Rwanda Game Drives & Chimpanzee Trekking Safari
Overview
Safari Overview
This classic 8 day safari combines the best of Rwanda’s savannah and rainforest adventures. Explore Akagera National Park on exciting game drives in search of the Big Five, then head to the ancient rainforests of Nyungwe Forest National Park for thrilling chimpanzee trekking and canopy walks. This itinerary is perfect for wildlife lovers who want to experience Rwanda’s stunning diversity from open plains to misty jungles.
Safari Highlights
- Guided Kigali city tour and Genocide Memorial
- Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park
- Boat safari on Lake Ihema
- Scenic countryside drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
- East Africa’s only canopy walk
- Tea plantation visits and cultural encounters
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 Akagera and Nyungwe Forest
- Chimpanzee trekking permit (one per person)
- Canopy walk permit in Nyungwe Forest
- Lake Ihema boat safari
- Kigali city tour
- International flights
- Rwanda visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (tips, souvenirs, laundry, extra drinks)
- Optional activities not specified
- Additional hotel nights before or after the safari
Tour Plan
Arrive at Kigali International Airport where your professional driver-guide will meet you. After a warm welcome and safari briefing, transfer to your hotel in the city. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short guided city tour to see highlights like the Kigali Genocide Memorial, craft shops, or local markets. Dinner and overnight in Kigali.
Accommodation: Kigali Serena Hotel / Heaven Boutique Hotel / Step Town Motel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Dinner
After breakfast, take a guided Kigali city tour if you didn’t have time the day before. Visit local markets and art centres before departing for Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. The scenic drive passes through rural villages and rolling hills. Arrive at the park in time for lunch at your lodge. In the afternoon, embark on your first game drive to get a taste of Akagera’s diverse wildlife. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast, spend the full day exploring Akagera’s savannah plains, lakes, and woodland in search of elephants, buffaloes, lions, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and prolific birdlife. Stop for a picnic lunch inside the park and continue your game drive through different sectors to increase your chances of seeing the Big Five. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start the day with an early morning game drive to spot nocturnal animals winding down and predators on the move. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Later, enjoy a scenic boat safari on Lake Ihema, which offers a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant water birds like fish eagles and kingfishers. Relax at the lodge for the afternoon or opt for a short sunset game drive. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation: Ruzizi Tented Lodge / Akagera Game Lodge / Dereva Hotel (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, check out and depart for Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwest Rwanda. This scenic drive takes you through the beautiful countryside, tea plantations, and forested hills. Stop for lunch along the way and visit local communities or viewpoints. Arrive at Nyungwe in the late afternoon, check in at your lodge, and settle in for dinner and overnight surrounded by pristine rainforest.
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 setting off on your chimpanzee trek. Hike through the ancient rainforest listening for the calls of chimpanzees echoing through the trees. Spend time observing these lively primates as they swing through the canopy and interact in their natural habitat. Return to your lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, you may take a guided nature walk or visit a nearby tea plantation. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Gisakura Guesthouse (Budget)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, embark on the Nyungwe Forest canopy walk  a suspended bridge that offers spectacular views above the forest canopy and a chance to spot rare birds and monkeys. After lunch, enjoy leisure time at your lodge or choose an optional guided waterfall hike within the park. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
Accommodation: One & Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Gisakura 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
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast surrounded by the lush forest. Check out and begin the scenic drive back to Kigali with stops for photos or souvenir shopping along the way. Your guide will drop you at Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your Rwanda safari adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
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