Experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in search of golden monkeys and mountain gorillas on this 8 Days Wildlife Safari Tour in Rwanda. Gorillas are amazing creatures; you can learn more about them at a facility founded by Dr. Dian Fossey, who studied them for 18 years in the Virunga Mountains with funding from National Geographic. Enquire Now Discover the amazing lions, leopards, elephants, and Cape buffalo as you go on a safari in Akagera National Park in search of the “big five.”
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival – Kigali International Airport.
Upon your arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by our company representative who will brief you on the 8 day tour and transfer you to a hotel booked for you in Kigali, where you will check in, have dinner and stay overnight.
Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel, Hotel Chez Lando.
Meals: (Dinner).
Day 2: Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park.
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay your respects to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and to learn more about this tragic chapter in the nation’s history. After enjoying a locally-sourced meal at the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, which is supported by G Adventures, embark on a stroll through the bustling Nyamirambo neighbourhood.
Travel to Volcanoes National Park in the afternoon. The park’s mountains and volcanoes are covered in verdant rainforest and bamboo, which is a favourite meal of the gorillas. The region is home to a diverse range of creatures, including buffalo, bushbucks, golden monkeys, hyenas, several bird species, and even a few elephants, despite the fact that mountain gorillas receive the majority of media attention.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 3: Golden Monkey Tracking – Visit Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Center.
Accompany a park ranger on a journey across lush, rainforest-covered hills as you seek for Golden Monkeys, a unique and threatened species of monkey. Experience these lively and curious creatures in their natural habitat prior to visiting Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Centre, founded under a National Geographic Grant. Participate in immersive activities at the public display, which includes a 360-degree theatre and a replica of Dian Fossey’s original cabin, prior to meeting with some of the group’s gorilla specialists. While they work for the largest gorilla conservation organisation in the world, take the time to ask them questions and hear their tales.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience.
Take a park ranger on an unforgettable journey through the jungle to look for mountain gorillas. The next time we see gorillas, observe their fascinating social interactions up close and personal. Remember that these trips vary in complexity and length depending on the gorillas’ whereabouts. We’ll explore a nearby village after lunch and return to the lodge to get a glimpse of country life. There are currently only about 800 mountain gorillas living in the wild. You can locate them in the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have similar gorilla habitats.
The gorilla species that live in these three regions are referred to as Highland Gorillas. In Rwanda, there are 10 habituated gorilla families who enjoy having guests. The gorillas only spend an hour with each party of eight hikers; these encounters take place once a day. The amount of time you spend with the gorilla family is restricted to honour their daily schedule and to support conservation efforts.
It’s always best to be prepared for a trek because you never know how long it will end up being. Trekking can take anywhere from four to nine hours total because gorillas are naturally mobile. You’ll be trekking across mostly unpaved terrain, with only the occasional buffalo or elephant path to lead the way. Though you might get touched by accident, don’t touch the gorillas. Also prohibited are loud noises and sudden movements. It is recommended that you maintain a 7-meter distance from the gorillas; however, as they frequently approach extremely closely, you should try to gently back away.
The final say will always go to the rangers and trackers. Porters can be hired for about ten dollars per person. Not only may the porters in the area lend you a hand when you need it, but they can also carry your daypack. No matter how athletic you are, we strongly advise hiring a porter because even the most fit person can be affected by elevation and some tracks can be extremely muddy. It not only supports the regional economy but also aids in job placement.
Accommodation: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 5: Transfer to Akagera National Park
You’re going to Akagera National Park today. This area in Rwanda was once the site of violence, and it was thereafter mistreated and ignored for a very long period. The local community worked tirelessly to restore the animals to the park’s savannas, wooded hills, and marshes. By clicking here, you may see the inside of the African Parks headquarters and learn more about this incredible success story in conservation. Come later and take in the view of the magnificent Lake Ihema from our comfortable cabin. Akagera National Park is home to the Big Five as well as zebras, giraffes, elephants, and other bird species. The park boasts a remarkable conservation history as well. The park spans 1,122 km2 (433 sq mi) and features a variety of habitats, including highlands, savannah plains, marshes, wetlands, and lakes. It borders Tanzania.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 6: Morning Game Drive – Afternoon Boat Cruise.
Get ready for a safari tour that starts early in the morning to view the “big five” before the sun rises. While exploring this area, keep an eye out for lions, buffalo, hyenas, and antelopes. After lunch, return to the lodge and take some time to unwind or swim in the pool. Afternoon boat rides around Lake Ihema are a great way to see crocodiles and hippos. Observe as other creatures, such as elephants and buffalo, assemble at the lakeside to drink. Among the birds you should watch out for are kingfishers, fish eagles, shoebill storks, and herons.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge, Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 7: Morning Game Drive – Return to Kigali.
Prepare for our final safari adventure during the morning’s busiest time of day for animal viewing. Seek out Butchel’s zebras, gazelles, impalas, baboons, lions, and leopards. Later on, you’ll depart from the park by its northern border and head back to Kigali, where your final night will be spent.
Accommodation: Kigali Marriott Hotel, Hotel Chez Lando.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Day 8: Departure.
Wake up at leisure, have breakfast and depending on the time of your homebound flight, you will check out of the hotel in Kigali and be transferred to the airport in time for your flight back home.
Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch).
End of the 8 Days Wildlife Safari Tour in Rwanda.
The 8 Days Wildlife Safari Tour in Rwanda includes;
- 1 Gorilla Permit per person.
- 1 Golden Monkey Permit per person.
- Park Entrance Fees.
- Game Drive in Akagera.
- Airport Transfers.
- Accommodation and meals as per the itinerary.
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide.
- Ground Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Tour guide allowances.
- Government Taxes.
However, the tour cost excludes; Visa fees, International Airfare, personal shopping bills, travel insurance, items of personal nature such as cigarettes, laundry, alcoholic drinks and items not listed as included in the cost.