7 Day Private Tour National Park in Rwanda

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival at Kigali International Airport
1 stop
1
Kigali
When you arrive at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be greeted and taken to the Hotel des Mille Collines, famous for sheltering 1,268 people during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, as depicted in the film Hotel Rwanda. The hotel features 113 rooms, including eight suites, each equipped with a bathtub, balcony, cable TV, telephone, minibar, internet access, toiletries, work desk, wake-up service, and voicemail. Some rooms also offer extras like a bathrobe, ceiling fan, connecting rooms, hairdryer, trouser press, and kitchenette. Non-smoking rooms are available. Built in 1972, opened in 1974, and renovated in 1987, the hotel is one of Rwanda’s top accommodations, boasting extensive meeting facilities.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Pickup from the Hotel in Kigali and drive to Akagera National Park
1 stop
2
Kigali Genocide Memorial
After breakfast, your Gorilla Explorers driver guide will pick you up to begin your safari. The day starts with a city tour of Kigali, including visits to the King's Palace and the Genocide Memorial. Later, you'll head to Akagera National Park in northeastern Rwanda, arriving in the evening. Situated along the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park spans 1,122 sq km, a reduction from its original size of over 2,500 sq km when it was established in 1934. Much of the park was converted to farmland until a partnership with African Parks in 2010 helped restore its former beauty. Named after the Akagera River, which flows along its eastern edge and feeds into a series of lakes, including Lake Ihema, the park's stunning landscapes feature forest-lined lakes, papyrus swamps, savannah plains, and rolling highlands, making it one of Africa's most picturesque destinations.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise on Lake Ihema
2 stops
3
Akagera National Park
Today, you will enjoy an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park and a boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Wildlife Game Drives in the Akagera National Park area a great way to encounter various wildlife species including lions, elephants, leopards, buffalos, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and Kobs, to mention but a few. After the lunch break, you will depart for a boat ride on Lake Ihema. T
6 hours • Admission ticket free
4
The boat ride offers a chance to see more wildlife, including hippos and crocodiles, sometimes up close but safely. The lake is also home to over 500 bird species, such as shoebill storks, herons, jacanas, ibis, and gonoleks, among others.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Morning game drive and drive to Volcanoes National Park for an evening cultural experience
2 stops
5
Iby'iwacu Cultural Village
You’ll unwind and, later in the evening, enjoy a cultural experience at the Iby’lwachu village, where you’ll have the chance to join in traditional dances with the Indigenous people of Rwanda.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
6
Akagera National Park
After breakfast, enjoy a short game drive before bidding farewell to the park and heading to Volcanoes National Park. The 4-5 hour journey offers stunning landscapes and beautiful scenery along the way. You’ll arrive just in time for lunch.
6 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 5
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
1 stop
7
Volcanoes National Park
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the lodge before embarking on an exciting morning drive through the breathtaking Switzerland of Rwanda Park. This pristine forest is perfect for gorilla trekking, offering a glimpse into the untouched beauty of nature. At the park headquarters, you will receive a briefing before setting out on your gorilla trekking adventure with ranger guides. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour observing and taking pictures. Afterward, you’ll return to the starting point, hop into your vehicle, and head back to the lodge for an overnight stay.
7 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Golden monkey trekking and Transfer to Bwindi National Park in Uganda
1 stop
8
Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, depart the park headquarters for a briefing before starting your golden monkey trekking adventure. Bid farewell to Volcanoes National Park, hop into your vehicle, and head to Kigali or the airport. With cameras full of memories and hearts brimming with adventure, continue to Bwindi National Park for your second Gorilla Trekking experience.
4 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
Second Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park and Transfer back to Kigali
1 stop
9
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
After breakfast, you'll get ready for another gorilla trekking adventure, this time visiting a different gorilla family in Uganda. Each family is unique, offering special opportunities to connect with the gorillas and admire their beauty. Just like on Day 5, there will be a briefing before you head into the National Park with the rangers to locate the gorillas. Once found, you'll have an hour to spend with them. Until next time, let the spirit of Uganda and Rwanda's wilderness remain with you!
8 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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