Classic Rwanda Safari
- PriceTailored (Enquire now)
- Duration 10 Days 9 Nights
- Dates Open
- Safari TypeGuided, Private Safari
- Location Rwanda
- Departure CityKigali
- End CityKigali
- Contact nameCatherine
- Contact phone+256 774 805580
- Cancellation policyUp to 90 Days
- AccommodationAs shown in itinerary
- Group TypeTraveler’s choice
- Restriction No Children Bellow 15 years
- LanguagesEnglish
Safari Overview
This 10 Days Classic Rwanda Safari is a well crafted Africa vacation package that will treat you to some of Rwanda’s jungle luxury and implant lifetime lasting memories. The enchanting activities on this trip include one hour of intense encounter with the magnificent mountain gorilla family deep in the jungles of Volcanoes National Park, another intense hour with the playful tree apes closely related to humans in Nyungwe Forest, tree-hugging nature walks, awe-inspiring walks on Africa’s most revered canopy suspension and stay in some of Rwanda’s most prestigious safari lodges.
On this tailor made Rwanda safari, you’ll experience raw African cultures, dance to the tunes of Iture, listen to armchair-gripping tales and take road trips through Rwanda’s untouched natural countryside. Carry a big enough ego to bag these once-in-a-lifetime memories back home and travel protected in your own style on this classic Rwanda safari.
We are concerned for yours and our health in these unfamiliar times and to keep you healthy, we’ll apply WHO, Rwanda government and our Covid Safari Standards of Operation. Please make sure you understand what will be required of you to take this spectacular Rwanda Safari.
Safari Highlights
- Visit the Kigali genocide Memorial or take a city excursion around Kigali city and experience the African cultures
- The road drive across Rwanda’s countryside will reveal the most stunning natural setting of this tiny East African country.
- Track Rwanda’s mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzee tracking experience, nature walks and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest
- Spend a luxury holiday at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
- Activities around the lodge after the trek like Rwanda cultural tales, music and dance will impress your travel lust.
Know before you go
- The tour is physically demanding, which means you’ll hiking moderately steep slope searching for the mountain giants and high altitudes between 2400 and 4507 meters. There strict rules to going in these places and meeting the gorillas and you’ll be escorted by a tracker, rangers and a guide with a group of other seven trekking travelers.
- The Vehicle that transfers you from and to the gorilla sanctuary is only allowed to carry up-to 6 people and Covid-19 guidelines of Rwanda will strictly be applied to keep you and our team protected from the scourge.
Safari Includes
- Local guide
- Gorilla Permit ($1500)
- Food and drinks
- Accommodation
- Transfers in 4×4
- Covid-19 Tests
- English guide
- Gratuities & tips
- All activities
- Visa & travel insurance
General FAQs
- You can reschedule this trip as a private tour to any date up to 12 months at no cost.
- A 30% deposit of the total tour price will be required to secure a booking, the balance being due 45 days before the tour departure date.
- Bookings not secured by the appropriate deposit will be released.
- Cancellation between 90 and 45 days of tour departure will incur a 20% of tour price penalty charge. Confirmed bookings cancelled within 45 days of the tour departure date or no show will incur 100% of tour price penalty charge.
- Availability of accommodation and activities is not guaranteed; reservations will be made after receiving confirmation of the final itinerary and the payment of the requested deposit. Should any of the quoted accommodations not be available, we reserve the right to substitute it with an alternative suitable option, which might affect the final quoted price.
- All clients who participate in this tour must be adequately covered by medical insurance as well as travel insurance to protect them in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Rates specified for this tour are subject to change without notice, however, every effort will be made to maintain them. In the event of any change of Government taxes or operating conditions that affect the rates we reserve the right to pass on these charges.
RWANDA GORILLA PERMIT CANCELLATION POLICY
(different and separate from the tour cancellation policy)
Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits will be guaranteed ONLY upon receipt of the deposit (US$1600) since we need to immediately pay UDB Offices in order to secure the permits.
Cancellations received on full payment:
- More than 90 days before the tracking date, 25% cancellation fee
- 89 to 46 days before the tracking date, 50% cancellation fee
- 45 to 9 days before the tracking date, 75% cancellation fee
- 8 to 0 days before the tracking date, 100% cancellation fee
Important: the minimum age required for gorilla tracking is 15 years whereas for the chimps the minimum age required is 12 years; in case of flu or of any other airborne disease the visitor will be not allowed to meet with the gorillas or the chimps.
Hotel des Mille Collines (luxury)
Days 1&9: Kigali City
Inspired by Rwanda’s unforgettable geographical terrain, the hotel derives its name from its motherland known as the “land of a thousand hills.” Inaugurated in 1973 as the premier grand hotel of the country and becoming a shelter to, a light of hope in the darkness for a terrified crowd of up to 2,000 people who were saved by the hotel opening its doors in 1994 during the Genocide against the Tutsi. Located in Kigali’s central business district, the hotel allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views over the hills of Kigali while indulging in culinary delights from casual to fine dining, international cuisine to local signature dishes!
