12 Days Wildlife Safari Rwanda. The Ultimate Rwanda Wildlife Adventure

Rwanda, famously known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations. From the breathtaking savannahs of Akagera National Park to the mist-covered mountains of Volcanoes National Park and the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Our 12 Days Wildlife Safari Rwanda, organized by Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, combines thrilling game drives, primate encounters, cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and relaxing lakeside moments. This carefully designed itinerary allows travelers to discover Rwanda’s remarkable biodiversity while enjoying luxury accommodations and professional guiding services.

Whether you are looking for the Big Five, mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, colorful birds, or authentic African culture, this safari offers everything in one unforgettable journey.

Why Choose a 12 Days Wildlife Safari Rwanda?

A longer safari allows travelers to experience Rwanda beyond gorilla trekking. During twelve days, you can comfortably explore the country’s major national parks without rushing while enjoying spectacular scenery throughout your journey.

Highlights include:

Big Five game viewing
Gorilla trekking
Chimpanzee trekking
Canopy walk adventure
Boat safari on Lake Ihema
Relaxation at Lake Kivu
Cultural village experiences
Bird watching
Scenic mountain drives
Luxury eco-lodges

With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, every itinerary is personalized to suit your interests, travel style, and budget.

12 Days Wildlife Safari Rwanda Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Arrive at Kigali International Airport where your safari guide welcomes you.

Depending on your arrival time, enjoy:

Airport pickup
Hotel check-in
Evening relaxation
Safari briefing

Overnight in Kigali.

Day 2: Kigali City Tour and Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, explore Kigali’s historical and cultural attractions.

Visit:

Kigali Genocide Memorial
Local craft markets
Kimironko Market
Presidential Museum

After lunch, drive to Akagera National Park.

Evening game drive.

Wildlife may include:

Buffalo
Giraffe
Zebra
Antelope
Hippos

Overnight inside Akagera National Park.

Day 3: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park

Enjoy an exciting full-day safari.

Look out for:

Lions
Leopards
Rhinos
Elephants
Buffalo
Hyenas
Topi
Waterbuck
Eland
Warthogs

Picnic lunch inside the park.

Evening return to lodge.

Day 4: Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

Morning boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

Expect to see:

Hippos
Nile crocodiles
African fish eagles
Kingfishers
Herons
African jacanas

Afternoon game drive.

Relax at your safari lodge.

Day 5: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, drive northwest through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills.

Enjoy:

Scenic photography
Local villages
Coffee plantations
Mountain landscapes

Arrival at Volcanoes National Park.

Evening cultural entertainment.

Day 6: Gorilla Trekking Experience

Today is the highlight of your safari.

After briefing by park rangers, enter the rainforest to search for endangered mountain gorillas.

Once located, spend one magical hour observing them.

Experience:

Gorilla family interactions
Photography
Forest hiking
Conservation education

Return to the lodge for relaxation.

Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Morning golden monkey trekking.

Later visit the famous cultural village where you experience:

Traditional dances
Local food
Banana beer making
Traditional medicine
Community projects

Overnight near Volcanoes National Park.

Day 8: Transfer to Lake Kivu

Drive to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.

Activities include:

Beach relaxation
Boat ride
Swimming
Coffee experiences
Sunset photography

Overnight at Lake Kivu.

Day 9: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Journey south through Rwanda’s scenic countryside.

Optional stops include:

Tea plantations
Local markets
Scenic viewpoints

Arrival at Nyungwe Forest.

Day 10: Chimpanzee Trekking

Early morning chimpanzee tracking.

Besides chimpanzees, you may also see:

L’Hoest’s monkeys
Colobus monkeys
Blue monkeys
Grey-cheeked mangabeys

Afternoon leisure.

Day 11: Canopy Walk Adventure

Enjoy one of East Africa’s most exciting canopy walks.

Walk high above the rainforest while observing:

Birds
Butterflies
Forest monkeys
Tropical trees

Afternoon transfer to Kigali.

