Essence of Rwanda Gorillas & Game Safari

Kigali * Akagera * Nyunywe Forest * Lake Kivu * Volcanoes National Park (Gorillas) 

 Our Essence of Rwanda Gorilla & Game Safari is a wonderful private safari throughout Rwanda with many highlights including tracking chimpanzees in Nyungwe, gorilla trekking in the highlands of the Volcanoes National Park, golden monkeys, game-viewing in Akagera and Lake Kivu. On this tour you pack in many of Rwanda’s treasures in an exciting 9-night safari. 

 Essence of Rwanda Gorillas & Game at a Glance 

• 1 night in Kigali, Kigali Serena Hotel, Bed & Breakfast 
• 2 nights in Akagera National Park, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Fully Inclusive 
• 2 nights in Nyungwe Forest National Park, One&Only Nyungwe House, Full Board 
• 2 nights in Lake Kivu, Lake Kivu Serena Hotel, Full Board 
• 2 nights near Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking, The Bishop’s House, Full Board

After a restful night in Kigali, you immediately head to Akagera National Park, a very scenic national park. Over two nights you explore a landscape of lakes, plains and woodlands home to a variety of wildlife. Then you head to Nyungwe National Park where you spend 2 nights. Here you enjoy chimpanzee trekking and a canopy walk through the forest. On Day 6, you head along the shores of the scenic Lake Kivu for 2 relaxing nights. This two day stop in Lake Kivu allows for the pace to slow down and for you to relax or explore optional activities.  

 Your final destination is Volcanoes National Park, where you end your safari with gorilla trekking. This incredible experience is started early in the morning. You are given a full briefing, assessed and put into small groups for the gorilla trek. This can take between two and six hours depending on the movements of the gorillas and the number of rests and photo stops that you may need. After the trek you return to the lodge where you spend another night. There is time on the following day to do a second gorilla trek or the very popular Golden Monkeys trek or an alternative excursion. You return to Kigali in the afternoon for your onward flight in the evening. 

 Note that sometimes you may need to add an extra night in Kigali at the end, depending on your flight connections. 

Upgrade Option

You can also upgrade the accommodation to the best on offer. 

• 1 night in Kigali, The Retreat @ Heaven, Bed & Breakfast 
• 2 nights in Akagera Game Reserve, Magashi Camp, Fully Inclusive 
• 2 nights in Nyungwe Forest National Park, One&Only Nyungwe House, Full Board & Activities 
• 2 nights in Lake Kivu, Mantis Lake Kivu Marina Bay Hotel, Full Board 
• 2 nights in Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Full Board & Activities 

Now Including one Gorilla permit & Chimpanzee tracking 

We have now included the gorilla permit which is $1500 per person in peak season and $1050 in the off-season and the chimpanzee trekking permits which are $150 per person. 

Other optional tours or permits:

• Nyungwe Colobus Monkey permit – $40 per person 
• Nyungwe Canopy Walk or Guided Birding tour – $40 per person 
• Volcanoes Golden Monkey permit – $100 

 Essence of Rwanda Gorillas & Game Safari – Lower prices for 4+  people 

The price below shows per person prices based on 2 people travelling. However, prices decrease by approx. 10-15% if you are a party of four people, depending on which itinerary you choose, and even less if you are more people. Single supplements for 3rd or 5th person in a group are also available. Contact us for a tailor-made quote. 

Good to Know 

• Gorilla trekking requires a moderate level of fitness  
• Permits are limited and should be booked well in advance  
• This is a fully private, guided safari  
• Suitable for those wanting a comprehensive Rwanda experience