6-Day Akagera and Nyungwe National Park Safari – Akagera National Park is one of Rwanda’s hidden treasures and the only national park in the country where travelers can encounter the Big Five. Guests will have the grand opportunity to experience the rich wildlife of Akagera National Park, encountering a variety of species within this natural habitat.
Nyungwe National Park, on the other hand, adds another layer of excitement to this safari with engaging activities such as chimpanzee tracking. This lush rainforest is a popular habitat for chimpanzees. Visitors will also have the chance to see black-and-white colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, and enjoy a canopy walk, providing stunning views of the park’s forests and opportunities to spot diverse bird species and capture memorable photographs.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Akagera National Park
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Kigali International Airport by a professional guide. You will embark on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Akagera National Park. Upon arrival, you will be driven to your lodge, where a delicious lunch awaits, 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 a hearty dinner and an overnight rest.
Day 2: Game Drive and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise
Start your day with a sunrise breakfast at the lodge before setting off on a morning game drive through Akagera. This excursion 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, where a boat cruise will allow you to view animals along the lakeshore and various bird species. Notable birds include shoebills, sunbirds, African fish eagles, and African jacanas. After the cruise, return to the lodge for dinner and a restful night.
Day 3: Akagera to Nyungwe National Park
Following a sunrise breakfast, check out and embark on a seven-hour drive to Nyungwe National Park. On arrival, settle into your lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in views of the Nyungwe forest.
After lunch, explore the Karamba birding trail, where you may spot birds like black bee-eaters, hammerkops, African fish eagles, and great blue turacos. Return to the lodge in the evening for dinner and a peaceful overnight stay.
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking and Canopy Walk
Enjoy an early breakfast, then attend a briefing about the chimpanzee tracking adventure. Accompanied by experienced rangers, you will embark on 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, offering breathtaking views of the forest, birds, and other wildlife, particularly primates. At sundown, return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 5: Community Tour and Return to Kigali
After an early breakfast, set off for a community tour in Bisesero village, where you can interact with the locals, participate in cultural dances, and engage in humanitarian activities. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the traditional Kinyarwanda lifestyle.
Return to the lodge for lunch before beginning your 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 retiring for the night.
Day 6: Kigali City Tour and Departure
Enjoy a sunrise breakfast, followed by a city tour. The first stop will be the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, where you can learn about Rwanda’s history. Then, visit Kimironko Market for a taste of local food and an opportunity to buy Rwandan souvenirs.
After lunch at a high-end restaurant, you will be transferred to Kigali International Airport to catch your flight home.
