This immersive 9-day journey showcases Rwanda at its most spectacular—a country of dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity and inspiring conservation success stories. From the lush rainforests of Nyungwe where you’ll track wild chimpanzees, to the volcanic slopes of Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trek, and the savannah plains of Akagera National Park in search of the Big Five, this itinerary offers a diverse and rewarding safari experience. Along the way, your travels contribute to conservation initiatives and support local communities, making this adventure not only memorable but meaningful. Whether it’s your first African safari or another chapter in your travel story, this journey combines primates, wildlife and purpose in one remarkable experience.
Welcome to Kigali, Rwanda
Enjoy Culture & Scenery en-Route to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Chimpanzee Trekking & Rainforest Canopy Walk
Relaxation on the Shores of Lake Kivu
Journey to Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Trekking – A Profound Wildlife Encounter
Continue East to Akagera National Park – The Big Five Awaits
Big Game Safari by Land & Water
Farewell Safari and Return to Kigali for Departure
Arrive at Kigali International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel, a short drive of approximately 20 minutes. Once settled, you can relax and unwind after your journey or take time to enjoy the atmosphere of Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Kigali is known for its cleanliness, safety and welcoming spirit, making it the perfect starting point for your adventure in this remarkable country.
Overnight: Kigali Marriott Hotel
Located in the heart of the city, the Kigali Marriott Hotel offers modern comfort and excellent service. The hotel features spacious rooms, a relaxing swimming pool, fitness centre and several dining options serving both international and local cuisine. It provides an ideal place to rest and recharge before the start of your safari journey.
After breakfast, depart Kigali and travel south toward Butare (Huye), Rwanda’s cultural capital, a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 hours. Here you will visit the former King’s Palace Museum and the National Ethnographic Museum, which offers fascinating insight into Rwanda’s traditional culture, history and royal heritage. After lunch, continue your journey into the cool highlands of Nyungwe Forest National Park, arriving after a further drive of about 2 to 3 hours. One of Africa’s oldest rainforests, Nyungwe is a vast protected wilderness of misty mountains, dense canopy and remarkable biodiversity.
Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House
Set on the edge of the ancient rainforest and surrounded by rolling tea plantations, One&Only Nyungwe House is a luxurious lodge offering an elegant retreat in the heart of nature. The lodge features beautifully designed rooms with forest views, a tranquil spa, infinity pool and exceptional dining experiences inspired by local ingredients. Its peaceful setting provides the perfect base for exploring the rainforest and its incredible wildlife.
Chimpanzees share approximately 98.7% of our DNA and display remarkable behaviours such as tool use, complex communication and strong social bonds. In Rwanda, wild chimpanzees are found only in Nyungwe Forest and the nearby Cyamudongo Forest. While chimpanzee populations are declining in many parts of Africa, Rwanda’s strong conservation and habitat protection efforts provide an important sanctuary for these intelligent primates.
Rise early this morning for an exciting chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe Forest National Park. After a briefing with your guides, you will head into the dense rainforest in search of one of the habituated chimpanzee groups. Treks usually begin early in the morning when the chimpanzees are most active and can last between 2 to 4 hours depending on their location and movement. As you hike through the forest, you may hear their distinctive pant-hooting calls echoing through the trees before catching sight of them moving quickly through the canopy. Watching these energetic primates interact, feed and groom each other in the wild is a fascinating and memorable experience.
Later in the day, enjoy one of Nyungwe’s most popular attractions—the canopy walk. Suspended high above the forest floor, this walkway stretches through the treetops and offers a unique perspective of the rainforest ecosystem. From here you may spot colourful birdlife, butterflies and even monkeys moving through the branches while taking in spectacular views of the lush forest below.
Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House
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After breakfast, depart Nyungwe Forest and enjoy a scenic drive north along the shores of Lake Kivu toward the lakeside town of Gisenyi (Rubavu). The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and offers beautiful views of the lake, rolling hills and small villages along the way. Lake Kivu is one of Africa’s Great Lakes and is known for its calm waters, palm-lined beaches and relaxed atmosphere. On arrival in Gisenyi, the afternoon is yours to unwind, take a stroll along the lakeshore or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil setting before continuing your safari adventure.
Overnight: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Situated directly on the lakefront, the Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful views over the water. The hotel features comfortable rooms, landscaped gardens, a swimming pool and a private beach area where guests can relax and take in the stunning surroundings. Its laid-back lakeside setting makes it the perfect place to rest and recharge between safari experiences.
