Big 5 + chimps + gorillas in Rwanda
From US$ 8,300 per person sharing (10 days)
Trust us to find you the rarest animals, the most spectacular wildlife events, the remotest landscapes and deeply meaningful cultural encounters!
This is the one chance you will get to flatten three bucket list items in one epic safari - in one country!
From searching for the Big 5 in the rolling plains and lake shores of Akagera NP - one of Africa's conservation success stories - to the dense forests of Nyungwe NP for chimpanzees and the highland forests of Volcanoes NP for mountain gorillas. And expect a few gems as you navigate this remarkable country - like rare golden monkeys, the heart-wrenching but inspiring story at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and some of the best coffee available.
What more could you ask for?
Is this the best African bucket list safari out there?
Highlights
Explore Kigali, the capital’s vibrant markets and poignant Genocide Memorial, gaining insight into Rwanda’s inspiring journey of renewal.
Enjoy Big Five game drives and tranquil boat safaris on Akagera's Lake Ihema amid savannah, woodland, and wetland landscapes.
Trek endangered chimpanzees In Nyungwe, walk the 150-metre canopy bridge, and experience the forest from new heights.
Track mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in the misty Virunga Mountains, and meet local communities preserving their heritage.
Go on a canoe adventure on the gentle waters of the Mukungwa River
Locations
Kigali, Rwanda's Capital City blends modern elegance with emotional depth, offering a window into Rwanda’s resilience and creativity. The city features vibrant markets, cultural sites, and dynamic dining experiences.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve, with open plains, lakes, and wetlands creating a stunning lowland landscape alive with diverse wildlife.
Nyungwe National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, with lush canopy, winding rivers, and abundant birdlife.
Volcanoes National Park rises amid the misty Virunga Volcanoes, with volcanic slopes and dramatic peaks forming a breathtaking backdrop.
Lodges and hotels
2 nights at The Court Boutique Hotel: Stylish city retreat offering contemporary rooms, personalised service, and a tranquil courtyard; ideal base for exploring Kigali’s markets, restaurants, and memorials.
3 nights at Ruzizi Tented Lodge: Eco-lodge overlooking Lake Ihema with lakeside tents and panoramic floodplain views; guests can enjoy game drives, boat excursions, and guided nature walks.
2 nights at Munazi Lodge: Forest lodge with cozy interiors and open decks; provides access to chimp trekking, canopy walks, and immersive rainforest experiences.
2 nights at Ingagi Lodge: Charming lodge at the base of the Virungas, featuring locally inspired décor and comfortable accommodations; perfect for gorilla trekking, scenic hikes, and cultural visits to nearby communities.
Timing
The best time for this safari is during Rwanda’s dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when wildlife viewing is at its peak, trails in Nyungwe and the Virungas are easier to navigate, and lakes and plains are most accessible. These months offer crisp, clear days perfect for photography, and good conditions for gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and game drives, with easier access to trails and parks.
With careful planning, our safari experts will help you make the best timing decision.
Price per person sharing
9 nights (10 days) | ||
Low season | Mar-May & 01 Nov-14 Dec 2026 | from US$ 8,300 |
High season | Jan-Feb & Jul-Oct 2026 | from US$ 8,700 |
Includes: All airport and intercamp transfers, all accommodation and meals, park fees, game drives and boat cruises in Akagera National Park; chimpanzee trekking with permits, canopy walk, Pied Colobus Mega Troop Walk, forest excursions in Nyungwe National Park; gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking with permits, canoeing on the Mukungwa River, visits to Kigali Genocide Memorial, Butare National Museum and Imigongo Craft Centre; professional English-speaking guides throughout; 1 litre of mineral water per person per day while on safari; and 24/7 office support.
Excludes: International flights; visas; mandatory travel and medical insurance; airport taxes; optional visits to Iby’Iwacu Cultural Centre or Ellen DeGeneres Museum; driver, tips and gratuities; all drinks, laundry, and items of a personal nature.
Thank You!
A portion of the revenue from every safari sold supports community-led conservation initiatives that protect Rwanda’s wildlife and empower local people.
“Mirroring Great Apes”
Stefan Winterboer, AG gorilla trekking expert: “I was unprepared for how deeply I mirrored the great apes, and how profoundly they mirrored me. In their eyes and movements, I saw our shared humanity reflected. It was a humbling, unforgettable experience of connection and fragility.”
“Big game finale”
Our destination expert, Nadia Lautenbach, says, “If you have extra time before or after your ultimate primate safari, consider adding a few days in the legendary Serengeti or Maasai Mara for an unforgettable big game finale.”
"Soul safari"
Ramona Rubach, AG gorilla trekking expert: "Seamlessly stringing together exciting Big 5 game drives, with gentle boat cruises on the lake, paired with evocative primate encounters - each day stirs the soul with connections through the wildlife and the people."
Your safari day-by-day
Arrive in Kigali and feel the city’s pulse as you visit the poignant Kigali Genocide Memorial and wander bustling markets, sampling local life. From the city, journey east to Akagera National Park, where afternoon game drives introduce you to savannah wildlife. Over the next two days, the park reveals its full richness: morning drives, a serene boat cruise on Lake Ihema, and a full-day safari through woodlands, wetlands, and Giraffe Valley, with chances to spot the Big Five.
Return to Kigali for one night, stopping at Imigongo Craft Shops, before heading southwest to Nyungwe National Park. Here, the forest comes alive with endangered chimpanzees, and a canopy walk offers a bird’s-eye view of lush treetops and playful monkeys. From Nyungwe, travel north through rolling tea plantations to Volcanoes National Park, pausing for a Pied Colobus Mega Troop Walk along the way.
The park’s highlight is unforgettable gorilla tracking, spending an hour with a habituated family amid misty montane forests. Optional cultural visits add a human touch to the wilderness experience. On your final day, encounter mischievous golden monkeys and glide along the Mukungwa River in a canoe, soaking in Rwanda’s dramatic landscapes before returning to Kigali for departure.
This journey blends thrilling wildlife encounters, intimate primate experiences, and cultural moments into a seamless Rwandan adventure.
Safari planning
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Big 5 + chimps + gorillas in Rwanda
Tell us about your dream trip - our travel experts will craft a no-obligation itinerary just for you. We have crafted over 5,000 safaris since 1991. Your personal details are protected; we only use this information to contact you.
Why choose us to craft your safari?
Handcrafted experiential safaris since 1991.
Travel in Africa is about knowing when and where to go, and with whom. A few weeks too early/late or a few kilometres off course, and you could miss the greatest show on Earth. And wouldn’t that be a pity?
Trust & Safety
Guest payments go into a third-party TRUST ACCOUNT - protecting them in the unlikely event of a financial setback on our part. Also, we are members of SATSA who attest to our integrity, legal compliance and financial stability.
Make a difference
We donate a portion of the revenue from every safari sold to carefully selected conservation projects that make a significant difference at ground level.
YOUR safari choice does make a difference - thank you!