Overview
Experience the best of Rwanda this Christmas on an unforgettable 10-day journey through the country’s most remarkable destinations.
This comprehensive Rwanda Christmas safari combines wildlife adventures in Akagera National Park, mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, relaxation along the shores of Lake Kivu, and rainforest experiences in Nyungwe National Park.
From savannah wildlife and mountain gorillas to peaceful lakeside landscapes and ancient rainforest, this itinerary showcases the incredible diversity of Rwanda.
The journey is carefully planned to allow time for travel, relaxation, and meaningful experiences at each destination.
Safari Highlights
• Christmas holiday in Rwanda
• Kigali city tour
• Game drives in Akagera National Park
• Opportunity to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes
• Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
• Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
• Opportunity for golden monkey trekking
• Scenic views of Rwanda’s Virunga Mountains
• Relaxation at Lake Kivu
• Optional boat cruise on Lake Kivu
• Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe
• Nyungwe Canopy Walk
• Scenic drives through Rwanda’s famous rolling hills
• Professional English-speaking safari guide
• Comfortable safari lodges and hotels
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali and Overnight Stay
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your Traford Safaris Ltd representative and transferred to your hotel.
After your international flight, enjoy a relaxed evening in Kigali. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short city experience or simply rest at your hotel.
Your guide will brief you about the exciting Christmas adventure ahead.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 2 – Kigali to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart Kigali and travel east towards Akagera National Park.
Enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the city and enter Rwanda’s beautiful countryside.
Arrive at Akagera National Park and check into your lodge.
Later, enjoy an afternoon game drive as you begin exploring the park.
Akagera is home to elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, antelopes, and numerous bird species. Lions and rhinos can also be encountered.
Overnight: Akagera National Park
Day 3 – Full-Day Safari in Akagera National Park
Spend a full day exploring Akagera National Park.
Begin with an early morning game drive when wildlife is often active. Continue exploring the park’s savannah plains, woodlands, lakes, and wetlands.
Look out for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, lions, rhinos, antelopes, and a wide variety of birds.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. The cruise provides excellent opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and other wildlife along the shoreline.
Return to your lodge in the evening and enjoy a relaxed Christmas atmosphere.
Overnight: Akagera National Park
Day 4 – Akagera to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart Akagera and travel towards the northern part of Rwanda.
Enjoy a scenic journey through Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside as you make your way towards Musanze and Volcanoes National Park.
Arrive at your lodge and relax.
Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the local area or simply prepare for your gorilla trekking adventure.
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Day 5 – Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today is one of the highlights of your Rwanda Christmas adventure.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for your gorilla trekking briefing.
Enter the forest accompanied by experienced guides and trackers in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.
The trek can take several hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain.
Once you find the gorillas, spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Spend the evening enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Virunga Mountains and the festive Christmas atmosphere.
Overnight: Volcanoes National Park
Day 6 – Volcanoes National Park to Lake Kivu
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before departing for Lake Kivu.
Drive through Rwanda’s scenic countryside towards the lakeside town of Gisenyi.
Upon arrival, check into your lakeside accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Relax by the lake, enjoy the views, or take an optional boat cruise.
Lake Kivu provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and rest after your gorilla trekking experience.
Overnight: Lake Kivu
Day 7 – Lake Kivu to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, continue your journey south along the shores of Lake Kivu towards Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Enjoy one of Rwanda’s most scenic drives, with spectacular views of the lake, hills, plantations, and rural communities.
Arrive near Nyungwe Forest and check into your lodge.
Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for your rainforest adventure.
Overnight: Nyungwe Forest
Day 8 – Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest
Wake up early for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, enter the ancient rainforest in search of habituated chimpanzee communities.
Nyungwe is also home to several other primate species and an impressive variety of birds and forest wildlife.
After the trek, return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Depending on your energy levels and the available time, enjoy an optional nature walk or simply relax at your lodge.
Overnight: Nyungwe Forest
Day 9 – Nyungwe Canopy Walk and Transfer to Kigali
After breakfast, enjoy the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk.
The elevated walkway provides spectacular views over the forest canopy and offers a unique perspective of one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
After the canopy experience, begin your journey back towards Kigali.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way and stop for lunch and refreshments.
Arrive in Kigali later in the day and check into your hotel.
Spend your final evening relaxing after your journey.
Overnight: Kigali
Day 10 – Kigali City Tour and Departure
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed Kigali city tour.
Depending on your interests and departure time, you may visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, art galleries, or craft shops.
Enjoy lunch before your transfer to Kigali International Airport.
Your Traford Safaris Ltd driver will ensure you arrive at the airport in good time for your international departure.
This marks the end of your unforgettable Rwanda Christmas Adventure.
