Wildlife Safaris in Akagera National Park Rwanda
Rwanda Wildlife Safaris offer unique wilderness Rwanda safaris, consisting of best Rwanda tour activities. Rwanda’s wildlife tours are a blend of breathtaking landscapes, remarkable biodiversity, and immersive cultural encounters. Rwanda, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” offers a rich and diverse wildlife experience that promises to leave any nature enthusiast in awe.
Whether you’re tracking the majestic mountain gorillas in the misty jungles of Volcanoes National Park, spotting chimpanzees in the lush Nyungwe Forest, or marveling at big game in Akagera National Park, Rwanda provides an unforgettable safari experience. This day-by-day itinerary highlights the best of Rwanda’s wildlife tours, ensuring every moment of your trip is filled with adventure, discovery, and appreciation for this East African gem.
Despite the fact that Rwanda is many not seem to be classified under the great African wildlife safari destinations, the rolling hills, deep valleys, savannah plains, Papyrus swamps & the Lakes to the East in Akagera National Park, makes it a shelter for several wildlife species like giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras, among others.
Besides the most popular Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, and Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda protects distinct wildlife species, under which 13 primate species are classified such as colobus monkeys, Ruwenzori colobus, arboreal colobus which move in troops of about 400 individuals among others.
Highlights of the 8 Days Rwanda Family Safari Tour
- Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and optional city tour.
- Day 2: Afternoon game drive in Akagera National Park.
- Day 3: Boat safari on Lake Ihema and full-day game drive.
- Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest with a stop at the Ethnographic Museum.
- Day 5: Chimpanzee trekking and canopy walkway in Nyungwe Forest.
- Day 6: Scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park via Lake Kivu.
- Day 7: Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
- Day 8: Golden monkey trekking and departure from Kigali.
Overview of The 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife Safari
- Close encounters with Rwanda’s iconic wildlife, including mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys.
- Classic savannah game drives in Akagera National Park.
- Birdwatching and boat safaris on Lake Ihema.
- Canopy walk and guided nature hikes in Nyungwe Forest.
- Scenic landscapes and cultural experiences along the way.
Detailed Itinerary Of 8 Days in Rwanda Wildlife Safari
This well-rounded 8 Day Rwanda Wildlife Safari itinerary combines the best of Rwanda’s wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Africa.
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Your journey begins in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, renowned for its cleanliness and charm. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a city tour that includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial, local markets, and art galleries. This introduction sets the stage for your Rwandan adventure. Relax in the evening, preparing for the wildlife exploration ahead.
Day 2: Transfer to Akagera National Park – Afternoon Game Drive
Leave Kigali after breakfast and drive to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Savannah National park. This scenic journey offers a glimpse of Rwanda’s rolling hills and countryside. Upon arrival, settle in and enjoy lunch at the park. In the afternoon, embark on a game drive to spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. As the sun sets, return to your lodge for dinner and a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Day 3: Morning Boat Safari and Full-Day Game Drive
Start your day with a tranquil boat safari on Lake Ihema. This offers a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds like the African fish eagle and papyrus gonolek. Afterward, enjoy a packed lunch and continue with a full-day game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes, from open savannahs to lush wetlands. Look out for predators like lions and leopards. End your day back at the lodge, sharing stories of your wildlife encounters.
Day 4: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, drive southwest to Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s most pristine rain forests. En route, stop at the Ethnographic Museum in Huye for a cultural insight into Rwanda’s history and traditions. Upon arrival in Nyungwe, take a short nature walk near your lodge to immerse yourself in the forest’s serenity.
Day 5: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Wake up early for an exciting chimpanzee trekking adventure. Guided by experienced trackers, follow forest trails to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. After lunch, head to the iconic canopy walkway, a suspended bridge offering stunning aerial views of the rainforest and its birdlife. This is a perfect day for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Day 6: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
Leave Nyungwe after breakfast and travel north to Volcanoes National Park, home to the world-famous mountain gorillas. En route, enjoy the scenic views of Lake Kivu, where you can stop for a relaxing lunch by the shore. Upon arrival in Musanze, the gateway town to the park, check into your lodge and prepare for the highlight of your tour – gorilla trekking.
Day 7: Gorilla Trekking Adventure
Today is the pinnacle of your Rwandan wildlife tour! After an early morning briefing, embark on a guided trek into the misty forest to meet a family of mountain gorillas. The trek can take between 2-6 hours, but the reward of standing just a few meters away from these gentle giants is unforgettable. Spend an hour observing their behaviors before returning to the lodge. Spend the afternoon at leisure or visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a glimpse into Rwandan traditions.
Day 8: Golden Monkey Trekking and Departure
On your final day, take part in golden monkey trekking, another highlight of Volcanoes National Park. These playful and rare primates are fascinating to watch as they leap through the bamboo forests. Afterward, return to Kigali for a farewell lunch and some last-minute souvenir shopping at local craft markets before heading to the airport for your departure flight.
