Experience the beauty, wildlife, culture and spectacular landscapes of Rwanda on this carefully designed 6 Days Rwanda Safari and Lake Kivu Tour with Verdant Safaris. This itinerary combines exciting wildlife encounters in Akagera National Park, scenic experiences around Rwanda’s countryside, and relaxing time on the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu. You will explore Rwanda’s diverse landscapes, encounter fascinating wildlife, enjoy boat experiences and discover the warmth of local communities. The journey also allows you to experience the contrast between Rwanda’s savannah ecosystems and the peaceful highland scenery surrounding Lake Kivu. With comfortable accommodation, guided activities and well-planned transfers, this safari provides an excellent introduction to Rwanda’s natural and cultural treasures. Your final day is reserved for departure from Rwanda, giving you a convenient end to your adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Kigali City Tour
Your Rwanda adventure begins with arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you will be welcomed by your Verdant Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and having some time to refresh, you will begin a guided Kigali city tour, exploring one of Africa’s cleanest and most organised capital cities. You may visit important attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, craft centres and viewpoints overlooking the city’s rolling hills. Depending on your arrival time, you can also explore the lively streets of Kigali and experience the city’s modern atmosphere, restaurants and cultural heritage. Your guide will introduce you to Rwanda’s history, traditions and remarkable transformation over recent decades. In the evening, you will return to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing overnight stay before beginning your safari adventure.
Accommodation options: Hotel des Mille Collines, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Kigali Serena Hotel.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park and Afternoon Game Drive
After breakfast, you will depart Kigali and travel eastwards towards Akagera National Park, a beautiful savannah destination situated close to Rwanda’s border with Tanzania. The journey takes you through scenic countryside characterised by rolling hills, farmland and traditional villages, giving you an opportunity to appreciate Rwanda’s picturesque landscapes. After arriving at Akagera, you will check into your lodge and enjoy lunch before preparing for your first wildlife experience. In the afternoon, you will head into the park for a game drive across its open savannah plains, wetlands and woodland areas. Keep your eyes open for elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, hippos and numerous bird species, while your experienced guide helps you identify wildlife and explains the park’s ecosystem. As the sun begins to set, you will return to your lodge, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and reflecting on your first exciting day in Rwanda’s wilderness.
Accommodation options: Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Magashi Camp.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Akagera National Park Morning Game Drive and Transfer to Lake Kivu
You will wake up early for breakfast before setting out for a morning game drive in Akagera National Park, when wildlife is often particularly active. Your drive will take you through different sections of the park as you search for species that may not have been seen during the previous afternoon’s safari. Depending on the season and wildlife movements, you may encounter giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, elephants, antelopes and a wide variety of colourful birds. After the game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch before beginning your scenic journey towards the western side of Rwanda. The drive to Lake Kivu takes you through beautiful countryside, with changing landscapes, green hills, agricultural communities and spectacular views along the way. Upon reaching the Lake Kivu region, you will check into your accommodation, relax and enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere as you prepare for the following day’s activities.
Accommodation options: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Kivu Hotel, Paradise Malahide.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Lake Kivu Boat Cruise and Lakeside Experience
After breakfast, you will enjoy a relaxed day exploring the natural beauty of Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and one of Rwanda’s most scenic destinations. You will take a guided boat cruise across the lake, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills, islands and fishing communities along the shoreline. The boat experience provides excellent opportunities for photography and allows you to appreciate the calm waters and spectacular scenery from a different perspective. Depending on your interests and the available time, you may visit one of the nearby islands or enjoy a peaceful lakeside walk after the boat excursion. You will also have time to interact with local communities and learn about traditional fishing practices and everyday life around the lake. In the afternoon, you can relax at your hotel, enjoy the lakeside views or participate in optional activities before having dinner and spending another peaceful night in the Lake Kivu region.
Accommodation options: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Cleo Kivu Hotel, Paradise Malahide.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5: Lake Kivu to Kigali with Scenic and Cultural Experiences
After breakfast, you will begin your journey back towards Kigali, travelling through Rwanda’s beautiful western and central countryside. Rather than simply making the transfer, the journey will include opportunities to stop at scenic viewpoints, local communities and interesting locations along the route. You will have the chance to appreciate Rwanda’s famous landscape of rolling green hills, terraced farms and picturesque rural settlements. Depending on your interests and the timing of the journey, you may visit a local market or craft centre where you can see handmade products and learn more about Rwandan culture. Your guide will share information about local traditions, agriculture and daily life as you travel towards the capital. On arrival in Kigali, you will check into your hotel and have time to relax, enjoy dinner and prepare for your departure the following day.
Accommodation options: Hotel des Mille Collines, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, Kigali Serena Hotel.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Departure
Your final morning in Rwanda will be reserved for departure, bringing your 6 Days Rwanda Safari and Lake Kivu Tour to an end. After breakfast, you will have some free time depending on your flight schedule, allowing you to relax at the hotel or make some final purchases of souvenirs and locally made crafts. If your departure is later in the day, your guide can arrange a short visit to a nearby attraction or shopping area, subject to the available time. You will then check out of your hotel and meet your Verdant Safaris driver for the transfer to Kigali International Airport. Your driver will assist you with your luggage and ensure that you arrive at the airport in good time for your flight. As you depart Rwanda, you will carry memories of the country’s wildlife, beautiful landscapes, Lake Kivu’s peaceful waters and the warm hospitality you experienced during your journey.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)
Tour Inclusions
- Airport arrival and departure transfers.
- Private transportation in a comfortable safari vehicle.
- Services of an experienced English-speaking safari guide/driver.
- Accommodation as specified in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
- Kigali city tour.
- Entrance fees for the activities included in the itinerary.
- Akagera National Park entry fees.
- Morning and afternoon game drives in Akagera National Park.
- Lake Kivu boat cruise.
- Bottled drinking water during safari drives and transfers.
- Government taxes and applicable service charges.
- Scenic and cultural stops included in the programme.
Tour Exclusions
- International flights to and from Rwanda.
- Rwanda visa fees, where applicable.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal shopping and souvenirs.
- Alcoholic and premium beverages.
- Laundry services.
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff.
- Optional activities not specified in the itinerary.
- Personal expenses such as telephone calls and other services.
- Any activities or services not specifically mentioned under inclusions.