5 Day Budget Rwanda Trips with Chimps and Golden Monkeys
This 5-day budget Rwanda trips itinerary focuses on primate trekking and savannah exploration across Rwanda’s key parks. It includes chimpanzees in Nyungwe, golden monkeys in Volcanoes, and boat and game drives in Akagera. Designed for budget Rwanda trips, it balances wildlife, nature, and cultural highlights efficiently.
Budget Rwanda trips offer a compact yet rewarding way to experience the country’s rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes without stretching your wallet. This 5-day itinerary is designed for travelers who want to explore Rwanda’s top wildlife destinations Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, and Volcanoes National Park while keeping costs manageable. Starting with a transfer to Nyungwe, the trip includes chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk, both of which showcase the depth of Rwanda’s rainforest ecosystems. These activities provide meaningful wildlife viewing and immersive nature experiences, making Nyungwe a strong foundation for budget Rwanda trips.
From the forest to the savannah, the itinerary continues with a boat safari and game drives in Akagera, where elephants, hippos, and rhinos roam freely. The final leg takes you to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking, followed by a short city tour in Kigali before departure. Each day is carefully planned to minimize travel time and maximize value, ensuring that budget Rwanda trips remain efficient and enjoyable. With a mix of primates, big game, and cultural highlights, this itinerary offers a well-rounded experience for travelers seeking affordability, variety, and authentic Rwandan landscapes
Tour highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Rwanda, Transfer to Nyungwe
Day 2: Chimps Trekking and Canopy Walk
Day 3: Continue Akagera for Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Day 4: Experience Akagera on Game Drives and Transfer to Volcanoes
Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking, City Tour and Departure
Price Includes:
- Chimps and Golden monkey permits
- Ground transport per 4WD custom vehicle
- Bottled water in the safari vehicle
- Full board accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- Service of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances
- All mentioned activities (except optional ones)
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan Visa
- International and Internal Flights
- Personal needs such as gratitude, beverages
- Air ticket
- Optional Activities
- Laundry fees
- Tips
- Life insurance
- Drinks apart from water
Itinary in details
- Day1Arrival in Rwanda, Transfer to Nyungwe
Begin the budget Rwanda trips with arrival at Kigali International Airport, followed by a scenic transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest. The drive offers views of rolling hills and tea plantations, setting the tone for a nature-focused itinerary. Nyungwe is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a key destination for primate tracking. Staying near the park allows early access to activities planned for the next day. This first leg of the budget Rwanda trips emphasizes efficient travel and positioning, ensuring time is used wisely while keeping costs manageable
- Day2Chimps Trekking and Canopy Walk
Start the day with chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, one of the highlights of budget Rwanda trips. Guided by park rangers, the trek takes you deep into the forest to observe chimp families in their natural habitat. Later, enjoy the canopy walkway a suspended bridge offering panoramic views of the forest canopy and birdlife. These two activities provide a strong mix of wildlife and landscape immersion. Budget Rwanda trips benefit from Nyungwe’s accessibility and rich biodiversity, making it a valuable stop for travelers seeking meaningful experiences without high costs
- Day3Continue Akagera for Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Transfer from Nyungwe to Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda, to continue the budget Rwanda trips with a boat safari on Lake Ihema. This freshwater lake is home to hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife, offering a peaceful contrast to forest trekking. The boat ride is ideal for photography and relaxation, adding variety to the itinerary. Akagera’s proximity to Kigali makes it a practical choice for budget Rwanda trips, allowing travelers to enjoy savannah wildlife without long detours. Overnight near the park ensures early access to game drives the following day
- Day4Experience Akagera on Game Drives and Transfer to Volcanoes
Begin with a morning game drive in Akagera, focusing on spotting elephants, giraffes, antelope, and possibly lions. The park’s open plains and wooded areas offer excellent visibility for wildlife viewing. After the drive, transfer north to Volcanoes National Park, a key destination for primate trekking. This day of budget Rwanda trips combines classic safari with efficient travel, maximizing time across diverse ecosystems. Staying near Volcanoes ensures readiness for golden monkey trekking, and the route avoids unnecessary backtracking an important factor in well-planned budget Rwanda trips
- Day5Golden Monkey Trekking, City Tour and Departure
Conclude the budget Rwanda trips with golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. These playful primates are found in bamboo forests and are known for their agility and social behavior. After the trek, return to Kigali for a short city tour, including stops at local markets or cultural centers. This final day balances nature and urban exploration, rounding out the budget Rwanda trips with variety and value. Transfer to the airport for departure, carrying memories of primates, landscapes, and Rwanda’s welcoming spirit all achieved within a cost-conscious itinerary