This 10-Day Rwanda Gorillas Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday highlights the best of Rwanda’s primate adventures and a relaxing beach experience in Zanzibar.
During this safari, you will enjoy exciting activities including gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, snorkeling, swimming, boat cruises, sunbathing, and spice tours. You will also visit Stone Town, Jozani Chwaka National Park, and other attractions.
This trip combines two unique destinations — Rwanda, known for its primates and volcanoes, and Zanzibar, famous for its white sand beaches and cultural heritage. In Rwanda, you will explore Volcanoes National Park for gorillas and Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzees, before flying to Zanzibar for a relaxing beach escape.
Trip Highlights
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Visit the King’s Palace Museum and Gorilla Guardians Village
- Explore Zanzibar’s white sand beaches and turquoise waters
- Visit Jozani Chwaka National Park for monkeys and nature walks
- Tour Stone Town and its spice plantations
Brief 10-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari & Zanzibar Holiday Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Hotel
- Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park and Visit King’s Palace
- Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
- Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Day 6: Return to Kigali and Fly to Zanzibar
- Day 7–8: Zanzibar Beach Experience
- Day 9: Stone Town and Spice Tour
- Day 10: Departure
Detailed 10-Day Rwanda Gorilla Safari & Zanzibar Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Hotel
On arrival at Kigali International Airport, meet your professional safari guide who will brief you about your safari. You will then transfer to your hotel for check-in.
If time allows, you may visit city attractions such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and craft shops where you can buy handmade souvenirs before returning to the hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 2: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park and Visit King’s Palace
After breakfast, drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to chimpanzees and several other primate species. On your way, visit the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza to learn about Rwanda’s royal history.
Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon, enjoy a welcome drink, and relax for the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge.
Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
After breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing on chimpanzee trekking. You will learn the rules, such as avoiding feeding the animals or mimicking their sounds.
Begin your trek through the rain-forest with guides, observing chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Once found, spend one hour with them taking photos and watching their behavior.
In the afternoon, enjoy a canopy walk — a suspended bridge adventure offering aerial views of the forest. Spot monkeys like L’Hoest’s monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, drive north to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. On the way, you may visit the Gorilla Guardians Village for an optional cultural experience, depending on your interest and time.
Arrive in Musanze and check in at your lodge near the park for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
After an early breakfast, head to the park offices for a briefing about gorilla trekking rules and etiquette. Start your trek with experienced guides as you follow trails through the forest in search of a gorilla family.
Once found, spend one hour observing the gorillas as they feed, play, and interact. Return to your lodge for lunch, relaxation, and dinner.
Day 6: Return to Kigali and Fly to Zanzibar
After breakfast, drive back to Kigali City and catch your flight to Zanzibar. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and rich history.
Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your beach resort for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7–8: Zanzibar Beach Experience
Spend two relaxing days at the beach enjoying activities such as snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and boat cruises.
You will also visit Jozani-Chwaka National Park for a nature walk, where you can see red colobus monkeys, birds, and other wildlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch and free time to relax by the beach. Dinner and overnight at your resort.
Day 9: Stone Town and Spice Tour
After breakfast, take a Stone Town tour to explore Zanzibar’s historic sites such as the House of Wonders, Old Fort, and religious centers. The town is famous for its coral stone architecture and rich cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, visit one of the island’s spice plantations to see and taste various spices such as cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and cloves. Learn how spices are grown and harvested before returning to your resort for dinner.
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport for your flight back home. This marks the end of your 10 Days Rwanda Gorillas Safari & Zanzibar Beach Holiday.
