Rwanda Mega Self drive itinerary 20 Days – Primate & Wildlife
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali & Pick up of the rental jeep at Office .
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking
Day 4: Primate Trekking and Colobus Monkeys
Day 5: Tea Plantation visits and proceed to Kibuye
Day 6: Visit Congo Nile Trail
Day 7: Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Day 8: Boat cruise and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Cultural Experiences
Day 10: Karismbi hike
Day 11: Descend Karismbi
Day 12: Relax in the local Community
Day 13: Visoke Hike
Day 14: Golden Monkey Hike & visit Musanze Caves
Day 15: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Day 16: Game drive full Day
Day 17: Game drive and boat cruise
Day 18: Transfer to Kigali
Day 19 : Visit local Markets and Shopping
Day 20: Return to rental Jeep at Kigali international Airport.
20 DAYS RWANDA SELF DRIVE ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival & Pick-Up of Rental Jeep
Arrive at Kigali International Airport and collect your rental 4×4 jeep, essential for navigating Rwanda’s varied terrain. After settling administrative details, drive to your budget accommodation such as Peponi Living Spaces. Spend the evening resting or exploring nearby local eateries and preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, embark on a scenic 6-hour drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park, stopping en route at the historical King’s Palace in Nyanza. Arrive in Nyungwe’s Gisakura area and check into budget-friendly Gisakura Guest House. Enjoy the serene rainforest atmosphere and prepare for tomorrow’s primate encounters.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Tracking in Nyungwe Forest
Set out early with a guide to track the playful chimpanzees in their natural habitat. The trek can be physically demanding but offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. After the trek, return to your guesthouse for a relaxing afternoon or explore nearby trails. Enjoy a simple but hearty dinner at your accommodation. Gisakura Guest House
Day 4: Primate Trekking & Colobus Monkeys
Today, focus on spotting Nyungwe’s famous black-and-white colobus monkeys and other primates during a guided forest walk. The thick canopy and diverse birdlife make this a nature lover’s paradise. Return to your guesthouse for dinner and a restful night amid the forest. Gisakura Guest House
Day 5: Tea Plantation Visit & Proceed to Kibuye (Lake Kivu)
Visit a nearby tea plantation to learn about tea cultivation and sample fresh brews. Then drive north to the tranquil town of Kibuye on Lake Kivu, about 3.5 hours away. Stay at budget-friendly Check in to Macheo Eco lodge, which offer stunning lake views and a relaxing atmosphere.
Day 6: Explore the Congo Nile Trail
Spend the day hiking or biking a section of the famous Congo Nile Trail, winding along Lake Kivu’s scenic shores and through rural villages. The trail offers spectacular views, cultural encounters, and opportunities to support local communities. Return to your lakeside accommodation to unwind. Check in to Macheo Eco lodge
Day 7: Kayaking on Lake Kivu
Enjoy a peaceful kayaking excursion on Lake Kivu, paddling past fishing villages and lush hills. The calm morning waters provide ideal conditions. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the lake shore or visiting local markets. Overnight again at Check in to Macheo Eco lodge.
Day 8: Boat Cruise & Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Take a morning boat cruise to nearby islands such as Napoleon Island, known for its bat colonies and birdlife. Afterward, drive approximately 3.5 hours northeast to Volcanoes National Park, gateway to the famous gorilla trekking. Stay at Amahoro Guest House or Muhabura Lodge, comfortable budget lodges close to park headquarters.
Day 9: Gorilla Trekking & Gorilla Guardians Village Visit
Begin your gorilla trekking adventure early, meeting your assigned gorilla family in the dense forest. Spend a magical hour observing these majestic animals. Later, visit the Gorilla Guardians Village to learn about local conservation efforts and enjoy traditional Rwandan music and dance. Return to your lodge for a restful evening. Muhabura Lodge
Day 10: Begin Karisimbi Hike in Volcanoes NP
Start the challenging two-day hike up Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest peak. Trek through bamboo forests and alpine zones, carrying warm clothing for the cold summit night. Your guides will assist with camping arrangements. This hike offers incredible panoramic views but requires good fitness.
Day 11: Descend Karisimbi & Return to Musanze
After sunrise views at the summit, descend Mount Karisimbi, which takes about 4–5 hours. Return to Musanze town and your lodge for a hot shower and well-deserved rest after your mountain adventure. Enjoy a relaxed evening with local food. Muhabura Lodge
Day 12: Relax in the Local Community
Spend a restful day immersing yourself in the local community near Musanze. Visit markets, chat with residents, or participate in village activities like traditional cooking classes or crafts. This slow-paced day is perfect to recharge before more trekking and wildlife activities. Muhabura Lodge
Day 13: Bisoke Volcano Hike
Take a full-day hike to Mount Bisoke, known for its crater lake at the summit. The trek crosses dense forest and offers chances to spot wildlife such as monkeys and birds. The crater lake is a spectacular sight, especially on clear days. Return to your lodge for dinner and rest. Muhabura Lodge
Day 14: Golden Monkey Trek & Musanze Caves Visit
Head into the forest again for the golden monkey trek, an exciting chance to see these rare and colourful primates. Afterward, visit the nearby Musanze Caves, a fascinating network formed by volcanic activity, for a guided exploration. Overnight at your budget lodge in Musanze. Muhabura Lodge
Day 15: Transfer to Akagera National Park
Drive east for about 5–6 hours to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s savannah wildlife reserve. Upon arrival, check into budget accommodation like Dereva Hotel or Akagera Rhino Lodge. Enjoy the contrasting landscape and prepare for game drives.
Day 16: Full-Day Game Drive in Akagera
Spend a full day on safari exploring Akagera’s diverse habitats. Look for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and numerous bird species. The park is a great place for affordable safari experiences. Return to your lodge to relax after a day in the wild. Dereva Hotel or Akagera Rhino Lodge
Day 17: Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Begin with an early morning game drive, followed by a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. The cruise offers sightings of hippos, crocodiles, and water birds. The park’s lakes and wetlands are a highlight for photographers and nature lovers. Overnight again at your lodge. Dereva Hotel or Akagera Rhino Lodge
Day 18: Transfer Back to Kigali
Drive back to Kigali, approximately 3–4 hours away. Check into a budget-friendly hotel like Peponi Living Spaces. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring any remaining parts of the city you may have missed.
Day 19: Visit Local Markets & Shopping in Kigali
Explore Kigali’s vibrant markets such as Kimironko Market, where you can shop for traditional crafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial if you wish to understand Rwanda’s history more deeply. Enjoy local cuisine at affordable restaurants in the evening. Peponi Living Spaces
Day 20: Return Rental Jeep & Departure
On your final day, return your rental jeep at Kigali International Airport in time for your departure flight. If your schedule allows, enjoy a last walk around the airport area or a quick coffee before your journey home, reflecting on your incredible 20-day Rwanda road trip adventure.