The Ultimate 10-Day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari Package in Africa

All-Inclusive 10-Day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari Overview

10-Day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari Itinerary in Africa. A Private Luxury 10-Day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari (Rwanda Gorilla Trekking, Victoria Falls, Mana Pools, and  Kigali)

Discover the best of southern and eastern Africa on the 10-Day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari, a bold, beautifully balanced itinerary that pairs the drama of Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe’s wild game country with Rwanda’s verdant Volcanoes National Park and unforgettable gorilla encounters. Begin with the thunder of the Falls: feel the spray on a sunset Zambezi cruise, marvel at aerial views (optional helicopter), and head into Hwange or Mana Pools for classic Big Five game drives, walking safaris, and nights beneath a sky full of stars in handpicked lodges and luxury tented camps. Then fly or transfer into Rwanda for a change of pace. Kigali’s warm hospitality and thoughtful memorials offer cultural context before you climb into the misty foothills to track habituated mountain gorillas and playful golden monkeys on guided treks through bamboo forests. Along the way, you’ll enjoy expert naturalist guides, small-group attention, curated community visits, and comfortable accommodations that fuse local character with modern comfort.

This 10-day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari Itinerary is perfect for travelers who want both high-adrenaline adventure and soulful wildlife encounters without sacrificing comfort or conservation impact. Every element, from tailored transfers and park permits to meals that showcase regional flavors, is handled so you can focus on the moments that matter: elephant herds at dawn, the thunderous curtain of Victoria Falls at dusk. The 10-day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari Itinerary is designed to support responsible tourism: local communities and conservation initiatives are woven into the experience, ensuring your visit gives back. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, ticking off a lifetime wildlife wish, or simply craving a spectacular, well-paced African escape, the 10-Day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari delivers drama, intimacy, and memories that last.

Detailed Itinerary: 10-Day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to your hotel

Your 10-Day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari starts with arrival at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and transfer to your lodge close to the iconic Victoria Falls for panoramic viewpoints and a conservation briefing. Begin with a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls to view the thunderous cascades and learn about local history, geology, and river ecology from expert guides. In the afternoon, relax on a Zambezi sunset cruise offering wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and regional cuisine while guides explain floodplain ecosystems. Optional helicopter flights provide dramatic aerial perspectives. In the evening, enjoy a welcome briefing, dinner, and lodging near the falls. This arrival day supports conservation and prepares travelers for safari.

Day 2: Transfer to Hwange National Park.

This focuses on game drives led by experienced naturalists aiming to locate the Big Five, plains game, and birdlife. Morning and afternoon drives concentrate on elephant herds, lions, leopards, and buffalo congregations near permanent water sources while guides explain behavior and conservation priorities. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside a scenic waterhole with opportunities for photography and short permitted walks where safe. In the evening, return to a tented camp for dinner, a conservation briefing, and nocturnal spotlighting that reveals the park’s night wildlife. Your stay supports anti-poaching programs and community initiatives that protect Hwange’s ecosystems. Responsibly.

Day 3: Morning game drive in Hwange

Experience an early-morning game drive in Hwange to catch predators and active grazers at first light, then visit a nearby wildlife rehabilitation or community project to learn about conservation impact and livelihoods. After lunch, transfer by road or scheduled light aircraft to Mana Pools to access river-based activities and riverside wildlife viewing. Afternoon options include guided canoe trips on calm channels, supervised river walks for bird and hippo observation, and photographic stops along floodplains to capture landscape and wildlife interactions. In camp, enjoy an evening briefing from guides, local storytelling, and nights under star-filled skies while supporting community conservation stories.

