13 Days 12 Nights Rwanda Safari Itinerary – The Ultimate Rwanda Wildlife, Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Adventure

Experience the best of Rwanda on this 13 days 12 nights Rwanda safari itinerary with Mandrill African Safaris. Enjoy gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, Big Five game drives, Lake Kivu, Nyungwe Forest, Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, Kigali city tours, and authentic cultural experiences.

If you are searching for the perfect African safari that combines mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, the Big Five, breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and luxury accommodation, this 13 Days 12 Nights Rwanda Safari Itinerary is the ideal choice. Carefully designed by Mandrill African Safaris, this unforgettable journey explores every major tourism destination in Rwanda while offering exceptional wildlife encounters and authentic cultural experiences.

Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda has transformed into one of Africa’s leading eco-tourism destinations. From the mist-covered forests of Volcanoes National Park to the rolling savannahs of Akagera National Park and the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe National Park, every day presents a new adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your professional guide from Mandrill African Safaris warmly welcomes you before transferring you to your hotel.

Depending on your arrival time, relax after your flight or enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and safest cities.

Accommodation:
Luxury: Kigali Serena Hotel
Mid-range: Hotel des Mille Collines
Budget: Onomo Hotel Kigali

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Kigali City Tour

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Kigali.

Visit:

• Kigali Genocide Memorial
• Kimironko Local Market
• Presidential Museum
• Inema Arts Center
• Nyamirambo Cultural Center

Learn about Rwanda’s incredible transformation from tragedy to one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.

Accommodation: Kigali

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Volcanoes National Park.

The scenic drive passes beautiful hills, villages, coffee farms, and banana plantations.

Upon arrival, check into your lodge before spending the afternoon relaxing while enjoying spectacular volcano views.

Driving time:
Approximately 2.5 hours

Accommodation:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge
Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Budget: Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Adventure

This is the highlight of your Rwanda safari.

Following an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before trekking through bamboo forests in search of endangered mountain gorillas.

Once located, you’ll spend one unforgettable hour observing these gentle giants as they feed, groom, play, and interact.

The experience remains one of Africa’s greatest wildlife encounters.

After trekking, return to your lodge for relaxation.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking & Twin Lakes Excursion

After breakfast, enjoy another exciting primate adventure by tracking the playful Golden Monkeys.

Later visit:

• Lake Burera
• Lake Ruhondo

Enjoy canoeing, bird watching, photography, and interactions with local communities.

Return to your lodge for dinner.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Dian Fossey Tomb Hike

Spend the morning hiking to the famous Dian Fossey Research Camp and Tomb.

Learn about the legendary conservationist whose efforts helped save Rwanda’s mountain gorillas.

The afternoon is free for cultural village visits or relaxation.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu

Leave the Virunga Mountains behind and drive to the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu.

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.

Optional activities include:

• Kayaking
• Boat cruises
• Coffee tours
• Swimming
• Fishing

Accommodation:
Luxury: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Mid-range: Paradise Malahide
Budget: Bethanie Guest House

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Drive through Rwanda’s stunning countryside toward Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Along the way, stop at tea plantations where visitors learn about Rwanda’s world-famous tea production.

Check into your lodge overlooking the rainforest.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Wake early for chimpanzee trekking.

Nyungwe Forest is home to over 500 chimpanzees alongside numerous monkey species including:

• L’Hoest monkeys
• Colobus monkeys
• Owl-faced monkeys
• Blue monkeys

Enjoy an exciting morning searching for these energetic primates before returning to the lodge.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Canopy Walk & Nature Hiking

After breakfast, enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk suspended high above the rainforest.

The 160-meter-long bridge offers incredible views of the forest canopy, birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

Continue with guided forest walks exploring waterfalls and medicinal plants.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Nyungwe to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, begin your journey to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park.

The drive showcases changing landscapes from rainforests to open plains.

Arrive in the evening and relax before tomorrow’s safari.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Full-Day Akagera National Park Safari

Today enjoy a full-day wildlife safari.

Look out for:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Buffaloes
• Rhinos
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Topis
• Waterbucks
• Hippos
• Crocodiles

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema where numerous hippos, crocodiles, and water birds can be seen.

Akagera has become one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories after successfully reintroducing lions and rhinos.

Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Return to Kigali & Departure

After breakfast, enjoy one final morning game drive before driving back to Kigali.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy souvenir shopping before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for departure.

End of your unforgettable 13 Days 12 Nights Rwanda Safari.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

• Kigali Serena Hotel
• Bisate Lodge
• Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
• One&Only Nyungwe House
• Magashi Camp

Mid-range

• Hotel des Mille Collines
• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Paradise Malahide
• Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
• Akagera Game Lodge

Budget

• Onomo Hotel Kigali
• Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Bethanie Guest House
• Gisakura Visitor Center
• Akagera Transit Lodge

Best Time for This Rwanda Safari

Rwanda is a year-round destination, but the best months include:

• June to September
• December to February

These months provide excellent conditions for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, photography, and game drives.

What Is Included?

• Airport transfers
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• 4×4 safari vehicle
• Gorilla trekking permit
• Golden monkey permit
• Chimpanzee permit
• Park entrance fees
• Accommodation
• Meals as specified
• Bottled drinking water
• Boat safari
• Canopy walk
• Kigali city tour

Excluded

• International flights
• Rwanda visa
• Personal insurance
• Tips
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expenses

Why Book with Mandrill African Safaris?

Mandrill African Safaris specializes in tailor-made East African safaris, offering exceptional service, expert local guides, and unforgettable wildlife experiences. We design personalized Rwanda safari packages for solo travelers, couples, families, photographers, and groups.

Our experienced team ensures seamless travel planning, quality accommodation, reliable transportation, and expert guidance throughout your journey. Whether you’re seeking luxury, mid-range, or affordable adventures, we create memorable experiences while supporting sustainable tourism and local communities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does a 13 Days 12 Nights Rwanda Safari cost?

Prices vary depending on accommodation category, group size, and travel season. Budget safaris generally start from around USD 4,500 per person, while luxury experiences can exceed USD 10,000, largely due to gorilla trekking permits and premium lodges.

Is Rwanda safe for tourists?

Yes. Rwanda is widely recognized as one of Africa’s safest and cleanest destinations, with excellent infrastructure and a strong focus on conservation and sustainable tourism.

Do I need a gorilla trekking permit?

Yes. A gorilla trekking permit is mandatory and should be booked well in advance due to limited daily availability.

What should I pack?

Bring lightweight clothing, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, gardening gloves for trekking, insect repellent, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, binoculars, and a camera with extra batteries.

Book Your Rwanda Adventure Today

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with this 13 Days 12 Nights Rwanda Safari Itinerary from Mandrill African Safaris. From unforgettable encounters with endangered mountain gorillas to thrilling Big Five safaris, rainforest adventures, scenic lakes, and rich cultural experiences, Rwanda promises memories that will last forever.

Contact Mandrill African Safaris today to customize your safari, secure your gorilla permits, and start planning your dream holiday in the Land of a Thousand Hills.