7-Day Rwanda Big Five & Primate Safari Adventure - Gorillas, Chimps & Wildlife

Your driver-guide will pick you up from your hotel at 8:20 AM for a guided visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a deeply moving introduction to Rwanda's history and resilience. Afterward, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda's only savannah reserve. Upon arrival, enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and water birds along the shores. Later, check in to your lodge overlooking the lake and unwind as the sun sets. Overnight at Salt of Akagera similar.

Start your day with an early morning game drive through Akagera's diverse landscapes. Keep an eye out for elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes across the rolling plains of Kilala Valley and near the Crocodile Pool. Exit via the northern gate and continue your journey through Rwanda's picturesque countryside to Volcanoes National Park, where you'll arrive by evening and settle in for the mountain adventures ahead. Overnight at Garden Place Hotel or similar.

After an early breakfast, head to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing before beginning your unforgettable mountain gorilla trek. Hike through lush rainforest to locate a habituated gorilla family, then spend a magical hour observing their behavior in the wild. In the afternoon, visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Gorilla Guardian Village, learning about conservation and community empowerment. Overnight at Garden Place Hotel or similar.

Start the day with an optional gorilla trek (pre-purchased permit required, $1,500 USD per person), offering another chance to observe a gorilla family up close. Alternative activities for those not trekking gorillas: 1. Dian Fossey Tomb Hike - Follow part of the gorilla trail to the Karisoke Research Camp and the resting place of the legendary primatologist. This moderate hike combines forest scenery with history and conservation insights. 2. Mount Bisoke Volcano Hike - A challenging trek through rainforest to the summit of Mount Bisoke, featuring a stunning crater lake and panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes. Return to your lodge after your chosen activity to relax and reflect on the day. Overnight at Garden Place Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, embark on golden monkey trekking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. Watch these lively and agile primates as they leap through the trees. Later, travel south to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa's oldest and most biologically rich rainforests. The drive offers breathtaking views of Rwanda's rolling hills and rural life. Overnight Ken Barham Guesthouse or similar.

Begin early (around 4:30 AM) for your chimpanzee trekking experience in Nyungwe's Cyamudongo or Uwinka sectors. Listen for their loud calls as you track them through the dense jungle. Later, experience the exhilarating canopy walk, suspended high above the forest floor, offering incredible views of the treetops and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and photography. Overnight at Ken Barham Guesthouse or similar.

After breakfast, head out for your final trek to spot the Angola colobus monkeys, known for their striking appearance and large social groups. Afterward, begin the scenic drive back to Kigali, where your driver will drop you at your hotel or the airport for your onward flight. End of Tour.