Custom East Africa Safari Holidays | Santaviva Luxury Tours

11 Day Rwanda-Namibia Tour

Embark on the ultimate 11-day adventure that whisks you from the misty, primate-filled jungles of Rwanda to the sweeping, sun-baked dunes of the Namibian desert. Trek through lush forests in search of elusive gorillas and playful golden monkeys, then trade your hiking boots for desert gear as you traverse Namibia’s otherworldly landscapes. This tour is a thrilling odyssey for the bold explorer, promising unforgettable encounters with wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and stories to last a lifetime.

What do I need to bring?

Essential Clothing (Both Destinations)

Lightweight, moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirts
Breathable hiking trousers (avoid jeans)
Warm fleece or insulated jacket (early mornings are cold)
Waterproof/windproof outer layer
Comfortable lodge wear (smart casual)
Sleepwear suitable for cool nights

Desert Safari Gear

Neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki, olive)
Sunglasses with UV protection
High SPF sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF (desert dryness is intense)
Scarf or buff (for wind and sand)
Lightweight breathable shoes or boots
Warm layer for cold desert nights

Cancellation policy

Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Gorilla Trekking Gear

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots (broken-in)
Thick socks (preferably wool or trekking socks)
Gardening-style gloves (for vegetation grip)
Lightweight rain jacket (forest weather is unpredictable)
Small daypack (water, snacks, camera)
Hat or cap for sun/rain protection
Insect repellent
Reusable water bottle
Face mask (required in close gorilla proximity)

Travel Essentials

Passport and visa documents
Travel insurance documents
Personal medications
Camera with extra batteries / memory cards
Universal power adapter
Power bank
Small dry bag for electronics

Please note

Passport required
Dress code

More Info

Experience type

Multi day tour

Difficulty

Moderate

Booking in advance

Cut off: 4 week

Categories

Safari / wildlife , Adult Only

Duration

11 days

Live tour guide

English

Know before you go

Minimum age of participants is: 18

Accommodation & Meals

Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour can be arranged for an extra cost

Day

Accommodation

Meals

Kigali Serena Hotel

Day 1: Lunch & Dinner Included

Luxury Hotel in Kigali City

One & Only Gorilla Nest

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge outside Volcanoes National Park

One & Only Gorilla Nest

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge outside Volcanoes National Park

Kigali Serena Hotel

All Meals Included

Luxury Hotel in Kigali City

Hilton Windhoek

All Meals Included

Luxury Hotel in Windhoek

Wolwedans Bolders Camp

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge in NamibRand Nature Reserve

Wolwedans Bolders Camp

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge in NamibRand Nature Reserve

Wolwedans Dune Camp

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge in NamibRand Nature Reserve

Wolwedans Dune Camp

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge in NamibRand Nature Reserve

Wolwedans Dune Camp

All Meals Included

Ultra Luxury Lodge in NamibRand Nature Reserve

End of Tour

Breakfast & Lunch included

No accommodation

What's included?

Namibia Desert Safari Experience

Luxury accommodation in desert lodges or camps
Internal flights or private road transfers as per itinerary
Guided desert experiences (dunes, canyons, and coastal explorations)
Game drives in designated conservation areas
All meals and selected beverages as per lodge policy
Professional guides and conservation rangers
Park and conservation fees
Signature sunrise and sunset desert experiences

Rwanda Gorilla Trek Experience

Gorilla trekking permit per person
Services of professional park ranger and expert trackers
One gorilla family visit (subject to park allocation)
Pre-trek briefing at park headquarters
Ground transfers within Rwanda itinerary
Luxury lodge accommodation on full board basis
Bottled drinking water during trekking activities
Porter assistance during trek (recommended for comfort)
Selected cultural or community experience where included in itinerary

Exclusions

Tip or gratuity
International flights
Visa fees and travel insurance
Premium alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Optional activities not stated in the itinerary
Laundry services (unless specified)
Items of personal nature (souvenirs, communications, etc.)

Day 1 : Arrival in Kigali

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you will be received by a professional guide for a meet and greet before a private transfer to Kigali Serena Hotel.

Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing in refined comfort.

Day 2 : Fly to Musanze

After breakfast, take a scenic helicopter flight to Musanze. Upon arrival, transfer to One&Only Gorilla’s Nest for check-in and relaxation.

In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund for an inspiring insight into gorilla conservation.

Day 3 : Gorilla Trek in Volcanoes National Park

Arise early morning, have breakfast. After breakfast we head to the park gate to experience your once in a life time experience walking with the gentle giants. After your extraordinary encounter in Volcanoes National Park, return to the lodge for a refined late lunch and quiet moments of indulgence—spa treatments, panoramic views, or simply time to absorb the rarity of what you’ve just experienced.

Day 4 : Golden Monkey Trek in Volcanoes National Park

Venture back into the forest for a lively encounter with the rare golden monkeys—fast, playful, and striking against the bamboo landscape.

Later, return to the lodge for a relaxed afternoon—unwind at leisure or take in the serene volcanic views as the journey slows into reflection.

Day 5 : Fly in to Kigali & Reflection

Fly to Kigali, where the pace gently shifts from wilderness to introspection.

In the afternoon, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial—a deeply moving experience that offers insight into Rwanda’s history, resilience, and remarkable journey of renewal.

Return to your hotel for a quiet evening at leisure.

Day 6 : Arrival in Windhoek-Namibia

Fly into Namibia’s capital, where desert landscapes begin to define the journey ahead. On arrival, transfer to Hilton Windhoek for check-in and a relaxed evening—an elegant pause before your desert adventure unfolds.

Day 7 : Arrival in Wolwedans Dunes Lodge

You enjoy a scenic drive to one of wolwedan Collection. Upon Arriva in the heart of the NamibRand and settle into the quiet rhythm of the desert at Wolwedans Collection. If timing allows, enjoy a light lunch at camp before the landscape begins to unfold.

In the afternoon, head out on a scenic drive across endless dunes, where silence and scale redefine perspective. Pause for sundowners as the desert shifts into gold and crimson.

Return to camp for an intimate dinner under vast, star-filled skies.

Day 8 : Living the NamibRand

Begin the morning on a guided Bushman walk, tracing ancient knowledge across the dunes as the desert slowly wakes. The journey leads into the Heart & Home Village for a meaningful cultural encounter, followed by a relaxed garden brunch.

The afternoon is yours—unwind with spa treatments or simply rest in the stillness of the landscape.

As the heat softens, choose between an optional horse ride or e-fat biking across open desert plains before gathering for sundowners.

End the day with an intimate dinner at camp beneath the vast Namib sky.

Day 9 : Journey Across the Namib

Begin with a relaxed breakfast at camp before setting out on a full-day scenic drive through ever-changing desert landscapes. Enjoy a curated picnic lunch in a remote and striking setting along the route.

Continue your journey toward your next desert camp, arriving in the late afternoon for check-in and time to unwind.

As the sun lowers, enjoy sundowners overlooking the vast wilderness before an intimate dinner at camp.

Day 10 : Sky and Silence Over the Desert

Begin before dawn with a hot air balloon experience drifting over the endless dunes of NamibRand Nature Reserve, as the desert awakens beneath shifting light and shadow.

After landing, return to camp for rest and a late breakfast.

In the afternoon, head out for a scenic desert drive, pausing to absorb the scale and silence of the landscape before returning for sundowners.

End the day with an intimate dinner at camp under a canopy of stars.

Day 11 : Farewell to the Desert

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at camp as the stillness of the desert offers a final moment to take in its vast beauty.

Check out and depart for Windhoek, carrying with you the stillness, scale, and silence of Namibia’s wilderness.

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