10-Day Gorilla & Wildlife Combo (Budget Safari)
This 10-Day Gorilla & Wildlife Combo (Budget Safari) offers an immersive, cost-effective journey through Rwanda’s top national parks, perfect for adventurous travelers seeking primates, savannah wildlife, and cultural depth without compromising experience.
Tour Introduction
The 10-Day Gorilla & Wildlife Combo (Budget Safari) is designed for budget-conscious travelers who want to explore Rwanda’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The itinerary covers Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, Lake Kivu, and Kigali City, offering gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and community visits. Group safari is highly recommended for shared costs and social bonding.
Accessibility & How to Get There
Start/End Point: Kigali International Airport
Transfers: Shared 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide
Drive Times:
Kigali to Nyungwe: ~6 hours
Nyungwe to Lake Kivu: ~4 hours
Lake Kivu to Volcanoes NP: ~2 hours
Volcanoes NP to Akagera: ~5 hours
Akagera to Kigali: ~2.5 hours
Key Attractions & Tour Highlights
Volcanoes NP: Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking
Nyungwe Forest: Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk
Akagera NP: Big Five game drives, Lake Ihema boat safari
Lake Kivu: Boat cruise, hot springs visit
Kigali City: Genocide Memorial, local markets, art centers
Unique Selling Points
Affordable access to Rwanda’s top parks
Group safari option for shared cost and camaraderie
Budget lodges with essential amenities
Balanced mix of primates, savannah wildlife, and culture
Local community engagement and eco-tourism support
✅ Inclusions
Gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey permits
Budget accommodation (9 nights)
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Park entrance fees
Bottled water
Professional guide and transport
❌ Exclusions
International flights
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Optional activities not listed
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Kigali City Tour
Visit Kigali Genocide Memorial
Explore Kimironko Market
Optional: Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight: Step Town Motel
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe via Butare
Visit Nyanza King’s Palace and National Museum
Scenic drive to Nyungwe Forest
Optional: Murambi Genocide Site
Overnight: Gisakura Guesthouse
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Morning chimpanzee tracking in Kyamudongo Forest
Afternoon canopy walk
Optional: Birding or nature walk
Overnight: Gisakura Guesthouse
Day 4: Transfer to Lake Kivu & Boat Cruise
Drive to Gisenyi
Evening boat cruise with singing fishermen
Optional: Lakeside relaxation
Overnight: Discover Rwanda Gisenyi
Day 5: Hot Springs Visit & Transfer to Volcanoes NP
Morning boat ride to hot springs
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Optional: Community walk
Overnight: Kinigi Guesthouse
Day 6: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Village Visit
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP
Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Optional: Basket weaving workshop
Overnight: Kinigi Guesthouse
Day 7: Golden Monkey Trekking & Transfer to Kigali
Golden monkey tracking
Drive back to Kigali
Optional: Inema Art Center visit
Overnight: Step Town Motel
Day 8: Transfer to Akagera NP & Lake Ihema Safari
Drive to Akagera National Park
Afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema
Optional: Sunset photography
Overnight: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Day 9: Game Drive & Community Visit
Morning game drive for Big Five sightings
Visit local conservation project
Optional: Campfire storytelling
Overnight: Akagera Rhino Lodge
Day 10: Morning Game Drive & Return to Kigali
Final game drive
Transfer to Kigali for departure
Optional: Souvenir shopping
Accommodation Options
| Category | Nyungwe | Lake Kivu | Volcanoes NP | Akagera | Kigali | Amenities |
| Budget | Gisakura Guesthouse | Discover Rwanda Gisenyi | Kinigi Guesthouse | Akagera Rhino Lodge | Step Town Motel | Wi-Fi, en-suite rooms, local cuisine |
Packing Tips & Recommendations
Waterproof hiking boots
Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
Rain jacket
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Camera with extra batteries
Lightweight backpack
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Best Time to Visit
June–September & December–February: Dry seasons with easier trekking and game viewing
Top 5 FAQs
Are all permits included?
Yes, gorilla, chimpanzee, and golden monkey permits are covered.
Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, especially with group safari option.
Can children join?
Children aged 15+ can participate in trekking; younger ones can enjoy cultural and game drive activities.
Are meals included?
Yes, all meals are provided throughout the tour.
Can I upgrade accommodation?
Yes, midrange and luxury upgrades are available upon request.