One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury)
Day 2,3&4: Nyungwe Forest NP
This stunning Nyungwe National Park accommodation offers a one-of-a-kind escape, bordering one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Situated in five striking wooden villa clusters, the treetop-skimming, luxury suites and rooms are secluded in wonderfully untamed surroundings, accommodating all adventure seekers and paying homage to Rwanda’s beauty and heritage. Enjoy exceptional dining and selected beverages included in your stay, plus two signature resort experiences daily.
Lake Kivu Serena (Luxury)
Day 5&6: Gisenyi
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel celebrates the shores of this African Great Lake as a destination of astonishing beauty, where pristine beaches and the sparkling waters of Africa’s sixth largest lake come together in breathtaking fashion. Your arrival is greeted by a bright, open-plan lobby giving way to a private stretch of beach reserved exclusively for hotel guests. You’ll experience unparalleled warmth, hospitality and relaxation at a tropically inspired hotel in Gisenyi, Rwanda.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest (Luxury)
Day 7&8: Volcanoes National Park
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, located in the foothills of the Virunga Volcano Range in Rwanda, has been included on Condé Nast Traveller’s Hot List 2020. This is the definitive list of the best new hotels in the world, as chosen by Conde Nast Traveller’s expert team of writers and editors across the globe.
From the moment you arrive, fragrant fauna and flora greet you. A hidden garden atop the volcanic mountains where a world of roses and eucalyptus trees grow all year round in the fertile Rwandan soil.
Individual free-standing lodges and suites sit suspended over sprawling gardens at eye level with the tall eucalyptus trees and volcanic surroundings. Feel the call of the trees from your secluded sanctuary where binoculars, a library of books and local Imigongo art await.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Kigali City
Arrival at Kigali International Airport, after processing your visa, you’ll be required to follow through with Covid-19 Rwanda entry guidelines, show your Covid negative test and then your private Classic Rwanda Safari driver will be waiting for you on the other side to transfer you to the hotel.
Meet and greet by your private tour driver/guide and after a briefing session, drive through Kigali capital and catch city’s cultural display before you check into your hotel in Kigali.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a take a Kigali city tour, visit the genocide memorial site and art and craft centre or relax at your hotel and nurse that jet-lag. You’ll be heading into the jungle side the next day.
Accommodation and meals
Hotel des Mille Collins, Dinner
Day 2: Road Trip to Nyungwe Forest NP (5 Hours)
Wake up the African sounds of Kigali city and have your breakfast, you private driver will be waiting to take you through Rwanda’s most beautiful countryside dotted with calming nature scenery and color.
This part of your tailor made Classic Rwanda Safari is a 5 hour lazy drive that will see you take stops at local markets, the traditional palace in Nyanza and continue to Butare, visit the Botanical Gardens and the cultural museum. Pass through stunning green fields of tea scattered across the hillsides and the small unique wooden houses surrounding Nyungwe Forest just before you arrive at the lodge and check in.
For the rest of the, make yourself comfortable with nature’s own ambiance around the lodge, chill out in the lounge and meet new people.
Accommodation and meals
One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and drinking water
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Have an early breakfast and transfer to the park headquarters for the chimpanzee tracking activity briefing. Escorted by a park ranger and a guide, jump onto the the jungle trails to another rainforest experience. In a short while, you’ll find your designated chimpanzee troop which you’ll follow and stick with for the next one hour.
The chimpanzee bands keep moving, making noise, grooming, stopping for snack or nap and your challenge is to keep up with them with the guidance of the park guide.
After your unforgettable experience with the chimpanzees in their nature setup, you’ll take the aerial view on Nyungwe forest and beyond on the 160 meters (525 ft) high canopy walkway. The canopy walkway has been named the world’s best forest canopy walkway, according to a latest report by Lonely Planet.
Suspend your emotions and let loose, shout at the top of your voice and free yourself, spread your arms and your eyes as far as you can see and re-invent your emotional self: this is the place you want to be at.
Return to the lodge for the rest of the evening.
Accommodation and meals
One&Only Nyungwe House (Luxury): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and drinking water
Day 4: Nature Walk in Nyungwe Forest Jungle
While chimps tend to garner most of the spotlight here, this part of our Classic Rwanda Safari gives you the simple pleasures of hiking along well-maintained trails over the lush, green valleys of the equatorial rainforest.; just what you need after the Covid pandemic forced vacation at home.
You’ll find that quite simply, Nyungwe Forest National Park is Rwanda’s most important area of biodiversity, with no fewer than 1000 plant species, 13 species of primates, 75 species of other African mammals, at least 275 species of birds and an astounding 120 species of butterflies. It has been rated the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa and its protected area covers one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Despite its huge biodiversity, Nyungwe is little known outside of East Africa.
In the middle of the forest, you’ll setup a picnic lunch and take in the friendly service of this beautiful African jungle. Later return to the lodge, check out and set off northwards to Volcanoes National Park where you’ll take on your next jungle experience to find the mountain gorilla. It’ll take about 5 hours +/- to get there.
