Private • Rwanda
9 Days Rwanda Safari Holiday – Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Wildlife & Chimpanzee Adventure
Gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, and savannah wildlife in one continuous arc
Overview
About this journey
- Region
- Northern Province
- Duration
- 9 days
- Departures
- All year round
- Party size
- Up to 8
Experience the ultimate Rwanda safari holiday combining the country’s most iconic wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. This 9-day adventure takes you from the vibrant city of Kigali to the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park, where you will trek mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. Explore the savannahs of Akagera National Park in search of the Big Five, enjoy a scenic canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, and encounter chimpanzees in one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.
Designed for travelers seeking a complete Rwanda experience, this safari blends primate encounters, wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, and unforgettable scenery in the heart of the "Land of a Thousand Hills."
Highlights
What you'll experience
One Hour with a Mountain Gorilla Family
In Volcanoes National Park your tracker leads you through stinging nettles and bamboo thickets until the vegetation goes quiet and the group materialises. A silverback rests two metres away. The permit clock is running but time feels irrelevant.
Golden Monkeys at Dawn on the Volcano Slopes
Before the tourist vehicles arrive, you follow golden monkeys through bamboo groves catching the first light on their copper-and-black coats. Smaller than gorillas, faster, and endlessly acrobatic — a wholly different encounter.
Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest
Nyungwe is Rwanda's oldest forest, and its chimpanzees are among the most habituated on the continent. Your guide, Emmanuel, describes the sound of a chimp nest being built overhead as 'like someone folding a newspaper very fast'.
Canopy Walk Above the Forest Floor
Suspended 50 metres above Nyungwe's floor on a 200-metre walkway, you watch Ruwenzori turacos cross between tree crowns and listen to colobus monkeys crash through branches below. The bridge sways just enough to remind you where you are.
Lions on the Akagera Savannah
Akagera's lion population is recovering steadily, and afternoon drives along the lake circuit regularly produce sightings. A pair of males lounge on a termite mound while yellow-billed storks pick through the shallows behind them.
Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
The lake corridor inside Akagera holds one of Africa's densest hippo populations. From a flat-bottomed boat at eye level with the water, you drift past pods of hippos, Nile crocodiles, and African fish eagles calling from dead acacia snags.
Why choose us
Why choose a Private Journey?
Nine days is exactly the right length for Rwanda's three ecological zones — enough time to slow down in each without the itinerary feeling padded. Here is why this trip works the way it does.
Private Guiding the Whole Way
One vehicle, one guide, your schedule. When the chimps move north unexpectedly or you want to stay longer at the canopy walk, the itinerary bends rather than the experience.
All Three Primate Permits Included
Gorilla, golden monkey, and chimpanzee permits are booked months in advance and built into your package. You never have to navigate the permit system yourself, and you are never left hoping a spot opens up.
Conservation-Led Partners
Every park fee, permit, and lodge choice in this itinerary directly funds active conservation work — African Parks' Akagera recovery programme, the Rwanda Development Board gorilla monitoring teams, and Nyungwe's habituation research.
Itinerary
Your day-by-day journey
Day 1
Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our professional guide from Arrive Africa Safaris and transferred to your hotel in Kigali. Take time to relax, refresh, and settle in after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an optional Kigali city exploration, visiting local markets, museums, and cultural sites to discover Rwanda’s fascinating history, traditions, and remarkable transformation.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel as you prepare for the exciting safari adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Kigali Hotel
Meal Plan: Dinner
Meals · Dinner
Day 2
Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
After breakfast, begin your day with a guided Kigali city tour. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a significant historical site that provides insight into Rwanda’s past and honors the victims of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. Continue exploring Kigali’s vibrant atmosphere through local markets, art galleries, and craft centers where you can interact with talented artisans and purchase unique handmade souvenirs.
After lunch, depart Kigali and travel to Volcanoes National Park, home of Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Enjoy the scenic journey through Rwanda’s beautiful countryside before arriving at your lodge. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the stunning views of the Virunga Mountains as you prepare for your gorilla trekking experience.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Today is the highlight of your Rwanda safari as you embark on an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking adventure. After an early breakfast, transfer to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing from park guides. You will learn about gorilla trekking guidelines, conservation efforts, and how to respectfully interact with these endangered primates.
With the help of experienced trackers, enter the rainforest in search of a habituated gorilla family. The trek duration varies depending on the location of the gorillas, but every moment in the forest is rewarding. Once you find the gorillas, spend one magical hour observing their daily activities, including feeding, grooming, playing, and interacting with one another. This close encounter with these gentle giants creates memories that last a lifetime.