Farewell dinner.

Day 12: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule:

Last-minute shopping
Coffee tasting
Airport transfer

End of your unforgettable Rwanda safari with Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda.

Wildlife You May Encounter

During your safari, you may see:

Mountain gorillas
Golden monkeys
Chimpanzees
Lions
Leopards
African elephants
Black rhinos
White rhinos
Buffalo
Giraffes
Zebras
Hippos
Crocodiles
Bushbucks
Waterbucks
Topi
Elands
Hyenas
More than 700 bird species

Best Time for a 12 Days Wildlife Safari Rwanda

Rwanda can be visited throughout the year.

The best months include:

January
February
June
July
August
September
December

These months offer:

Better wildlife viewing
Easier trekking conditions
Clear photography
Comfortable weather

Accommodation Options

Luxury

Bisate Lodge
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest
Magashi Camp
Kigali Marriott Hotel

Mid-range

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Akagera Game Lodge
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

Budget

Kinigi Guest House
Gorilla Solution Lodge
Gisakura Visitor Centre Accommodation

What is Included?

Airport transfers
Professional English-speaking guide
Gorilla permits
Chimpanzee permits
Golden monkey permits
Accommodation
Meals
Park entrance fees
Boat cruise
Game drives
Bottled drinking water
4×4 safari vehicle

What is Excluded?

International flights
Rwanda visa
Personal insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Laundry services
Tips
Personal shopping expenses

Why Book with Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda?

Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda is a trusted East African tour operator specializing in tailor-made wildlife adventures across Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Why travelers choose us:

Experienced local safari guides
Customized itineraries
Affordable safari packages
Luxury and budget options
Reliable 4×4 safari vehicles
Excellent customer service
Sustainable and responsible tourism
Seamless cross-border safari planning

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group, we ensure every safari is memorable, safe, and professionally organized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does a 12 Days Wildlife Safari Rwanda cost?

The cost varies depending on accommodation level, travel season, and group size. Budget tours generally start from around US$4,500 per person, while luxury safaris can exceed US$9,000, largely due to gorilla trekking permit costs.

2. Is gorilla trekking included?

Yes. This itinerary includes a mountain gorilla trekking experience and the required permit.

3. How difficult is gorilla trekking?

The trek ranges from easy to strenuous depending on the location of the gorilla family. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

4. Can children join this safari?

Yes, although gorilla and chimpanzee trekking have minimum age requirements. Children who meet the park regulations can participate.

5. What should I pack?

Bring hiking boots, long-sleeved clothing, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, binoculars, a camera, and personal medications.

6. Is Rwanda safe for tourists?

Yes. Rwanda is widely regarded as one of Africa’s safest and cleanest destinations, with excellent tourism infrastructure and welcoming communities.

7. What wildlife can I expect to see?

You may encounter the Big Five in Akagera National Park, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest, and hundreds of bird species across the country.

8. When is the best time to visit Rwanda?

The dry seasons from June to September and December to February provide the best conditions for trekking and wildlife viewing.

9. Can this safari be customized?

Absolutely. Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can tailor the itinerary by adjusting the duration, accommodation, activities, or adding destinations in neighboring countries.

10. How do I book this safari?

You can contact Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda to receive a personalized quotation, confirm permit availability, and arrange every aspect of your Rwanda wildlife adventure.

Conclusion

A 12 Days Wildlife Safari Rwanda is one of East Africa’s most complete safari experiences, combining the excitement of Big Five game drives with unforgettable encounters with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys. From the open plains of Akagera National Park to the lush rainforests of Nyungwe and the volcanic landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, every day offers new adventures and breathtaking scenery.

When you travel with Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, you benefit from knowledgeable guides, carefully selected accommodations, reliable transportation, and personalized service from arrival to departure. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, photographer, honeymooner, or first-time visitor to Africa, this 12-day itinerary promises memories that will last a lifetime. Book your Rwanda safari today and discover why the Land of a Thousand Hills is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.