Private tour to the highlights of Rwanda, including gorilla trekking
from/to Kigali
9 days (8 nights)
private trip
9 days / 8 nights from / to Kigali, individually customizable private tour
I am absolutely certain that Rwanda will surprise you! This small Central African country is one of the most progressive countries in Africa. And also the cleanest.
The route takes you to the major highlights: you start your journey in Kigali, Rwanda's bustling capital city on its 1,000 hills. Continue on to the vast savannah of Akagera National Park, where you can observe acacia trees, elephants, buffalo, Masai giraffes, Burchell's zebras, and herds of gazelles. Nyungwe National Park is one of the few mountain rainforests. Here you will see chimpanzees and golden monkeys.
Relax for a day at Lake Kivu with magnificent views across the lake and sporting activities.
And then it's on to the highlight of the trip: gorilla trekking in the impenetrable Virunga Mountains.
We offer this trip as a private tour. You will have your own driver and guide who will accompany you throughout the trip (changes may be possible during the trip). You can modify the trip as you wish. For example, you can extend your stay in the Virunga Mountains for further exploration or move your stay at Lake Kivu to the end of your trip and stay for a few days to relax.
Stephanie Gräf
Owner & Founder
Since 2002, I have been personally advising clients on unique expeditions and private trips, small-ship cruises, and journeys to remote regions of the world.
We'd be happy to discuss your trip with you in person.
Why not contact me right now at Phone: +49 201 85890960 or email welcome@inventia.de.
Or schedule a free, no-obligation one-on-one phone call (also via WhatsApp or Wi-Fi), a Teams or Zoom meeting here—even in the evenings or on weekends:
Good to know
This trip is a customized trip that we plan just for you. We are happy to tailor the excursion program, accommodations, route, and duration to your preferences.
Arrival: We will be happy to provide you with a personalized quote including flight arrival and departure.
Pre- and post-program: Extend your trip a little longer. Extend your stay in Rwanda or visit other destinations in Africa.
Entry requirements: German citizens need a passport that is valid for at least six months at the time of entry and a visa to enter Rwanda. Further information on entry requirements and the latest security advice can be found at the Federal Foreign Office.
The trip is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Extensive city tour in Kigali
- Safari in Akagera National Park – Rwanda's "answer" to the classic East African savannah: grasslands, acacia trees, elephants, buffalo, Masai giraffes, Burchell's zebras, gazelles, eagles, pelicans, cranes, and shoebill storks.
- Visit to the National Museum in Butare
- Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Africa's largest estimated mountain rainforest area
- Relaxing at Lake Kivu
- Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
itinerary
A Bliss of Rwanda
Day 1: Kigali
Arrival in Kigali. Transfer to your booked hotel.
Day at leisure.
Upon request, we can organize a city tour of Kigali.
Days 2–3: Kigali – Akagera National Park
Pickup in Kigali and drive to Akagera National Park.
Warm and low-lying, this park is Rwanda’s “answer” to the classic East African savanna:
As you observe the grasslands, acacia trees, elephants, buffalo, Masai giraffes, Burchell’s zebras, and herds of gazelles, you’ll hardly encounter any other vehicles. Eagles soar high above the savanna, while pelicans, cranes, and even the rarely seen shoebill storks can be found in the river channels.
Overnight stay at a lodge in Akagera National Park.
Day 4: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Today’s drive takes you across the country via Kigali.
You’ll travel on well-maintained, winding roads to Butare and visit the National Museum.
Afterward, you’ll continue on to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Such an intact mountain rainforest, at elevations between 1,600 m and 2,000 m, is now very rare in Africa. Yet this very park serves as a vital habitat for many endangered animal species. Covering over 1,000 km², the Nyungwe Forest is the largest protected area of mountain rainforest in Africa. The headwaters of some of Africa’s largest rivers also originate here.
The Nile is fed on the eastern side of the Nyungwe Mountains, while the Congo River is supplied with water on the western side.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Tracking
You’ll go chimpanzee tracking in the dense jungle of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
About 500 chimpanzees share this habitat with colobus monkeys and rare species of vervet monkeys, among others, which you may be lucky enough to spot. Nyungwe National Park is also home to 86 mammal species, 280 bird species, and about 100 orchid varieties. It is the most important birdwatching destination in Rwanda.
Afterward, drive to Lake Kivu.
Day 6: Lake Kivu
Spend a relaxing day at the lake. Go for walks along the shore or take a boat or kayak out onto the lake.
The sunset over the lake is breathtakingly beautiful. Wind down the evening with a drink on the terrace of your lodge or the balcony of your room.
Day 7: Lake Kivu – Volcanoes National Park
Today you’ll drive along a very winding but well-maintained road, heading northwest along the rugged shores of Lake Kivu.
Depending on traffic conditions and road conditions (usually during the rainy season), the route through the interior of the country may also be taken.
Shortly before reaching your destination, the Virunga Mountains come into view. Ruhengeri is located in the Musanze district and sits picturesquely at the foot of the Virunga volcanoes, with the peaks of Mount Karisimbi (approx. 4,507 m), Mt. Ghahinga (approx. 3,474 m), Mt. Sabinyo (approx. 3,645 m), and Mt. Muhabura (approx. 4,127 m).
Day 8: Unforgettable Gorilla Tracking
Today you’ll experience the highlight of the trip: the unforgettable gorilla trek. The trek into the primates’ territory leads through dense jungle and can therefore be quite arduous. Once you reach the gorilla group, you’ll have an hour to take plenty of photos and observe the daily life of the gorilla family. Overnight stay as on the previous day.
Day 9: Goodbye Rwanda
; Return trip to Kigali and transfer to the airport
Further information
weather conditions
If the journey along Lake Kivu is not possible due to weather conditions, the journey will take place through the interior of the country.
Reduced mobility
This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. However, we would be happy to put together a trip that is tailored to your specific needs.
Dates & Prices
Request your trip here!
We tailor the trip just for you. Depending on the hotel category, the trip starts at around €2,500 per person (minimum 2 people).
Submit questions via email Arrange a callback
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appointment
personal data
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Summary
Information
Included services:
- 8 nights with breakfast
- Transfer airport/city hotel (transfer in off-road vehicle, driver-guide)
- Alternating English-speaking tour guides
- Safari in an off-road vehicle with driver-guide (from/to Kigali)
- All entrance fees and national park fees as per the program
- Meals: 6xB, 1xL, 4xL (LB), 6xD
Additional costs:
- Chimpanzee tracking license: €138
- Gorilla tracking license: €1340
Not included in the price:
- Arrival/departure (if not included in the offer)
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Possible visa or electronic entry permit
- Possible airport fees in the destination country or departure taxes
- Gorilla tracking permit (approx. $1,500, payable with the deposit)
- Optional excursions, entrance fees, national park fees, or permits, unless listed in the services
- Possible increase in fees and/or fuel surcharges
- Tips, Personal
- Additional services not explicitly listed under "Included"
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