8 days Rwanda | Tours Rwanda

Route

You will travel through Rwanda from Kigali to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south, then to Akagera National Park in the east and end in Volcanoes National Park in the north.

Rhythm

Jungle walks and chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, jeep safari and boat trip in Akagera, then gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.

Highlights

In Nyungwe, you will walk across a canopy bridge above the rainforest and follow chimpanzees through the forest. In Akagera, you will spot giraffes, elephants and hippos during a safari and boat trip. In Volcanoes National Park, you will trek into the bamboo forest until you come face to face with a family of gorillas.

Accommodation

You will sleep in exclusive lodges surrounded by nature: a tree house in Nyungwe, a small-scale tented camp in Akagera and a lodge with a view of the Virunga volcanoes.

Profile

For travellers who want to combine gorilla and chimpanzee trekking with a safari in a compact, comfortable tour of Rwanda.

Important information:

International passport, mandatory for all travelers. It must be valid for 6 months after return and have at least 2 blank pages!
You must have a visa. You can apply for an East Africa visa online. This is the easiest way and allows you to visit Kenya and Uganda within a period of 90 days. Ideal if you want to combine several countries!
Malaria tablets are recommended as well as a yellow fever vaccination. We recommend that you seek advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You will stay one night at a luxury eco-hotel in the heart of Kigali, with a swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens.

Day 2: Bird watching in Nyungwe Forest National Park

After breakfast, depart for Nyungwe Forest, or choose to fly to the park by private charter. Nyungwe Forest National Park is the largest contiguous mountain forest in Africa with 86 mammal species, 280 bird species and some 100 species of orchids. Once you arrive, take a canopy walk through the forest, where you will spot rare birds such as the Rwenzori Toerako and the black and white hornbill. You might also spot a group of playful colobus monkeys curiously swinging from branch to branch! You will stay two nights in a luxury treehouse or villa at One & Only Nyungwe House, secluded in a beautiful part of the national park.

Day 3: Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Today you get up very early for an impressive chimpanzee trek. The park is best known for its population of primates, with as many as 13 different species, including chimpanzees, the rare L'Hoest monkey and vibrant groups of black and white colobus monkeys. The rest of the day is entirely up to you.

Day 4: Akagera National Park

Today you travel overland to Akagera National Park or opt for a comfortable private charter. Once there, a private shuttle will pick you up and take you to your lodge. Akagera consists of rolling savannas, dense forests and light acacia woodlands. Upon arrival, if time permits, you will go on an afternoon safari where you will discover giraffes, buffalo, elephants, crocodiles, hippos and many bird species. You will stay two nights at Magashi Camp, an exclusive camp with only eight tented suites in Akagera National Park, surrounded by some of the most serene scenery imaginable.

Day 5: Safari and boat ride on Lake Ihema

Today an early safari is scheduled, with a great chance of spotting giraffe, impala, topi, zebra, bushbuck, eland, warthog and more. After lunch you will enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema, where you will pass hippos and crocodiles sunbathing on the shores or in the shallow water.

Day 6: Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast you will depart for Parc National des Volcanoes, by private charter or otherwise. The tour passes through beautiful terraced hills to the impressive Virunga volcanoes, some of which have up to five peaks. The afternoon is free for your plans - explore the town of Ruhengeri or enjoy some free time. You spend two nights in a luxurious lodge tucked among eucalyptus forests, with breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes.

Day 7: Gorilla trekking

After an early breakfast, depart for Ruhengeri for the absolute highlight of your trip: meeting the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. An experienced ranger will take you and tell you all about these unique animals. This is an exclusive experience because only a limited number of people per day are allowed to go up to the gorillas. If you prefer something different, you can opt for a hike to the top of Mount Bisoke, a trek to see the golden monkeys in the bamboo forest or a visit to the Dian Fossey Memorial.

Day 8:Return to Kigali and departure home

Today you return to Kigali by car or private charter. Arriving in the capital, you will visit the genocide museum and take a short city tour. Then head to the airport for your flight home.