Rwanda in 10 Days: 3 Recommended 10-day Itineraries to Rwanda

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Rwanda 10-day Itinerary Options
Whether you're interested in wildlife adventures, cultural experiences, or scenic landscapes, these Rwanda 10-day itinerary ideas offer a comprehensive overview of Rwanda's remarkable attractions.
Itinerary #1: Discover Rwanda's Natural and Cultural Wonders

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Start your trip in Kigali | Arrival | Kigali |
Day 2 | Drive to Akagera National Park and enjoy an afternoon game drive | Game drive | Akagera |
Day 3 | Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives with a boat ride on Lake Ihema | Game drive and boat ride | Akagera |
Day 4 | Visit Mwami’s ancient palace en-route and continue to Nyungwe | Cultural tour | Nyungwe |
Day 5 | Track chimpanzees with a guide in Nyungwe forest | Wildlife exploration | Nyungwe |
Day 6 | Travel to Lake Kivu with stunning views along the way | Scenic drive | Lake Kivu |
Day 7 | Relax and enjoy leisure time at Lake Kivu | Leisure day | Lake Kivu |
Day 8 | Drive to Ruhengeri and embark on a gorilla trekking adventure | Gorilla trekking | Ruhengeri |
Day 9 | Choose to go for a second gorilla trek or a golden monkey trek | Hiking | Ruhengeri |
Day 10 | Return to Kigali and prepare for departure | Departure |
Embark on an incredible journey through Rwanda, exploring the vibrant city of Kigali, the stunning landscapes of Akagera, and the rich biodiversity of Nyungwe National Park. Enjoy thrilling game drives and a serene boat ride in Akagera, taking in the majestic beauty of Rwanda's wildlife. Discover the cultural heritage of Butare and the historical Mwami palace before heading to Nyungwe to engage in unforgettable chimpanzee tracking. Unwind at the picturesque Lake Kivu, perfect for relaxation, before venturing to Ruhengeri, the gateway to the world-renowned Volcanoes National Park. Here, experience the awe-inspiring and rare opportunity to trek in search of mountain gorillas, observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. With leisure activities peppered throughout, this itinerary beautifully balances excitement with relaxation, comprehensively exploring Rwanda's natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Itinerary #2: Wildlife, Hiking and Cultural Immersion


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive at Kigali | Arrival | Kigali |
Day 2 | A trip to Volcanoes National Park | Exploration | Musanze |
Day 3 | Hike to see the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park | Hiking | Musanze |
Day 4 | Explore Dian Fossey’s Research Center | Hiking | Musanze |
Day 5 | Visit the canopy walk and hike to Nyungwe Waterfalls | Hiking | Nyungwe |
Day 6 | Experience the chimpanzee trekking in Nyugwe Forest | Chimpanzee trekking | Nyungwe |
Day 7 | Explore the local area and admire the nature and learn about the culture | Cultural exploration | Nyungwe |
Day 8 | Take a boat ride in Lake Kivu | Boat ride | Lake Kivu |
Day 9 | Hike around Lake Kivu’s surrounding hills for scenic views | Hiking | Lake Kivu |
Day 10 | Return to Kigali for departure | Departure |
This 10-day itinerary in Rwanda provides a rich mix of wildlife, hiking and cultural experiences. Start in Kigali, where you’ll visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, browse the colorful local markets, and appreciate the city’s artistic scene at the Inema Art Center. Then, head to Volcanoes National Park for an exhilarating mountain gorilla trekking experience, followed by a visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village for a deeper cultural connection. Delve into Dian Fossey’s legacy with a visit to her research center and tomb. Continue south to Nyungwe Forest, where you’ll trek through dense rainforest, spot chimpanzees, and hike to the breathtaking Nyungwe Waterfalls. Discover Rwanda’s rich traditions with a cultural village tour and a visit to a tea plantation. Finally, unwind at the picturesque Lake Kivu, enjoying boat rides, scenic hikes, and coffee farm visits. Conclude your adventure with a relaxing day in Kigali before your departure.
Itinerary #3: Rwanda and Tanzania


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Kigali | Arrival | Kigali |
Day 2 | Travel to Volcanoes National Park for a mix of culture and nature | Cultural exploration | Musanze |
Day 3 | Trek through the forest and observe the mountain gorillas | Hiking and wildlife exploration | Musanze |
Day 4 | Enjoy a relaxed boat ride on Lake Kivu and visit the local villages around the lake | Boat ride and exploration | Gisenyi |
Day 5 | Head to Nyungwe Forest for a day of nature exploration | Exploration | Nyungwe |
Day 6 | Explore the cultural sites of Huye and experience Rwanda traditions | Cultural tour | Kigali |
Day 7 | Fly from Kigali to Arusha | Transfer | Arusha |
Day 8 | A trip to Serengeti National Park | National park exploration | Serengenti |
Day 9 | Full day safari in Serengeti National Park | Safari | Serengenti |
Day 10 | Bid farewell to Tanzania | Departure |
This 10-day journey takes you through the best of Rwanda and Tanzania, combining wildlife culture and scenic landscapes. Start in Kigali, where you will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets before heading to Volcanoes National Park. Visit Ibyiwacu Cultural Village and go on a thrilling mountain gorilla trek inside the national park. Afterward, relax by the serene shores of Lake Kivu, enjoying a boat ride and lakeside relaxation. Explore Nyungwe Forest with chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk before heading to Huye for a deep dive into Rwanda’s rich history and culture. On the seventh day take a flight to Arusha. Travel to the iconic Serengeti National Park for a memorable safari experience.Witness the spectacular wildlife, including the Big Five, on a full-day safari. Conclude your trip in Arusha, exploring the city before departing.
Need Help Planning an Itinerary to Rwanda for 10 Days?
Rwanda in 10 days offers endless possibilities to explore its diverse offerings. Tailor your experience with our Rwanda 10 days itinerary suggestions or reach out for a personalized adventure that suits your interests and timeline. For further inspiration, consider exploring our guides on how many days to spend in Rwanda and one-week in Rwanda.