11 Day Gorilla and Wildlife Experience

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary 11-day adventure through Rwanda with Pure One, where untamed beauty, wildlife wonders, and cultural depth come together in one exhilarating experience. Rwanda, affectionately known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a country of immense charm and heart. This bespoke journey has been expertly curated in partnership with the local community to ensure you enjoy every awe-inspiring moment, from golden savannahs and misty rainforests to glistening lakes and volcanic mountain ranges.

Your journey begins in the vibrant capital of Kigali, setting the tone with comfort and modernity before you plunge into the wild heart of Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five. Enjoy boat cruises across Lake Ihema, thrilling day and night game drives, and tranquil stays in luxury bush camps. From there, the adventure continues to the mist-shrouded Nyungwe Forest, where canopy walks and chimpanzee encounters awaken your senses. Soak up the serenity of Lake Kivu, before heading to the iconic Volcanoes National Park for the pinnacle of this safari: an emotional, once-in-a-lifetime mountain gorilla trek.

Every day is a celebration of Rwanda’s resilience, biodiversity, and culture. With Pure One Travel, you’re not just exploring, you’re connecting. From local encounters and eco-lodge stays to breath taking wildlife and immersive activities, this is more than just a holiday. It’s a soul-stirring journey into the wild beauty and powerful spirit of Rwanda. Below is your day-by-day breakdown of this exclusive experience.

Your Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali
Welcome to Rwanda! Upon landing at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide and transferred to the Park Inn by Radisson. Take time to settle in and relax after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a delicious welcome dinner and your first introduction to Rwanda’s hospitality and culture. With its clean streets, friendly people, and energetic vibe, Kigali is the perfect gateway to begin your unforgettable Rwandan adventure.

Day 2 – Akagera National Park: Boat Cruise & Night Game Drive
Today, we journey east to Akagera National Park, a stunning reserve of savannahs, lakes, and woodland that’s now home to all of Africa’s Big Five. After checking into the beautifully situated Ruzizi Tented Lodge, enjoy a tranquil boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you’ll encounter hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling array of birdlife. As night falls, set off on a rare night game drive, searching for elusive nocturnal creatures like bush babies, leopards, and serval cats under a canopy of stars.

Day 3 – Full-Day Safari in Akagera
Wake early and head out on a full-day game drive through the expansive Akagera landscape. With luck, you’ll spot lions lazing in the grasslands, elephants at watering holes, and herds of zebras, giraffes, and antelope roaming freely. This is also a prime time for photography, with golden light casting magic across the park’s diverse scenery. After a picnic lunch in the bush, continue your adventure into the afternoon before retiring to Karenge Bush Camp for a rustic and immersive overnight stay in the heart of the wild.

Day 4 – Final Safari Drive & Return to Kigali
Begin your morning with one final game drive in Akagera, soaking in the serenity and grandeur of the park one last time. After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Kigali with time to reflect on your incredible wildlife experiences. Once back in the capital, spend the evening at leisure, perhaps exploring a local café or simply unwinding at the Park Inn by Radisson as you prepare for the next phase of your journey through Rwanda’s rich ecological and cultural landscapes.

Day 5 – Journey to Nyungwe via King’s Palace & Canopy Walk
Today’s route takes you through Rwanda’s rolling hills and historical heartland. En route to Nyungwe National Park, you’ll visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, a fascinating cultural site that offers insights into Rwanda’s royal heritage. By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Nyungwe Forest for a thrilling canopy walk, suspended 40 meters above the forest floor. This sky-high experience offers panoramic views of one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse rainforests. Settle in for the evening at Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel, your comfortable base for exploring the region.

Day 6 – Chimpanzee Trekking & Optional Waterfall Hike
Start your day early with an unforgettable chimpanzee tracking excursion in the dense, ancient rainforest of Nyungwe. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll trek through misty foliage in search of these playful primates and witness them in their natural habitat, swinging through the trees, grooming each other, and calling out across the canopy. In the afternoon, you have the option to embark on a scenic hike to Ndambarare Waterfall, where the beauty of the forest and the soothing sound of cascading water create a magical atmosphere.

Day 7 – Lake Kivu Leisure & Swimming Cow Experience
After breakfast, journey north to the tranquil shores of Lake Kivu, a freshwater gem nestled along the western edge of Rwanda. Check into the charming Cormoran Lodge and spend your day enjoying the peaceful lakeside scenery. Take a boat ride across the sparkling waters to witness the unique “swimming cow” experience, a fascinating cultural tradition. Whether you choose to kayak, swim, or simply relax on the beach with a chilled drink, this is your day to slow down and soak up Rwanda’s natural beauty.

Day 8 – Travel to Volcanoes National Park
Following a relaxed morning at Lake Kivu, you’ll depart for Volcanoes National Park, one of the most iconic destinations in Africa. The scenic drive is a photographer’s dream, with dramatic views of the Virunga volcanic range rising in the distance. Arrive at Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge, where the cool mountain air and lush surroundings offer the perfect atmosphere for rest and anticipation. This region, immortalized in the film Gorillas in the Mist, is the gateway to a truly profound wildlife experience.

Day 9 – Gorilla Trekking & Dian Fossey Experience
Today is the highlight of your Rwandan adventure: a mountain gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. After an early start and a trek through misty bamboo forests, you’ll spend a magical hour with a habituated gorilla family, observing their peaceful interactions and absorbing the quiet power of these gentle giants. This deeply moving experience is followed by a visit to the Dian Fossey Museum or optionally, her grave site, a tribute to the legendary primatologist whose work helped save the species from extinction.

Day 10 – Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Encounter
Begin your morning with a guided trek in search of golden monkeys, rare and playful creatures found only in this part of the world. Watch as they leap through the bamboo canopy, their vivid fur catching the light. In the afternoon, enjoy a heartwarming cultural experience at Gorilla Guardians Village, where you’ll witness traditional Rwandan music, dance, and crafts. This immersive visit not only enriches your understanding of local life but also supports sustainable tourism and community development.

Day 11 – Kigali Genocide Memorial & Departure
Your journey concludes with a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving and dignified tribute to Rwanda’s past and its remarkable journey of recovery and unity. After this powerful reflection, you’ll be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, taking with you not only incredible photographs but lasting memories of Rwanda’s people, wildlife, and landscapes. This has been more than a safari, it’s been a soul-touching experience crafted with care by Pure One.