Customized 8 Days Rwanda Gorillas & Wildlife Safari

This exciting 8-day  Rwanda Gorillas and Wildlife Safari allows wildlife and nature enthusiasts to discover Rwanda’s diverse wildlife species by ticking off only two safari destinations. Enjoy a trek to see gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and explore big five game in Akagera National Park on this 8 Days best of Rwanda safari. Your safari will start in the bustling City, Kigali, before departing for the countryside and visiting Volcanoes National Park, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild .

Your last stop is Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five Game and other interesting savannah-dwelling wildlife species such as Masai giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, Impalas, Topis, Olive baboons, and many others. Superfine Safaris Limited is your ultimate guide on this 8 days Rwanda gorillas and wildlife safari

Highlights

• Discover Rwanda’s mind-blowing hospitality through City Tours.
• Search for the endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park for an up-close and personal encounter with the Giant Apes.
• Watch the Big Five Game and other savannah-dwelling species in Akagera National Park.
• Learn about Rwanda’s rural life and traditions by visiting Gorilla Guardian Village.
• Discover the bird species in the forest, grassland, wetland, and water environments.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s Capital.

Day 2: Full Day Kigali City Excursion.

Day 3: Kigali City to Volcanoes National Park by road, afternoon visit to Gorilla Guardian Village.

Day 4: Volcanoes Gorilla Trekking Adventure; visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Day 5: Transfer to Akagera National Park, Afternoon Game Drive.

Day 6: Full Day Akagera National Park Game drives.

Day 7: Hot Air balloon tour and Boat ride.

Day 8: Transfer to Kigali; Departure.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda’s Capital

Welcome to Rwanda! This East-Central African country is a haven for a plethora of wildlife, breathtaking Lakes and Rivers, sprawling savannahs, hilly regions, and the popular Virunga Volcanoes, to mention but a few.

After arriving at Kigali International Airport, your safari driver/guide from superfine Safaris will transfer you to the Hotel in the City. You can spend the remainder of the day relaxing or use the time to explore the vibrant central hub of Rwanda by exploring one of the famous Art Galleries or Genocide Centers, or eating out at an authentic Rwandan restaurant.

Overnight at: The Retreat by Heaven (upmarket), Hotel Des Mille Collines (midrange), or Hotel Chez Lando (budget).

Meal options: On the visitor’s account.

Day 2: Full-Day Kigali City Excursion

Today, you will have the opportunity to deeply explore Kigali City, nestled against the stunning rolling hills. Known for being “Africa’s cleanest City” and incredible hospitality, Kigali is a cultural and historical City with award-winning Museums, a vibrant music scene, bustling local markets, and providing unforgettable dining experiences. For this day’s City excursion, you will start with a visit to Kigali Genocide Museum and Hotel Des Mille Collines (if not staying at the Hotel) before taking a lunch break. Continue with the tour by exploring the Nyamirambo Women’s Center.

Overnight at: The Retreat by Heaven (upmarket), Hotel Des Mille Collines (midrange), or Hotel Chez Lando (budget).

Meal options: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park by road, afternoon visit to Gorilla Guardian Village

After breakfast at the Hotel, you will travel to Volcanoes National Park, one of the most popular National Parks in Rwanda and a gorilla trekking destination in the World. This 160-square-kilometer Protected Area is home to at least 35% of the World’s population of these Giant Apes and golden monkeys, which can be observed up close. Primate enthusiasts can explore one of the 12 habituated gorilla families, spend quality time learning and taking photos as they go about their daily routines.

You will arrive at the Park on time for lunch before taking a thrilling afternoon visit to Gorilla Guardians’ Village. Learn about Rwandan traditional lifestyle and cultures through visiting a traditional healer, participating in meal preparation with a family, taking part in traditional dances and songs, and many other activities.

Overnight at: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (upmarket), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (midrange), or Muhabura Hotel (budget).

Meal options: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Adventure; visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

After breakfast, you will depart the Lodge for a drive to Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing on the dos and don’ts of the gorilla trekking adventure. Due to the difficulty in trekking, a moderate degree of physical fitness and a strong pair of hiking boots are recommended for this day’s trek. You will be escorted by an armed Ranger to search for the Giant Apes, while occasionally clearing thick undergrowth until you are ushered to their presence.

