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Gorilla Trekking, Big Five Safari & Nyungwe Chimpanzee Adventure
Overview
Discover the very best of Rwanda on this unforgettable 8-day safari, combining exceptional wildlife encounters with breathtaking scenery and rich cultural experiences.
From tracking the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzee trekking in the ancient Nyungwe Forest to searching for the Big Five in Akagera National Park, this itinerary showcases Rwanda’s most iconic destinations. Along the way, you’ll explore Kigali’s remarkable history at the Genocide Memorial, enjoy a scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema, admire spectacular views over Lake Kivu, and experience the country’s famous rolling hills.
Perfect for first-time visitors and wildlife enthusiasts alike, this journey offers the ultimate balance of adventure, conservation, culture, and relaxation.
Safari Highlights
- Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park
- Sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills”
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk experience
- Scenic views over Lake Kivu
- Private 4×4 safari with a professional English-speaking driver-guide
Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative outside the arrivals terminal. After a short safari briefing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in and time to relax after your international flight.
Accommodation
Kigali Serena Hotel
One of Kigali’s finest luxury hotels, offering spacious rooms, excellent dining, beautiful gardens, and exceptional service in the heart of the city.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 2 – Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
After breakfast, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where you’ll gain insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of reconciliation.
Afterwards, drive east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah national park and home to the Big Five.
Following lunch and check-in, enjoy a relaxing afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema. The lake is home to large pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants along the shoreline, and an impressive variety of birdlife.
Accommodation
Akagera Safari Camp
Located inside the park, the camp offers comfortable accommodation with excellent access to wildlife viewing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3 – Full Day Game Drive in Akagera National Park
Enjoy a full-day safari exploring Akagera’s diverse habitats, including open plains, woodlands, wetlands, lakes, and rolling hills.
Search for lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, leopards, and numerous bird species while enjoying spectacular scenery throughout the park.
A picnic lunch will be served during your game drive before returning to camp in the evening.
Accommodation
Akagera Safari Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 – Akagera to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart for Volcanoes National Park, enjoying one of Rwanda’s most scenic drives through picturesque villages and rolling green hills.
Upon arrival, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you’ll learn about ongoing mountain gorilla conservation and research efforts.
Later, check in at your lodge and relax before tomorrow’s unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Comfortable cottages nestled at the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, just minutes from the park headquarters.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 – Gorilla Trekking Experience
Today is the highlight of your Rwandan adventure.
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for registration and a briefing from experienced park rangers before beginning your gorilla trek.
Depending on the assigned gorilla family, the hike may take between one and several hours through lush rainforest.
Once the gorillas are located, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them in their natural habitat—an unforgettable wildlife encounter regarded as one of Africa’s greatest experiences.
Return to the lodge for a well-deserved afternoon of relaxation.
Accommodation
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 – Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Along the way, stop for lunch overlooking the beautiful Lake Kivu before continuing through Rwanda’s scenic countryside to Nyungwe.
Arrive in the afternoon and check in before enjoying the rest of the evening at leisure.
Accommodation
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
A stylish lakeside property offering comfortable rooms and stunning views across Lake Kivu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 – Chimpanzee Trekking & Nyungwe Canopy Walk
Rise early for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe Forest, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and home to over 13 species of primates.
After locating the chimpanzees, enjoy one hour observing their fascinating behaviour in their natural environment.
Following lunch, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended approximately 70 metres above the forest floor, offering spectacular panoramic views over the rainforest canopy.
Return to your lodge for your final evening.
Accommodation
Mantis Kivu Marina Bay Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 – Return to Kigali & Departure
Following breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Kigali.
Depending on your departure time, enjoy some last-minute shopping or a brief city visit before your transfer to Kigali International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as indicated
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari
- Gorilla trekking permit
- Chimpanzee trekking permit
- All national park entrance fees
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- International flights
- Rwanda visa (where applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
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