon walk through the tea estate.
Overnight
One&Only Nyungwe House (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Rooms inside a working tea plantation, on the very edge of Nyungwe Forest.
Walk the canopy walkway high above the forest, then look for troops of several hundred Angola colobus monkeys.
Overnight
One&Only Nyungwe House (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Rooms inside a working tea plantation, on the very edge of Nyungwe Forest.
Wind down from the mountains to Lake Kivu and settle into Cormoran Lodge on the water.
Overnight
Cormoran Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Wooden chalets on the lakeshore at Karongi, with kayaks at the water's edge.
A boat takes you among the islands before you drive north along the Congo Nile road to Rubavu and its sandy beach.
Overnight
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A classic resort on a sandy beach at Rubavu, at the northern end of the lake.
Visit the hot springs and a local coffee cooperative, or simply stay by the lake.
Overnight
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A classic resort on a sandy beach at Rubavu, at the northern end of the lake.
An early drive to Kinigi for your gorilla trek, then on to Bisate Lodge.
Overnight
Wilderness Bisate Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six forest villas on the slope of an eroded volcanic cone, facing Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Golden monkeys in the morning, then a move to Virunga Lodge and a canoe on Lake Ruhondo in the afternoon.
Overnight
Virunga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A hilltop lodge between the Burera and Ruhondo lakes, with views of five volcanoes.
Drive east across the country to Akagera and Magashi Camp for sundowners by the lake.
Overnight
Wilderness Magashi Camp (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six tents on the shore of Lake Rwanyakazinga, in a private concession in northern Akagera.
Game drives for lion, rhino and elephant, and an evening boat trip on Lake Rwanyakazinga.
Overnight
Wilderness Magashi Camp (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six tents on the shore of Lake Rwanyakazinga, in a private concession in northern Akagera.
A last game drive on the way out of the park, then Kigali for your evening flight.
The Retreat by Heaven (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A small, solar-powered boutique hotel in Kigali with its own spa and Fusion restaurant.
Dinner
One&Only Nyungwe House (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Rooms inside a working tea plantation, on the very edge of Nyungwe Forest.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Cormoran Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Wooden chalets on the lakeshore at Karongi, with kayaks at the water's edge.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A classic resort on a sandy beach at Rubavu, at the northern end of the lake.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Wilderness Bisate Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six forest villas on the slope of an eroded volcanic cone, facing Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Virunga Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
A hilltop lodge between the Burera and Ruhondo lakes, with views of five volcanoes.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Wilderness Magashi Camp (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six tents on the shore of Lake Rwanyakazinga, in a private concession in northern Akagera.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb) | US$15,250 | US$11,950 | US$11,233 | US$11,233 | US$11,233 | US$11,233 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$13,820 | US$10,520 | US$9,889 | US$9,889 | US$9,889 | US$9,889 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. Gorilla permits are included at the current government rate and are subject to availability.
Best time for this trip Jun to Sep, Dec to Feb
For gorilla and chimp treks, bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers you can tuck into your socks, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket and gardening gloves for grabbing vines. Porters are available at the trailhead and we recommend hiring one: it helps your trek and supports the local community.
Pack light, neutral colours for game drives, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sun hat and good sunscreen. Light aircraft have a soft-bag limit of 15 kg per person including hand luggage, so leave the hard suitcases at home.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
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