All-Inclusive 14-Day Rwanda Rare Primates & Wildlife Safari

Meet and greet at Kigali International Airport:
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your dedicated 14-Day All-Inclusive Rwanda Wildlife Safari guide. After a brief introduction to your safari plans, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight accommodation. This day offers you an excellent opportunity to rest and recover from your flight, ensuring you’re energized for the exciting days ahead.

Accommodation:
Choose from a range of luxury hotels in Kigali, including five-star options like the Kigali Serena Hotel or the Heaven Boutique Hotel. These properties offer excellent amenities and the perfect setting to begin your safari in Rwanda.

Journey to Akagera National Park (2 Hours Drive):

After a hearty breakfast, you will set off on a scenic road trip to Akagera National Park, located in the eastern part of Rwanda. The park, renowned for its savannah landscapes, is home to the Big 5: lions, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and hippos. The drive offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as you venture into the park’s wilderness.

Afternoon Game Drive:

Upon arrival at Akagera, you will embark on your first game drive. Explore the park’s diverse landscapes and begin your quest to spot the Big 5. Akagera is unique in that it offers a variety of habitats, including wetlands, savannahs, and woodlands, which support a rich array of wildlife. Expect to see not only the Big 5 but also other incredible species like crocodiles, zebras, and antelopes.

Accommodation:

Stay at one of Akagera’s luxury lodges such as the Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge. These properties offer top-tier amenities, including modern comfort with breathtaking views of the park’s savannah and lakes.

Exploring the Wildlife of Akagera:

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the rich wildlife of Akagera National Park. Your day begins with an early morning game drive, giving you the best chance to witness predators on the hunt and herbivores in the cool morning light. As the sun rises, the park comes alive with animals emerging from their nocturnal hiding spots.

Afternoon Boat Trip on Lake Ihema:

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Lake Ihema, one of the largest lakes in Akagera. This boat ride offers a fantastic opportunity to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, including the rare shoebill stork. The tranquil waters of Lake Ihema provide a stunning contrast to the bustling game drives earlier in the day.

Accommodation:

Spend another night in luxury at Akagera Game Lodge or Ruzizi Tented Lodge, with a delicious dinner prepared to round off your day.

Morning and Afternoon Safari Adventure:

On your final day in Akagera, enjoy a morning game drive to see more wildlife in the park. You may encounter different species than the previous day, as animals move around the park’s vast area. During this game drive, your guide will help you spot animals and provide fascinating insights into the park’s ecology and conservation efforts.

Late Afternoon Boat Ride:

In the afternoon, enjoy another boat ride on Lake Ihema, or explore a different area of the park’s waterways. The boat trip provides another opportunity to capture fantastic photographs and spot the park’s diverse birdlife and aquatic mammals.

Accommodation:

Relax and unwind at your lodge for the evening, where you can enjoy a delectable dinner while reflecting on your experiences in the park.

Scenic Drive to Nyungwe Forest:

Today, embark on a scenic 6-hour road trip to Nyungwe National Park, one of the largest tropical rainforests in Africa. The drive offers breathtaking views of Rwanda’s hills and valleys, providing a glimpse into the country’s rural life and stunning natural beauty.

Arrive at Nyungwe National Park:

Upon arrival, you will check into your luxurious accommodation and rest for the evening. Nyungwe is famous for its dense forest, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, including a variety of primates such as chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and colobus monkeys.

Accommodation:

Stay at one of Nyungwe’s top-tier properties, like Nyungwe Forest Lodge, which offers a blend of luxury and nature with stunning views of the forest.

Chimpanzee Trekking Adventure:

This morning, prepare for an unforgettable experience: trekking into the heart of Nyungwe Forest in search of chimpanzees. Nyungwe is home to one of the most significant populations of chimpanzees in Africa, and tracking them through the lush rainforest is an exhilarating experience. You’ll be guided by expert trackers who will lead you to areas where the chimps are known to forage and socialize.

Other Rare Primates:

Along the way, you may encounter other primates, including colobus monkeys and mangabeys. The diverse plant life and pristine rainforest provide a unique backdrop for your trekking adventure.

Accommodation:

Return to Nyungwe Forest Lodge for a well-deserved rest and evening dinner.

Colobus Monkeys Trek:

Today, you’ll venture out to the Colobus Monkeys Trail, a trail specifically designed for tracking the rare and elusive colobus monkeys. Nyungwe Forest is home to one of the largest populations of these striking black-and-white monkeys, and observing them in their natural habitat is a highlight of any primate safari.

Afternoon Guided Walks:

In the afternoon, embark on a guided walk through Nyungwe‘s rich biodiversity. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the forest’s ecology and the rare species that call it home.

Accommodation:

Spend another night at Nyungwe Forest Lodge, soaking in the sounds of the forest and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

Further Exploration of Nyungwe’s Wildlife:

Continue your exploration of Nyungwe Forest with more primate tracking. Each trek offers new insights and encounters with the forest’s fascinating wildlife, including golden monkeys and various species of birds. The forest is teeming with life, and your guide will help you discover its hidden gems.

Afternoon Nature Walk:

Take a leisurely nature walk in the afternoon, soaking in the beauty of the forest. The trails will lead you to hidden waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and pristine natural surroundings.

Accommodation:

Relax and enjoy your evening at Nyungwe Forest Lodge.

Scenic Drive through Rwanda’s Rolling Hills

After several thrilling days in Nyungwe Forest, you’ll now embark on a beautiful drive to the serene shores of Lake Kivu. This scenic road transfer reveals Rwanda’s “Land of a Thousand Hills” nickname in full splendor, with terraced hills, rural villages, and lush green plantations unfolding before your eyes. The drive takes approximately 4–5 hours, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops and cultural interaction en route.

