Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport on February 13, 2026, you will be warmly greeted by your guide who will assist with your luggage and transfer to your accommodation. The drive to the Hotel Des Mille Collines takes approximately 30 minutes. After checking in, take some time to relax and refresh. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the hotel or the surrounding area.

Enjoy your first meal in Rwanda with dinner at the hotel, where you will savor local and international cuisine. Prepare for the exciting adventures ahead during your 9 Days Best Family Rwanda Safari Holiday: Big Five, Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee. Rest well to recharge for your transfer to Akagera National Park the following morning. This night will set the stage for a remarkable family safari filled with diverse wildlife encounters and beautiful landscapes.

On February 14, 2026, after an early breakfast, your family will make the drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park, which takes approximately 2-3 hours. This park spans 1,122 square kilometers and is renowned for its wetlands and rich wildlife. A brief coffee stop at Imigongo Cafe along the way allows you to enjoy local coffee and refreshments.

Arriving at the southern entrance of Akagera, you will check in at the park reception and begin your first game drive in the Nyamwashama Plains, where you will have the opportunity to spot elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and possibly even lions. After a half-day of wildlife viewing, check in at Ruzizi Tented Lodge for lunch and some relaxation.

In the evening, you will embark on a night game drive, which provides a unique chance to see nocturnal wildlife such as leopards, hyenas, and wild dogs. Return to your lodge for dinner and rest before another day of adventure.

On February 15, 2026, your family will enjoy a full day of exploration in Akagera National Park. Start with breakfast at 6:30 AM before setting out with your packed lunch for a full-day game drive in the northern sector. This area is known for its thriving populations of lions, elephants, and giraffes.

The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, allowing ample time to search for wildlife. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for other species, such as hippos, zebras, and various bird species, including the African fish eagle and the secretary bird.

You’ll stop for lunch in the Kilala Plains, enjoying a picnic-style meal surrounded by nature. Afterward, continue your drive, capturing the unforgettable moments of your safari with your family. Return to the southern sector and back to Ruzizi Tented Lodge for dinner and another night’s rest, filled with excitement from the day's wildlife encounters.

February 16, 2026, begins with an early breakfast, followed by a morning boat ride on Lake Ihema. This scenic ride, which lasts approximately one hour, enables you to spot early risers such as elephants and hippos coming to drink at the water’s edge or crocodiles basking in the sun. Birdwatching is also rewarding here, with the chance to see species like the African fish eagle.

After the boat ride, you will transfer to Nyungwe National Park. The journey includes a stop at the King’s Palace Museum, where you will explore Rwandan heritage and learn about traditional monarchy.

Upon arrival at Nyungwe, check into Nyungwe Top View Lodge, which provides stunning views of the surrounding rainforest. Enjoy dinner at the lodge and prepare for the adventure of your canopy walk the next day. The combination of wildlife and cultural experiences enriches your 9 Days Best Family Rwanda Safari Holiday: Big Five, Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee.

On February 17, 2026, start your day with a relaxing breakfast at 8 AM. Your first activity will be the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, an exhilarating 160-meter-long, 70-meter-high suspension bridge that offers unique views of the forest canopy. Here, keep an eye out for various monkeys, birds, and the beauty of the lush green rainforest—an exhilarating experience for the whole family.

After the canopy walk, return to your lodge for lunch. Following the meal, consider taking an optional tea plantation tour, where you may see locals engaged in tea picking and learn about the tea-making process in Rwanda.

This activity allows for further wildlife sightings, with potential opportunities to see birds and other forest creatures. After a rewarding day of activities, enjoy a peaceful evening at the lodge as you prepare for chimpanzee trekking the following day.

February 18, 2026, is a highlight of your 9 Days Best Family Rwanda Safari Holiday: Big Five, Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee. An early breakfast at around 5:30 AM kicks off the exciting day ahead. After breakfast, you will head to the Gisakura Reception Office for a briefing before continuing to the Cyamudongo sector for chimpanzee trekking.

Expect to spend a few hours searching for the chimpanzees, known for their playful and energetic nature. This experience will allow your family to observe them up close and appreciate the similarities they share with humans.

After the trekking experience, you will make your way to Lake Kivu, checking into Serena Lake Kivu for your stay. Enjoy some downtime by the lake, getting ready for relaxation, which includes planned activities for the next couple of days.

On February 19, 2026, you will have the chance to relax by the shores of Lake Kivu. Enjoy a leisurely morning at the hotel, possibly taking a leisurely stroll along the water or swimming.

In the afternoon, embark on a boat ride on the lake to explore nearby islands and stunning views of the surrounding hills. Take in the serene atmosphere of the lake while enjoying quality time with your family.

After a day filled with relaxation and adventure on Lake Kivu, return to your hotel for dinner. Share stories and photographs of the experiences you've had thus far. The tranquility of Lake Kivu provides the perfect backdrop for family bonding during your 9 Days Best Family Rwanda Safari Holiday: Big Five, Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee.

On February 20, 2026, your day begins with breakfast at the hotel before starting your journey back to Kigali. The drive takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival, you'll begin a city tour, visiting sites that showcase Rwanda's vibrant culture and history.

One essential stop is the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum, where you'll learn about Rwanda's history and pay tribute to the lives lost. This visit is an important educational moment for your family, allowing for reflection and understanding of the country's past.

Following this meaningful visit, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, offering a taste of Rwandan cuisine. Afterward, you will have some time to shop for souvenirs or explore other city highlights before preparing for your departure. This day encapsulates the important blend of education and culture in your 9 Days Best Family Rwanda Safari Holiday: Big Five, Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee experience.

On your final day, February 21, 2026, enjoy breakfast at the hotel, taking a moment to reflect on your wonderful 9 Days Best Family Rwanda Safari Holiday: Big Five, Canopy Walk & Chimpanzee. After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and prepare for your journey to the airport.

The transfer to Kigali International Airport takes about 30 minutes, allowing last-minute moments to appreciate the beauty of the capital. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have some time for any last-minute shopping or photography in the city.

Once at the airport, your guide will assist you with check-in procedures. As you board your flight, take with you the treasured memories and experiences from this family adventure in Rwanda, filled with wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and beautiful landscapes.