8 Days Rwanda Tour with Gorillas, Chimps and Akagera Big Five
This 8-day Rwanda Tour with Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and the Akagera Big Five is among the best safari tour packages that you can make in Rwanda. It will help you enjoy the country from the north, South, East, and West, with visits to the 3 main national parks, such as Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park, which is the country's one and only savannah park.
Your Rwanda Tour experience features close encounters with both mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitats. From the mountainous terrain of Volcanoes National Park to the tropical Nyungwe Forest, each destination offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities and cultural experiences.
The Rwanda Tour concludes with an exploration of Akagera National Park, where traditional African safari meets wetland wonders. Throughout the journey, you'll stay in carefully selected accommodations that blend comfort with authenticity, while experienced guides share their deep knowledge of Rwanda's rich natural and cultural heritage.
Tour highlights
Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park
Cultural visit to Nyanza Royal Palace
Scenic boat ride on Lake Kivu
Mountain gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Twin Lakes exploration (Bulera and Ruhondo)
Big Five game viewing in Akagera National Park
Night game drive for nocturnal wildlife
Traditional cultural experience at Ibyiwacu Village
Price Includes:
- Gorilla tracking permit
- Chimpanzee tracking permit
- All national park entrance fees
- Full-board accommodation as specified
- Ground transportation in 4x4 safari vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Bottled water during drives
- All mentioned activities
- Driver allowances
Price Excludes:
- Rwanda visa fees
- International and domestic flights
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Optional Activities
- Laundry services
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips for staff and guides
Itinary in details
- Day1Pick Up and Transfer to Nyungwe National Park
Your Rwanda Tour begins with pickup from Kigali, followed by a scenic 5-hour drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest. The Rwanda Tour includes a fascinating stop at "Rukari" (Nyanza Royal Palace), where you'll explore Rwanda's monarchical history. Your afternoon Rwanda Tour continues through tea plantations before arriving at your lodge near Nyungwe Forest, approximately 230 km from Kigali.
- Day2Chimpanzee Trekking and Transfer to Cyangugu
Your Rwanda Tour continues with an early morning trek into Nyungwe Forest, locally known as "Ishyamba ry'Inyungwe." The Rwanda Tour's chimp tracking experience begins at 5:00 AM with a briefing at the park headquarters before a 2–4-hour trek. Your afternoon Rwanda Tour involves a scenic 2-hour drive to Cyangugu, situated along the shores of Lake Kivu.
- Day3Boat Ride at Lake Kivu and Transfer to Gisenyi
Today's Rwanda Tour features a spectacular 4-hour boat journey across "Kivu Nyanza" (Lake Kivu) from Cyangugu to Gisenyi. Your Rwanda Tour experience includes stops at traditional fishing villages called "Ubwato" along the shoreline. The final leg of your Rwanda Tour Day allows time to explore Gisenyi, known locally as "Rubavu," with its colonial architecture and vibrant markets.
- Day4Drive from Gisenyi to Volcanoes National Park
The Rwanda Tour continues with a 2-hour journey through the volcanic highlands to "Kinigi," the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Your Rwanda Tour includes lunch at a local restaurant before an immersive cultural experience at Ibyiwacu Cultural Village. The evening Rwanda Tour activities feature traditional dance performances and storytelling at your mountain lodge.
- Day5Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Today's highlight of your Rwanda Tour begins at dawn with a briefing at "Kinigi" park headquarters. The Rwanda Tour's gorilla tracking adventure can last between 2-6 hours in the bamboo forests of "Birunga" mountains. Your afternoon Rwanda Tour includes a visit to the stunning twin lakes "Burera na Ruhondo," offering spectacular views of the volcanic landscape.
- Day6Transfer to Akagera National Park
Your Rwanda Tour transitions east with a 4.5-hour drive to Akagera National Park, known locally as "Park y'Akagera." The Rwanda Tour continues with an afternoon boat safari on Lake Ihema ("Ikiyaga cya Ihema"), home to massive hippopotamus pods. Your evening Rwanda Tour includes settling into your safari lodge overlooking the park's scenic savanna.
- Day7Full-Day Game Drive Viewings & Overnight Stay
Experience a full-day Rwanda Tour game drive through Akagera's diverse ecosystems, from acacia woodlands to papyrus swamps. Your Rwanda Tour guide will track the Big Five while sharing insights about the park's successful conservation story. The evening Rwanda Tour features a thrilling night game drive in search of nocturnal predators in the area known as "Kilala Plains."
- Day8Transfer back to Kigali
Conclude your Rwanda Tour with a leisurely breakfast overlooking the savanna plains. The final Rwanda Tour activities include a brief game drive en route to the park exit, followed by a 2.5-hour journey back to Kigali. Your memorable Rwanda Tour ends with a transfer to either your Kigali hotel or the airport, approximately 120 km from Akagera.