This comprehensive package includes Rwanda’s three major National Parks, Akagera, Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes, as well as time in the vibrant capital of Kigali.
After a night in Kigali, you will start your journey in Akagera National Park, a particularly scenic park located on a lake with views of Tanzania on the opposite shore. The Park’s contour and diversity of wildlife make it a wonderful first stop. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only Big Five destination, which means that it hosts populations of lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo. Easily explored by boat, the lakes of Akagera also host plenty of hippos and crocs, and a wide variety of waterbirds including the iconic Shoebill.
Then you’re off to Nyungwe National Park, home to cheeky chimps and handsome colobus monkeys. A lunch stop at the Kings Palace breaks up the scenic journey. Permits for primate treks are optional. A breathtaking canopy walk is included and offers not only stunning views but also the possibility of seeing some of the 13 species of monkeys who dwell in the forest. Birders will delight in Nyungwe.
Relax from all your early morning starts with a day at beautiful Lake Kivu.
Finally, the opportunity to do a gorilla trek (permit extra) and/or a golden monkey trek in misty Volcanoes National Park. A gorilla trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; your time with these gentle giants is intense and satisfying. Cultural visits are another highlight of your visit.
After having experienced the ultimate safari, you will be returned to Kigali Airport for your onward flight.
Highlights
- Time in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital
- Comprehensive itinerary visiting Rwanda’s top 3 National Parks
- Opportunity for gorilla, chimp, golden monkey and colobus monkey treks (permits extra)
- Visit to Kings Palace
- Day at Lake Kivu
- Leisure time in Kigali and Volcanoes for shopping and independent touring
Group Size
Minimum 2, solo travelers pay surcharge
Dates
Departs year round.
Price
From $5939 per person based on double occupancy*
Trip Terms
*Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on twin share occupancy. Seasonal Surcharges apply. Single supplements apply. Black-out dates may apply. All pricing is strictly subject to availability. Pricing does not include Gorilla viewing permits which are currently US$1,500 per person each or Golden Monkey trekking permits which are currently 100usd per person each. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice. Please call for our current prices. Prices are current at time of posting (10/23/2023) and may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed. CA CST: 2076233-40 | WA ID: 601 684 531 | PC-1282498.
| START TIME | Please arrive by 7:45 AM. | ||||
| END TIME | Approximately 6:30 PM. | ||||
| WEAR | Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen. | ||||
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| NOT INCLUDED |
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Additional information
| location | Santa Barbara |
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| duration | 10 hours |
Arrival Kigali
Welcome to the Land of the Thousand Hills! Arrival at Kigali Airport where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Rest of day at leisure.
Akagera National Park
Drive 2 hours east to Akagera National Park. Along the way, you will see a lot of bird species, banana plantations and markets. Akagera National Park is dotted with swamps and lakes fed by the meandering course of the Akagera River. On arrival in the Park, take an afternoon game drive. Check into your accommodation in time for sunset drinks and dinner. (B,L,D)
Akagera National Park
Spend a full day game viewing in Akagera National Park including a boat ride in the afternoon. The park terrain is in contrast to the more mountainous central and western parts of Rwanda. Set at a relatively low altitude on the border with Tanzania, the resident animal population includes elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard as well as 11 species of antelope including Impala, Common Duiker, Defassa Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Oribi, Tsessebe, Cape Eland and the rare Roan Antelope. Hippos are present in impressive numbers in the lakes and rivers, zebra, and giraffe still roam the more open acacia dotted plains. The birdlife is quite exceptional, with the continent’s biggest concentrations of waterbirds. The connecting marshes are the hide out for the endangered and exquisite papyrus gonolek, and the bizarre shoebill stork. (B,L,D)
Nyungwe National Park
Drive to Butare, stopping in Nyanza en-route to visit the ancient palace of Mwami, a Rwandan King. You have lunch at a restaurant in Butare before continuing to Nyungwe National Park. Drive through the forest arriving late afternoon for dinner and overnight.(B,L,D)
Nyungwe Forest National Park
Trek in the forest, tracking chimpanzees. The afternoon is at leisure or you can choose to book a Colobus Monkey Trek, Canopy walk or bird walk (extra cost). (B,L,D)
Lake Kivu
This morning is at leisure or you can choose to book a Colobus Monkey Trek, Canopy walk or bird walk (see extra costs). Mid-morning depart with a picnic lunch and travel to Gisenyi with spectacular views en-route. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel (B,L,D)
Volcanoes National Park
Early morning drive to Ruhengeri, the base for Gorilla trekking at the Volcanoes National Park. You have a briefing about the gorilla trek and then set out on foot in search of your assigned gorilla group. Once you have found your group, you have an hour to observe their fascinating interactions. You then return to the park gate by foot where you meet your driver who transfers you back to your lodge for lunch. (B,L,D)
Volcanoes National Park
Morning at leisure or option to go on a second gorilla trek or set out on a Golden Monkey Trek (permits extra), followed by lunch at the lodge. Afternoon at leisure (B,L,D)
Depart
After breakfast, take the scenic drive back to Kigali for departure. (B)
Important to Know
Based on departures in Low Season
| Price per person from | First Class | Deluxe | Luxury |
| Solo Traveler | $5629 | $10459 | $12599 |
| Each of 2 | $3459 | $6839 | $8699 |
| Each of 4 | $2799 | $6179 | $8059 |
| Each of 6 | $2569 | $5959 | $7849 |
| Single Room supplement | $649 | $2129 | $2399 |
Accommodation:
Standard at Gorilla Mountain Lodge, Four Points by Sheraton and Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Deluxe at Bishops House, Serena Hotel and One & Only Nyungwe
Luxury at Wilderness Sabyinyo, Serena Hotel and One & Only Nyungwe
Included in price
- Airport transfers
- 4WD vehicle
- Bilingual expert game ranger-driver
- 1 nights accommodation in Kigali, choice of First-class or Deluxe accommodation
- 2 nights accommodation in Akagera National Park, choice of First-class or Deluxe accommodation
- 2 nights accommodation in Nyungwe Forest National Park, choice of First-class or Deluxe accommodation
- 1 night accommodation in Lake Kivu, choice of First-class or Deluxe accommodation
- 2 nights accommodation in Volcanoes National Park, choice of First-class or Deluxe accommodation
- All meals from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 9
- Game drives
- Boat ride in Akagera National Park
- Visit to Kings Palace
- Canopy Walk in Nyungwe
- Optional chimp, colobus monkey, golden monkey and gorilla treks (permits not included)
Does not include:
- Airfare to and from Kigali, Rwanda
- Passport and entry Visa fees
- Bottled drinks with meals
- Items of personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs etc.
- Gratuities for local guide/ porters and drivers
- Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
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