Remarkable Rwanda: Lush Mountains and Expansive Plains

Gorilla Trekking, the Big 5, and Conservation on the best Rwanda safari

No wildlife encounter on earth can compare to standing a few meters from a group of mountain gorillas going about their daily lives in the wild – in fact, it’s such a magical experience that we’ve built two opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures into the best Rwanda safari itinerary.

Not only will you visit the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, but we’ve included a stop at Akagera National Park, one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories and home to the Big 5 as well as Nyungwe National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa and considered the lungs of Rwanda for its clean air and carbon sequestration. Round off your stay with some time in vibrant Kigali, where you’ll discover first-hand the incredible progress the country has made despite its turbulent past.

Best Rwanda safari: 11 days / 10 nights

Highlights of the best Rwanda safari

This 11-day fly-in best Rwanda safari starts with an overnight stay at Heaven Retreat in Kigali 
Drive to Magashi Camp in Akagera National Park, home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities as well as the Big 5. Enjoy day and night game drives, boating, and catch-and-release fishing. Your stay contributes towards the park becoming economically self-sufficient
Take a scenic helicopter flight to Bisate Lodge, just outside Volcanoes National Park. The lodge funds a number of local conservation and community projects, and you can  visit  Bisate village, where most of the staff are from, or spend the afternoon hiking in nearby hills
Your gorilla trek starts early the next morning. Under the supervision of park rangers, you’ll be guided to a troop of gorillas. Once sighted, you’ll have the opportunity to spend an hour observing these fascinating primates up close
The following morning, you’ll have the option to go for a second gorilla trek, or a trek to see the golden monkeys that make their home in the park  
Take a helicopter to Nyungwe National Park, considered the lungs of Rwanda and one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Enjoy a canopy walk and trek to see the playful chimpanzees while relishing your accommodation at One & Only.
Spend your last afternoon exploring Kigali, including the Genocide Memorial, an open-air market, an art gallery, or a curio shop, or at a coffee masterclass and tasting

Price

$24,100 - $30,000 per person sharing in 2023. 1 gorilla permit, 1 golden monkey permit, and 1 chimpanzee permit are included in price.

Domestic Rwandair flight Kamembe-Kigali to be booked directly by client

Note that the minimum age for trekking is 15 years.

Itinerary map

Easy Extensions to the best Rwanda safari

Combine your stay in Kigali with an additional safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti or the Masai Mara. Or, head South to Cape Town for some city time and bookend your trip with a final safari in South Africa, Botswana, or perhaps a walking safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa. If you’d prefer to spend more time in Rwanda, add on a stop for chimp trekking in Nyungwe National Park at the luxurious One & Only.