12 Days Rwanda Safari
12 Days Rwanda Safari
12 Days Rwanda Safari. Ultimate Wildlife, Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Adventure
12 Days Rwanda Safari
A 12 Days Rwanda Safari offers an unforgettable journey through the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” combining spectacular wildlife encounters, mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, birdwatching, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. Rwanda is one of Africa’s safest and most rewarding safari destinations, featuring well-protected national parks, friendly communities, and excellent tourism infrastructure.
This carefully designed itinerary allows travelers to explore Rwanda’s most iconic attractions, including Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park, and the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. Whether you are an adventure seeker, wildlife enthusiast, photographer, honeymooner, or family traveler, this safari promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda offers professionally guided Rwanda safaris with customized itineraries, luxury, mid-range, and budget accommodations, ensuring an authentic East African experience.
Safari Highlights
- Arrival and Kigali city tour
- Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Canopy walk adventure
- Tea plantation excursion
- Relaxation at Lake Kivu
- Golden Monkey trekking
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit
- Scenic countryside drives
Detailed 12 Days Rwanda Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide from Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, relax or enjoy an evening city drive.
Accommodation: Kigali
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, visit:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Kimironko Market
- Local art galleries
- Craft centers
After lunch, drive east to Akagera National Park.
Accommodation: Akagera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Full-Day Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
Enjoy a morning game drive searching for:
- Lions
- Elephants
- Rhinos
- Buffaloes
- Leopards
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Topis
- Waterbucks
- Hippos
In the afternoon, take a boat safari on Lake Ihema where crocodiles, hippos, and numerous bird species can be seen.
Accommodation: Akagera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Drive through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills, villages, and tea-growing regions to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Optional stop at the King’s Palace Museum.
Accommodation: Nyungwe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Begin early with chimpanzee trekking in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Other wildlife may include:
- L’Hoest’s monkeys
- Colobus monkeys
- Mangabeys
- Forest birds
Later enjoy the famous canopy walkway suspended above the rainforest.
Accommodation: Nyungwe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Tea Plantation Experience and Transfer to Lake Kivu
Visit a tea plantation to learn about tea cultivation, harvesting, and processing before driving to the relaxing shores of Lake Kivu.
Accommodation: Lake Kivu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Lake Kivu Relaxation
Spend the day enjoying:
- Boat cruise
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Coffee experiences
- Lakeside walks
Accommodation: Lake Kivu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Drive to Volcanoes National Park through spectacular mountain scenery.
Optional evening visit to local communities.
Accommodation: Volcanoes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Today marks the highlight of your safari.
Following an early briefing, trek through bamboo forests in search of endangered mountain gorillas.
After locating the gorilla family, spend one magical hour observing their natural behavior.
Accommodation: Volcanoes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Golden Monkey Trekking and Cultural Experience
Track the playful Golden Monkeys before visiting the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village where you’ll experience:
- Traditional dances
- Local music
- Cultural performances
- Traditional medicine
- Banana beer brewing
- Rwandan history
Accommodation: Volcanoes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Optional Hiking or Relaxation
Choose from:
- Dian Fossey Tomb Hike
- Mount Bisoke hike
- Nature walk
- Birdwatching
- Community visits
- Relaxation at the lodge
Accommodation: Volcanoes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Return to Kigali and Departure
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy last-minute shopping before transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation Options
Luxury
- Bisate Lodge
- One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Magashi Camp
- Kigali Marriott Hotel
Mid-range
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Akagera Game Lodge
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Budget
- Kinigi Guest House
- Discover Rwanda Youth Hostel
- Gisakura Guest House
- Akagera Rhino Lodge
Best Time for a 12 Days Rwanda Safari
Rwanda is a year-round safari destination.
The best months include:
- June to September
- December to February
These seasons provide excellent trekking conditions, easier hiking trails, and superb wildlife viewing.
What to Pack
- Hiking boots
- Rain jacket
- Long trousers
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Garden gloves
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
Why Choose Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda?
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda is a trusted East African tour operator offering professionally guided Rwanda safaris tailored to individual travel styles and budgets.
Reasons to travel with us include:
- Experienced professional safari guides
- Custom-made itineraries
- Affordable safari packages
- Luxury, mid-range, and budget options
- Comfortable safari vehicles
- Excellent customer service
- Gorilla permit assistance
- Cross-border Uganda and Rwanda safari combinations
- Birding, photography, cultural, and wildlife safari specialists
Our commitment is to provide memorable, safe, and authentic African safari experiences while supporting sustainable tourism and local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a 12 Days Rwanda Safari cost?
Prices vary depending on accommodation level, season, and group size. Budget, mid-range, and luxury options are available.
2. Is gorilla trekking included?
Yes. This itinerary includes mountain gorilla trekking, although the gorilla permit cost may be quoted separately depending on the package.
3. What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking?
The minimum age is 15 years.
4. Is Rwanda safe for tourists?
Yes. Rwanda is considered one of Africa’s safest and cleanest destinations with excellent tourism infrastructure.
5. Can this safari be customized?
Absolutely. Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda designs tailor-made itineraries for solo travelers, families, couples, photographers, and private groups.
6. What wildlife will I see?
Expect to see mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Golden Monkeys, lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and hundreds of bird species.
7. What is the best time to visit Rwanda?
The dry seasons from June to September and December to February offer ideal conditions for trekking and wildlife viewing.
8. Do I need a visa?
Most travelers require a visa, although many nationalities can obtain one on arrival or apply online. The East Africa Tourist Visa is also an excellent option for travelers visiting Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya.
Conclusion
A 12 Days Rwanda Safari is the ultimate journey through one of Africa’s most remarkable destinations. From thrilling game drives in Akagera National Park to unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest, and relaxing moments along the shores of Lake Kivu, this itinerary offers an exceptional blend of wildlife, nature, adventure, and culture.
With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, you can enjoy expertly planned itineraries, knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and personalized service that transforms your East African holiday into a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, solo adventurer, or group, our team is dedicated to creating lifelong memories while showcasing the very best of Rwanda’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.