8 Days Akagera, Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Lake Kivu & Nyungwe Chimp trek

Tour Overview

This 8 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Priamte safari offers the perfect balance of wildlife, primates, scenery, and culture. Explore the savannah plains of Akagera National Park with game drives and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Track endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park, relax along the shores of Lake Kivu, and finish in the lush Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee trekking and a breathtaking canopy walk.

This safari is ideal for travelers seeking Rwanda’s Big Five wildlife, iconic primates, and rich cultural heritage, all within one seamless itinerary.

Safari Highlights

  • Game drives in Akagera National Park
  • Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
  • Mountain gorilla trekking
  • Golden monkey tracking
  • Kigali city tour & cultural experiences
  • Boat cruise and relaxation on Lake Kivu
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
  • Nyungwe canopy walk

8 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Priamte safari Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kigali – Akagera National Park

After breakfast, depart Kigali for Akagera National Park (approx. 2.5 hours). Enjoy a guided nature walk, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, spotting hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge (Luxury)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Akagera Game Drive & Night Safari

Start early with a morning game drive in Akagera’s savannah landscapes. Expect to see elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, antelopes, and—if lucky—lions and rhinos.
After lunch and rest, head out for a night game drive to search for nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Akagera – Kigali City Tour – Volcanoes National Park

Drive back to Kigali for a guided city tour, including museums, historical sites, markets, and cultural performances. Continue north to Musanze with a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the scenic Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera.
Overnight (near Volcanoes NP):

  • Budget: Amikus Hotel
  • Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge / Classic Lodge
  • Luxury: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel / Ingagi Parkview Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking – Volcanoes National Park

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kinigi headquarters for briefing before heading into the forest for mountain gorilla trekking. Spend up to one hour observing a habituated gorilla family.
Return to your lodge for relaxation.
Overnight: Same lodge as Day 3
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Golden Monkey Trekking – Lake Kivu

Begin the day with golden monkey tracking in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park. After lunch, drive to Gisenyi on the shores of Lake Kivu for relaxation and sunset views.
Overnight:

  • Budget: Inzu Lodge
  • Mid-range: Paradise Malahide
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Lake Kivu – Nyungwe Forest National Park

Enjoy a morning boat ride on Lake Kivu with opportunities for birdwatching and swimming. Visit hot springs and historic Punishment Island before driving south to Nyungwe Forest, with lunch en route and optional genocide memorial visits.
Overnight:

  • Budget: Ken Barham Guesthouse
  • Mid-range: Nyungwe Nziza Eco Lodge / Chimpanzee Lodge
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Chimpanzee Trekking – Nyungwe Forest

After breakfast, attend a briefing and trek into the rainforest to track chimpanzees. Other primates such as colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, and red-tailed monkeys may also be seen, alongside rich birdlife.
Overnight: Same lodge as Day 6
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Canopy Walk – Return to Kigali

Experience the spectacular Nyungwe canopy walk, suspended high above the forest. Later, drive back to Kigali with lunch en route, visiting Kabgayi Cathedral, the King’s Palace Museum in Nyanza, the National Museum in Huye, and a women’s drumming cultural group. Transfer to the airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

END OF OUR 8 DAYS RWANDA WILDLIFE AND PRIMATE SAFARI

Package Includes

  • 4WD safari vehicle with professional driver-guide
  • Park entrance fees
  • Gorilla trekking permit
  • Golden monkey trekking permit
  • Chimpanzee trekking permit
  • Nyungwe canopy walk
  • Boat cruises on Lake Ihema & Lake Kivu
  • Accommodation and meals as per itinerary

Package Excludes

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Laundry services
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities

Notes

  • The itinerary can be customized to suit your interests and travel dates.
  • Prices are subject to change depending on permit availability, accommodation choice, and season until final confirmation.