9 Days Best of Rwanda
Overview of 9 Days Rwanda Safari
Escape to Rwanda – Africa’s last true wilderness sanctuary. Our 9 Days Rwanda Safari transports you from the modern world into nature’s untouched realm, where wildlife reigns supreme and adventure awaits at every turn.
This immersive 9 Days Rwanda Safari showcases the country’s most spectacular experiences:
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking in the misty volcanoes
- Primate Encounters in Nyungwe’s ancient forests
- Big Five Safaris across Akagera’s golden savannahs
Each day of your 9 Days Rwanda Safari brings new wonders as you:
✓ Stand breathless before endangered mountain gorillas
✓ Track chimpanzees through emerald rainforests
✓ Cruise past hippos and crocodiles on mirror-still lakes
✓ Witness Rwanda’s famous “Thousand Hills” unfold before you
More than just a safari, this 9 Days Rwanda Safari offers:
- Intimate wildlife encounters
- Cultural immersion with local communities
- Luxury eco-lodges in pristine locations
- Expert guides revealing Rwanda’s hidden gems
Why this 9 Days Rwanda Safari itinerary stands out:
- Exclusive access to Rwanda’s “Big Three” national parks
- Perfect balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation
- Conservation-focused experiences that support local communities
Itinerary of 9 Days Rwanda Safari
Day 1: Kigali City Tour
Explore Rwanda’s vibrant capital through key landmarks including Gahanga Market, Akagera River viewpoints, Rebero Hill panoramas, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial. Experience the city’s evolution into Africa’s cleanest capital while interacting with locals and enjoying refreshments at Kigali Heights.
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest
Journey south with a cultural stop at the King’s Palace Museum, a reconstructed traditional royal residence, before arriving at Nyungwe Forest Lodge for overnight.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking & Canopy Walk
Search for chimpanzees and other primates like colobus monkeys during a guided forest trek, followed by an exhilarating canopy walk experience.
Day 4: Lake Kivu Exploration
Discover Kibuye’s islands (Napoleon, Peace, Monkey) by boat before visiting the Environmental Museum.
Day 5: Gisenyi & Night Fishing
Travel along scenic Lake Kivu to Gisenyi for beach relaxation and a unique night fishing experience with local fishermen.
Day 6: Volcanoes National Park & Cultural Experience
Transfer to gorilla country with an immersive visit to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for traditional performances and insights into Rwandan heritage.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking
The highlight encounter – trek through volcanic forests to observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat for one unforgettable hour.
Day 8: Akagera Wildlife Park
Journey east for a boat safari on Lake Ihema spotting hippos and crocodiles, with potential evening game viewing.
Day 9: Full Game Drive & Return
Morning safari searching for lions, elephants and giraffes before returning to Kigali with unforgettable wildlife memories.
This comprehensive itinerary combines Rwanda’s premier wildlife, primate and cultural experiences across its diverse landscapes.
✅ What’s included in 9 Days Rwanda Safari
- Parks Entrance Fees
- Canopy Walk
- Gorilla Trekking Permit
- Chimpanzee Trekking permit
- Transportation 4×4 jeep
- Accommodation
- Meals and soft drinks
- Wi-Fi internet
- Bottled water
- Professional driver guide
- Pick-up and drop-off
❌ Exclusions in 9 Days Rwanda Safari
- Alcoholic drinks
- Anything not explicitly mentioned.
Note
- Remember, gorilla trekking involves being in close proximity to wildlife, so it’s important to wear muted colors like khaki, brown, or green to blend in with the natural surroundings.
Avoid bright or flashy clothing that may startle or disturb the gorillas. Lastly, be prepared for different weather conditions
Some areas of Akagera have tsetse flies and they do bite while traveling.
What do I need to bring?
- Lightweight and breathable clothing
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Layered clothing
- Comfortable and sturdy footwear
- Binoculars and camera
- Insect repellent
Cancellation policy:
- Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.
