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
Posted on Tripadvisor Geti LVerified 100% would recommend Amazing team and guide. I didn’t have to think about anything since they planned everything from airport pick up till drop off. Best value for buck but also great attitude and support. Got permission to visit the Pablo family thanks to our guide!Posted on Tripadvisor Yanis RVerified Thanks Kim for that wonderful day Kim was my guide for my experience with the gorillas. He made the day so comfortable. Everything was perfect! We also had many conversations about everything. I definitely recommend traveling with him!!Posted on Tripadvisor Aglaia OVerified Amazing Rwanda gorilla trek! Playful babies, calm silverback, great guides. Book permits well in advance. My gorilla trekking experience in Rwanda was absolutely incredible. We found the gorillas within about an hour of hiking, and seeing them up close was unforgettable. The baby gorillas were especially playful and entertaining to watch, constantly moving around and interacting with each other. In contrast, the silverback was calm, quiet, and completely self-focused — somehow both powerful and peaceful at the same time. The gorillas were not scary at all, and we never felt threatened during the experience. The guides were fantastic: experienced, knowledgeable, and very entertaining throughout the trek. One of our guides even shared stories about crossing paths with Dian Fossey, which made the experience feel even more special and connected to Rwanda’s conservation history. One important tip: make sure to secure your trekking permit well in advance, as spots are limited and can sell out quickly. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience that I would highly recommend.Posted on Tripadvisor MARCELLE EVerified Gorilles Kigali Nous avons choisis la parcours long mais ca valait le coup. Nous en avons pris pleins les yeux les guides étaient top le trajet depuis Kigali pas trop long avec le chauffeur de l'agence , NEZA qui a vraiment été super du début à la fin . Il nous été d’une grande aide.le responsable de l’agence et était super et disponible il nous a aidé pour toutes les démarches.Posted on Tripadvisor Teresa BVerified The trek was perfect! We saw a beautiful family of gorillas including two Silverbacks! The best experience of my life! Seeing gorillas in their natural habitat was incredible! A truly serene experience. The tour was well planned and could not have been more perfect. The entire team guided with professionalism and love. My porter, Jacqueline, was wonderful and took great care of me. My personal guide/driver, Kim, was a delight! I learned much about Rwanda from him on the drive. I was surprised he greeted me with champagne toast! The day could not have been better.Posted on Tripadvisor Martin MVerified Top professionell! Everything was top. Very professional. I can highly recommend the company.Posted on Tripadvisor marius06Verified Unieke uitstap noorden Rwanda Super correcte organisatie stipt en vriendelijk behulpzaamPosted on Tripadvisor StyleemanVerified Gorilla Trek was Incredible Wonderful experience, Christian took care of us and gave us tour information on the way there and on the way back. The drive was comfortable and informative. The hand over to the trekking team was seamless and we were provided all the information we needed prior to arrival. Top tip bring a change of clothes and a towel, if it rains in the mountains you get very wet!! 2026- Gorilla trekking licence is an additional 1,500$ for non-Africans, 500$ for Africans. Bring additional cash for a porter to carry your bags and support you through the mud.Posted on Tripadvisor Thomas SVerified Perfect gorilla experience An early start (0430), but a smooth drive and the tour ran like clockwork. An excellent guide in Shadady, who spoke great English and has a comfortable 4WD car. We got to see the gorillas after approx. 1h 30 min walk, half of which was on farmland tracks and paths, the rest on muddy wet trails in the scrub/jungle. As my elderly mother was with us, the tour company made sure we were assigned a more easily accessible gorilla family. Younger people have to drive a lot further into the reserve and hike longer to see their allocated gorilla family. On the way back, stopped in a juice bar in Rwanda's second city for lunch, very good standard. Had great coffee on the way there. My only concern was that after transferring the company several thousand dollars for tours, communication was very thin. I had to chase the company up for booking confirmations, pick-up times etc and we never received any kind of itinerary. However, the company always replied quickly to emails. I had a nagging fear that the company had just taken my money and run off with it ! I needn't have worried, they were completely professional at all times. Maybe this "light communication" is just the Rwandan way. I hired them for a Kigali City Tour (one day) and also Lake Kivu Day Tour, both were equally professionally run. Highly recommended !Posted on Tripadvisor Bob VVerified Great tour in Rwanda My experience with Universal Ventures was excellent! The owner Emmanuel was very accommodating with revisions to my booking. Our driver/guide Christian was outstanding: friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Our flight to Kigali was significantly delayed, but Christian was happy to safely drive us to our hotel near Volcanoes National Park late into the evening in inclement weather. Highly recommended!