Leisure and Optional Activities at Lake Kivu:

Upon arrival in Karongi (Kibuye) or Gisenyi, the most popular resort towns along Lake Kivu, check in to your luxurious lakeside lodge. The afternoon is at leisure—perfect for unwinding and enjoying the calm waters. Optional activities include:

• A peaceful boat ride to explore the small islands dotting Lake Kivu.
• Swimming in the bilharzia-free freshwater lake.
• Visiting Amahoro Island or the historical Napoleon Island, home to a colony of fruit bats.
• Local coffee and tea plantation visits for a taste of Rwanda’s agriculture.

Accommodation:

Enjoy the elegant comfort of Cormoran Lodge, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, or Paradise Malahide—all offering sweeping views of the lake and tranquil gardens. Expect high-end amenities and locally inspired gourmet meals.

Morning Relaxation and Departure to Volcanoes:

After a hearty breakfast and some morning leisure by the lake, you will depart for Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s northern province, about a 3-hour drive away. As you leave the lake behind, the scenery shifts to volcanic terrain, and the majestic Virunga Mountains begin to dominate the horizon.

Arrive in Kinigi – Base for Gorilla Adventures:

Upon arrival in Kinigi, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, you’ll check in at your luxury lodge nestled at the base of the volcanic range. The rest of the day is for relaxing, acclimatizing to the altitude, and preparing for the unforgettable gorilla trekking experience the following day.

Optional Cultural Experience:

If time permits, you may visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, where you’ll be immersed in Rwanda’s rich traditions, music, and dance, and even learn about traditional medicine and warrior customs from former poachers turned conservationists.

Accommodation:

Stay in style at the Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, or Virunga Lodge—each offering spectacular views, elegant suites, and premium services tailored to luxury safari travelers.

Bucket-List Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda:

This is the highlight of your safari and a life-changing experience for most travelers. Wake up early, have a hearty breakfast, and transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. You’ll be assigned a gorilla family based on your fitness level and hiking preference, then set out into the dense bamboo and rainforest-covered slopes of the Virungas.

Close Encounter with the Endangered Mountain Gorillas:

Led by experienced trackers, you’ll hike for 1 to 5 hours (depending on the group assigned) to find your gorilla family. Upon locating them, you’ll be allowed one magical hour to observe and photograph them as they feed, interact, and care for their young. This silent, awe-inspiring moment offers an unmatched connection to the natural world.

Return and Leisure:

After your trek, return to the lodge for lunch and a well-earned rest. Spend the afternoon at leisure, reliving your experience with a massage or simply taking in the panoramic views of the volcanoes.

Accommodation:

Same luxury lodge as previous night. Enjoy an exquisite dinner and share your gorilla trekking stories by the fireplace.

Trekking the Playful Golden Monkeys:

Begin your day with another incredible primate experience—golden monkey tracking. These rare, endangered monkeys live in the bamboo forests at the base of the Virunga Mountains. After a briefing at the park headquarters, embark on a light trek through beautiful terrain, where you’ll observe these playful and energetic monkeys leaping from branch to branch and interacting in large, lively groups.

A Delightful Contrast to Gorilla Trekking:

Golden monkey tracking is typically less strenuous and more animated than gorilla trekking, providing a light-hearted but equally rewarding experience. Don’t forget your camera—these primates are incredibly photogenic!

Optional Afternoon Excursion:

Return to the lodge for lunch and opt to spend your afternoon:

• Visiting Twin Lakes Ruhondo and Burera for scenic views.
• Relaxing at the lodge’s spa.
• Engaging in another short cultural visit in Musanze.

Accommodation:

Enjoy another night at your luxury lodge with fine dining and perhaps a storytelling evening around the fire pit.

Option 1: Hike Mount Bisoke Volcano (Moderate to Strenuous)

Set off early for a guided Mount Bisoke hike. Standing at 3,711 meters, this stratovolcano offers breathtaking views and a crater lake at the summit. The hike takes about 6 hours round-trip and is ideal for adventure lovers in good physical shape.

Option 2: Explore Musanze Caves (Mild Adventure)

Take a guided tour through the Musanze lava caves, a massive 2-km underground network formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Learn about the geological history of the area while exploring chambers once used as shelter during Rwanda’s turbulent past.

Option 3: Cultural Immersion at Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Spend the day learning traditional Rwandan customs—dance with Intore warriors, try your hand at weaving, and discover indigenous medicine. The visit offers a heartwarming connection to Rwanda’s resilient communities and their conservation efforts.

Afternoon at Leisure:

Return to your lodge and enjoy a final evening of reflection with a sundowner on the veranda, basking in the golden glow of the Virungas.

Accommodation:

Final overnight stay at your preferred luxury lodge.

Scenic Return to Kigali:

After breakfast, check out and begin your return journey to Kigali International Airport. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, giving you one last chance to admire Rwanda’s stunning landscapes.

Optional Kigali City Tour (Time-Permitting):
If your flight is in the late afternoon or evening, enjoy a guided Kigali city tour, which may include:

• The Kigali Genocide Memorial.
• Local art galleries and coffee houses.
• A stop at a traditional market for last-minute souvenir shopping.

End of 14-Day All-Inclusive Rwanda Wildlife Safari
Your safari ends with a drop-off at the airport for your outbound flight, concluding your unforgettable 14-Day All-Inclusive Rwanda Wildlife Safari.