11 Day Rwanda Land of a Thousand Hills Grand Tour
Kigali, Akagera, Nyungwe, Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park, linking Rwanda's whole circuit.
Go beyond the expected.
Eleven days across all of Rwanda. See Kigali's history, spot big game and take a boat trip in Akagera, track chimpanzees in Nyungwe, relax on Lake Kivu and finish with a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
- Kigali city tour and memorial sites
- Akagera game drives and Lake Ihema boat trip
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe
- Lake Kivu
- Gorilla trek and a village visit
What's included
Included
- Airport transfers
- Pop-up roof 4x4 vehicle with driver-guide
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Park and reserve entrance fees for the activities listed
- Mountain gorilla permit and chimpanzee permit
- Boat trip on Lake Ihema
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
Confirm current park fees, permit availability, accommodation and pricing before booking, since these can change with season and demand. Access to remote areas should be confirmed before travel.
Day by day
Day 1 Arrival in Kigali
Kigali
Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 Kigali city tour
Kigali
A full-day guided city tour covering the Genocide Memorial, Nyamata Church, the markets and the Craft Village.
Day 3 To Akagera
Akagera National Park
Drive east to Akagera and take an afternoon game drive.
Day 4 Akagera game drive and boat trip
Akagera National Park
An early game drive for elephant, lion, buffalo and birds, then an afternoon boat trip on Lake Ihema among hippos and crocodiles.
Day 5 Back to Kigali
Akagera and Kigali
A morning game drive, then return to Kigali with a free afternoon.
Day 6 To Nyungwe Forest
Nyanza, Huye and Nyungwe
Visit the Royal Palace Museum in Nyanza and the National Museum in Huye, then drive into Nyungwe rainforest.
Day 7 Chimpanzee tracking
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Track a habituated chimpanzee group, with the afternoon free for forest walks or the canopy walkway.
Day 8 To Lake Kivu
Kibuye and Gisenyi
Drive to Lake Kivu with lunch in Kibuye.
Day 9 Lake Kivu to Volcanoes
Lake Kivu and Volcanoes National Park
Visit the hot springs or take a boat trip around the islands, then drive to the Virunga foothills.
Day 10 Gorilla trekking and village visit
Volcanoes National Park
Trek to a gorilla family and spend an hour with them, then visit a cultural village in the afternoon.
Day 11 Return to Kigali and departure
Kigali
Drive back to Kigali for your flight.
Travel Guide
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Questions about 11 Day Rwanda Land of a Thousand Hills Grand Tour
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one safari?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
Can I combine Rwanda and Uganda in one trip?
Yes, this is a popular combination. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda sits close to Uganda’s southwest, so gorilla trekking in one country and chimpanzee tracking or savannah game drives in the other can be combined without excessive travel time.
How many national parks does Rwanda have?
Rwanda protects its landscapes across four national parks: Volcanoes National Park (mountain gorillas and golden monkeys), Nyungwe (one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, chimpanzees and a canopy walkway), Akagera (Rwanda’s savanna park, restored to hold the full Big Five) and the smaller Gishwati-Mukura.
How much does a gorilla trekking permit cost in Rwanda?
Rwanda gorilla trekking permits, issued by the Rwanda Development Board, are priced separately from Uganda’s and are generally higher. We confirm the current official rate when planning your safari and can advise on combining Rwanda with Uganda if you want to compare or reduce overall permit costs.
Is Rwanda good for a short safari?
Yes. Rwanda’s compact size means gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey tracking and a Kigali city stop can realistically fit into 3–4 days, making it a good option if your travel time is limited.