Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport (KGL) for your 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation, a friendly guide will meet and greet you. You will be transferred to your hotel in Kigali, the clean and vibrant capital of Rwanda. The rest of the day is for settling in and relaxing after your journey. Your guide will provide a brief overview of your upcoming 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation. You can enjoy dinner at your hotel and rest up for the exciting days ahead.

After breakfast, you will check out and begin your scenic drive towards Nyungwe National Park (approximately 5–6 hours). En route, you will visit the King's Palace Museum in Nyanza, which offers insight into Rwanda's historical monarchical system. You will then continue your journey, passing through picturesque landscapes known as the "land of a thousand hills." Upon arrival in Nyungwe, you will check into your lodge, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the ancient rainforest. This marks the beginning of the primate portion of your 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation.

An early start is required for your chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest. You will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before venturing into the forest with experienced guides. The trek can last a few hours, but observing the chimps in their natural habitat is incredibly rewarding. In the afternoon, you will experience the thrilling canopy walk. This suspended metallic bridge provides a unique, eye-level perspective of the forest canopy, offering stunning views and excellent bird-watching opportunities. This is a highlight of any 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation.

Today, you will track the beautiful black-and-white colobus monkeys in Nyungwe Forest. This park is known for hosting large troops of these striking primates. Your trek will be a memorable experience as you witness these acrobatic monkeys leaping through the trees. Afterward, you will visit a local tea plantation. Here, you can learn about the tea-making process, from the plantation to the cup, and enjoy the lush, terraced hillsides. It’s a wonderful contrast to the dense forest, adding a new dimension to your 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation.

After a final breakfast in Nyungwe, you will embark on a transfer to Lake Kivu, with a travel duration of around 3 hours. You will arrive in the resort town of Kibuye, situated on the shores of Lake Kivu. This day is dedicated to relaxation, allowing you to unwind from your primate adventures. You can enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere, take a dip in the lake, or simply soak up the beautiful scenery from your hotel. This serene interlude is a perfect addition to a 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation.

The morning is dedicated to a scenic boat cruise on Lake Kivu. You can explore the lake's various islands, including Napoleon Island, and observe the local birdlife and fishing communities. After the cruise, you will travel to Volcanoes National Park (approximately 1.5–3 hours). The drive offers spectacular views of the Virunga volcanoes. Upon arrival, you will check into your lodge, preparing for the next day's incredible gorilla trekking experience, the pinnacle of your 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation.

This is the highlight of your 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation. After an early breakfast, you will head to the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your gorilla trek. The trek can take several hours, but the unforgettable experience of spending an hour with a mountain gorilla family is worth every effort. In the afternoon, you will visit the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village (now known as Gorilla Guardians Village). Here, you can immerse yourself in Rwandan culture, enjoy traditional dances, and learn about the local way of life.

Today brings another exciting primate encounter as you go golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park. These energetic and playful primates live in the park's bamboo forests. The trek is generally shorter and less strenuous than gorilla trekking. You will spend an hour observing their lively behavior. The afternoon is reserved for relaxation at your lodge. Enjoy the tranquility and stunning volcanic scenery before the next leg of your 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation.

After breakfast, you will begin your transfer to Akagera National Park (approximately 2–3 hours). This is Rwanda's savannah park, offering a different wildlife experience from the forested national parks. Following lunch and check-in at your lodge, you will embark on an afternoon game drive. Your guide will help you spot wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, buffalo, elephants, and various antelopes. This day adds true safari adventure to your 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation.

Your day in Akagera starts with an early morning game drive, offering the best chance to see predators before the day's heat sets in. Look for lions, leopards, and other species you may have missed. Afterward, you will enjoy an afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema. The boat trip provides a unique perspective, allowing you to see hippos, massive Nile crocodiles, and numerous water birds up close. The leisurely evening allows for dinner and reflection on your 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation.

After a final breakfast and perhaps a short game drive, you will leave Akagera and transfer back to Kigali. In Kigali, you will visit the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre. This is an essential and moving experience to understand Rwanda's history and path toward reconciliation. Afterward, you will visit the bustling Kimironko Market. Explore the vibrant market filled with local produce, crafts, and souvenirs, offering a glimpse into everyday Rwandan life.

On the final day of your 12 Days Rwanda wildlife safari and Rwanda primate safari vacation, enjoy a last breakfast in Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a brief city exploration. Your driver will then transfer you to Kigali International Airport for your departure, concluding an unforgettable journey through the heart of Rwanda.