Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Rwanda with our exclusive tour itinerary! Start in the vibrant city of Kigali before exploring the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife of Akagera National Park. Experience the awe of gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and immerse yourself in the lush beauty of Nyungwe Forest. This adventure offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, thrilling wildlife encounters, and breathtaking natural scenery, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime safari!
Africa
Rwanda Wildlife & Primates Safari
8 Days, Departs Daily. From AUD $9,563pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore Rwanda's vibrant capital, visiting key cultural and historical sites.
- Enjoy thrilling game drives and a scenic boat ride, witnessing diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes in the Akagera National Park.
- Experience the awe-inspiring adventure of trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat in the Volcanoes National Park.
- Track playful chimpanzees and take a breathtaking walk above the forest canopy in the Nyungwe Forest.
- Travel through Rwanda's picturesque countryside, with stunning views of rolling hills, lush forests, and charming villages.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive to Kigali
- Day 2: Kigali City tour and transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 3: Full day in Akagera - Game Drive & Boat
- Day 4: Akagera National Park to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Community Walk
- Day 6: Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 7: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
- Day 8: Nyungwe to Kigali - Departure
Tailor-made suggestions
- Add in a extra day to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful Volcanoes National Park.
- Extend your Africa adventure by exploring the wonders of Uganda.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - Kigali: Arrive to Kigali
Arrive to Kigali
Welcome to the Land of A thousand Hills.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by one of our experienced safari guides who will transfer you to your Hotel for the rest of the day and overnight. At check in, you will be briefed about your safari and what to expect, the safari do’s and don’ts. Overnight at your Hotel.
Day 2 - Kigali: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
Enjoy a morning breakfast at your hotel in Kigali before embarking on a half-day city tour. This tour includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site and Museum, as well as a stroll through local markets. After lunch, depart for Akagera National Park and conclude the day with an evening game drive.
Day 3 - Akagera National Park: Full day in Akagera - Game Drive & Boat
Full day in Akagera - Game Drive & Boat
After a morning breakfast, embark on an exciting game drive in Akagera National Park. This renowned savannah park, located in northeastern Rwanda along the Tanzanian border, is home to several large mammals not found elsewhere in the country. Keep your cameras ready and your eyes open for sightings of elephants, zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, and the recently reintroduced lions. Game drives typically take place in the northern sector of the park and can last for several hours, depending on the day's animal sightings. Return to your lodge for lunch, and in the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ihema, where you'll search for hippos and crocodiles, as well as other wildlife along the riverbanks.
Day 4 - Akagera National Park: Akagera National Park to Volcanoes National Park
Akagera National Park to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and numerous bird species. Located in Kinigi, Musanze, in northern Rwanda, the park is about a two-hour drive from Kigali, the country's capital. Your journey from Akagera National Park to Volcanoes will pass through Kigali and offer scenic views of charming villages and beautiful landscapes. Arrive at your lodge in the evening.
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - Ruhengeri: Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Community Walk
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Community Walk
This morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred from your lodge to the park headquarters for a briefing on the day's gorilla trekking activity. It is advisable to pack your lunch and drinking water and consider hiring porters, as the time spent in the jungle can be unpredictable. After the briefing from the park rangers, you will be assigned a gorilla family and then venture into the forest to search for these gentle giants.
Gorilla tracking may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on where the gorillas were last seen the previous night. Physical fitness is highly recommended, but those who are not as fit have the option to hire "human helicopters" (sedan chairs). Once you find the gorillas, you will have the opportunity to spend a maximum of one hour with them, during which you can take videos and photographs. Afterward, you will return to your lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy a community walk to Red Rock, a local initiative focused on improving community livelihoods through environmental conservation, arts and culture, education, and community health and security.
Breakfast included.
Day 6 - Ruhengeri: Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park
Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, embark on a 6-7 hour drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest and largest rainforests in East Africa. This forest is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including a small population of chimpanzees and 12 other primate species, such as the L’Hoest’s monkey, which is endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Breakfast included.
Day 7 - Nyungwe Forest National Park: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
Set out early in the morning for the renowned chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park. This adventure takes you deep into the jungle to search for man's closest relative among primates: the chimpanzees. It's advisable to pack your breakfast from the lodge as the briefing starts at 5:30 AM, followed by the trek at 6:00 AM. During the briefing, you'll learn about proper behavior and the park’s do’s and don’ts.
Your ranger guide will lead you to either the Uwinka trailhead or the Cyamudongo sector to begin your chimpanzee trekking experience. Nyungwe Forest boasts rich biodiversity and is home to over 13 primate species, including chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, Rwenzori colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys.
After returning to the lodge for lunch, embark on the famous canopy walk in the afternoon. This thrilling experience allows you to explore Nyungwe National Park from 40 meters above ground level.
Breakfast included.
Day 8 - Nyungwe Forest National Park: Nyungwe to Kigali
Nyungwe to Kigali
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on your 4 to 5-hour journey back to Kigali. En route, you will stop at Huye, formerly known as Butare, to visit the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda. Here, you will learn about the country's culture, history, and the daily lives of the Rwandan people. Continue your journey to Kigali, arriving in the afternoon in time to connect to your international flight.
Breakfast included.
- Day 1 - Arrive to Kigali
- Day 2 - Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
- Day 3 - Full day in Akagera - Game Drive & Boat
- Day 4 - Akagera National Park to Volcanoes National Park
- Day 5 - Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Community Walk
- Day 6 - Volcanoes National Park to Nyungwe Forest National Park
- Day 7 - Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk
- Day 8 - Nyungwe to Kigali
Departs Daily
| Season | Type | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025 | AUD$9563pp | ||
| Comfort | AUD$9563pp | Contact us | |
| Superior | AUD$10323pp | Contact us | |
| Deluxe | AUD$11229pp | Contact us |
- Please note Park Fees, Chimp Permits and Gorilla Permits are subject to change without warning.
- Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.
- Please contact us for upgrades on hotels or rooms.
- Please note that rates can change due to seasonality. Our website price is a good guidance as a "from" price. Please contact us for specific dates.
Comfort
Kigali, Rwanda - Heaven Rwanda
Akagera National Park, Rwanda - Akagera Game Lodge
Ruhengeri, Rwanda - Davinci Gorilla Lodge
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda - Chimpanzee Lodge
Superior
Kigali, Rwanda - Hotel Des Mille Collines
Akagera National Park, Rwanda - Akagera Game Lodge
Ruhengeri, Rwanda - Ingagi Park View Lodge
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda - Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Deluxe
Kigali, Rwanda - Kigali Serena Hotel
Akagera National Park, Rwanda - Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Ruhengeri, Rwanda - Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda - Nyungwe Top View Hotel
Whats included?
- 1 x nights accommodation in Kigali on Bed and Breakfast
- 2 x nights accommodation in Akagera National Park on Full Board
- 2 x nights accommodation in Volcanoes on Full Board
- 2 x nights accommodation in Nyungwe National Park on Full Board
- Game drives
- Boat cruise
- Night Game drive
- Kigali city Tour
- 1 x Gorilla permit
- 1 x Community walk
- 1 x Chimp permit
- 1 x Canopy walk
- All transport with an English-speaking guide
- Drinking water in vehicle.
What’s not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
- Please note Park Fees, Chimp Permits and Gorilla Permits are subject to change without warning.
- Hotel rates are based on lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.
- Please contact us for upgrades on hotels or rooms.
- Please note that rates can change due to seasonality. Our website price is a good guidance as a "from" price. Please contact us for specific dates.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Africa
From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.
Downloadable travel guide
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