Upon arriving in Kigali for your 9 Days Best Africa big five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking tour, you will be welcomed at the airport and taken to your hotel, where you can unwind after your journey. If time allows, consider a brief city tour to explore the capital’s vibrant culture or a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial. This memorial offers significant insight into Rwanda's history, emphasizing resilience and recovery. The evening is yours to relax, prepare for the exciting adventures ahead, and savor the local cuisine. Engaging in Kigali on Day 1 sets the tone for your 9 Days best Africa Big Five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking, allowing you to appreciate the deep-rooted culture before venturing into the wild.

On Day 2, set off early for Akagera National Park, approximately a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Kigali. As you travel, enjoy views of Rwanda's rural life and scenic hills. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and prepare for an evening game drive. This is an excellent opportunity to start spotting wildlife such as hippos, various bird species, buffalo, and elephants near the park’s watering holes. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including giraffes and impalas. As you drive through the park, keep your cameras ready for incredible wildlife moments. This day is a key component of your 9 Days best Africa Big Five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking, laying the groundwork for your explorations.

Day 3 of your 9 Days best Africa Big Five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking is dedicated to an extensive wildlife exploration in Akagera National Park. Start your day with an early morning game drive to increase your chances of spotting the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinoceroses. The park's unique mix of wetlands, savanna, and woodlands hosts numerous wildlife species. After your morning drive, enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you may see hippos and waterbirds while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The combination of savanna drives and boat safaris makes for an unforgettable wildlife experience, further enhancing your journey in Rwanda’s diverse habitats.

After breakfast, drive to Nyungwe National Park, which takes approximately 4-5 hours. This scenic drive offers opportunities to witness local communities and beautiful vistas along the way. Consider making stops at the King's Palace in Nyanza or the Ethnographic Museum in Butare, enhancing your cultural understanding of Rwanda. Upon arrival at Nyungwe, check into your lodge and take the afternoon to relax and absorb the tranquility of the forest environment. The peaceful setting prepares you for the adventures awaiting the next day. This leg of your journey is vital in your 9 Days best Africa Big Five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking, emphasizing Rwanda’s rich wildlife as well as its cultural heritage.

Day 5 focuses on chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park. Set out early with guides to search for these fascinating primates. The morning trek typically lasts 2-4 hours, where you will have a chance to observe chimpanzees and other wildlife in their natural habitat. After trekking, return to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a canopy walk that allows you to appreciate Nyungwe’s biodiversity from above the forest floor. This exhilarating walk offers views of unique wildlife and plant species that thrive high in the trees. Your time in Nyungwe adds an essential component to the 9 Days best Africa Big Five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking journey.

On Day 6, drive to Lake Kivu, a journey that takes around 2-3 hours. The route reveals beautiful sights as you navigate through scenic hills and small villages. Upon arrival in Gisenyi, you will check into a lakeside lodge. Spend your day relaxing by the water, enjoying leisurely activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and trying fresh fish at local eateries. Lake Kivu provides a serene environment to unwind after your wildlife adventures, making it a refreshing stop on your 9 Days best Africa Big Five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking itinerary.

Day 7 begins with a relaxing morning at Lake Kivu before departing for Volcanoes National Park. The drive to the park takes about 2-3 hours. Arriving in the Volcanoes region, you’ll check into your lodge, preparing for the exciting gorilla trekking that awaits. Spend the afternoon resting or exploring the nearby surroundings. Use this time to reflect on your journey and anticipate the unique experience of observing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This transition to Volcanoes National Park is a crucial part of your 9 Days best Africa Big Five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking.

Day 8 is the highlight of your 9 Days best Africa Big Five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking with an early morning trek in Volcanoes National Park. Arrive at the park headquarters for a briefing before heading into the forest. Trekking can take between 1 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas' location. Once you find a gorilla family, enjoy an hour of observation, marveling at their behavior and interactions. After the trek, consider visiting the Iby'iwacu Cultural Village for an insight into local culture and traditions. This day is a memorable conclusion to your wildlife safari in Rwanda.

On your final day of your 9 Days Best Africa big five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking tour, enjoy a relaxed morning. Consider some last-minute souvenir shopping or a brief city tour in Kigali to wrap up your journey. After taking in the last glimpses of Rwanda, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on your remarkable encounters with wildlife and the rich culture you have experienced throughout your 9 Days best Africa Big Five safari and Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure, leaving with unforgettable memories of this unique destination.