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They created us a beautiful and seamless honeymoon
They created us a beautiful and seamless honeymoon. They…
Nikhila Reddy, June 2026
Your 9-day itinerary, day by day
This is the costed 2027 route supplied by our Rwanda ground team. It is a starting point rather than a fixed package, so we can tailor the accommodation, pace and activities around your dates and budget.
Duration9 days
Guide price$7,990
RouteRwanda grand circuit
Where you stay5 selected stays
Show prices inindicative only, we quote in USD
Guide price per person for two sharing, valid June to September 2027. Every trip is tailor-made and the final quote depends on availability.
Make an Enquiry- Day 1
Arrive in Kigali
Meet your local representative at Kigali International Airport and transfer to your hotel for a private safari briefing.
OvernightKigali Serena Hotel (1 night)
- Day 2
Kigali city tour and Akagera
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Inema Arts Center, have lunch in Kigali and drive to Akagera National Park for an evening game drive.
OvernightRuzizi Tented Lodge (2 nights)
- Day 3
Akagera game drive and boat safari
Spend the morning game viewing in Akagera, then take an afternoon boat trip on Lake Ihema in search of hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.
OvernightRuzizi Tented Lodge
- Day 4
Akagera to Volcanoes National Park
Return through Kigali for lunch and continue north-west to Volcanoes National Park beneath the Virunga peaks.
OvernightSambora Kinigi (2 nights)
- Day 5
Mountain-gorilla trekking
Join the early park briefing and trek through the rainforest with ranger-guides. Spend a regulated hour with a habituated gorilla family, then return for lunch. A cultural visit can follow.
OvernightSambora Kinigi
- Day 6
Volcanoes to Lake Kivu
Choose an optional morning activity, then drive to Gisenyi on Lake Kivu. Check in, have lunch and relax beside the water.
OvernightLake Kivu Serena Hotel (1 night)
- Day 7
Kayaking and the road to Nyungwe
Kayak on Lake Kivu in the morning, return for lunch and continue south to the Nyungwe region for dinner and an evening at leisure.
OvernightMantis Kivu Marina (2 nights)
- Day 8
Chimpanzee trek and canopy walk
Hike into Nyungwe Forest in search of chimpanzees, return for lunch and take the afternoon canopy walk above the rainforest.
OvernightMantis Kivu Marina
- Day 9
Return to Kigali and depart
Drive from the Nyungwe region to Kigali and continue to the international airport for your departure flight.
Your route across Rwanda
The journey sweeps east from Kigali to Akagera, crosses to the Virunga volcanoes, follows Lake Kivu south and finishes in Nyungwe before returning to Kigali.
- 1Kigali
- 2Akagera National Park
- 3Volcanoes National Park
- 4Gisenyi, Lake Kivu
- 5Nyungwe National Park
- 6Kigali International Airport
Each numbered stop follows the itinerary in order. Journey times are indicative and exclude sightseeing, lunch and photography stops.
Where you'll stay
Tracy's selected option balances well-located upper-range stays across the capital, Akagera, the Virungas, Lake Kivu and the Nyungwe region.
Kigali
Kigali Serena Hotel
The selected arrival hotel for the Kigali programme and safari briefing.
Akagera National Park
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
A tented base inside Akagera for the evening drive, full game drive and Lake Ihema boat safari.
Volcanoes National Park
Sambora Kinigi
The selected two-night base for the mountain-gorilla trekking section.
Gisenyi, Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
A one-night lakeside pause between the Volcanoes and Nyungwe sections, with time for kayaking.
South-west Rwanda
Mantis Kivu Marina
The selected two-night base for the Nyungwe chimpanzee trek and canopy walk.
Ready to explore Rwanda in depth?
Tell us your dates and priorities. A Rwanda specialist will check permits and stays, then tailor this varied cross-country route around you.
What's included
The guide price covers the essential ground arrangements and the activities shown in the itinerary, with Brilliant Africa's planning and in-country support wrapped around the trip.
In your price
- Airport transfers
- Private ground transport in a 4WD safari vehicle
- An English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation shown in the itinerary
- Meals described in the itinerary
- Bottled mineral water in the safari vehicle
- Activities and excursions shown in the programme
- AMREF Flying Doctors cover
With Brilliant, you'll also get
- One-to-one planning with a dedicated East Africa specialist
- Local ground support throughout your trip
- Pre-travel support for permits, documents and practical preparation
- A personalised guest portal and mobile app
- WhatsApp contact with the local support team while you travel
The 'Life Happens' Postponement Guarantee
If life gets in the way and you need to postpone your trip, we won't charge any fees to move it and your deposit is applied to the rescheduled dates. Terms and conditions apply, enquire for details.
Guide price per person for two sharing, valid June to September 2027. Every trip is tailor-made and the final quote depends on availability.
Your questions answered
How much does Exploring Rwanda cost?
Exploring Rwanda starts from $7,990 per person for two people sharing, based on travel from June to September 2027. Final pricing depends on dates, permit and accommodation availability, and any changes you make to the route.
How long is the trip and where does it go?
This is a 9-day private journey through Akagera, Volcanoes National Park, Lake Kivu and Nyungwe. It is a tailor-made starting point, so we can adjust the pace, stays and activities around your dates and priorities.
Are the gorilla permits included?
The guide price includes the permits specified in the costed itinerary. Permit availability must be confirmed before the trip can be secured, so early planning is important.
Can I change the accommodation level?
Yes. The displayed price uses the accommodation combination selected for this itinerary, but the costed proposals include three accommodation levels for most routes. We can reshape the stays around your budget and preferred level of comfort.
When is the best time to visit Rwanda?
Rwanda can be visited year-round. The drier periods are generally easier for forest trekking and classic safari, while the greener months bring lush landscapes and can offer better value. We will match the route to your dates and priorities.
Talk to someone who's actually been there
Rwanda rewards careful planning because trekking permits, lodge availability and road timings all shape the route. Our East Africa specialists will coordinate the details and tailor the journey around the wildlife experiences that matter most to you.
Barry
Safari Specialist & Field Guide
Alyson
Guest Experience Specialist
Tracy
Tailor-Made Safari Specialist
Holly
Guest Experience Specialist
Marc
Africa Travel Specialist
Speak to an Expert
Interested in Exploring Rwanda? Tell us your dates, budget and priorities. A Rwanda specialist will coordinate the permits, stays and full overland circuit around you.
Step 1 of 6Quick questions
Where do you want to travel to?
We've selected the destinations on this page. Add or remove any you like.
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Rated Excellent by safari travellers
Excellent
4.9 out of 5 based on 188 reviews
We don't just write about these safari destinations; we send travellers there every season. Here's what they say about planning their trip with Brilliant.
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Our Safari trip was an amazing experience
Our Safari trip was an amazing experience from the time we…
Bridget McKenzie, June 2026
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Once in a life time holiday
We went on my 60th Birthday once in a lifetime Safari. Wow…
Sheena, May 2026
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Memorable, amazing and well organised
Very well organised tour. Lovely lodges and tented lodges. Great…
Susan Twomey, June 2026
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Ready to plan your African adventure?
1
Listen
We start by getting to know you: your dates, who's travelling, your budget and the wildlife and moments you're dreaming of.
2
Design
Then we design your safari from scratch, hand-picking the camps, routing and pace to suit you. No off-the-shelf packages, just impartial expert advice.
3
Refine & reserve
We fine-tune every detail with you, then place a 24 hour hold on your preferred camps, with no obligation, before you confirm.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.