8-DAY RWANDA GORILLAS,CHIMP AND WILDLIFE SAFARI TOUR
Experience Rwanda’s top wildlife highlights with mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, Big Five safari game drives, and scenic lake adventures in one unforgettable 8-day journey.
Wildlife and highlights
Discover the best of Rwanda on this exciting 8-day safari that combines primates, wildlife, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This tour takes you through Rwanda’s most iconic destinations including Volcanoes National Park for the mountain gorilla trek, Nyungwe Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking, and Akagera National Park for classic wildlife safaris.
Begin your adventure in Kigali with a city tour before heading to Nyungwe Forest, home to chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and the famous canopy walkway. Continue to Lake Kivu for relaxation and scenic views before travelling to Volcanoes National Park for the once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trekking experience.
Your journey ends in Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only savannah park, where you enjoy game drives in search of lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and many antelope species. This safari is perfect for travelers seeking Rwanda’s complete wildlife experience with comfort, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Mountain Gorillas – Rwanda is world famous for endangered mountain gorillas found in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking offers a rare chance to observe these gentle giants in their natural forest habitat.
Chimpanzees – Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to lively chimpanzees known for their intelligence and energetic behavior. Chimp tracking is one of Rwanda’s top wildlife experiences.
Golden Monkeys – These beautiful and playful primates live in the bamboo forests near Volcanoes National Park and are a great addition to primate safaris.
Big Five Wildlife – Akagera National Park is home to lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos, making Rwanda a complete safari destination.
Giraffes – Commonly seen in Akagera National Park grazing across open savannah plains.
Zebras – Frequently spotted in herds within Akagera National Park.
Hippos & Crocodiles – Seen in Lake Ihema and other water bodies inside Akagera National Park.
Antelope Species – Including impalas, topis, elands, waterbucks, bushbucks, oribis, and more.
Birdlife – Rwanda is a top birding destination with over 700 recorded species including crowned cranes, African fish eagles, turacos, hornbills, kingfishers, and rare Albertine Rift endemics.
Best time to visit
June to September – Dry season with excellent trekking conditions, easier hiking trails, and prime wildlife viewing.
December to February – Another dry season ideal for safaris, gorilla trekking, and chimpanzee tracking.
March to May – Green season with beautiful scenery, fewer tourists, and excellent photography opportunities, though rain is more common.
October to November – Short rains season with lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking are available throughout the year, but dry months are generally preferred for comfort and easier forest hikes.
Travel tips
Passport & Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. Many travelers can obtain visas on arrival or online depending on nationality.
Fitness Level: Gorilla and chimp trekking may involve hiking through steep or muddy terrain. Moderate fitness is recommended.
Packing Essentials:
Waterproof hiking boots Rain jacket or poncho Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts Gardening gloves for gripping vegetation Insect repellent Sunscreen Hat and sunglasses Day backpack Camera with extra batteries Reusable water bottle Health Advice: Consult your doctor regarding travel vaccinations and malaria prevention before travel.
Money: Carry some cash for tips, souvenirs, and small purchases. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels but not everywhere.
Connectivity: Rwanda has good mobile network coverage in towns and many lodges offer Wi-Fi.
Respect Wildlife Rules: Keep distance from animals, avoid flash photography, and always follow ranger instructions. Book Early: Gorilla permits are limited and highly demanded, especially in peak season. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
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