Accommodation and meals
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Mid-range): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and drinking water
Day 5: Kibuye
With a morning breakfast proceeds via Kibuye. Enjoy the stunningly beautiful views from Lake Kivu up to Gisenyi; beautiful countryside with valleys dotted with agricultural farms. Kibuye is the most beautiful of all the three resort town on Lake Kivu. After relax at the shores of Lake Kivu. Take a boat out on the lake to see the various islands. Swim in the refreshing waters or stroll to the nearby villages rambling across a number of hills, you next Classic Rwanda Safari adventure reboots the next day!
Accommodation & meals
Lake Kivu Serena (luxury); Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinking water
Day 6: Gisenyi
After breakfast, you can choose to stay in or take a discovery boat ride on Lake Kivu. You will encounter local fishermen, fishing villages and also the residents of Idjwi Island (Congo) who are rowing long distances in their dugout canoes to visit the Rwanda markets.
You will be picked up in Gisenyi for lunch before retiring to the lodge. Or if time allows you will make arrangements to cross the border to Goma (Optional). Goma was devastated by the eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano. The visit shows the fantastic capabilities of the local population to overcome this natural catastrophe.
The Nyiragongo volcano (3470 m) recently erupted after 2002 eruption and destroyed part of Goma town. Most of Goma’s inhabitants escaped the advancing lava flows crossing the border into neighbouring Rwanda. Later retire to the lodge for an over night.
Accommodation & meals
Lake Kivu Serena (luxury); Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinking water
Day 7: Musanze, Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast visit the Ross Carr’sImbabazi Orphanage. Imbabazi Orphanage was founded by Mrs Rosamond Halsey Carr in late 1994 at Mugongo to care for the genocide orphans. She witnessed all Rwanda’s historical events, including the gluesome genocide of 1994. She is the author of “Land of a Thousand Hills: my life in Rwanda.” Later take a stroll on the lake and also visit other local villages.
After your Serena sumptuous lunch, join your Classic Rwanda Safari driver and head towards to gorilla sanctuary where you’ll hail to track the elusive mountain gorilla and spend the next two nights.
Accommodation & meals
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest (Luxury); Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinking water.
Day 8: Gorilla Tracking Experience in Volcanoes NP
With an early breakfast, drive to the park headquarters for gorilla briefing (45 minutes). This is the Classic Rwanda Safari’s major highlight that brought you to these jungles, so take a breath, collect all your intrinsic emotions and excitement and get ready to be wowed. Make sure your expectations are floating, we don’t wanna drown in too much of less or more than we bargained for.
When venturing into this gigantic forest, a packed lunch, comfortable clothes, shoes and a walking stick is a must before. The time spent gorilla tracking is unpredictable, It varies from 2-8 hours before an encounter with the family of these gentle creatures. The location of each gorilla family depends on temperature, their feeding range and movement of the previous day with the trackers ahead of your tracking group. Strict guidelines will be issued at the trailhead briefing point, make sure you remember the most important ones.
Enjoy the one hour allotted, (only time allowed in the company of each gorilla family a day) watch and capture this memorable experience as they go about their day to day activities; the young ones playing around the old ones, feeding each other and eating foliage. The sight of these outstanding creatures is the climax of this entire safari. Later retire for an overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation and meals
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest (Luxury); Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner and drinking water.
Day 9: Open Day, Optional Activities
After an early breakfast, you get to choose which activity you want for this day; either track the golden monkeys or climb the breath-taking Visoke volcano, or trek to Karisoke Research Centre; a place which was set up by the famous primatologist Dian Fossey, a brave lady who protected and saved a lot of these gentle creatures from inhuman savages. Or visit the local communities around the park.
You can also chose to stay at the lodge and enjoy activities organised within.
After the activity of your choice, check out of the lodge, have lunch in Ruhengeri and the drive back to Kigali. On your way to Kigali make some stops for scenic viewing, the drive to Kigali takes about 3 hours as Rwanda is a small country.
Accommodation and meals
Hotel des Mille Collines (luxury); Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner and drinking water.
Day 10: Kigali city, departure
With careful consideration of your flight time, take a stroll around the city and experience the Kigali mixed cultures, peoples, cuisine and sounds. Your private classic Rwanda safari driver will be there in time to wisk you off to the airport in time for your flight back home.
End of the classic Rwanda Safari.
No Accommodation; Only Breakfast
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Private/Tailor-made Safaris
What is a tailor-made safari?: A Tailor-made safari or private safari is a vacation trip in Africa that is crafted around the traveller’s preferences—likes, expectations, recommendations and travel style—with the guidance of an expert safari consultant. The trips listed above can all be customized to each individual for a perfect safari holiday.
With a wide range of experiences, attractions and great expectations to choose from, putting together a perfect Africa safari vacation can be a daunting task, especially when it’s your first time visiting Africa. And buying a pre-planned Africa safari package may not cut it.
Nkuringo Safaris consultants will listen and learn about your dream of Africa, what type of traveller you are, what moves your emotions, makes you smile and what lasting memories you expect. We’ll then—with you—craft an Africa safari holiday, take care of all the ground handling and take you to your dream with little or no hustle on your part.