Day 4: Walking Safari in Mana Pools

Start the morning with an early walking safari in Mana Pools, accompanied by experienced guides and armed rangers who lead small groups along riverine trails for safe, close-up observations of antelope, warthog, bushbuck, diverse waterbirds, and savannah mammals. Move quietly to increase sighting chances while guides share field identification tips, ecological insights, and stories about local conservation efforts. Photograph wildlife respectfully, learn tracking signs, and enjoy interpretive stops that explain habitat, seasonal behaviors, and predator-prey dynamics. Return to camp for breakfast beside the river, enriched by a deeper understanding of Mana Pools’ unique floodplain ecosystem and ongoing local conservation initiatives.

Day 5: Transfer to Kigali International Airport

Take a flight to Kigali, Rwanda, arriving in the capital with a comfortable transfer to a centrally located hotel in safe, walkable neighborhoods. Unpack and relax with optional spa treatments, a specialty coffee tasting at a local roaster, or a gentle stroll through artisan markets and contemporary galleries that showcase Rwandan crafts. Attend an easy orientation briefing covering gorilla trekking permits, park rules, and packing tips so you feel prepared and confident. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a reputable restaurant and rest well before the Volcanoes adventure. This restful day supports acclimatization and local conservation.

Day 6: Kigali City Tour & Transfer To Volcanoes

Kigali city tour that includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial for a respectful context, visits to contemporary art galleries, and a specialty coffee shop experience to taste Rwanda’s celebrated beans. Learn about Rwanda’s conservation initiatives, social entrepreneurship, and community tourism models from local guides who emphasize ethical travel practices. After lunch, transfer through scenic highland landscapes to Volcanoes National Park, checking into a lodge located for quick access to trekking trailheads. Attend a comprehensive briefing on gorilla trekking protocol, safety measures, and park etiquette, and finalize permit logistics with your guide. Enjoy Virunga views from the lodge.

Day 7: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes

Gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park with experienced trackers and rangers who guide you through the montane forest and bamboo zones to locate a habituated gorilla family. Hike at a measured pace while guides provide interpretive commentary on gorilla social structure, individual identification, and conservation measures that protect them. Upon locating the family, spend the permitted hour observing, photographing, and respectfully engaging with the group under strict park rules. After returning to your lodge, enjoy a relaxed afternoon with optional spa treatments, reflective time in nature, and an evening conservation debrief with naturalists. Gratitude.

Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking & Community Visit

Golden monkey tracking excursion in Volcanoes National Park to observe lively primates foraging and leaping through bamboo and lower montane forest with specialist trackers. Guides explain the monkeys’ ecology, vocal behaviors, and the conservation work that supports them. After tracking, participate in a cultural experience at a nearby village where you will enjoy traditional music, dance, and a shared home-cooked lunch prepared with regional ingredients that directly support household incomes. Learn how tourism revenues fund schools, clinics, and livelihoods for families living near the park, then return to your lodge for rest and reflection.

Day 9: Transfer Back to Kigali

From Volcanoes National Park back to Kigali with a scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills, arriving in the city ready for a relaxed day of shopping and cultural exploration. Visit ethical craft markets and artisan cooperatives to purchase handwoven baskets, traditional textiles, and sustainably made souvenirs that benefit local communities. Optionally explore social enterprises and specialty coffee shops that support women and youth entrepreneurs, or revisit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for deeper reflection. Spend the evening organizing photographs, enjoying a leisurely dinner, and preparing travel documents for a smooth departure the following day. Supporting local artisans.

Day 10: Final day of Departure

Final day of your 10-Day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari. Depart at leisure on Day 10 with a final morning option of specialty coffee tastings, a brief city stroll, or a visit to a social enterprise before your personalized airport transfer to Kigali International Airport. Confirm onward travel details, finalize documentation related to permits and conservation contributions, and receive a trip summary packet that includes photographic highlights and recommendations for future travel. Take time to reflect on wildlife sightings, cultural exchanges, and how your visit supported local conservation and community projects. Enjoy a relaxed farewell with local refreshments and a warm send-off from your guide and hosts. Wishing you safe travels.

End of your ultimate 10-Day Zimbabwe and Rwanda Safari