Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda’s hidden treasures and the only national park in the country where travelers can see the Big Five. Guests will have the chance to experience the rich wildlife of Akagera National Park, encountering various species in their natural habitat.
Nyungwe National Park adds more excitement to this safari with activities such as chimpanzee tracking. This lush rain-forest is a popular home for chimpanzees. Visitors will also see black-and-white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, and enjoy a canopy walk, which offers beautiful views of the forest and chances to spot different bird species.
Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Kigali International Airport by a professional guide. You will take a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Akagera National Park. Upon arrival, you will be driven to your lodge, where lunch will be served, allowing you to relax after your journey.
In the evening, enjoy a nature walk around the lodge. This will be an opportunity to spot wildlife such as leopards, black-and-white colobus monkeys, African buffaloes, and African bush elephants. Afterward, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 2: Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
Start your day with breakfast at the lodge before heading out on a morning game drive through Akagera. This drive will offer sightings of the Big Five and other wildlife until midday. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, drive to Lake Ihema for a boat cruise. This will allow you to see animals along the lakeshore and various bird species. Birds to look out for include shoebills, sunbirds, African fish eagles, and African jacanas. After the cruise, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3: Akagera to Nyungwe National Park
After breakfast, check out and embark on a seven-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park. On arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy lunch while taking in the views of the Nyungwe forest.
In the afternoon, explore the Karamba birding trail, where you may spot birds such as black bee-eaters, hammerkops, African fish eagles, and great blue turacos. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
After an early breakfast, attend a briefing about the chimpanzee tracking adventure. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will take a two-hour trek through Nyungwe to observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Afterward, return to the lodge for lunch.
In the afternoon, experience the canopy walk, which offers beautiful views of the forest, birds, and other wildlife, especially primates. At sunset, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Community Tour and Return to Kigali
After breakfast, set off for a community tour in Bisesero village. Here, you will interact with locals, watch cultural dances, and take part in traditional activities. This is a great chance to learn about the Kinyarwanda lifestyle.
Return to the lodge for lunch before starting the journey back to Kigali. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax, enjoying views of the city. Dinner will be served, and you can experience Kigali’s nightlife before resting for the night.
Day 6: Kigali City Tour and Departure
Enjoy breakfast, followed by a city tour. The first stop will be the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, where you will learn about Rwanda’s history. Then, visit Kimironko Market to taste local food and buy Rwandan souvenirs.
After lunch at a top restaurant, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport for your flight home.
