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RWANDA SAFARI

6-Day Rwanda Primate and Wildlife Safari

Experience Rwanda’s rainforests, mountain gorillas and savannah wildlife on this six-day journey. Track chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park, trek mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and search for lions, elephants and rhinos in Akagera National Park.

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DURATION

6 Days / 5 Nights

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ROUTE

Kigali to Nyungwe, Volcanoes, and Akagera National Parks (returning to Kigali)

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Gorilla Trekking Permits Are Limited – Book Early

Tour Highlights

Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe

Nyungwe canopy walkway

Mountain gorilla trekking

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Albertine Rift birdlife

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Lake Ihema boat safari

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Kigali to Nyungwe National Park

A Native Expeditions representative will collect you early from Kigali International Airport, your hotel or another agreed location.

Travel south through Rwanda’s hilly countryside to Nyungwe National Park. Depending on your interests and available time, stop at the Ethnographic Museum in Huye or another selected attraction along the route.

Arrive at Nyungwe and settle into your lodge. A tea experience may be arranged in the afternoon if time allows.

Overnight: Nyungwe National Park

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Day 2: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk

Begin the day early and report to the designated park reception point for your chimpanzee trekking briefing.

Travel to the assigned trailhead and enter the forest with an experienced ranger. Trekking duration and conditions vary because the chimpanzees move freely through the forest.

Other possible sightings include L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys and several forest birds.

After lunch and a short rest, take a guided walk to Nyungwe’s canopy walkway, subject to weather, trail conditions and energy levels.

Overnight: Nyungwe National Park

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Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, begin the long journey north to Volcanoes National Park.

Travel through Rwanda’s changing landscapes, stopping for lunch along the way.

Arrive in Musanze in the late afternoon or evening and prepare for the following day’s gorilla trek.

Overnight: Musanze

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Day 4: Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, report to the park headquarters for registration and a gorilla trekking briefing.

Accompanied by experienced guides and rangers, trek through the forest in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family. The duration and difficulty depend on the gorillas’ location, terrain and weather.

Once the gorillas are located, spend the permitted time observing and photographing them.

Return to your lodge for relaxation.

Overnight: Musanze

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Day 5: Transfer to Akagera National Park

After breakfast, travel from Musanze to Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda.

This is a long cross-country transfer, usually passing through or around Kigali. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your lodge.

Depending on arrival time and availability, take a boat safari on Lake Ihema to see hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds.

Overnight: Akagera National Park

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Day 6: Akagera Game Drive and Return to Kigali

Begin the day with an early game drive through Akagera’s savannah, woodland and wetlands.

Search for lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, leopards, hyenas and several antelope species. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

After the game drive, return to Kigali for drop-off at your hotel, Kigali International Airport or another agreed location.

Travellers departing Rwanda should book a late-evening flight or arrange an additional night in Kigali.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this itinerary physically demanding?

It includes two forest treks, a canopy walk and several long road transfers. A reasonable level of fitness and comfort with active travel are recommended.

Is the gorilla permit included in the safari price?

This depends on your quotation. Confirm that the permit and applicable park fees are included before making payment.

Can I see the Big Five in Akagera?

Akagera is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. Seeing all five during one game drive cannot be guaranteed.

Is this safari suitable for beginners?

Active beginners may complete it with preparation, but two demanding trekking days in succession can be tiring. A four-day version is better for travellers who prefer more recovery time.

Are gorilla sightings guaranteed?

Gorilla trekking has a high success rate, but wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

What Should I pack?

Bring hiking boots, long trousers, gloves, a waterproof jacket, warm layers, insect repellent, drinking water and a small daypack.