8 days once in a life time primate and wildlife safari in Rwanda.
During this comprehensive 8 days once in a life time primate and wildlife safari in Rwanda, you will discover the unique biodiversity and cultural legacy of Rwanda’s safari parks consisting of the Big Five expeditions in Akagera National Park to the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, each park offers a unique experience. This tour combines community activities, beautiful scenery, and wildlife encounters throughout Rwanda’s safari areas.
The safari itinerary combines exhilarating encounters with wildlife like mountain gorillas and chimpanzees with rich cultural experiences and beautiful exploration, it is intended to point out the diversity seen in Rwanda safari parks. You shall have a visit to Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey, stroll amid the treetops in canopy walk-bridge in Nyungwe National Park also interact with golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, and enjoy game drive and boat in the vibrant ecosystem of Akagera National Park. During your city excursion, you will also get the chance to see the Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Kimironko market. Every day offers a new perspective on locally driven tourism and Rwanda’s environmental initiatives.
This tour in Rwanda safari parks offers wonderful experiences, whether you are lured by the charm of endangered creatures or the friendliness of Rwandan people hence making it the best safari for tourists looking for more than simply a safari but a deeper comprehension of Rwanda’s character because it is the ideal fusion of adventure, education, and connection.
Trip overview of 8 days once in a life time primate and wildlife safari in Rwanda.
- Day 1: Kigali City tour and Transfer to Akagera National park.
- Day 2: Game drive and boat cruise at Akagera National park.
- Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National park and visit to Ellen DeGeneres campus.
- Day 4: Gorilla trekking and visit to Iby’icawu cultural village.
- Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park.
- Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy walk.
- Day 7: Waterfall hike.
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali International Airport.
Detailed 8 days once in a life time primate and wildlife safari in Rwanda.
Day 1: Kigali City tour and Transfer to Akagera National park.
Our knowledgeable driver guide will pick you up from the Kigali International Airport and take you on a city tour to the Kimironko market, which offers a range of souvenirs made from indigenous materials like wood, stones, and kitenge that you can take home.
You will next take a city tour to the Kigali slaughter Memorial, which is an emotional tribute of the 1994 Tutsi atrocity. The Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi recognizes over 250,000 victims of the Tutsi Genocide. Some survivors visit this location to spend moments with the deceased family members. In Kigali, lunch will be provided. After this incredible excursion, you will go to Rwanda’s sole savannah park, Akagera National Park. You will check into the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay when you arrive.
- Wilderness Magashi
- Akagera game lodge
- Dereva hotel
Meal plan: Full board
Day 2: Game drive and boat cruise at Akagera National park.
In order to increase your chances of seeing predators like lions and leopards, who are occasionally spotted hunting for their first meal of the day, wake up early for breakfast and go on an early morning game drive. Additionally, many animals, including zebras, elephants, impalas and giraffes are most lively in the chilly early morning hours as they start to feed. Additionally, the morning temperatures are cool for visitors, and it’s a great time to take pictures. Other creatures including Topi, Impalas, Elands, Topi, Bushbucks, Oribi, Waterbucks, Warthogs, and a variety of birds may be seen. Following the morning game drive, you will return to the lodge for lunch and then take a boat ride on Lake Ihema, which is fed by the Akagera River and is home to the highest concentration of hippos in all of East Africa. You may also see crocodiles and various bird species, including jacanas, Papyrus Gonolek, hawks, herons, and malachite kingfishers. You will then return to the lodge for dinner and the night.
Accommodation:
- Wilderness Magashi
- Akagera game lodge
- Dereva hotel
Meal plan: Full board
Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National park and visit to Ellen DeGeneres campus.
