9 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari – the Trio of National parks plus Lake Kivu

Arrive in Kigali early in the morning. The drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park takes about four to five hours. The drive is on good quality paved roads except for the last section.

The 100,000 hectare Akagera National Park is located in eastern Rwanda, on the border with Tanzania, and has been managed by African Parks in cooperation with the Rwanda Development Board since 2010. It includes some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, forests, lakes, swamps and grassy low mountain ranges. Over the last eight years, Akagera has undergone incredible development: poaching has been largely eradicated and wildlife is now thriving. African Parks reintroduced lions in 2015 after a 20-year absence and black rhinos in 2017.

Enjoy an evening boat cruise across Lake Ihema and spot hippos and many different bird species.

You will stay overnight in a hotel within the park.

Wake early to go chimpanzee hunting in Nyungwe Forest. After a short briefing from your guide, you will hike through stunning tea plantations before entering the dense, lush forest. The forest is home to over 13 species of monkeys and offers excellent bird watching opportunities as well as over 100 species of butterflies and the occasional chameleon.

The trip can last between one and four hours, but you will definitely hear the chimpanzees as soon as you enter the forest. Once you find them, you will stay with the chimpanzees for an hour, watching them play, fight and feed in the atmospheric forest.

Return to your hotel to relax and freshen up.

Spend the morning relaxing at the lake before continuing to Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon.

Relax at your hotel near Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla Tracking in Volcanoes National Park: Wake at sunrise and travel the short distance to the park headquarters where you will receive a briefing, porters and tea and coffee before starting the adventure in the forest. Local ports can be arranged and help with the guide to complete the gorilla tracking experience.

Tracking can last between 90 minutes and the whole morning depending on which family group is assigned. You will spend an hour with the gorillas – sometimes moving to stay with the gorillas or follow them. The guide will make sure you are in the best spots to take the most beautiful photos and properly enjoy the breathtaking experience.

Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and refreshments

Golden Monkey Tracking: Walks to observe the smaller and nimble monkeys are a fun and adventurous way to explore the forest. Named for their bright orange bodies, they are native to the region. They are harder to find than the gorillas and these nimble monkeys are sure to keep you on your toes.

Return to your hotel to freshen up and have a light meal before returning to Kigali in the afternoon.

Spend the night at a hotel in Kigali and enjoy the hotel’s delicious food and offerings.

Flight departs from Kigali.

Start planning your chimpanzee and gorilla safari