10 Day Luxury Flying Safari in Rwanda: Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and Wildlife
Tour Overview
Tour highlights
- Gorilla trekking
- Golden monkey trekking
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Canopy walk
- Tea tour
- Game drives in Akagera
- Boat ride in Akagera
- Flight tours
- Flight connections
- Cultural experience
- Waterfalls hike
Itinerary day by day
Day 1
Airport Transfer to Hotel
Day 2 / 3
Fly to Akagera National Park
After enjoying a leisurely buffet breakfast at the hotel, you’ll check out and be transferred to the airport for your flight to Akagera National Park. The flight takes approximately 32 minutes and offers stunning aerial views of Rwanda’s countryside. Akagera, the only savannah park in Rwanda, is located in the eastern part of the country near the Tanzanian border. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, warthogs, giraffes, topis, waterbucks, and the Big Five, as well as numerous bird species.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your guide and transferred to Magashi Tented Camp, a newly introduced luxury accommodation in Akagera. This camp is unique for its sustainable and authentic ecotourism practices and is the only tented camp in the southern part of the park. It offers a sense of seclusion, comfort, and privacy, with spacious rooms adjacent to Lake Ihema, where you might spot hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife from your lodge.
Lunch and dinner will be served at the camp. You can choose from a variety of activities at your leisure, including nature walks, day and night game drives in an open safari land cruiser, and boat trips to see hippos, crocodiles, and a range of birdlife. You’ll spend two nights at this beautiful accommodation, immersed in the tranquil natural environment. Enjoy the serene setting and the soothing sounds of nature.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 4
Fly to Nyungwe National Park
Today, you’ll take a flight to Nyungwe National Park, a tropical park renowned for its primate populations, including over 13 species such as chimpanzees. You’ll be transferred to the airfield for your flight to Nyungwe, which departs from Kigali Airport and takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to take you to your accommodation at One & Only Nyungwe House, a luxury resort known for its high-end, personalized retreat experience.
Your adventure in one of Rwanda’s most popular parks is just beginning. You can explore the scenic tea gardens with your guide or simply relax and enjoy your villa.
Day 5
Chimpanzee Trek at Nyungwe National Park.
Today, after enjoying an early morning cup of African coffee and a hearty buffet breakfast, you’ll depart from your hotel to explore the Nyungwe Forest, renowned for its 13 species of primates. You’ll be transferred to the park for a briefing before embarking on a chimpanzee trekking adventure, where you’ll have one hour to search for and observe the chimpanzees. Following the trek, you’ll have lunch and some time to refresh. In the afternoon, you can choose to participate in one of the lodge’s complimentary activities or simply relax at the lodge.
Day 6
Waterfalls hike & Canopy Walk at Nyungwe National Park
Today, you’ll start with a romantic breakfast by the tea gardens before embarking on a waterfall hike at 9 am. Enjoy a scenic hike through the beautiful Nyungwe Forest, where you may encounter various birds and primates while visiting the waterfalls. After returning and refreshing, you’ll have lunch before heading out for a canopy walk in the afternoon. This 70-meter suspended metal bridge offers a spectacular view of Nyungwe Forest, and if you’re lucky, you might spot additional primates during the approximately 1.5-hour walk. Return to One & Only Nyungwe House in the evening for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 7
Fly to Volcanoes National Park.
After enjoying a buffet breakfast, you’ll take a flight to Volcanoes National Park for an unforgettable stay and gorilla trekking experience the following day. The approximately 45-minute flight offers stunning aerial views of the Congo and Lake Kivu. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your guides and transferred to One & Only Gorilla Nest Resort. This highly sought-after luxury lodge offers exceptional international service and a personalized retreat, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying views of the majestic Virunga volcanoes. The lodge, with its charming bungalows and fine African art, is a destination in itself where you can fully relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Day 8
Gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park
Today is the day you’ll come face to face with the gentle gorillas. After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the lodge for a briefing at the park headquarters. You’ll then set off into the jungle in search of the gorillas. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you’ll need to be prepared for a potentially challenging hike.
The trek can last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and your fitness level. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll have a rare opportunity for a personal and memorable encounter. This magical experience allows you to observe and interact with the gorillas in their natural habitat. You’ll have one hour to spend with them, capturing photos and video clips to remember the moment.
After your trek, you’ll return to One & Only Gorilla Nest for some relaxation and reflection. This encounter with the gorillas is often considered the highlight of a trip to Rwanda, marking the fulfillment of a bucket list dream.
Day 9
Golden Monkey Trek at Volcanoes National Park
After a buffet breakfast, you’ll check out of the lodge and head to the park headquarters for a briefing before embarking on a golden monkey trek. This trek follows similar procedures to the gorilla trek but is less strenuous. You’ll have one hour to interact with the golden monkeys.
Next, you’ll visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village for a cultural experience. Afterward, you’ll drive to have lunch and then return to the resort for some leisure time or to participate in complementary activities. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at One & Only Gorilla Nest Resort.
Day 10
City tour and departure
After your morning breakfast, you’ll board your jeep for a scenic drive to Kigali. There, you’ll embark on a Kigali city tour, including visits to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and local markets. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure. As you leave with fond memories of your time in Rwanda, we look forward to your next visit or your recommendations to family and friends. Safe travels and have a great journey!
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Included/Excluded
- Golden monkey permit
- Mount Bisoke hike
- Domestic flight transfers as mentioned
- Cultural experience
- Office support services
- Waterfalls hike
- En-route lunches
- Porter fee while trekking
- Kigali city tour
- Services of English speaking driver/guide
- Visa Fees, flights
- Extras while at the hote
- Tips & gratuities
- Items of personal nature
- Optional activities
- Laundry
- Alcoholic drinks
- Phone call bills
- International vaccinations
- Personal shopping bill
- Health test requirements
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