10 Days highlight of Rwanda

January 5, 2026

10 Days Rwanda Highlights: A Journey Through the Land of a Thousand Hills

Discover Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, savannah wildlife, ancient rainforests, beautiful lakes and rich cultural heritage on an unforgettable 10-day safari.

Plan Your Rwanda Safari
Explore the Itinerary

Private guided tour · Wildlife encounters · Primate trekking · Cultural experiences

Explore the beauty of Rwanda

Experience the Best of Rwanda in 10 Days

Rwanda, popularly known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, is one of Africa’s most remarkable travel destinations. Famous for its spectacular mountain scenery, welcoming communities, remarkable conservation achievements and extraordinary wildlife, the country offers a memorable combination of adventure, relaxation and cultural discovery.

This 10-day Rwanda safari takes you beyond the capital, Kigali, to explore some of the country’s most treasured destinations. Experience the savannah plains of Akagera National Park, encounter endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, enjoy the peaceful shores of Lake Kivu and explore the biodiversity of Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Whether you are interested in wildlife photography, primate encounters, scenic road trips, nature walks or cultural experiences, this journey introduces you to the outstanding attractions that make Rwanda special.

10 Days Rwanda Highlights

Kigali City

Kigali Convention Centre and modern Kigali city landscape featured in Rwanda Beyond Gorillas(Christmas in Kigali) Discover Rwanda’s capital, cultural attractions, history, markets and modern urban life.

Akagera National Park

Enjoy wildlife drives and a scenic boat trip on Lake Ihema in Rwanda’s savannah wilderness.

Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorilla with young in the forests of East Africa, illustrating a Uganda gorilla safari from Malaysia (Uganda Safaris from Malaysia) Experience an unforgettable encounter with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Golden Monkeys

Golden Monkey Trekking in East Africa

Explore the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains in search of playful golden monkeys.

Lake Kivu

Relax along beautiful lakeshores and enjoy boat excursions and spectacular sunsets.

Nyungwe Forest

Canopy Walkway Adventure in Nyungwe

Discover chimpanzees, forest wildlife and the famous canopy walkway.

10-Day Rwanda Safari Route

The journey begins and ends in Kigali, following a scenic circuit through eastern, northern, western and southwestern Rwanda.

Kigali → Akagera National Park → Volcanoes National Park → Lake Kivu → Nyungwe Forest National Park → Kigali

The route is subject to adjustment depending on gorilla permit availability, accommodation choices, road conditions and international flight schedules.

Detailed 10-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

DAY 1 · ARRIVAL

Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Your Hotel

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by your professional safari guide from UgandaRwanda Safaris. After a short introduction, transfer to your hotel in Kigali.

Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy a relaxed introduction to Rwanda’s capital, admire the beautiful surrounding hills or simply rest after your international flight.

In the evening, enjoy dinner and prepare for the exciting experiences ahead.

Accommodation: Kigali hotel.

DAY 2 · KIGALI CITY TOUR

Explore Kigali’s History, Culture and Attractions

Filming the Rwandan culture

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the country’s history and remember the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Allow sufficient time for this important and moving experience.

Continue to local neighbourhoods, art galleries and traditional markets, where you can discover Rwandan crafts, fresh produce and everyday community life.

You may also visit the Nyamirambo neighbourhood for a cultural experience and enjoy panoramic views of the city’s beautiful hills.

Accommodation: Kigali hotel.

DAY 3 · KIGALI TO AKAGERA

Transfer to Akagera National Park and Afternoon Game Drive

Lion, rhinos, buffalo, leopard and elephant representing Big Five wildlife safaris in Akagera National Park, Rwanda.

Depart Kigali and travel eastwards to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s spectacular savannah conservation area.

The changing landscape introduces you to open grasslands, rolling hills, wetlands and beautiful lakes. On arrival, check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch before heading out for an afternoon game drive.

Look out for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes and other wildlife. Akagera is also home to lions and black and white rhinoceroses, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.

Accommodation: Lodge in or near Akagera National Park.

DAY 4 · AKAGERA WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE

Morning Game Drive and Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

Start the day with an early morning game drive when many animals are active. Explore different sections of the park with your guide while searching for wildlife in the savannah and woodland habitats.

