Nyungwe, Akagera & Volcanoes National Park Safari
Overview
Safari Overview
This 8 day adventure combines Rwanda’s three most iconic national parks for an experience that blends wildlife, primate trekking, dramatic landscapes, and authentic cultural encounters. From chimpanzee tracking and canopy walks in Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest to Big Five game drives in Akagera’s savannahs and unforgettable gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, this safari is ideal for travelers who want to see Rwanda’s top highlights in one seamless trip.
Safari Highlights
- Guided Kigali city tour
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills and tea plantations
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Big Five safari in Akagera National Park
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Optional visit to Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
Included/Exclude
- Airport pick up and drop off
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with English speaking driver guide
- All ground transport and fuel
- Accommodation as per itinerary (luxury, midrange, or budget)
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during safari activities
- All park entry fees for Nyungwe, Akagera, and Volcanoes National Parks
- Gorilla trekking permit (one per person)
- Chimpanzee trekking permit (one per person)
- Nyungwe canopy walk permit
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Kigali city tour
- Iby’iwacu Cultural Village visit (optional)
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses (laundry, souvenirs, drinks)
Tour Plan
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where you’ll be welcomed by your driver guide. Transfer to your hotel and receive a briefing about your safari. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short Kigali city tour to see the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local craft shops, or the bustling Nyamirambo neighborhood.  Dinner and overnight in Kigali.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel / Heaven Boutique Hotel / Step Town Motel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Dinner
After breakfast, depart Kigali and drive southwest through Rwanda’s picturesque hills and tea plantations. Along the way, stop for lunch and visit cultural sites or viewpoints. Arrive at Nyungwe Forest National Park in the afternoon and check in at your lodge surrounded by misty hills and ancient rainforest. Dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Gisakura Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early for a briefing at the park headquarters before heading into Nyungwe Forest for an exciting chimpanzee trek. Listen for calls echoing through the trees as you track and observe these energetic primates in their natural habitat. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, experience East Africa’s only canopy walkway, suspended above the forest for panoramic views and unique birdwatching opportunities. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Gisakura Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart Nyungwe and drive northeast towards Akagera National Park, passing rural villages and beautiful countryside. Stop for lunch en route. Arrive at Akagera’s southern gate in the afternoon, check in at your lodge, and enjoy sunset views over the savannah or Lake Ihema.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy an early breakfast before setting out for a full-day game drive. Explore Akagera’s scenic plains, woodlands, and lakes in search of the Big Five such as lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo as well as giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. A picnic lunch is served in the park. Return to your lodge for dinner.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles, and water birds up close. Return to the lodge for check out, then drive northwest through beautiful hills towards Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Stop for lunch along the way and arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon. Check in and relax with views of the Virunga volcano chain.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing before setting out on your gorilla trek. Hike through bamboo forests and misty slopes to reach a habituated gorilla family and spend an incredible hour observing them in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge to relax and, if time allows, visit the nearby Iby’iwacu Cultural Village for an authentic taste of Rwandan traditions, dance, and music. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Mountain Gorilla View Lodge / Kinigi Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge and take in your final views of the Virunga volcanoes. After check-out, transfer back to Kigali (approximately 2.5 hours). Time permitting, stop at local craft markets for souvenirs. Your guide will drop you at Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your safari.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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