Book for this Gorilla trekking tour
Sandrine G2025-09-22Verified Rwanda Home of Big five Animals/ Akagera national park. Good safari Tour with Universal, animals were spotted very closer and guide John provided the necessary insights for animals behaviors/ Life style, we sow faux in big five which is not bad at all, Food was delicious too with lake view behind us.The list of animals viewed is too long: Elephants, buffalos, hypos, crocodile, giraffe, Lion, zebras, impala, Birds,.........Thank you John and your company to make this Tour enjoyable and funny. i highly recommend it to Anny one.Thank youSandrine. Dr. Katina2025-09-19Verified Amazing Experience from the state of Florida in the USA My experience was amazing from the start (booking) to the end of the tour! They contacted me and advised me what was needed for the tour via WhatsApp. Additionally, they were patient in answering all of my questions. The driver Shadady was skilled and knowledgeable. He was the best!! The porters helped me make it to the top to see the gorillas after having breathing issues due to the high altitude. We trekked up the mountain for 2 hours because the gorillas kept moving. We were able to see the silverback!! The guide Francis was knowledgeable and ensured we were all okay. I would highly recommend this company for your needs. My husband and I had an amazing experience!! Anona W2025-09-07Verified Exciting adventure with expert guides! The gorilla trek exceeding my expectations. Our driver and guide, Christian, did a great job of navigating busy traffic to get us safely to and from Volcanoes National Park. He managed the gorilla permits and park fees so we did not have to think about it. The trek was the adventure of a lifetime! The expert guide and gorilla trackers found our gorilla family right away and primed us on how to behave. Porters were friendly and available to carry bags and provide assistance as needed. Trekking in the park involved some slipping & sliding on roots, so I think you have to be ok with falling down. After the trek, Christian met us with a thoughtful refreshment and took us to a delicious restaurant. Highly recommended. Kaushik I2025-09-04Verified Kind guide/driver Good choice for safari experience, Universal has been a good and professional company for my trip in Akagera national park , Christian my guide went beyond my expectations , we drove all corners and find out the animals, We have been able to spot Elephant, big troop of buffalos, hyena , zebras, giraffes, birds, crocodile , lions, hypos,...... Thank you Christian to make this safari Easy and Possible. i highly recommend it to any one. Thank you. Khaled m2025-08-20Verified Top notch animals experience/ Akagera Amazing animals safari in Rwanda with my colleagues, within a short free period of our business trip in Rwanda we have booked the safari in Akagera one of the best national park of Rwanda, The company has provided excellent service and Richard the guide was friendly and passionate for his career job, he knows animas for any type and size. we did all park from southern to northern and have definitely enjoyed the safari, i can' wait to give recommendation for any one wish visit Rwanda and especial Akagera, Plan and Book Universal they are The Champion. Thank you. Shiloh Therrien A2025-08-19Verified Passionate Guide, Incredible Wildlife, Perfect Day! We had an unforgettable safari experience in Rwanda with Christian as our guide. From the very beginning, it was clear that he truly cares about the animals and the park. His passion and knowledge made the entire trip both exciting and educational.Christian made sure we felt safe, comfortable, and well taken care of the whole time. He explained what we were seeing in a way that was easy to understand and answered all of our questions with patience. Thanks to him, we were able to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons, hippopotamus, and so much more—it was incredible!If you’re looking for a guide who is professional, caring, and genuinely invested in giving you the best experience possible, I highly recommend booking a tour with Christian. He truly made our safari one we will never forget! Jasmine C2025-08-14Verified Great experience It was a great experience with this company. On time . Professional. Highly recommend. Our driver was the best! Forgettable experience Heidi B2025-08-11Verified Memorable safari. Thank you very much for tour was a great experience! Definately Will do ir again. Our tour guide picked us up at the hotel early in the morning driving its about 3 hours and he took the time to explain everything we see during our way. Thank you Shaddi for taking us and driving so we can see a lot of the animals. We traveled to Kigali as a delegate of jehovahs witnesses our first time in Africa. And people are helpful and friendly. We went for breakfast as well where we meet a lot of friends there. He wasn’t in a rush. Thank you once again!! Highly recommended!! Marc H2025-08-10Verified An unforgettable trip to Uganda! 🦍🌿 Thanks to Rwindy, we had an exceptional experience: We had the chance to experience emotional highlights: watching mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, walking alongside chimpanzees, meeting elephants, lionesses, and so many other wildlife... All in absolutely spectacular landscapes, between jungle, savannah and misty hills, visits to schools and villages, all in breathtaking landscapes.Lodges (not high-end but very comfortable), tasty food with vegetarian options everywhere, and above all a remarkable guide, passionate and attentive, contributed greatly to the success of the trip.Surprisingly, we didn’t meet any French, only Belgians, Germans and Americans. A destination still little frequented... and to discover absolutely! KABERA S2025-08-10Verified Vacation trip I came to Rwanda with my entire family in vacation trip, we did a trip of two days in Akagera national park our tourist guide was Christian he really managed time he came on time for a pick up and he gave us a short well understandable briefing. On our way he drove us well, he could answer every question we could ask up to the park after we arrived in the park he suggested us about doing bot trip experience on ihema lake and we spotted all aquatic animals such as hippos, crocodiles and different species of birds. We saw Elphant and buffaloes drinking water on the lake actually this experience was very impressive we even spotted four out of five big animals as well others like giraffes, antelope. I would like to conclude by thanking universal ventures especially tourist guide Christian I am kindly requesting that who ever come to travel in Rwanda with universal ventures would ask for Tour guide Christian on his or her safari thanks ❤️