Duration
12-Day
Akagera National Park, Rwanda
12-Day Rwanda Safari&Beyond (Volcano Nyungwe Akagera)
Overview
This twelve-day safari will take you to some of Rwanda's most amazing destinations. Hike through Nyungwe Forest National Park and search for the elusive mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Enjoy all that Rwanda has to offer from Kigali to Musanze!
Plan snapshot
Quick Facts
Route
Kigali to Kigali
Via Nyungwe NP (Chimps), Kibuye (Lake Kivu), Gisenyi (Lake Kivu)
Country & park
Rwanda / Akagera National Park
Style
Mid-range safari
Group size
1-12 travelers
Starts
Any day if available
Minimum age
17 years
Activities
game drives & gorilla trekking
Accommodation
The Governor's Residence - Luxury hotel in Kigali – Breakfast Included
Meals
Breakfast Included; All Meals Included
Pickup
Airport transfer included
Booking
Request quote
Currency
USD
Rates
Rates Per Person
USD
Start datesSingle2+ people
Jan 1, 2026 - Dec 31, 2026
$9,570 USD
$9,350 USD
Jan 1, 2027 - Dec 31, 2027
$9,900 USD
$9,900 USD
Before booking
Important To Know
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
This tour accepts children who are 17 years and older.
Rates include a local payment. This means that part of the rate must be paid upfront and part on location during the tour. Move your mouse pointer over a rate to see the local payment.
Quote flow
Request Guidance
We advise requesting quotes from 3 operators ()
Requests are sent directly to the tour operator
If preferred, you can contact the tour operator directly
Route
country
Rwanda
Start
Kigali (Day 1)
Day 2-4
Nyungwe NP (Chimps)
Day 5
Kibuye (Lake Kivu)
Day 6
Gisenyi (Lake Kivu)
Day 7
Ruhengeri (City)
Day 8
Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)
Day 9
Ruhengeri (City)
Day 10
Akagera NP
Day 11
Kigali
Day 12
Genocide Memorial (Kigali)
End
Kigali (Day 12)
Tour Features
Mid-range tour
This mid-range tour uses lodges and hotels.
Private tour
This tour will be organized exclusively for you. However, wildlife viewing activities are run by the lodges/camps and will be shared with others.
Can start any day
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can be customized
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Suitable for solo travelers
Solo travelers can book this private tour.
17
Minimum age of 17 years
The minimum age for this tour is 17 years.
Activities & Transportation
Activities: game drives & gorilla trekking
Game drives: normal 4x4 vehicle & open-sided 4x4 vehicle
Getting around: pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle & normal 4x4 vehicle
This operator can book your international flights
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Accommodation & Meals
Day 1
The Governor's Residence
Luxury hotel in Kigali – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 2-4
Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Mid-range hotel just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 5
Cormoran Lodge
Mid-range lodge in Kibuye (Lake Kivu) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 6
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Luxury hotel in Gisenyi (Lake Kivu) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 7
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Mid-range lodge less than 1hr drive from Ruhengeri (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 8
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Mid-range lodge less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 9
Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Mid-range lodge less than 1hr drive from Ruhengeri (City) – All Meals Included
All Meals Included
Day 10
Mantis Akagera Game Lodge
Luxury lodge inside Akagera NP – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 11
The Governor's Residence
Luxury hotel in Kigali – Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Day 12
End of tour
(No accommodation)
Lunch Included
Day By Day
Tour step
Arrival
You'll be collected from the airport. Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.