Akagera offers excellent opportunities to photograph giraffes, elephants, zebras, buffaloes and numerous antelope species.

Later, enjoy a boat excursion on Lake Ihema. Look for hippos, crocodiles and an impressive variety of water birds along the lake’s shores.

The combination of land-based wildlife viewing and a boat safari provides a different perspective of Rwanda’s biodiversity.

Accommodation: Lodge in or near Akagera National Park.

DAY 5 · AKAGERA TO MUSANZE

Scenic Journey to Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, leave Akagera and travel towards the northern province of Rwanda. The journey takes you through beautiful countryside, rural communities and the spectacular hills that characterise the country.

Proceed towards Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park.

On arrival, check into your lodge and relax. Your guide will brief you about the following day’s gorilla trekking experience, including appropriate clothing, physical preparation and park regulations.

Ensure your gorilla trekking permit has been confirmed before travelling.

Accommodation: Lodge in Musanze or near Volcanoes National Park.

DAY 6 · GORILLA TREKKING

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Today is one of the major highlights of your 10-day Rwanda safari. Wake up early and enjoy breakfast before travelling to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for registration and a briefing from the park rangers.

You will be assigned a gorilla family and accompanied by experienced trackers and guides into the forested slopes of the Virunga Mountains.

The trek may take several hours depending on the location and movements of the gorilla family. Once you find the gorillas, you will have a strictly regulated one-hour viewing experience to observe their natural behaviour, take photographs and appreciate their remarkable family relationships.

Return to the starting point after the trek and transfer to your lodge for relaxation.

Gorilla trekking is subject to permit availability and park regulations. Participants must meet the applicable minimum age requirement of 15 years.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

DAY 7 · GOLDEN MONKEY TRACKING

Golden Monkey Tracking and Cultural Experiences

4 Days Luxury Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkey Safari in Rwanda

After breakfast, return to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for another exciting primate adventure.

Golden monkey tracking takes place in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains. These attractive and energetic primates are known for their golden-orange fur, playful movements and social behaviour.

Follow your guide through the forest to locate a habituated golden monkey troop. Observe the monkeys feeding, jumping between bamboo stems and interacting with one another.

In the afternoon, you may visit the Gorilla Guardians Village for a cultural experience showcasing traditional Rwandan music, dance, crafts and community heritage.

Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park.

DAY 8 · LAKE KIVU

Travel to Lake Kivu and Enjoy a Lakeside Experience

After breakfast, depart Musanze and drive towards Lake Kivu, one of the Great Lakes of East Africa.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you travel through green hills, terraced farmland and picturesque communities. Depending on your selected accommodation, you will arrive in Rubavu or another lakeside destination.

Spend the afternoon relaxing along the shoreline, enjoying the lake views and taking photographs. Optional activities include a guided boat excursion, kayaking and visiting nearby fishing communities.

Lake Kivu is an excellent place to slow down after several days of wildlife and primate activities.

Accommodation: Lake Kivu hotel or resort.

DAY 9 · NYUNGWE FOREST

Explore Nyungwe Forest and Experience the Canopy Walkway

After breakfast, travel towards southwestern Rwanda and the spectacular Nyungwe Forest National Park.

Nyungwe is one of Africa’s outstanding montane rainforest ecosystems, known for its rich biodiversity, forest scenery and remarkable primate populations.

Depending on your arrival time and the activities booked, enjoy a guided nature experience or the famous canopy walkway, which offers an elevated view over the rainforest.

For travellers with additional time, chimpanzee tracking is another major attraction. However, this itinerary requires an additional night or a revised route to include a proper chimpanzee trekking excursion without rushing the journey.

Enjoy the beautiful forest environment before settling into your accommodation.

Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest.

DAY 10 · RETURN TO KIGALI

Return to Kigali and Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge before beginning the return journey to Kigali.

The drive takes you through Rwanda’s picturesque southern and central countryside. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop for refreshments, photographs or a short visit along the way.

Upon arrival in Kigali, your guide will transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.

This brings your 10-day journey through the Land of a Thousand Hills to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, culture and hospitality.

End of safari.