Tour Overview
Experience the incredible diversity of Rwanda on this exciting 5 Days Rwanda Wildlife, Chimpanzee & Canopy Walk Safari. This carefully crafted adventure combines thrilling wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable primate experiences across three of Rwanda’s most iconic destinations. From the vibrant city of Kigali to the savannah plains of Akagera National Park and the ancient rainforest of Nyungwe National Park, this safari offers the perfect balance of wildlife, nature, and culture.
Begin your journey with a guided Kigali city tour before heading to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five safari destination. Enjoy an exciting game drive in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, buffaloes, and countless antelope species, followed by a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ihema where hippos, crocodiles, and colorful water birds thrive.
Continue your adventure to Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest montane rainforests, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Trek through the forest in search of wild chimpanzees before concluding your safari with the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, offering spectacular views high above the rainforest canopy.
This safari is ideal for travelers seeking an unforgettable combination of wildlife, primates, rainforest adventures, and Rwanda’s stunning natural beauty.
Safari Highlights
- Guided Kigali city tour
- Scenic drive through Rwanda’s countryside
- Game drive in Akagera National Park
- Boat cruise on Lake Ihema
- Big Five wildlife viewing
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park
- Nyungwe Canopy Walk
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities
- Professional safari guide throughout the journey
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali City Tour & Transfer to Akagera National Park
Upon arrival in Kigali or after breakfast at your hotel, meet your professional safari guide for a guided city tour of Rwanda’s vibrant capital. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial to gain insight into Rwanda’s remarkable history and resilience before exploring local craft markets, art galleries, and other cultural attractions. Depending on time, enjoy lunch at one of Kigali’s renowned restaurants.
After lunch, depart for Akagera National Park, located in eastern Rwanda. The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours through rolling hills, rural villages, and beautiful countryside before arriving at Rwanda’s only savannah national park.
Upon arrival, check in to your lodge and relax while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Dinner is served at the lodge as you prepare for the next day’s wildlife adventure.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge (or similar)
Meal Plan: Lunch & Dinner
Day 2: Full Game Drive & Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema
Rise early for breakfast before setting out on a full morning game drive through Akagera National Park. Accompanied by an experienced ranger guide, explore the park’s diverse habitats, including open savannah, acacia woodlands, wetlands, and rolling hills.
Look out for Rwanda’s famous Big Five, including lions, elephants, buffaloes, rhinos, and the elusive leopard. Other commonly sighted wildlife includes giraffes, zebras, topis, impalas, warthogs, waterbucks, elands, hyenas, and baboons. Bird enthusiasts will also enjoy spotting numerous species, including fish eagles, kingfishers, hornbills, and crowned cranes.
Return to the lodge for lunch before heading to Lake Ihema in the afternoon for a relaxing boat safari. Cruise along Rwanda’s second-largest lake, where hippos wallow in the water and Nile crocodiles bask along the shoreline. The lake also attracts elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and an impressive variety of aquatic birds.
After the boat cruise, return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Akagera Game Lodge / Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park
After breakfast, depart Akagera National Park and begin the scenic journey across Rwanda toward Nyungwe Forest National Park in the southwest. The drive offers spectacular views of Rwanda’s famous rolling hills, tea plantations, picturesque villages, and lush countryside.
En route, enjoy lunch and optional stops for photography or visits to local markets. As you approach Nyungwe, you’ll pass expansive tea estates that border one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon, check in, and relax while enjoying the cool mountain atmosphere.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel / Gisakura Guest House
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park
After an early breakfast, head to the park headquarters for a briefing before beginning your chimpanzee trekking adventure.
Accompanied by experienced park rangers, hike through the ancient rainforest in search of Nyungwe’s habituated chimpanzee communities. The trek can last between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the location of the chimpanzees.
Once located, spend one unforgettable hour observing these energetic primates as they swing through the trees, communicate with loud calls, groom one another, and forage in the forest. Along the trek, you may also encounter other primates, including L’Hoest’s monkeys, black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and numerous bird species.
Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by the peaceful rainforest.
Accommodation: One&Only Nyungwe House / Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner