14-Day Gorilla & Rhino Grand Tour (Midrange Safari)
Where endangered giants meet vibrant culture, and every day is a step deeper into Africa’s soul.
Tour Introduction
This 14-Day Gorilla & Rhino Grand Tour (Midrange Safari) is a comprehensive exploration of Rwanda’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Designed for travelers who seek depth, diversity, and conservation impact, the itinerary combines gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, rhino tracking and Big Five safaris in Akagera, chimpanzee encounters in Nyungwe, and cultural immersion across Kigali, Lake Kivu, and Musanze. With midrange comfort, expert guides, and group safari options, this journey is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, families with older children, and conservation-minded travelers.
Accessibility & How to Get There
Start/End Point: Kigali International Airport
Transfers: Private/group 4x4 safari vehicle with English-speaking guide
Drive Times:
Kigali to Akagera: ~2.5 hours
Akagera to Nyungwe via Kigali: ~7 hours
Nyungwe to Lake Kivu: ~4 hours
Lake Kivu to Volcanoes NP: ~2 hours
Volcanoes NP to Kigali: ~2.5 hours
Key Attractions & Tour Highlights
Volcanoes National Park: Gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Dian Fossey hike
Akagera National Park: Rhino tracking, Big Five game drives, Lake Ihema boat safari
Nyungwe Forest National Park: Chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, waterfall hike
Lake Kivu: Boat cruise, hot springs, beach leisure
Kigali City: Genocide Memorial, Inema Art Center, Kimironko Market
Cultural Encounters: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, tea and coffee cooperatives, traditional dance
Unique Selling Points
Two endangered species: mountain gorillas & white rhinos
Three national parks in one itinerary
Midrange comfort with eco-certified lodges
Group safari option for affordability and social bonding
Hands-on conservation and community engagement
✅ Inclusions
Gorilla, golden monkey, chimpanzee, and Akagera park permits
All accommodation (13 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 Heaven Restaurant
Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera & Lake Ihema Safari
Scenic drive to Akagera National Park
Afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema
Optional: Sunset photography
Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 3: Rhino Tracking & Game Drive
Morning rhino tracking with rangers
Afternoon game drive for Big Five sightings
Optional: Campfire storytelling
Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 4: Game Drive & Community Visit
Sunrise game drive
Visit local conservation project
Optional: Nature walk
Overnight: Akagera Game Lodge
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe via Kigali
Drive through scenic hills and tea plantations
Stop at Nyanza King’s Palace
Optional: Murambi Genocide Site
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 6: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Morning chimpanzee tracking
Afternoon canopy walk
Optional: Birding or nature walk
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 7: Waterfall Hike & Coffee Tour
Hike to Isumo Waterfall
Visit Gisakura Tea Estate and coffee cooperative
Optional: Lodge spa
Overnight: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Kivu & Boat Cruise
Drive to Gisenyi
Evening boat cruise with singing fishermen
Optional: Lakeside relaxation
Overnight: Paradise Kivu Hotel
Day 9: Hot Springs Visit & Transfer to Volcanoes NP
Morning boat ride to hot springs
Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Optional: Community walk
Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Day 10: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Village Visit
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes NP
Visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
Optional: Basket weaving workshop
Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Day 11: Golden Monkey Trekking & Lodge Leisure
Golden monkey tracking
Afternoon relaxation at lodge
Optional: Guided photography or massage
Overnight: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Day 12: Dian Fossey Hike & Transfer to Kigali
Hike to Dian Fossey’s grave and research site
Drive back to Kigali
Optional: Inema Art Center visit
Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Day 13: Kigali Cultural Day
Visit Rwanda Art Museum
Explore Nyamirambo Women’s Center
Optional: Cooking class or drumming session
Overnight: Heaven Boutique Hotel
Day 14: Farewell & Departure
Souvenir shopping
Farewell lunch and airport transfer
Accommodation Options
| Category | Akagera | Nyungwe | Lake Kivu | Volcanoes NP | Kigali | Amenities |
| Budget | Akagera Rhino Lodge | Nyungwe Eco Lodge | Discover Rwanda Gisenyi | Kinigi Guesthouse | Step Town Motel | Wi-Fi, en-suite rooms, local cuisine |
| Midrange | Akagera Game Lodge | Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel | Paradise Kivu Hotel | Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | Heaven Boutique Hotel | Forest views, hot showers, private balconies |
| Luxury | Ruzizi Tented Lodge | One&Only Nyungwe House | Serena Lake Kivu Hotel | Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | Kigali Serena Hotel | Spa, gourmet dining, lakefront suites |
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
Notebook for conservation reflections
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, golden monkey, and Akagera 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, luxury upgrades are available upon request.