12-Day Rwanda Safari | Big 5, Chimps, Gorillas & Boat Cruise

A 12-day Rwanda safari offers an in-depth exploration of the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” focusing on primate trekking, wildlife, and culture. Key highlights typically include gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest, savannah game drives in Akagera National Park, and relaxing by Lake Kivu.

A 12-day Rwanda self-drive safari offers a comprehensive tour of the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” covering Akagera National Park (savannah wildlife), Nyungwe National Park (primates/canopy), and Volcanoes National Park (gorillas). A 4×4 vehicle is essential for navigating varied terrain. Key experiences include mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and Kigali city culture.

12-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Kigali International Airport, pick up 4×4, overnight in Kigali.
  • Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial visit, drive to Akagera National Park.
  • Day 3-4: Game drives in Akagera NP (lions, giraffes, rhinos) and boat trip on Lake Ihema.
  • Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park (scenic drive).
  • Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park and Canopy Walkway experience.
  • Day 7: Colobus monkey trekking or hike, transfer to Lake Kivu (Kibuye).
  • Day 8: Relax at Lake Kivu, boat trips, or visit the Environmental Museum.
  • Day 9: Drive to Volcanoes National Park (Musanze).
  • Day 10: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes NP and Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village visit.
  • Day 11: Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes NP, drive back to Kigali.
  • Day 12: Last-minute shopping in Kigali and departure.

12-Day Rwanda Self-Drive Safari Tips

  • Vehicle: Rent a reliable 4×4 (Toyota Land Cruiser or RAV4).
  • Navigation: Use offline mapping apps (like Google Maps or Maps.me) and bring a physical map.
  • Permits: Book gorilla ($1500) and chimpanzee permits well in advance.
    Driving: Roads between main towns are paved, but national park access roads can be rough.