11-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari | Primates & Big 5 Wildlife

An 11-day Rwanda safari offers a comprehensive exploration of the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” combining high-altitude mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and wildlife game drives. Top itineraries include Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park, plus cultural visits to Kigali Genocide Memorial.

An 11-day self-drive safari in Rwanda offers an immersive adventure covering the country’s major highlights, including gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, and game drives in Akagera National Park. Travelers typically rent 4×4 vehicles for the scenic drives, experiencing the “Land of a Thousand Hills” independently, including relaxing at Lake Kivu.

11-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda; collect 4×4 vehicle and explore Kigali city.
  • Day 2-3: Drive to Akagera National Park. Full-day game drives to see lions, elephants, and rhinos.
  • Day 4: Drive from Akagera towards Kigali and onward to the western province.
  • Day 5-6: Explore Lake Kivu (Karongi or Rubavu), enjoying boat trips to island sites like Napoleon Island.
  • Day 7-8: Drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk.
  • Day 9: Drive to Volcanoes National Park via the scenic Lake Kivu shores.
  • Day 10: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park (or Golden Monkey tracking) and visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
  • Day 11: Morning scenic drive back to Kigali for souvenirs and departure.

Key 11-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari Tips

  • Vehicle: A sturdy 4×4 is required, especially for areas with challenging, muddy terrain.
  • Permits: Book gorilla and chimpanzee permits months in advance through the Rwanda Development Board.
  • Road Safety: Drive carefully; Rwanda has excellent roads, but they are often windy with steep hills, and unexpected traffic can occur.