After the trek, return to your lodge for relaxation. In the afternoon, you may choose optional activities such as visiting the beautiful Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Burera or exploring the Musanze Caves.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Additional Gorilla Trekking Experience & Volcanoes Exploration
Enjoy another opportunity to experience the magic of Volcanoes National Park with an additional gorilla trek. A second trek provides a different perspective, as each gorilla family has unique behaviors, personalities, and surroundings. Spend another unforgettable hour photographing and observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
After the trek, relax at your lodge or choose from optional activities around Musanze, including cultural visits, nature walks, or scenic excursions around the Virunga region.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Golden Monkey Trekking & Cultural Experience
After breakfast, prepare for an exciting golden monkey trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. Known for their beautiful golden-orange fur and playful behavior, golden monkeys are among the most fascinating primates found in the Virunga region. Accompanied by experienced trackers, hike through bamboo forests in search of these energetic creatures and enjoy an unforgettable hour observing their movements and interactions.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in Rwanda’s culture through a community visit. Meet local residents, experience traditional music and dance performances, participate in activities such as basket weaving, and listen to stories that showcase Rwanda’s rich heritage. Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Volcanoes National Park Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
6 & 7: Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah destination and home to diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, wetlands, and lakes. Arrive at your lodge for lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Explore the park’s open plains and search for impressive wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, and a wide variety of bird species.
Over the next two days, enjoy thrilling game drives through Akagera’s diverse ecosystems. Discover the beauty of Lake Ihema during a relaxing boat cruise, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds along the shoreline. Experience the excitement of observing animals in their natural environment before returning to your lodge each evening for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation Options:
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Akagera Rhino Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
6 & 7: Wildlife Safari in Akagera National Park
After breakfast, depart for Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah destination and home to diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, wetlands, and lakes. Arrive at your lodge for lunch before heading out on an afternoon game drive. Explore the park’s open plains and search for impressive wildlife including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, and a wide variety of bird species.
Over the next two days, enjoy thrilling game drives through Akagera’s diverse ecosystems. Discover the beauty of Lake Ihema during a relaxing boat cruise, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and numerous water birds along the shoreline. Experience the excitement of observing animals in their natural environment before returning to your lodge each evening for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation Options:
Ruzizi Tented Lodge
Akagera Rhino Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Nyungwe Forest National Park – Canopy Walk Adventure
After breakfast, depart Akagera and travel to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda. This ancient rainforest is one of Africa’s most important conservation areas, home to numerous primate species, colorful birds, and unique plant life. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, experience the famous Nyungwe Canopy Walk, suspended high above the forest floor. Walk across the bridges while enjoying spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and opportunities to observe birds, monkeys, and the incredible biodiversity below. Return to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation: Nyungwe Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest – Departure
Wake up early for your final wildlife experience: chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Accompanied by experienced trackers, venture deep into the rainforest in search of chimpanzee communities. Nyungwe offers one of Rwanda’s best opportunities to observe these intelligent primates in their natural habitat. Spend time watching their fascinating behaviors, social interactions, and movements through the forest before returning to your lodge for lunch.
After lunch, begin your journey back to Kigali. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to relax or do some last-minute shopping before being transferred to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight. Your unforgettable 9-day Rwanda Safari Holiday comes to an end, leaving you with incredible memories of gorillas, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, wildlife encounters, and Rwanda’s spectacular landscapes.
End of Safari
Meals · Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
What is and isn't included
Included
- Airport meet-and-greet on arrival and departure
- All ground transfers in a private 4WD vehicle with pop-up roof
- 8 nights accommodation as listed (twin or double sharing)
- Meals as specified per day (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
- English-speaking Arrive Africa Safaris guide throughout
- One mountain gorilla trekking permit (Volcanoes National Park)
- One golden monkey trekking permit (Volcanoes National Park)
- One chimpanzee tracking permit (Nyungwe Forest National Park)
- Nyungwe canopy walkway entrance fee
- All national park entrance fees
- Lake Ihema boat safari (Akagera)
- Drinking water in the vehicle throughout
- Pre-departure information pack and packing guide
Not included
- International flights to and from the region
- Entry visas and any transit visas
- Travel and medical insurance, which is mandatory
- Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages
- Laundry, telephone and other items of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities for your guide, drivers and lodge staff
- Optional activities not listed in the day-by-day itinerary
Pricing
Available all year round
A private itinerary with no fixed departure dates. Rates are per person in USD.
Journey Details
Essential information
Minimum Age
15 years for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, per Rwanda Development Board regulations
Safari Duffel
Soft-sided bags only for vehicle storage; a daypack for trekking days. Maximum 15 kg checked luggage if any internal flights are added.
First Group Event
Welcome dinner and briefing on Day 1 evening in Kigali
Last Group Event
Final lunch in Kigali on Day 9 before airport transfer
Guaranteed Departures
All listed departures operate with a minimum of 2 guests. Gorilla and chimpanzee permits are booked upon receipt of deposit and are non-transferable once confirmed with Rwanda Development Board.
Alternate Sightseeing
If trekking is not possible on a given day due to weather or ranger assessment, a guided forest walk or community visit will be substituted. Permit fees are non-refundable per park authority policy.