Marvel at the majestic mountains on your 9-night tour in Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Explore the rocky highlands and wet plains of Akagera National Park, home to elephants, zebras and a rich array of wildlife.

Take a walk along the shored of Lake Kivu, through the famous Congo-Nile watershed.

Then, you'll track the endangered mountain gorilla on the slopes of the dramatic Volcanoes National Park.

9-Night Tour

Day 1: Kigali
Day 2: Akagera National Park
Day 3: Akagera National Park
Day 4: Lake Kivu
Day 5: Lake Kivu
Day 6: Lake Kivu
Day 7: Volcanoes National Park
Day 8: Volcanoes National Park
Day 9: Nyungwe
Day 10: Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali international airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Peacefully nestled along picturesque hilltops, Kigali is a thriving city known for its cleanliness and hospitality.

Overnight in Kigali Serena (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)

DAY 2: AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Early start at Akagera National Park. It covers an area of 1,200 km² in the east of Rwanda. Set at a relatively low altitude on the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park could scarcely be more different in mood to the breezy cultivated hills that characterize much of Rwanda.

Dominated by the labyrinth of swamps and lakes that follow the Akagera River, this is an archetypal African savannah landscape of tangled acacia woodland interspersed with open grassland.

Akagera is, above all, big game country! As well as being home to the shy oribis and to the elusive Topi, the Highlands afford a breathtaking view across the undulating hills, rolling grassland lakes, and papyrus swamps.

Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck are some of the creatures roaming this peaceful heaven. The diverse habitats of the area are home to over 500 species of birds.

Arrive at the Ruzizi Tented Camp, a luxury eco-lodge, in time for lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the lake Ihema, and an evening game drive.

You may wish to to take a boat trip on the beautiful Lake Ihema. Sail along the water edge which is covered with several trees, drift past giant hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.

Return to the lodge for overnight (Lunch, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)

DAY 3: AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Wake-up call at 6am with a coffee ready to go for the morning game drive from south to north. During the game drive, one can see including elephants, buffalo, zebra, bush babies, antelope and more. On rare occasions, one can see species such as leopard, lion and black rhino. Akagera is one of the most scenic savannas in East Africa.

After lunch, take a 'Walk in the line' walk in the park. Experience the daily work of a fence attendant to ensure the Akagera biodiversity is protected and conserved, by walking along a 120 km fence on a daily basis.

The walk starts at the park entrance, taking you 7 km into the hills following the fence on the outer-side of the park. The walk takes on average 2 hours and ends at the top of the Ridge with spectacular views of Akagera in all directions.

Return to the lodge for overnight (Lunch, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)

Leave early morning towards Kigali. Lunch in Kigali. Continue towards Lake Kivu with stops on the route, visiting Ndaba waterfall on the way.

Lake Kivu is the largest lake at 2.699 km² and is divided between Congo and Rwanda. One of Africa's Great Lakes, it lies at an altitude of 1,459 m and is the highest in Africa, and the world's deepest.

Surrounded by the Rift Valley and Virunga mountains, it has picturesque sandy shores and provides a beautiful setting to relax.

Overnight on the shores of the Lake at Lake Kivu Serena (Lunch, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast).

DAY 5: LAKE KIVU

The Congo Nile Trail is a spectacular walk from the southern shores of Lake Kivu to the northern shores, through the famous Congo Nile divide watershed. To walk the entire trail takes 10 days, but for this itinerary 2 days are fine.

This morning, you have to wake up early as you have will have to drive for 1 hour from your hotel to Bumba, then hike for a minimum of 6 hours to get to Kinunu, then onwards to Cyimbiri.

Picnic lunch near Gatunga village and then climb the trail until the main Rubavu.

Overnight on the shores of Lake Kivu. (± 6 hours walking). Return to the lodge for overnight, at Lake Kivu Serena. (Lunch, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)

DAY 6: LAKE KIVU

There are many adventure activities around Lake Kivu. Popular activities include water skiing, wind surfing, wind surfing, paddling, fishing, riding a motorboat, and hiking or biking along the shore. Depending on the weather, you'll hike in the morning and spend the afternoon kayaking.

Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena (Lunch, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)

Early morning transfer to Volcanoes National Park and check in at the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. This will be the base for Gorilla trekking the next day.

The lodge is located on the foothills of the Mount Karisimbi, one of the volcanic mountains that make up the Virunga Massif. The lodge is about 10 minutes’ drive to the main entrance of the Volcanoes National Park where gorilla trekking starts.

Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Lunch, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)

DAY 8: VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Early in the morning after a hearty breakfast, we will be led to the trek start point at the park gate. Best known for mountain gorilla trekking, this park is an evergreen bamboo forest with grassland areas, swamp, and heath.

Because of the high altitude it is generally cold, especially early in the morning and in the evenings, so a light jumper is advised.

The unique opportunity to see gorillas in their natural habitat is unforgettable. Encounters with gorillas as they go about their daily lives are carefully managed, with expert trackers and guides leading small groups of tourists up bamboo-covered slopes to spend a precious hour, just a few feet away from the gentle creatures.

After the trek, return to the lodge in time for lunch and spend the rest of the day at the lodge or with the community.

Overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Lunch, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)

DAY 9: NYUNGWE

In the morning after breakfast, transfer by road to Nyungwe forest and check in to the hotel. You'll do a canopy walk before arriving at the lodge.

This forest is the largest protected mountain forest in Africa, covering between 1600 and 2000 sq metres. It is a five hour drive into the middle of Rwanda.

Once you get to the park, you will then prepare to join on one of the most unbelievable adventures you will ever have, the canopy walk.

Overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hotel (Lunch, Dinner, Bed and Breakfast)

DAY 10: KIGALI

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Nyungwe Forest during the early morning hours. Return to Kigali.

Depending on your departure flight time, explore the city. Visit the genocide museum, the dazzling Inema gallery, or visit a craft shop.

Lunch (depending on your departure flight) and airport transfer.

Throughout your tour, you'll be accommodated in the following hotels and lodges (or similar):

• Kigali: Kigali Serena (or similar)
• Akagera National Park: Akagera Ruzizi Tented Camp (or similar)
• Lake Kivu: Lake Kivu Serena (or similar)
• Volcanoes National Park: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (pictured; or similar)
• Nyungwe: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (or similar)