8-Day Rwanda Big 5, Gorillas and Chimpanzee Safari

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Rwanda

Today you will arrive at Kigali international airport. After completing your emigrations formalities, you shall be received and transferred to your accommodation in Kigali city. You shall check in and rest for the night. Exchange money or make any purchases in the city.

Main Destination:

Kigali International Airport (Kigali)

Accommodation:

Hotel Des Mille Collines

• Luxury hotel located in Kigali

+6 Photos

+5 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• Meals at own expense
• Drinks not included

KIgali city tour and drive to Akagera

In the morning, you shall be picked up from your residence in Kigali city for a guided city tour to explore the landmarks of history of the capital. You will visit the Rwanda Genocide memorial museum in Gisozi. Kandt museum, a local fresh produce market and local crafts market. After lunch, you will drive to Akagera National Park. Upon arrival and clearance, you shall enter the park and drive to your accommodation.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Best Time To Visit June to September and mid-December to mid-February (It is drier and wildlife is easier to spot)

High Season June to September (The park is busiest at weekends)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Akagera NP

GiraffeCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

HippoAbundant

White RhinoOccasional

LionOccasional

Show more

ElephantOccasional

Black RhinoRare

LeopardRare

HyenaRare

CheetahNone

WildebeestNone

Wild DogNone

Accommodation:

Akagera Safari Camp

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Akagera NP

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Game drive and boat ride in Akagera

Early in the morning you will embark on a game drive in Akagera National Park. Sightings of buffalo, elephant, antelope, zebra, giraffe, baboons, monkeys, an incredible 490 bird species are possible. You may also spot members of the lion pride in Akagera. A boat trip on Lake Ihema in the afternoon enables you to view hippos, Nile crocodiles and abundant waterbirds on the island in the middle of the lake.

Main Destination:

Akagera National Park

Accommodation:

Akagera Safari Camp

• Mid-range lodge located less than 1hr drive from Akagera NP

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Volcanoes national park

After breakfast, you shall begin your journey to Volcanoes national park. Enjoy the spectacular views of hills and misty valleys on your way. Volcanoes National Park is the home of the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda. You will check into your accommodation, have dinner and prepare for activities of the next day.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Best Time To Visit June to August (It is drier and hiking is easier)

High Season June to September (Permits are scarce)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Volcanoes NP

GorillaCommon

ChimpanzeeNone

ElephantRare

BuffaloRare

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

Show more

GiraffeNone

LionNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Gorilla tracking

Early in the morning you will be transferred to the park headquarters. After briefing, you will be led by experienced ranger guides on the hike to visit a habituated Gorilla family. After tracking you shall return to your accommodation and relax. In the evening, you will drive to Iby’Iwachu cultural village where you will have an introduction to Rwandese culture and history. You will learn about herding, home management, traditional crafts and cultural dances. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Main Destination:

Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas)

Accommodation:

Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

• Mid-range lodge located just outside Volcanoes NP (Gorillas)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Nyungwe Forest

This morning, you may choose to do Golden monkey tracking or visit Dr. Diane Fossey’s tomb or hike Mt. Bisoke if you wish (optional activities). Afterwards, depart for Nyungwe National Park. Along the way, you will have a stop for landscape photography along the shores of Lake Kivu. In the evening, you will check in at your accommodation.

Main Destination:

Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)

Best Time To Visit June to September (Dry weather, best chimp trekking)

High Season June to September (Popular gorilla trekking time in Volcanoes NP)

Best Weather June to October (Sunny, but not too hot)

Wildlife in Nyungwe NP

ChimpanzeeCommon

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

LeopardNone

CheetahNone

Show more

ElephantNone

GiraffeNone

BuffaloNone

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

HippoNone

Accommodation:

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps)

+2 Photos

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Chimpanzee tracking and canopy walk

Chimpanzee tracking can last for between an hour to three depending on the location of the chimpanzees. You will spend a maximum of one hour interacting, photographing and observing the animals. After lunch you will undertake a thrilling canopy walk in Nyungwe forest. In the evening you will return to your accommodation.

Main Destination:

Nyungwe National Park (Chimps)

Accommodation:

Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located just outside Nyungwe NP (Chimps)

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Drive to Kigali city and departure

In the morning you shall check out of your accommodation and start the journey to Kigali city. Enjoy the countryside views along the way. Stop at Nyanza town to visit the old Palace of the Rwanda King. You will arrive in Kigali in the evening to be transferred to the airport to take your flight to the next destination.

Main Destination:

Kigali International Airport (Kigali)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.