Rwanda Gorilla Trekking- 10 Days Rwanda Self drive Tour ( Primate Safaris)
Apart from Uganda Self drive itinerary, then the second magical self drive itinerary with Mountain Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is the 10 Days Rwanda Road Trip Itinerary that encompasses the visit to Wildlife as the alternative for one week Rwanda Self Drive itinerary in off road safari landcruiser 76 series that comes with Camping gears for wild bush camping in Akagera National Park. Book Rwanda Self drive itinerary tailored with the theme of Wildlife watching in Akagera National Park and primate Watching including the gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park that also hosts the Golden Monkey in the wilderness of Virunga Massif.
Trip Summary 10 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival , Pick up the rental Jeep and Transfer to Akagera National Park
Day 2: Wildlife watching in Akagera and Boat cruise
Day 3: Walking Safari and Transfer to Kigali
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes & visit the Ellen De Genus Campus
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Gorilla Guardian Village
Day 6:Golden Monkey Tracking
Day 7: Visoke Hike in Volcanoes National Park
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Kivu
Day 9: Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Day 10: Transfer to Kigali
10 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Itinerary – Self Drive Rwanda Tour
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking experience is possible on Self drive tour in Rwanda and is recommended on 10 days Rwanda Road Trip with Self drive East Africa and the adventure starts from Kigali Rwanda with an adventure to all the best Rwanda Self drive destinations like Volcanoes National Park , Akagera National Park , Nyungwe forest & Lake Kivu in reliable Rental jeep with optional camping in the wilderness of Akagera National Park while facing the wild that hosts the big five wildlife animals.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Pick Up Rental Jeep – Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a local representative who will hand over your rental jeep (preferably a 4×4 with high clearance). After a short briefing, begin your scenic 2.5-hour drive east to Akagera National Park, a beautiful Savannah park bordering Tanzania. Check in to Dereva Hotel or Akagera Rhino Lodge, both offering comfortable budget lodging options with excellent views. Spend the evening relaxing with sweeping views of the surrounding bush, prepping for the game drives the next day.
Day 2: Wildlife Watching in Akagera National Park and Boat Cruise
Rise early for a full-day game drive across the plains, lakes, and hills of Akagera. Spot elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and if lucky, lions and rhinos, all recently reintroduced to the park. Have a packed lunch at a picnic site inside the park. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, famous for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds such as African fish eagles and kingfishers. Return to your lodge for an overnight. Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge or Dereva Hotel.
Day 3: Walking Safari and Transfer Back to Kigali
Start the morning with a guided walking safari along the park’s periphery or in the southern section. This up-close nature walk offers a more intimate experience with wildlife, tracks, and birdlife. After brunch, drive back to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon. Check into Peponi Living Spaces, its a budget-friendly with good access to restaurants and city attractions. Spend the evening at leisure or visit the local craft market for souvenirs.
Day 4: Kigali City Brief Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park & Visit Ellen DeGeneres Campus
Depart Kigali in the morning and head north through the scenic Rwandan countryside towards Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. En route or upon arrival, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you will learn about Dian Fossey’s legacy and modern conservation work. Arrive in Musanze (the base town) and check in to Accommodation at Muhabura Lodge, a cozy and affordable guesthouse. Relax and prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking & Gorilla Guardians Village Visit
After an early breakfast, drive to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing before your gorilla trek. You’ll be assigned to one of the gorilla families and led by expert guides into the forest. The trek can take between 2 to 6 hours depending on the group’s location. Spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants. Return to your lodge for lunch and rest. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Gorilla Guardians Village, a cultural site where you will engage with traditional Rwandan dance, banana beer making, and local storytelling. Accommodation at Muhabura Lodge
Day 6: Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Begin your day with a short trek to see golden monkeys, a rare and playful primate species endemic to the Virunga Mountains. The walk is less strenuous than the gorilla trek and equally rewarding. You’ll observe their acrobatic moves in the bamboo forests. After the experience, spend the rest of the day relaxing at your lodge or exploring Musanze town and its local market. Accommodation at Muhabura Lodge
Day 7: Bisoke Volcano Hike in Volcanoes National Park
Today is an active adventure as you take on the Mount Bisoke hike. Towering at over 3,700 meters, Bisoke offers an exhilarating day trek through lush vegetation and ends at a spectacular crater lake at the summit. The hike takes 6–7 hours round trip and requires reasonable fitness. Porters are available for hire and are highly recommended. After the hike, return to your lodge for a well-deserved rest and a hot meal. Accommodation at Muhabura Lodge
Day 8: Transfer to Lake Kivu (Gisenyi)
After breakfast, leave Musanze and enjoy a 2-hour scenic drive to Gisenyi, on the northern shores of Lake Kivu. Check in at Accommodation at Macheo Eco lodge. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, walking along the lake side, or sipping fresh coffee from local cafés.
Day 9: Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Enjoy a peaceful morning kayaking on Lake Kivu with a local guide. Paddle along the shore, past small fishing villages, birds, and traditional wooden boats, taking in the serene beauty of Rwanda’s largest lake. In the afternoon, unwind on the beach, read a book, or take a bike ride through nearby communities. Accommodation at Macheo Eco lodge
Day 10: Transfer Back to Kigali – End of Trip
After breakfast, begin the return journey to Kigali, a 3- to 4-hour drive depending on road conditions. Drop off your rental jeep at the airport or in the city, depending on your departure arrangements. If time allows, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial or have lunch at a local café before heading to the airport for your outbound flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable 10-day Rwanda adventure.