Day 1 – Arrival in Kigali
Touch down in Rwanda’s capital city Kigali, the gateway to your wildlife adventure! Our driver will meet you at the airport ready for exploring this vibrant city with markets, museums, and more. Try some traditional African cuisine for dinner – the grilled meats and stews are to die for!
Day 2 – Drive to Nyungwe Forest
After breakfast, we’ll hit the road for a scenic 5-hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park. Straddling the border with Burundi, this lush rainforest is home to 300 bird species and 13 primate species like chimps and colobus monkeys. After checking into your eco-lodge, spend the afternoon hiking trails beneath the forest canopy keeping an eye out for exotic wildlife.
Day 3 – Chimp Trekking
Ready for a full day of chimp tracking? There are around 500 chimps that roam Nyungwe Forest but locating them takes skill. With an experienced guide, set off early to increase your chances of an encounter with our genetic cousins. Their hoots and cries will lead the way as you traverse muddy trails and thick vegetation. The first sighting of these intelligent primates is so worth the effort.
Day 4 – Drive to Volcanoes National Park
After a final morning in the rainforest, we’ll make the 5-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park. This region is home to the critically endangered mountain gorillas. only about 1000 remain worldwide and over half reside in these volcanoes! Settle into your cozy lodging before your big trek tomorrow.
After an emotional morning, we’ll make the drive back to Kigali City in the afternoon. We saved the best for last – experience Kigali’s buzzing energy and soak up the urban vibe. Your guide will give you an insider’s tour of the trendiest spots for dinner, drinks, shopping, and people watching. Get your dancing shoes on and experience Kigali’s legendary nightlife!
Day 5 – Gorilla Trekking Day
It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for – gorilla trekking! Enjoy an early breakfast to fuel up for the adventure. Our tracker will lead the way as we hike 2-6 hours through dense forest and bamboo stalks until we find the gorilla family. Nothing prepares you for finally spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Spend an awe-inspiring hour observing them so close you could reach out and touch! It’s a truly humbling experience.
Day 6 – Golden Monkeys
After yesterday’s epic trek, enjoy a more relaxed hike today in search of lively golden monkeys. These little guys are acrobats, swinging through the treetops flashing their bright fur. Spend time watching them play and socialize before heading back to the lodge for a delicious dinner.
Day 7 – Drive to Akagera National Park
Say goodbye to the volcanoes as we drive 3 hours to remote Akagera National Park bordering Tanzania. Once home to lion, rhino and giraffe before the genocide, Akagera has been restocked and revitalized. It’s now teeming with wildlife again like the sought-after Big 5. Enjoy afternoon and evening game drives scanning the savannah for elephants, buffalo, hippos and more
Day 8 – One Last Safari Game Drive
Soak up every last minute on a sunrise game drive searching for any wildlife we haven’t yet spotted. It’s been a trip of a lifetime exploring Rwanda’s incredible national parks up close with gorillas, chimps and so much more. Say farewell over a delicious lunch before driving back to Kigali for your flight home. Safe travels and asante sana (thank you) for an epic adventure.