Day 1
Kigali
You will be met and greeted by your Golden Rwanda Safaris driver guide upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport. He or she will brief you on your safari before transferring you to your hotel for your overnight stay in Kigali. Relax at your hotel. Luxury hotel located in Kigali Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Kigali Stay: The Governor's Residence Luxury hotel located in Kigali Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 2
Kigali – Nyungwe Forest National Park
After early morning breakfast, you will drive into the Nyungwe Forest. On the way you will visit Nyanza King’s Palace, the national museum of Butare, and the genocide memorial of Murambi. Nyanza was the headquarters of the ancient Rwanda Kingdom before the arrival of the Europeans. The compound features the tastefully decorated modern palace built by King Mutura in 1934. Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park (Chimps) Stay: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 3
Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, you will enter the Nyungwe Forest to track the Nyungwe Colobus monkey. A walk into the forest with our knowledgeable guides well versed in botany, ornithology, and interspecies relationships will be a whole new learning experience for you. You will return to the guest house for lunch and have your overnight at the hotel. Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park (Chimps) Stay: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 4
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today will be your second day in the Nyungwe Forest. In the morning, you can either opt for the Nyungwe canopy walk or a nature walk to the waterfalls. After lunch, you will visit the Colobus monkeys darting through the trees. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel. Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Nyungwe Forest National Park (Chimps) Stay: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 5
Nyungwe – Kibuye
Early in the morning, you will head to Kibuye via Gisakura, a five-hour journey. Along the way, you will enjoy the thousands of beautiful green hills that make up our country as well as views of Kivu Lake. Your overnight stay will be at the Betania Guest House. Mid-range lodge located in Kibuye (Lake Kivu) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Kibuye (Lake Kivu) Stay: Cormoran Lodge Mid-range lodge located in Kibuye (Lake Kivu) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 6
Kibuye – Gisenyi
Today you will transfer to Gisenyi by speed boat or vehicle (the choice is yours). Along the way, you will explore the wonderful views of the different islands along Lake Kivu and some of the Congolese hills. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel. Luxury hotel located in Gisenyi (Lake Kivu) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Gisenyi (Lake Kivu) Stay: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel Luxury hotel located in Gisenyi (Lake Kivu) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 7
Gisenyi
You will spend part of the day relaxing and swimming at Kivu Serena Beach. After breakfast and your time at the beach, you will drive to Musanze, the base town for visiting mountain gorillas. Enjoy a visit to the Ibyiwacu cultural village and then overnight at the Hotel. Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Ruhengeri (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Musanze (City) Stay: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Ruhengeri (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 8
Volcanoes National Park
Early in the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park for your first gorilla trek. You will arrive at the main office at 7:00 am for a short briefing and coffee break before going on your trek. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel. Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas) Stay: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Volcanoes NP (Gorillas) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 9
Musanze
Today you will visit the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. You will again have to be at the main office at 7:00 am for a short briefing before your trek. Return at lunchtime and then go visit the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel. Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Ruhengeri (City) All meals included Drinks not included
Destination: Musanze (City) Stay: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Ruhengeri (City) Meals: All meals included Drinks not included
Day 10
Musanze – Akagera National Park
In the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Akagera National Park via Kigali. Here you will have lunch before driving into Akagera National Park. You will cruise to Lake Ihema in the afternoon and then go bird watching in Akagera. Your overnight stay will be at the lodge. Luxury lodge located inside Akagera NP Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Akagera National Park Stay: Mantis Akagera Game Lodge Luxury lodge located inside Akagera NP Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 11
Akagera National Park – Kigali
After breakfast, you will go on a game drive in the park. Akagera National Park is located in Eastern Rwanda on the border with Tanzania. African Parks is currently managing this park and has done a great job with the conservation. In the past, there were lots of conflicts between people and the park but this was solved by fencing off part of the park and the introduction of community tours where visitors are encouraged to visit the communities and benefit accordingly. Akagera National Park is the only savannah park in Rwanda and is home to several mammal species. These include lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, kobs, zebras, bushbucks, waterbucks and most recently black rhinos have been introduced from South Africa. This makes Akagera National Park officially a Big Five park like it was many years ago. It is also home to numerous bird species in several habitats which include woodland, swamps, lakes and savannah. Luxury hotel located in Kigali Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Kigali Stay: The Governor's Residence Luxury hotel located in Kigali Meals: Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Day 12
Kigali
After breakfast, and depending on your departure flight, you may go on a complimentary visit to the Ntarama Church. This was the site where more than 5,000 were killed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. This genocide memorial is located 30km south of Kigali in the Bugasera region. This church and its contents are a reminder of the horrifying violence that took place. Learn more about the unity and reconciliation commission while you are here. Lunch (Breakfast & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Destination: Kigali Genocide Memorial (Kigali) Stay: No accommodation (End of tour) Meals: Lunch (Breakfast & dinner not included) Drinks not included
Tour step
End of tour
Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost. You'll be dropped off at the airport.
Included
Park fees (For non-residents)
Gorilla permits(One per person, non-resident)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Some meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Drinks
Getting There
This tour starts and ends in Kigali
This operator can book your international flights
Fly to/from Kigali Airport (KGL - Check price)
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost
Offered by
Golden Rwanda Safaris
5.0 operator rating
311 reviews
"Choose us for your very own African experience and let the voyage of your lifetime begin! "The experience of living starts when you find the pleasure of enjoying, those little things around us creating unforgettable moments which last a lifetime. Each detail counts to satisfy our clients who travel to Rwanda, the heart of Africa". "THE SMART SAFARI COMPANY FOR YOU"
Offices In
Rwanda, Congo (DRC)
Size
5-10 employees (Founded in 2012)
Member Of
ASTA, APTA, RTTA, Tripadvisor & VISIT RWANDA
Tour Types
Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
Destinations
Burundi, Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda
Traveler feedback
Reviews
Overall
5.0/5Communication
5.0/5Accuracy
5.0/5Value
5.0/5Safety clarity
5.0/5Cultural value
5.0/5Amazing first safari in Rwanda!
