Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Your Hotel

Your Rwanda wildlife adventure begins with a warm welcome from your driver guide at Kigali International Airport. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short city tour or settle into your hotel.

Drive time: Approx. 20 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel in Kigali
Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2: Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park – Cultural Stop in Huye

Travel south to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Along the way, stop in Huye to visit the Ethnographic Museum, which offers rich insights into Rwanda’s traditional heritage. Enjoy lunch before continuing to your lodge nestled near the forest.

Drive time: Approx. 5 hours | Optional Helicopter Transfer: 35–45 minutes
Accommodation: Lodge near Nyungwe Forest
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe

Begin the day early with a chimpanzee trekking experience deep inside the rainforest. Your guide will lead you through either the Uwinka Trail or Cyamudongo Sector, depending on where the chimps were last spotted. Nyungwe is home to 13 primate species and over 300 bird species.

In the afternoon, head to the Uwinka Visitor Center for the renowned canopy walk, suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the treetops and a chance to spot birds and monkeys.

Accommodation: Same Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Colobus Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, go for Angolan colobus monkey trekking led by experienced community guides. Watch large troops of these black-and-white primates in their natural forest environment.

Later, depart for Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Enjoy scenic views of Lake Kivu, terraced hillsides, and vibrant local life along the way.

Drive time: Approx. 5 hours | Optional Helicopter Transfer: 35 minutes
Accommodation: Lodge near Volcanoes National Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This is a major highlight of your safari – the mountain gorilla trekking experience. After a morning briefing at the park headquarters, you’ll be assigned to a gorilla family and a professional tracker. Trekking can take from 1 to several hours depending on the group’s location.

Spend up to one hour observing the gorillas in their natural habitat – an awe-inspiring encounter. In the afternoon, visit Gorilla Guardians Village or take a guided community walk to experience local traditions and cultural life.

Accommodation: Same Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Golden Monkey Trekking and Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, set off for golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of the Virunga foothills. These endangered and energetic primates are fascinating to watch as they leap between trees and forage in the undergrowth.

After your trek, drive east to Akagera National Park – Rwanda’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five. Stop en route for refreshments and scenic photo opportunities. Upon arrival, you may choose to go on an optional night game drive.

Drive time: Approx. 2.5 hours | Optional Helicopter Transfer: 30 minutes
Accommodation: Safari lodge inside or near Akagera
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Game Drive and Boat Safari in Akagera National Park

Start your day with a sunrise game drive through the northern plains of Akagera National Park, where wildlife sightings may include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and lions.

In the afternoon, unwind with a boat safari on Lake Ihema. Look for hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of aquatic birds including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and cormorants.

Accommodation: Same Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Return to Kigali – Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a short city tour or visit a local craft market before your transfer to the airport.

Drive time: Approx. 2.5 hours | Optional Helicopter Transfer: 35 minutes
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch