5 Days Rwanda Gorilla, Chimpanzee And Game Safari Itinarary
Rwanda, known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. This 5-day adventure combines unforgettable gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, thrilling chimpanzee encounters in Nyungwe National Park, and a classic game safari in Akagera National Park. Witness Rwanda’s stunning biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes on this incredible journey.
Plan of the journey
Morning:
Arrival in Kigali: Meet your guide at Kigali International Airport for a short briefing.
Transfer to Nyungwe National Park: Embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive to Nyungwe, passing through rolling hills and local villages.
Lunch:
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Huye or along the route.
Afternoon:
Optional Activity in Huye:
Visit the Ethnographic Museum to explore Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
Evening:
Arrival & Check-in: Settle into your lodge near Nyungwe Forest.
Dinner and Relaxation: Enjoy a hearty meal and prepare for the next day's chimpanzee trek.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: One & Only Nyungwe House
Mid-Range: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Budget: Gisakura Guest House
Early Morning:
Chimpanzee Trek Briefing: Meet your guide at 5:30 AM for a safety briefing and group allocation.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Venture into Nyungwe Forest to track chimpanzees. Enjoy observing these playful and energetic primates in their natural habitat.
Late Morning:
Breakfast/Lunch: Return to your lodge for breakfast or enjoy a packed meal in the forest.
Afternoon:
Canopy Walk: Experience a thrilling walk on the Nyungwe canopy bridge, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to spot birds and monkeys.
Evening:
Dinner and Relaxation: Relax at your lodge after an active day.
Morning:
Scenic Drive to Volcanoes National Park: Begin a 5-6 hour drive to Musanze, home to the iconic mountain gorillas.
Stop in Kibuye: Break the journey with a stop by Lake Kivu for lunch and a chance to relax by the lakeshore.
Afternoon:
Arrival in Musanze: Check in to your lodge near Volcanoes National Park.
Evening:
Dinner and Preparation: Enjoy a peaceful evening as you prepare for the next day’s gorilla trekking adventure.
Accommodation Options:
Luxury: Bisate Lodge or Virunga Lodge
Mid-Range: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
Budget: La Palme Hotel or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
Early Morning:
Breakfast & Trek Briefing: Arrive at the park headquarters by 7:00 AM for a safety briefing and group assignment.
Morning Activity:
Gorilla Trekking: Hike through the misty forests to find a mountain gorilla family. Spend an hour observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Lunch:
Return to your lodge for lunch or enjoy a packed meal in the park.
Afternoon:
Optional Cultural Visit: Visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to learn about Rwandan traditions through dance, music, and storytelling.
Evening:
Dinner and Relaxation: Unwind after your incredible gorilla trekking experience.
Early Morning:
Transfer to Akagera National Park: Depart Musanze at dawn for the 3.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park.
Morning Activity:
Game Drive: Explore the savannah plains of Akagera on a guided game drive. Spot wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, zebras, and antelopes.
Lunch:
Enjoy lunch at the Akagera Game Lodge or a picnic in the park.
Afternoon:
Boat Safari on Lake Ihema: Embark on a boat cruise to spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including African fish eagles and kingfishers.
Evening:
Return to Kigali: Drive back to Kigali (2.5 hours) and transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure.
Accommodations:
Nyungwe National Park: One & Only Nyungwe House (Luxury), Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel (Mid-Range), Gisakura Guest House (Budget)
Volcanoes National Park: Bisate Lodge (Luxury), Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel (Mid-Range), La Palme Hotel (Budget)
Akagera National Park (Optional for Overnight): Akagera Game Lodge
Cost Includes
- 4x4 safari vehicle for park activities.
- Meals
- Accommodation on a full-board basis
- Full-time English-speaking Driver guide
- Park entrance fees
- Expert driver-guide and ranger services.
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
Cost Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Items of personal nature
- Tips and other activities not mentioned
- Drinks and beverages of alcoholic nature
- Optional Activities.