6 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Primate Tracking Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Kigali – Transfer to Akagera National Park

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, tourists are warmly welcomed by a professional driver-guide from Unique Africa Ventures. Begin the adventure with a brief city orientation before heading east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Savannah park and home to the Big Five. The drive takes about two and a half hours through the scenic countryside, dotted with rolling hills and rural villages.

Upon arrival, check into your luxurious lodge overlooking Lake Ihema and enjoy a delicious lunch. Later in the afternoon, embark on a relaxed sunset game drive across the park’s open plains, where you may encounter giraffes, zebras, elephants, and antelopes under the golden light. As night falls, return to your lodge to enjoy a gourmet dinner and unwind in serene wilderness luxury.

Accommodation Options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Akagera Game Lodge

Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2: Full-Day Game Drive and Boat Safari on Lake Ihema

After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day safari in Akagera’s diverse habitats, from grassy Savannah to woodland and swampy lakeshores. The early hours are best for spotting predators such as lions and leopards, as well as herds of elephants and buffaloes. The drive offers countless photo opportunities and the thrill of discovering Rwanda’s wild side in luxury comfort.

Enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park, then head to Lake Ihema for a tranquil boat safari. Glide through calm waters surrounded by papyrus reeds as you spot pods of hippos, crocodiles basking in the sun, and colorful waterbirds such as kingfishers and fish eagles. The sunset views over the lake are spectacular. Return to your lodge for dinner and a restful evening, recounting the day’s adventures beside a cozy campfire.

Accommodation Options: Magashi Camp, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Karenge Bush Camp

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3: Transfer to Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, tourists depart Akagera for the lush highlands of northern Rwanda, home to the iconic Volcanoes National Park. The scenic drive passes through Kigali, where you can enjoy a brief city lunch stop, before continuing through rolling hills, tea plantations, and picturesque villages.

Upon arrival in Musanze, check into your luxury lodge nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Spend the afternoon at leisure, taking in the breathtaking views or indulging in a spa treatment. Alternatively, visit the Ibyiwacu Cultural Village for a glimpse into Rwandan traditions and local artistry. As evening falls, enjoy a fine dining experience at the lodge, complemented by the warmth of Rwandan hospitality.

Accommodation Options: Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Experience

The day begins early with breakfast before heading to the Kinigi Park Headquarters for a briefing by park rangers. After being assigned a gorilla group, tourists set off into the dense forest to begin the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking adventure. The trek can last from one to several hours depending on the gorilla family’s location, but the reward is beyond measure.

Standing just meters away from a gorilla family as they feed, groom, and play in the wild is an unforgettable experience. After the trek, return to your lodge for a warm lunch and well-deserved relaxation. Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the tranquil setting or opt for an optional visit to the Twin Lakes Burera and Ruhondo. Dinner and overnight at your luxury lodge.

Accommodation Options: Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Transfer to Nyungwe National Park via Lake Kivu

After breakfast, tourists depart Volcanoes for the southwestern part of Rwanda, home to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s most ancient rainforests. The drive follows the scenic Kivu Belt, with panoramic views of Lake Kivu and its idyllic shoreline dotted with fishing villages. Stop in Karongi or Kibuye for a relaxing lakeside lunch and perhaps a short boat ride before continuing your journey.

Arrive at Nyungwe in the evening and check into your elegant forest lodge. Surrounded by lush tea plantations and the sounds of nature, this is the perfect place to unwind after a day of travel. Enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared with fresh local ingredients and settle in for a night immersed in Rwanda’s rainforest tranquility.

Accommodation Options: One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel, Emeraude Kivu Resort

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk – Return to Kigali

Wake up early for an exciting chimpanzee tracking experience in Nyungwe’s dense forest. With the guidance of experienced rangers, tourists follow the calls and movements of these energetic primates through the trees. Watching them swing, play, and communicate is both fascinating and heartwarming.

After the trek, enjoy breakfast and later take part in the famous canopy walk, an exhilarating suspended bridge that offers stunning views over the forest canopy. Return to your lodge for lunch, then begin the journey back to Kigali with a brief stop at scenic viewpoints along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or Kigali International Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your luxury Rwanda Wildlife and Primate Tracking Tour.

Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch)