Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Akagera National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a Journey Smiles Expeditions guide. You will start with a short city tour of Kigali, including a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets.

After lunch, you will drive to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. On arrival, check in at your lodge, relax, and prepare for the next day.

Day 2: Game Drive and Boat Cruise in Akagera

You will wake up early and head out for a morning game drive. This is the best time to see animals such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema where you can see hippos, crocodiles, and many water birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you will leave Akagera and drive through Rwanda’s beautiful hills to Volcanoes National Park. This journey offers scenic views of the countryside.

Arrive at your lodge, check in, and relax.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience

After an early breakfast, you will go to the park headquarters for a briefing. You will then start your gorilla trek through the forest.

The trek can take between 1 to 7 hours depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find them, you will spend one hour observing and taking photos. This is a powerful and unforgettable wildlife experience. Return to the lodge for rest.

Day 5: Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Visit

In the morning, you will go for golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forest. This activity takes about 1 to 4 hours and offers a chance to see these playful monkeys.

In the afternoon, visit the local community for a cultural experience. You will learn about traditional life, including dances, crafts, and local activities. Return to the lodge in the evening.

Day 6: Dian Fossey Hike

After breakfast, you will hike to the grave of Dian Fossey. This hike takes about 2 to 4 hours and gives insight into her work in protecting mountain gorillas.

After the hike, return to the lodge and relax.

Day 7: Transfer to Lake Kivu

After breakfast, you will leave Volcanoes National Park and drive to Lake Kivu.

Arrive in time for lunch, then spend the afternoon relaxing by the lake, enjoying the fresh breeze and beautiful views. Overnight at a lakeside hotel.

Day 8: Boat Ride and Transfer to Nyungwe Forest

In the morning, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kivu. Afterward, drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Arrive in the afternoon, check in at your lodge, and relax.

Day 9: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk

After breakfast, head to the park for a briefing before starting chimpanzee tracking. The trek takes about 1 to 4 hours. Once you find the chimpanzees, you will spend one hour watching them in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, enjoy the canopy walk, a suspended bridge high above the forest offering amazing views of the rainforest and wildlife below. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Return to Kigali and Departure

After breakfast, you will drive back to Kigali, enjoying scenic views along the way.

On arrival, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your safari.