Rwanda Road Trip Itinerary – 14 Days Rwanda primate Watching
In This Rwanda Itinerary Guide designed by Self Drive East Africa team that has clear indication for primate loving to include each of the following areas to your Rwanda road trip itinerary for unique experience compared to the limited experience when its guided safari holiday in Rwanda. it lists all the best destinations that should be visited in Rwanda while on self drive adventure in Africa while driving in landcruiser lx , Prado or land cruiser v8 for classic memory adventure in Africa.
Road Trip Rwanda itinerary Summary 14 Days around Rwanda
Day 1: Kigali Arrival and City tour
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe forest National Park
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
Day 4: Primate Trekking and transfer to Kibuye
Day 5: Transfer to Gisenyi for boat cruise
Day 6: Kayaking & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Experience
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trek and & Visit the Musanze Cave
Day 9: Karisimbi Hike in Volcano
Day 10: Descend Karisimbi
Day 11: Transfer to Akagera National Park.
Day 12: Game drive in Akagera
Day 13: Game drive and Boat cruise
Day 14: Transfer to Kigali
Detailed 14 Days Rwanda Road Trip Itinerary -Rwanda Safari tour
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Pick Up Rental Jeep – Kigali City Tour
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, pick up your 4×4 rental jeep and get a short briefing. Begin with a Kigali city tour to explore this clean and vibrant capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, Kimironko Market, and Camp Kigali Memorial, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Kigali. Stop for lunch at a local café and then check in to Peponi Living Spaces for a comfortable and budget-friendly stay. Enjoy your evening walk around the neighborhood or sample Rwandan dishes in town.
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, drive southwest through Rwanda’s beautiful rolling hills, tea plantations, and rural towns toward Nyungwe Forest National Park, about 5–6 hours away. Along the way, consider stopping at the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza for cultural insights. Arrive at Nyungwe in the afternoon and check in to Gisakura Guest House, a popular and affordable base for park activities located just near the park entrance.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking & Canopy Walk
Rise early for chimpanzee tracking in either Cyamudongo or Uwinka sector, where you’ll follow trackers into the dense forest to observe the energetic and noisy chimpanzees. Return for lunch and relax before heading out again for the thrilling canopy walk, a 200-meter-long suspended bridge with incredible views above the forest. Spot birds, monkeys, and the forest’s rich flora from the treetops. Return to Gisakura Guest House for an overnight.
Day 4: Primate Trekking and Transfer to Kibuye (Lake Kivu)
Enjoy another morning trek in Nyungwe to spot other primates like L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and more. After the trek, begin your 3-hour scenic drive north to Kibuye, a peaceful town on the shores of Lake Kivu. Check in to Macheo Eco lodge a simple, quiet guesthouse with excellent budget rooms. Spend the evening watching the sunset over the lake or enjoying fresh fish dishes.
Day 5: Transfer to Gisenyi – Lake Kivu Boat Cruise
Leave Kibuye and follow the beautiful lake-hugging road north to Gisenyi (Rubavu), about 3.5–4 hours of slow, breathtaking driving. Upon arrival, check in at Macheo Eco lodge. After lunch, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Kivu, visiting nearby islands and fishing villages. The lake is tranquil and safe for boating, offering a refreshing and relaxing break from forest hikes.
Day 6: Kayaking on Lake Kivu – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Spend the morning kayaking along Lake Kivu’s shoreline, a guided adventure that allows you to explore quiet coves, meet local fishermen, and enjoy the serenity of the lake. After lunch, drive 1.5 hours to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze, arriving in time for check-in at Muhabura Lodge or Amahoro Guest House. Rest and prepare for gorilla trekking the next day.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking and Visit to Gorilla Guardians Village
Today is the highlight of your trip mountain gorilla trekking in the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park. Start early with a briefing at Kinigi Headquarters, then hike through bamboo and rainforest to reach your assigned gorilla family. Spend one unforgettable hour observing these majestic creatures. After lunch and rest, visit the nearby Gorilla Guardians Village, where former poachers now share Rwandan traditions, dancing, and crafts. Overnight again at Muhabura Lodge or Amahoro Guest House
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking and Visit Musanze Caves
After breakfast, head back into the park for a shorter trek to see golden monkeys, a playful and curious primate found only in the Virunga region. The hike is less intense and excellent for photos. Later in the day, explore the nearby Musanze Caves, massive lava tubes formed centuries ago, now a historical and geological attraction. Return to your lodge in Musanze for dinner and rest. Overnight again at Muhabura Lodge or Amahoro Guest House
Day 9: Karisimbi Hike (Day 1 – Ascent)
Start the 2-day trek to Mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano in Rwanda at 4,507 meters. This is a challenging but rewarding hike requiring a good level of fitness. You will be guided by experienced rangers, and porters are available to assist. Hike through varied terrain including bamboo, rainforest, and alpine zones. Overnight in a basic mountain camp (tents provided by the park) on the slopes of Karisimbi.
Day 10: Karisimbi Hike (Day 2 – Descend)
Wake up early to summit or descend depending on the weather and your pace. After enjoying spectacular views (on a clear day, you might see neighbouring volcanoes in DR Congo and Uganda), begin your descent back to the trailhead. Upon return, transfer back again at Muhabura Lodge or Amahoro Guest House.
Day 11: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Depart early for Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda. The drive takes around 6–7 hours. Arrive in the afternoon and check in to Dereva Hotel near the southern gate or Akagera Rhino Lodge. Spend your evening enjoying panoramic views of the savannah or taking a short nature walk near the lodge.
Day 12: Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Begin your full-day game drive in the southern and central sectors of Akagera. Spot giraffes, zebras, elephants, buffalos, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and if lucky, lions and rhinos. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at a picnic site inside the park. Explore open savannah, woodland, and lake ecosystems. Return to your lodge for a quiet evening under the stars. Akagera Rhino Lodge or Dereva hotel
Day 13: Northern Game Drive and Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Drive through the northern circuit of Akagera for a different landscape and wildlife viewing opportunities. Exit the park through the northern gate if preferred. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, offering the chance to view large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. Return to Akagera Rhino Lodge or Dereva hotel for your final night in the wild.
Day 14: Transfer Back to Kigali – End of Road Trip
After breakfast, check out and begin your return journey to Kigali (about 2.5–3 hours). Drop off your rental jeep either at the airport or your accommodation, depending on your departure plans. If time allows, explore more of Kigali’s cafes or art centers before catching your flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable 14-day Rwanda road trip.