Best of Rwanda 8 Days 7 Nights

An epic circuit, taking in Rwanda main national parks See the Big Five, gorillas, chimpanzees, and much more.

The highlight of the trip:

• Gorilla Tracking
• Golden monkey tracking

Day 1 – Welcome To Kigali And The Start Of Your Adventure

Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport and you will be warmly welcomed by our representative outside the customs and immigration area. A transfer will take you to your city accommodation, where you can enjoy an insightful tour briefing. 

(Optional Activities in the Kigali City: Genocide Memorial Centre, Inema Arts Centre, Question Coffee Gishushu Master Class, Kimironko Local Market)

Day 2 – Kigali to Akagera National Park

After Breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Akagera National Park the drive last around four to five hours upon arrival proceed to check in at the lodge followed by lunch.

Akagera National Park is situated in eastern Rwanda, bordering Tanzania it comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamps, and grassy low mountains in the evening embark on a boat Cruise on L. Ihema. The cruise will take you on an unforgettable journey as the sun sets. The lakes and surroundings offer views of wildlife such as cormorants, hippos, and crocodiles. Our Knowledgeable guides are always on hand to ensure you see points of interest along the cruise. 

Day 3 – Full day Akagera National Park

After an early breakfast, Spend an entire day in Akagera a spectacular chain of low grassy mountains. You will view a range of wildlife on guided game drives, walks, and boating trips.  Search for Lions, Rhino, buffalos, elephants, Maasai giraffe, Burchell’s zebra, warthog, olive baboon, vervet, antelopes and other animals including buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, giraffe, spotted hyena, zebra, and more. The park also boasts over 500 species of birds.

 Day 4 – Akagera to Nyungwe National Park

 Drive from Akagera National Park to Nyungwe Forest. The park is composed of lush tracts of rainforest set high up on fertile mountain slopes covering over 1000 square kilometers,  Nyungwe is surely one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine mountain rainforests. It is one of oldest African forests, staying green, which explains its diversity. You might have a chance of spotting colobus monkeys and chimpanzees hiding in the trees, through hiking on a well-maintained network of trails passing through lush equatorial rainforest, and catching a glimpse of a beautiful display of colorful birdlife.

 Day 5 – Nyungwe National Park

On this day you will have early breakfast before going for exciting activity whereby you will dash through the flora to encounter the chimpanzees playing in the wild within the Nyungwe National Park. You might see the chimpanzees jumping from tree to tree at high speeds while making noise. Later in the evening, you have an option to undertake a canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest for about 2 hours before returning to your lodge for a good night rest.

 Day 6- Volcanoes National Park

After a warm breakfast you will be transferred to Volcanoes National Park. The drive lasts about 5-6 hours arriving in the afternoon where you will be having lunch and dinner at your lodge.

Day 7 – Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After the breakfast you will be transferred to the trekking starting point for a gorilla trek by the park rangers. The trek lasts an irregular time depending on the Gorilla group movements. After 60 minutes in the presence of a gorilla family, you walk back to the park headquarters where you will meet the tour guide for a transfer back to your hotel.

Day 8 – Volcanoes National Park to Kigali

Return to Kigali and catch the flight home

• • Meet and greet on arrival
  • Airport and inter-hotel transfers from day 1 to the last day
  • Accommodation and meals mentioned in the program
  • Audio visual for Kigali Genocide memorial
  • Park entry and guides fees to Akagera, boat ride, game drives
  • Exclusive use of a safari land cruiser 4×4 with WIFI where receptive and pop up roof
  • Services of a professional, experienced English/French speaking driver guide
  • Bottled mineral water in the vehicle during the tour
  • 1 Gorilla permit per person (this includes briefing at RDB offices, guide, trek – US$ 1,500
  • 1 Golden Monkey trek permit
  • 1 chimp trek permit
  • All activities, visits and extra meals mentioned in the itinerary
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation Services 
  • Our assistance
  •  

• International flights,
• Personal Travel insurance,
• Visa Fees, drinks, cigarettes, tips,
• souvenirs and any other items of personal nature.
  
  

• GORILLA PERMIT NOTE AND TREKKING RULES

  If you have a cold, flu, or other contagious infection, you shouldn’t go gorilla trekking as the gorillas are very susceptible to catching human infections, particularly respiratory ones.

   

  WEATHER IN RWANDA

  Rwanda is a tropical highland climate and experiences a lot of rain. Temperatures vary vastly between locations.

   

  • Rainy season: March to May and October to November
  • Hottest months: June to September

  The rainfall in the rainforest and mountains can change snappily, ranging from warm sunny days to stormy spells. We thus recommend that you pack a range of apparel suitable for all conditions, particularly warm gloves, scarves, and headwear during stormy seasons, as well as leak proof outerwear, closed shoes for hikes, plus a chapeau and sun protection. 

  TIME ZONE

  The time zone in Rwanda is set two hours ahead of GMT (GMT +2).