The four great places of Rwanda in one trip: big game in Akagera, chimpanzees in Nyungwe, Lake Kivu, and gorillas in the Volcanoes.
This is Rwanda in a single sweep. You begin with the savannah of Akagera, pass through Kigali to the rainforest of Nyungwe for the chimpanzees, rest on the shore of Lake Kivu, and finish with the gorillas of the Volcanoes.
Nine days leaves time at each place and one night in Kigali to see the city, so the trip feels thorough without feeling rushed.
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
Balanced, fitness: active.
Drive east from Kigali to Akagera National Park and settle in at Ruzizi Tented Lodge on the shore of Lake Ihema. In the afternoon take a first game drive across the savannah.
Overnight
Ruzizi Tented Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Nine tents under shady trees on the shore of Lake Ihema.
Take an early game drive for giraffe, zebra, buffalo and elephant, then spend the afternoon on a boat trip on Lake Ihema among hippos and crocodiles.
Overnight
Ruzizi Tented Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Nine tents under shady trees on the shore of Lake Ihema.
Drive back to Kigali and spend the afternoon in the city, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which tells the story of 1994 and is an important part of understanding Rwanda today. You sleep at The Retreat by Heaven.
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 through Huye and the tea country to Nyungwe Forest and One&Only Nyungwe House, arriving for dinner.
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.
Track chimpanzees with a ranger in the cool of the morning, then walk the canopy walkway above the forest after lunch.
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.
Drive through the hills to Lake Kivu and Cormoran Lodge on the shore, with a late afternoon boat trip on the lake.
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.
Drive north through the hills to Volcanoes National Park and Virunga Lodge, which sits on a ridge between the lakes.
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.
Go to the park headquarters for the briefing, then trek with your guides to find your gorilla family and spend an hour with them. The afternoon is for the view over the lakes.
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.
After breakfast drive back to Kigali, arriving at midday, in time for onward flights.
Ruzizi Tented Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Nine tents under shady trees on the shore of Lake Ihema.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
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.
Breakfast, lunch & 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
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
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$13,180 | US$11,170 | US$10,500 | US$10,500 | US$10,500 | US$10,500 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$11,560 | US$9,800 | US$9,212 | US$9,212 | US$9,212 | US$9,212 | 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. The gorilla and chimpanzee permits are included at the current RDB rate and are subject to availability.
Best time for this trip All year
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.
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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