After breakfast, depart Gisenyi and travel north toward Volcanoes National Park, a scenic drive of approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The journey takes you through Rwanda’s lush countryside and into the dramatic highlands where the majestic Virunga Volcanoes rise above dense forests and farmland. This region forms the heart of Rwanda’s gorilla habitat and is one of the most famous wildlife destinations in Africa. Upon arrival, you will settle in and have time to relax while preparing for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience ahead.
Overnight: The Bishop’s House
The Bishop’s House is an elegant boutique lodge set in beautifully landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding hills and volcanoes. With just a small number of well-appointed rooms, the property offers an intimate and peaceful atmosphere. Guests can enjoy stylish interiors, warm fireplaces and welcoming hospitality, all within easy reach of the Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
Today is one of the most memorable moments of your journey. After an early breakfast, you will transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing from experienced guides and rangers. You will then be assigned to a small group and a specific habituated gorilla family before setting off into the forest to begin your trek. The hike can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours depending on the location of the gorillas and the terrain, which may include forest trails, bamboo thickets and gentle mountain slopes. Along the way, guides will share insights about the forest ecosystem and the behaviour of the gorillas. Once the gorillas are located, you will spend a remarkable hour observing them in their natural habitat—watching them feed, groom, rest and interact with one another just a few metres away. The experience of standing quietly among these gentle giants is both humbling and deeply moving.
Fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas remain in the wild, found only in the Virunga Massif and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Rwanda has become a global leader in gorilla conservation through carefully managed tourism, anti-poaching patrols and strong partnerships with local communities. Each trekking permit directly contributes to protecting these incredible animals and their fragile habitat, making every visit both meaningful and impactful.
After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and travel east toward Akagera National Park, a scenic drive of approximately 5 to 6 hours across Rwanda’s rolling hills and rural countryside. Located along the border with Tanzania, Akagera is Rwanda’s only savannah park and offers a striking contrast to the country’s rainforest landscapes. The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including open plains, woodlands, lakes and wetlands that support a wide variety of wildlife. Upon arrival, enjoy your first game drive en route to the lodge, keeping an eye out for giraffes, buffalo, antelope and possibly even lions as you make your way through the park.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Ruzizi Tented Lodge is a charming eco-lodge set along the shores of Lake Ihema within Akagera National Park. The lodge features comfortable tented rooms built under shady trees and designed to blend naturally into the surrounding environment. Powered largely by solar energy and built using sustainable materials, the lodge offers an authentic safari atmosphere with beautiful views over the lake. Guests can relax on the deck, enjoy delicious meals under the stars and listen to the sounds of wildlife in the surrounding bush.
Today is dedicated to exploring the diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife of Akagera National Park. Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives across the park’s savannah plains, woodlands and wetlands in search of the Big Five—lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo—along with giraffes, zebras, antelope and a variety of birdlife. Your experienced guide will help track wildlife while sharing insights about the park’s unique ecosystems. In the late afternoon, enjoy a relaxing sunset boat safari on Lake Ihema, where you may see hippos, crocodiles and numerous waterbirds while watching the sun set over the lake.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Once severely impacted by conflict and poaching, Akagera National Park has experienced an extraordinary conservation revival. Through a partnership with African Parks and strong community involvement, wildlife populations have recovered significantly. Lions and black rhinos have been successfully reintroduced, restoring the park as a true Big Five destination. Today, tourism plays an important role in funding conservation efforts and supporting local communities that help protect this remarkable landscape.
Begin your final day with an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park, when wildlife is often most active. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the African bush one last time and possibly spot animals you may have missed earlier in your stay. After breakfast at the lodge, depart the park and travel back to Kigali, a scenic drive of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours through Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside. On arrival in Kigali, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport in time for your onward flight home, bringing your unforgettable Rwandan safari adventure to a close.
$ 10 865 per person sharing (Based on 2 adults) - 2026
- All airport transfers and assistance
- Accommodation in Kigali on Bed and Breakfast
- Accommodation on safari on Full board basis
- Private transport in a 4x4 tourist converted jeeps
- Services of an English speaking driver-guides
- Compulsory Emergency Evacuation Service
- Kings Palace & Butare National Museum
- Butare National Museum & Lunch in Butarre
- Game Drives in Akagera National Park
- Gorilla permit
- Chimps Permit & Canopy Walk Permit
- Bottled drinking water while trekking and in vehicle·
- All taxes on the services quoted above
- Meals and beverages,
- International, regional, and local Airfares.
- Airport taxes.
- 3% Bed Levy
- Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas.
- Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
- Gratuities to driver/guides and other conveyance attendants.
- Laundry and other items of a personal nature, such as drinks, telephone calls, ETC
- Personal, baggage, Accident and Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance.
- Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the “inclusions” listing above.
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Expert advice on safaris & logistics.
Supportive ‘one on one’ service.