This was my first African safari experience, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Golden Rwanda Safari was recommended to me and did not disappoint! My guide was Muhammad and he was fun, informative and flexible! Great communication and I got to see 4 of the big 5, lots of zebra, giraffes, baboons, hippoes & birds galore!
Sibs · Australia
Highly recommended - had an amazing experience
I had an amazing experience with Golden Rwanda Safaris. Frank, the owner, was incredibly responsive as I booked and coordinated the trip via both email and WhatsApp and Sufiane was an absolutely amazing guide. He was extremely friendly, fun to hang out with, and had an amazing knowledge of the park and all of the animals that we saw. His ability to spot animals and point them out to me was insane. He spotted a few lions in the tall grass and was very patient with me as it took me more than 5 minutes to see them myself. Overall, the experience was incredible and I plan on booking with them again the next time I'm in Rwanda.
Shane · United States
Great service - super friendly and helpful
Myself and a colleague were in Rwanda for a business trip and decided to take advantage with a few days in the national park. The company was very communicative and easy to deal with. The service from Sufiani as our guide / driver was also great - very helpful, friendly, and knowledgable from the outset, picked us straight up from the airport and solved any issue or request we had over the 3/4 days. Would definitely recommend 👍 Hopefully will be back with the family at some point, and would defintely use again.
Jack · United Arab Emirates
Responsive, reliable, and responsible
We just returned from Akagera National Park in Rwanda. There were quite a few tour operators to choose from as we were planning our trip and making a selection was a little overwhelming. We finally settled on Golden Rwanda Safaris because Frank (the owner) was extremely responsive on WhatsApp. The other companies I contacted either never responded or responded with an itinerary and never followed up. I am glad we went with GRS. I was initially worried about booking a tour from the US and the legitimacy of the business, if you share the same concerns just know this is a legitimate business. We did a 5 day- 4 night tour of Akagera National Park, and it was amazing. GRS provided transportation and a guide throughout that time. It was all-inclusive so we didn’t have to worry about anything from the moment we stepped into the safari jeep. Our guide, Taufique, was amazing to experience the park with. He was passionate about the park and its resident animals. We saw just about everything from dwarf mongoose to lions. The highlight for me was spending two hours observing a herd of 60 elephants!! We didn’t feel rushed at any point in time. All in all it was an extremely successful trip. Upon our return to Kigali, Taufique, did a quick tour of the city to kill time until we could check in for our flight home. We were very appreciative to not sit in the Kigali airport for 6 hours. If you are considering GRS as your tour operator, I highly recommend them. You may also want to see if you can get Taufique as your guide. I have to also give a shoutout to Marc and Joshua who were our guides around Kigali for a day. A week prior to our safari tour, we made arrangements with GRS to take us around Kigali. Marc and Joshua took us around and was very accommodating as well. Joshua and Marc were very protective of us as we went into the local market and were swarmed by shop owners. Marc and Joshua were great.
Li-Ann · United States
Practical answers
Tour FAQs
Are rates charged per person?
Rates are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
Which currency is this tour priced in?
This tour is offered in US dollars (USD).
Can children join this tour?
This tour accepts children who are 17 years and older.
Can this tour start on my preferred date?
If availability permits, this tour can start on any day.
Can the itinerary be customized?
You can request minor changes to the accommodations and destinations of this tour.
Where do travelers stay during this tour?
The Governor's Residence - Luxury hotel in Kigali – Breakfast Included. Meals: Breakfast Included
Where does this tour start and end?
This tour starts and ends in Kigali
Are airport transfers included?
A transfer from and back to the airport is included
Operator policy
Terms and Conditions
Disclaimer
This tour is offered by Golden Rwanda Safaris , not SafariBookings.
This operator reserves the right to change rates advertised on SafariBookings.
If you request changes to this tour, the advertised rates will likely change.
The exact order, contents and rates of this tour are subject to availability.
If an accommodation is fully booked, the operator will suggest a comparable alternative.
Gorilla tracking permits are subject to availability.
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