5 Day Rwanda Tour with Gorillas, Chimps and Akagera Big Five
This 5-day Rwanda Tour with Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and the Akagera Big Five combines unforgettable gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, thrilling chimpanzee encounters in Nyungwe National Park, and a classic game safari in Akagera National Park. Witness Rwanda's stunning biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes on this incredible journey.
This immersive Rwanda tour offers an extraordinary journey through three of the country's most prestigious national parks. From Nyungwe National Park's lush rainforests to the Virunga Mountains' volcanic slopes, each destination unveils unique wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes that define Rwanda's natural heritage. The carefully crafted itinerary blends primate tracking adventures with classic African safari experiences, showcasing the country's incredible biodiversity.
Your Rwanda tour traverses through varied terrains and ecosystems, from Volcanoes National Park's mist-shrouded forests to Akagera National Park's savannah plains. This comprehensive expedition connects you with endangered mountain gorillas, playful chimpanzees, and the iconic Big Five, creating an unparalleled wildlife experience. The journey is enhanced by stays at carefully selected lodges that offer comfort while maintaining an authentic connection to the surrounding wilderness.
Tour highlights
Chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe National Park
Canopy walk experience 50 meters above the forest floor
Cultural visit to the Ethnographic Museum in Huye
Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Game drives in Akagera National Park
Boat safari on Lake Ihema
Visit to Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village
Scenic drives through Rwanda's "Land of a Thousand Hills"
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- Park entrance fees
- All mentioned activities
- Ground transport in 4WD custom vehicle
- Bottled water
- Full board accommodation
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Driver allowances
Price Excludes:
- Rwandan visa
- International and internal flights
- Personal expenses
- Optional Activities
- Laundry fees
- Tips
- Life insurance
- Additional drinks
Itinary in details
- DayDay 1Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Your Rwanda tour begins with your arrival at Kigali International Airport, where you'll meet your expert guide for a comprehensive briefing. The journey to Nyungwe National Park covers approximately 220 kilometers through Rwanda's southwestern region, showcasing the country's famous rolling hills and tea plantations. This portion of your Rwanda tour includes a cultural stop at the renowned Ethnographic Museum in Huye (formerly Butare), where you'll gain insights into Rwanda's rich heritage. As your Rwanda tour proceeds southward, you'll arrive at your lodge near Nyungwe Forest National Park, where the anticipation builds for tomorrow's chimpanzee trek.
- DayDay 2Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe & Canopy Walk
The second day of your Rwanda tour starts early with a 5:30 AM meeting at the Uwinka Visitor Center for your chimpanzee trek briefing. Your Rwanda tour guide will lead you through ancient forest trails in search of one of Nyungwe's habituated chimpanzee communities, an adventure that typically takes 2-6 hours. After observing these fascinating primates, your Rwanda tour continues with an exhilarating canopy walk suspended 50 meters above the forest floor, offering spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness.
- DayDay 3Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Today's Rwanda tour segment features a scenic drive northward to Musanze, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. The journey traverses approximately 280 kilometers through the heart of Rwanda, including a memorable stop at Lake Kivu in Kibuye. Your Rwanda tour route offers stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes as you approach Musanze, where you'll spend the evening at a comfortable lodge preparing for tomorrow's gorilla trek.
- DayDay 4Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
The highlight of your Rwanda tour unfolds today as you embark on a gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Your Rwanda tour guide will accompany you to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a 7:00 AM briefing before entering the bamboo forests of the Virungas. This extraordinary segment of your Rwanda tour culminates in a magical hour with a mountain gorilla family, followed by an optional visit to the Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village in Musanze District.
- DayDay 5Game Safari in Akagera National Park & Departure
The final day of your Rwanda tour combines a classic African safari with convenient departure arrangements. Your Rwanda tour takes you through Akagera National Park's diverse ecosystems, where you'll search for the Big Five and enjoy a boat safari on Lake Ihema. The park's eastern location, approximately 130 kilometers from Kigali, allows time for wildlife viewing before your evening departure from Kigali International Airport.