9 days · Rwanda · Primates & wildlife
Rwanda Discovery Safari
All of Rwanda in one easy loop: the Big Five in Akagera, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in the Virungas, quiet days on Lake Kivu and chimpanzees in the ancient Nyungwe rainforest.
Enquire about this safariDuration
9 days / 8 nights
Route
Kigali · Akagera · Volcanoes · Lake Kivu · Nyungwe
Best time
June – Sept, Dec – Feb
Ideal for
First visits · Ages 15+
The land of a thousand hills
This journey shows how much Rwanda fits into a small country. Begin on the savanna of Akagera, where lion and rhino have returned, with a boat trip on Lake Ihema. Then head north-west to Volcanoes National Park for two days of trekking: a gorilla family one morning and the playful golden monkeys the next. A scenic drive along the shores of Lake Kivu gives you a well-earned rest before you continue south to Nyungwe, one of Africa's oldest rainforests, to track chimpanzees and walk the canopy walkway above the trees. Distances are short and the roads are excellent, so every day leaves time to enjoy where you are.
Itinerary
Day by day
A sample route. Your planner will adjust the order and lodges to your dates and permit availability.
Day 1 · Arrive in Kigali
Meet your guide at the airport and spend the afternoon exploring the city, including the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Day 2 · Kigali to Akagera
Drive east to Akagera National Park for an afternoon game drive among giraffe, zebra, elephant and buffalo.
Day 3 · Game drive & Lake Ihema boat safari
A full day looking for lion and rhino, with a boat trip on Lake Ihema for hippo, crocodile and water birds.
Day 4 · Akagera to Volcanoes
Cross the country to the Virunga foothills, stopping in Kigali for lunch. Overnight near Kinigi with views of the volcanoes.
Day 5 · Gorilla trekking
Trek with rangers to a habituated mountain gorilla family and spend an unforgettable hour with them.
Day 6 · Golden monkeys & Lake Kivu
A morning trek to the golden monkeys in the bamboo forest, then drive to Lake Kivu for a relaxed evening by the water.
Day 7 · Lake Kivu to Nyungwe
Follow the lake south through tea and coffee country to the edge of Nyungwe Forest, with an afternoon on the canopy walkway.
Day 8 · Chimpanzee tracking
An early start to track chimpanzees with forest rangers, then a waterfall or colobus trail in the afternoon.
Day 9 · Return to Kigali
Drive back to Kigali, or take a short domestic flight, for your onward journey.
Permits & fitness
Gorilla and golden monkey treks are open to visitors aged 15 and over. Chimp tracking starts very early and trails can be steep, so a reasonable level of fitness helps.
Extend your journey
Add a second gorilla trek, more time on Lake Kivu, or a savanna safari in Tanzania or Kenya.
Included
— Gorilla, golden monkey and chimpanzee permits
— Private vehicle and driver-guide
— Akagera boat trip and park fees
— Full-board accommodation (B&B in Kigali)
— Airport transfers
— 24/7 support from our team
Not included
— International flights and visas
— Optional domestic flight from Nyungwe
— Travel insurance (required)
— Porter fees, tips and drinks
Explore Rwanda with us
Tell us your dates and we will secure your permits and build this route around you.
Enquire now