Upon sighting, you will be allowed to approach while maintaining a distance of 7 meters while the guide interprets their behavior as you take photos. You will see infants playing, females nursing their babies, and silverbacks showing dominance as they rest, play, and eat. After 60 minutes, retreat to the base and back to the Lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, where you will learn about Dian Fossey’s legacy through self-guided tours, VIP Experiences (such as the silverback sundowner, and Behind-the-scenes VIP Tours), to mention but a few. The evening is free to shower, relax, and enjoy dinner at the Lodge.

Overnight at: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge (upmarket), Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge (midrange), or Muhabura Hotel (budget).

Meal options: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 5: Transfer to Akagera National Park, Afternoon Game Drive

In the morning, you will have a leisurely breakfast and depart for Akagera National Park. The 7-hour drive up to the East of Rwanda includes en-route stops for photography and breathtaking views of the countryside and varying ecosystems. Late afternoon, you will arrive at your Lodge in/around Akagera National Park for a late lunch.

Later, head for an afternoon game drive, and as you explore the Protected Area and drive around, you will want to get your camera ready to document herds of African bush elephants, Cape buffaloes, Topis, Impalas, and many others. You will then drive back to the Lodge for the overnight.

Overnight at: Magashi Camp (upmarket), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (midrange), or Karenge Bush Camp (budget).

Meal options: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Full Day Akagera National Park Game drives.

The whole of today will be spent exploring this magnificent savannah-dominated Protected Area. You will also be able to get up close and personal with some of the Big Five Game (Lions, Leopards, Buffaloes, Elephants, and Rhinos), Masai giraffes, Topis, Defassa waterbucks, Giant elands, bushbucks, warthogs, Servals, Hippos, Blue monkeys, Olive baboons, Oribis, duikers, spotted hyenas, impalas, and many others.

You will have breaks in between these two game drives for lunch, before returning to your accommodation where you can take a cold/hot shower and relaxed evening.

Overnight at: Magashi Camp (upmarket), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (midrange), or Karenge Bush Camp (budget).

Meal options: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 7: Discover Akagera National Park: Hot Air balloon tour and Boat ride

Thanks to Akagera National Park’s flourishing wildlife activity, another full day in the Protected Area provides an opportunity to witness more of its beauty and diversity. You wouldn’t want to miss watching a leopard devouring its prey, herds of buffalo grazing, and birds building nests.

Early morning (about 5:00 am), you will be picked up from your Lodge and transferred to the launch site, where you will meet your Captain and take off while relishing the jaw-dropping sunrise views. This provides the exceptional perspective of the Protected Area and wonderful photography opportunities of the animals below. Close the hot air balloon experience with a bush breakfast before returning to the Lodge for lunch.

In the afternoon, continue with your Akagera National Park adventure with a water safari on Lake Ihema. Look out for the semi-aquatic wildlife species such as Hippos and Nile crocodiles, alongside bird species such as Papyrus gonolek, Grey crowned cranes, and African fish eagles, among others.

Overnight at: Magashi Camp (upmarket), Mantis Akagera Game Lodge (midrange), or Karenge Bush Camp (budget).

Meal options: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Transfer to Kigali; Departure

Enjoy breakfast and say your goodbyes to the Akagera landscape before transferring to Kigali Airport, where you will then connect to your International flight back home. See you soon!!

Our 8-day Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari includes;

• Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit/s.
• Entry fees to all sites- Museums, National Parks, and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
• Kigali City Tours.
• Services of a professional English-speaking guide.
• Game viewing.
• Lake Ihema Boat ride fees.
• Hot air balloon tour fees.
• Relevant Government taxes and levies.
• Bottled water.
• Ground transportation with a 4X4 Safari Vehicle.
• Hotel and Airport transfers, as long as they are within the safari dates.
• Ranger fees.

Our 8-day Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari excludes;

• Extra activities not mentioned on the itinerary.
• Rwandan Visa (can be arranged on request).
• Domestic and International flights (can be arranged on request).
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Pre and post-safari accommodation in Kigali.
• Gratuities to Ranger guides, safari guide/s, porters, and Lodge staff.