14 Days Big 5, Chimps & Gorillas Rwanda safari

14 Days Big 5, Chimps & Gorillas Rwanda safari

Our uniquely hand-crafted 14 Days Big 5, Chimps & Gorillas Rwanda safari offers a once in a lifetime experience as we tailor your Rwandan holiday. On this private journey we guarantee personalized attention from Salt Holidays passionate safari guides & consultants. With remarkable encounters on unique primate treks like Mountain gorilla trekking, magnificent landscapes, and incredible locals. Cultural experiences will be highlighted by visits to genocide memorial sites and local communities. Our safari destinations will include Akagera, Nyungwe Forest, the Volcanoes, and the magnificent sites along Lake Kivu, among others.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kigali Airport

Our Salt Holidays safari guide will greet you upon arrival at Kigali International Airport. Together, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel in Kigali City, where you can check in, freshen up, and rest before dinner. If you are arriving on a morning flight, you can use part of your day for a city tour of Kigali.

Day 2: Visit the reconciliation village and the city of Kigali

After breakfast you will be driven to the Kigali Genocide Memorial located outskirts of the city. Here you will hear the stories of genocide survivors and how they manage to live with their tormentors. Visit the Bugesera Church in Nyamata, where many people lost their lives. Return to Kigali to visit the genocide memorial site and other places such as the markets.

Day 3: Transfer to Akagera National Park

Early in the start the journey for Akagera National Park, taking in views of the Rwandan countryside along the way. The views along the way include magnificent landscapes and breathtaking panoramas symbolic of this Land of a Thousand Hills. Akagera is the only safari park in Rwanda where you can observe the Big Five. Check in to your lodge upon arrival and enjoy lunch.

After lunch, descend to Lake Ihema and take a boat ride to observe animals such as crocodiles, hippos, and elephants along the lakeshore. You might be lucky enough to spot the shoebill among the many birds you encounter during the boat ride. Return to your lodge in the evening and enjoy the campfire before resting for the night.

Day 4: Safari in Akagera National Park

Wake up very early in the morning for a game drive to see many of the animals that Akagera National Park is home to. You will see elephants, antelopes such as zebras, elands, topis, Masai giraffes, buffaloes, and others. Predators include lions, leopards, hyenas, civets that share the habitat with savannah birds, and other wildlife. Enjoy a warm lunch at the lodge, rest in the afternoon, and return to the game drives in the evening to spot more animals. In the evening, there are many chances to encounter predators on the hunt. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Day 5: Safari, Mutumba Hill and transfer to Kigali

Start with an early morning game drive for your last chance to spot animals. Then, take an optional hike to Mount Mutumba where you can even enjoy a picnic lunch while enjoying breathtaking views of the park. Departure in the late afternoon for the return to Kigali. Check-in at the hotel, refreshments, and dinner.

Day 6: From Kigali to Nyungwe National Park

The drive from Kigali to Nyungwe takes approximately 6 hours. Depart your hotel after breakfast and drive to Nyungwe, stopping in Butare to visit the museum. Discover an exhibition of traditional artifacts and objects, black and white photographs, tools, and other items. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the cultures and traditions of the Rwandan people. Continue to Nyungwe after visiting the museum and arrive in the late afternoon. Check in to your lodge, freshen up, and rest.

Day 7: Trek and Meet the chimpanzees in Nyungwe National Park

Enjoy an early breakfast before departing for your morning chimpanzee trek in Nyungwe Forest.  After a briefing at the park headquarters, embark on your hike in the forest in search of the chimpanzees.

Depending on the availability of food it can take between 30 minutes to two hours to locate the chimps, but once found, you’ll usually be able to spend an hour with these remarkable primates in the forest before making your return journey.  Chimpanzees share 98% of their DNA with humans and are fascinating to watch as they swing through the tree canopy, care for their young, and feed on fruits on the forest floor. Return to the lodge and rest for the rest of the day.

Day 8: Waterfall Trail and Canopy Walk

Start the morning with the waterfall hike and in the afternoon, take the canopy walk. The waterfall trail winds up steep hills through primeval rainforest where the trees are covered with vines and the air is heavy and humid.

The reward for the hike is a secluded waterfall where you can even take a shallow bath. In the afternoon, take the canopy walk before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: Transfer  to Lake Kivu

On the way from Nyungwe to Lake Kivu, you will visit the Bugarama Hot Springs. The hot springs are located a 1.5-hour drive from Nyungwe. They are large, and travelers can bathe in the heated waters. Later in the day, you will head to the Rusizi River for a boat cruise before heading to Kibuye. Check in to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: Relaxation at Lake Kivu and transfer to Gisenyi

Spend the day relaxing and reflecting on the past days of the tour, which can help you recover from the fatigue of the safari. You can relax at the hotel or unwind by the lake. Late afternoon transfer to Gisenyi.

Day 11: Transfer from  Gisenyi to Volcanoes National Park

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, then depart for Musanze, Volcanoes National Park. Check in to your lodge and enjoy lunch. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon and an evening visit to the Gorilla Guardian Village, a former Iby’iwacu cultural village. Learn more about Rwanda’s culture and heritage.

Day 12: Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

There is a must-do gorilla trekking briefing, so wake up early for breakfast before heading to the park headquarters. After the briefing and being assigned a gorilla family, you will be transferred to the trekking starting point, away from the headquarters. The trek begins by following the gorilla trail, and searching for the gorillas can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours or more. Stay with them for an hour, then head out of the park. Return to your lodge and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 13: Golden Monkey Tracking and Twin Lakes

Volcanoes National Park is a haven for unique and endangered primates: mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. You’ll track the golden monkeys today, starting early in the morning. After the golden monkeys, you’ll head to the Twin Lakes region for a walk to the Musangabo viewpoint and relax. Check in to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 14: Transfer to the airport and departure

After breakfast and depending on your departure time, you will return to Kigali from where you will go to the airport.

We come to bid farewell as our safari guide leads you to the shopping art centers were later, we will drive you to the Airport for your departure flight.

End of 14 Days Big 5, Chimps & Gorillas Rwanda safari