Rise up for breakfast, check out from the lodge, and travel to Volcanoes National Park, which is habitat to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. After arriving, check into the lodge, have lunch, and tour Ellen DeGeneres campus of the Dian Fossey fund, which was created to raise awareness to protect, which has been in existence for more than 50 years. It features a 360-degree viewing theater and virtual reality headsets that give you a glimpse of the gorilla trekking activity. This helps you get ready for the gorilla trekking activity by showing you how mountain gorillas feed, care for their young, rest, safeguard their young ones. Additionally, there are signs there that describe how mountain gorillas feed, how they protect themselves from what pose as a threat to them, and the several mountain gorillas that Dian Fossey named. Then later go back to the lodge for dinner and the night.
Accommodation: Amarembo by touch down
Meal plan: Full board
Day 4: Gorilla trekking and visit to Iby’icawu cultural village.
After an early breakfast, head to the Volcanoes Park headquarters in Kinigi. You will briefed about the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking by 7:30. You will embark on a 3-5 hours-long gorilla trek from 8:00 am under the guidance of a park ranger. The mountain gorilla family you will be trekking shares 98% of human DNA and you will spend 1 hour with them. You may capture pictures while you watch them feed, interact with one another, and defend their families. You may encounter bush pigs, duikers, and several bird species throughout the mountain gorilla hike. From the trek, you will return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation before visiting the Iby’icawu cultural village for an immersion in culture. There, you will see dancers perform for you, learn about their way of life, and purchase artifacts to take home. You will return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay following this excursion.
After the trek you will head back to the lodge for lunch, rest and visit the Iby’icawu cultural village for a cultural experience, you will watch the dancers perform for you, learn about their culture and you will buy some souvenirs that you can take back home. After this experience you shall head back to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Amarembo by touch down
Meal plan: Full board
Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park.
Rise up early for breakfast, depart the lodge, and travel 5-6 hours to Nyungwe National Park. Lunch will be provided in route, and dinner will be provided at the lodge upon arrival and you will have an overnight stay.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Nyungwe top view hotel
- Chimpanzee lodge
Meal plan: Full board
Day 6: Chimpanzee trekking and Canopy walk.
You will be going for chimpanzee trekking early in the morning after breakfast at 5:00 am or 5:30am. To learn the dos and don’ts of chimpanzee trekking, our experienced driver guide shall transfer you to Uwinka visitors center. You will start the chimpanzee trekking activity then when you meet them you will spend 1 hour with them, watch the chimpanzees wake up from their nests and go about their daily lives. These adorable primates are the closest cousins to humans, sharing 98% of their DNA and you can recognize them by their hooting sounds.
Following this excursion, you will have lunch back at the lodge before beginning an afternoon canopy walk. The canopy walk is a guided tour that begins at the Uwinka Visitors Center in Nyungwe Forest and follows the Igishigishi Trail for thirty minutes. Although there is a significant incline at the start of the walk, the views from the canopy make it worthwhile, Lake Kivu is visible on a clear day. Head back to the lodge after the activity for dinner and spend the night there.
Canopy Walk in nyungwe national park
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Nyungwe top view hotel
- Chimpanzee lodge
Meal plan: Full board
Day 7: Waterfall hike.
After breakfast in the morning, you shall trek for three to four hours through the jungle to the Ndambarare Waterfalls. This pathway offers stunning views of the lush foliage and running streams, as well as the opportunity to witness a variety of species, including birds and primates. Go back to the lodge for supper, relaxation, lunch, and the overnight stay.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House
- Nyungwe top view hotel
- Chimpanzee lodge
Meal plan: Full board
Day 8: Transfer to Kigali International Airport.
Wake up for an early morning breakfast and transfer to Kigali International Airport to catch up your flights. Lunch shall be served en-route.
Safari Highlight: End of the 8 Days Rwanda Safari.
Inclusions:
- 4X4 land cruiser
- English speaking driver guides.
- Accommodation as mentioned above
- Meals as mentioned above
- All activities as mentioned above.
- Airport and ground transfers.
- Gorilla trekking permits
- Chimpanzee permits
- Cultural tour
- City tour
- All entrance fees
Exclusions
- All items that are not mentioned above
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa fees
- All personal expenditure such as laundry and drinks are excluded.
- Air tickets
- Donations like at Ellen DeGeneres campus.