12-Day Rwanda Honeymoon Safari – Gorillas, Chimpanzees & Lake Kivu

This 12-day Rwanda honeymoon safari takes you to some of the best romantic and adventure destinations in the country. It combines wildlife, primates, culture, and relaxation.

Highlights include gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, game drives and boat cruises in Akagera National Park, a visit to Lake Kivu, cultural tours, and a Kigali city experience.

12-Day Rwanda Safari Highlights

• Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Evening Game Drive
• Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Ride on Lake Ihema
• Day 3: Drive to Volcanoes National Park
• Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking
• Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu in Kibuye
• Day 7: Boat Trip & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking & Nature Walk
• Day 9: Transfer to Butare City
• Day 10: Cultural Excursion & Transfer to Kigali
• Day 11: Kigali City Tour
• Day 12: Departure

Detailed 12-Day Rwanda Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Akagera National Park & Evening Game Drive

After breakfast, you will transfer to Akagera National Park. Along the way, you may see animals such as elephants, buffaloes, kobs, oribis, and warthogs. On arrival, have lunch at your lodge and prepare for an evening game drive where you may spot more wildlife before returning for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Morning Game Drive & Afternoon Boat Ride on Lake Ihema

After breakfast, go for a morning game drive to see early risers such as hyenas and lions. The drive lasts 2–3 hours. Return to the lodge for lunch before heading out for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema.

You may see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds, along with elephants and buffaloes at the shores. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Drive to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, you may take a short community visit or an optional behind-the-scenes experience at Akagera. You will then drive to Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi, at the foothills of the Virunga volcanoes.

The park is home to mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and many bird species. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing. You will then enter the forest with rangers to track a gorilla family. Trekking can be challenging, but once you find the gorillas, you will spend one hour with them before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking

On this day, you will track golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. After the trek, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Transfer to Lake Kivu in Kibuye

After breakfast, you will drive to Lake Kivu in Kibuye, passing through tea plantations and scenic countryside. On arrival, relax at your lodge by the lake. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 7: Boat Trip & Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

After a relaxed morning by the lake, you will enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kivu. Later, drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees and many primates. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.

Day 8: Chimpanzee Trekking & Nature Walk

After breakfast and a briefing, go for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Once you find them, spend one hour watching their behavior. The trek usually lasts 2–5 hours.

After lunch, take a guided nature walk in the forest, where you may see birds such as turacos and hornbills, as well as Gisakura waterfalls. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Transfer to Butare City

After breakfast, drive to Butare, Rwanda’s second-largest city. On the way, visit the botanical gardens and hot springs in Rugarama. Dinner and overnight in Butare.

Day 10: Cultural Excursion & Transfer to Kigali

After breakfast, visit cultural centers in and around Butare. The Ethnographic Museum has excellent exhibits on Rwanda’s cultural history. You will also visit Nyabisindu, the former Mwami’s Palace, before continuing to Kigali. Dinner and overnight in Kigali.

Day 11: Kigali City Tour

After breakfast, take a full-day city tour of Kigali. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi, and other memorials such as Nyamata and Ntarama. Explore local craft shops, markets, Nyamirambo quarter, and the Franco-Rwanda Cultural Centre. Dinner and overnight in Kigali.

Day 12: Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight, marking the end of your 12-day honeymoon safari and romantic getaway.

If you'd like to personalize your tour by adding extra days or destinations, please reach out to us through our main contact page using the button below.