6 Days Rwanda Wildlife and Chimpanzee Tracking Safari

Arrival at Kigali Airport and Road Transfer to Akagera National Park

The safari begins with a warm welcome at Kigali International Airport, where guests meet their professional Otter African Safaris driver-guide. After completing airport formalities, travelers embark on a scenic road transfer to Akagera National Park, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Kigali. The drive provides an introductory view of Rwanda’s rolling hills, terraced tea plantations, and lush farmland, offering travelers their first glimpse of the country’s natural beauty. This scenic transfer is designed not only for comfort but also to acclimatize guests gradually to Rwanda’s environment, setting the stage for the wildlife adventures ahead.

Akagera National Park spans over 1,100 square kilometers and features diverse habitats, from savannah and acacia woodlands to papyrus wetlands. Guests begin with an orientation of the park, highlighting the variety of wildlife that can be observed during the next two days. Species commonly spotted include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, topi, waterbuck, and a range of predators such as lions and leopards, though sightings of the latter are less frequent. Bird enthusiasts will find the park particularly rewarding, as over 500 bird species inhabit Akagera, including African fish eagles, herons, and the occasional shoebill stork in wetland areas.

Upon arrival at Akagera Rhino Lodge

Upon arrival at Akagera Rhino Lodge, guests check in and have time to relax before an evening nature walk around the lodge’s immediate surroundings. This gentle introduction to the park allows travelers to appreciate smaller wildlife, endemic plants, and the rhythms of the African savannah. Guests can enjoy photography, observe sunset over the plains, or simply breathe in the fresh park air. Dinner at the lodge offers a combination of local cuisine and international dishes, providing a taste of Rwanda’s culinary diversity. This first day balances relaxation with anticipation, setting the stage for the immersive wildlife experiences of the following days.

• Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge
• Meal Plan: Half Board

Adventure in Akagera National Park – Game Drives, Nature Walks, and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

Day two of the safari is dedicated to exploring the full diversity of Akagera National Park. Guests begin with an early breakfast before embarking on a morning game drive across the park’s open plains and woodland areas. Experienced guides lead the excursion, sharing insights about species behavior, conservation practices, and ecological significance. Game drives offer excellent opportunities to observe elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo in their natural environment, while birdwatchers can spot colorful species perched along acacia trees and papyrus swamps. These drives are designed to maximize wildlife encounters while providing ample time for photography and relaxation.

After the morning drive, guests enjoy a guided nature walk, which brings them closer to the park’s smaller species and plant life. Walking through designated trails, travelers gain an appreciation for the park’s ecological complexity, including interactions between flora and fauna. This immersive experience enhances understanding of Rwanda’s conservation priorities and the delicate balance of ecosystems within Akagera.

Game Drives, Nature Walks, and Lake Ihema Boat Cruise

In the afternoon, guests embark on a boat cruise on Lake Ihema, a highlight of the safari. The cruise provides a serene perspective of the park’s wetlands, offering opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and a range of aquatic birds. Lake Ihema’s calm waters reflect the surrounding landscapes, creating stunning photographic opportunities. Guests also gain insight into how the lake supports both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, highlighting Akagera’s ecological diversity.

After a full day of wildlife exploration, travelers return to Akagera Rhino Lodge for dinner and overnight stay. Evening time allows for reflection on the day’s encounters and the anticipation of the next stage of the safari: Nyungwe Forest.

• Accommodation: Akagera Rhino Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Morning Game Drive and Road Transfer to Kigali

Following breakfast, guests enjoy an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park. Early morning is an ideal time to spot predators returning from nocturnal hunting and herbivores beginning their day. The soft morning light enhances photography, highlighting the textures and colors of the savannah landscape. Travelers can expect to see species such as topi, impala, and the occasional lion or leopard, providing a final, intimate connection with Rwanda’s savannah wildlife.

After the morning drive, travelers return to the lodge for a short rest and brunch before departing for Kigali. The road transfer to Kigali is approximately 2.5–3 hours, passing through Rwanda’s characteristic rolling hills, terraced farms, and quaint villages. Guests are encouraged to observe local culture along the way, including roadside markets, agricultural practices, and rural communities. Upon arrival in Kigali, travelers check in at Chez Lando Hotel, offering modern amenities and central city access. The evening is free for relaxation or light exploration of the city’s restaurants and shops, providing a gentle transition from park adventures to urban culture.

• Accommodation: Chez Lando Hotel
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Half-Day Kigali City Tour and Road Transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day four begins with a half-day Kigali City tour, where travelers gain insight into Rwanda’s history, culture, and resilience. Key highlights include visits to memorial sites, local craft markets, and cultural centers. This immersive experience provides context to Rwanda’s conservation initiatives and community development projects, enriching the safari experience with cultural depth. Travelers can engage with local artisans, sample traditional foods, and appreciate Kigali’s urban vibrancy amidst Rwanda’s natural landscapes.

After the city tour, guests embark on a scenic road transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a journey of approximately 5–6 hours. Nyungwe, one of East Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests, is home to over 13 species of primates, including chimpanzees and colobus monkeys. The park’s diverse habitats—ranging from montane bamboo forests to primary rainforest—offer exceptional trekking and wildlife viewing opportunities. Travelers check in at Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge, an eco-lodge perched on a hillside, providing panoramic views of the forest canopy. Dinner at the lodge introduces guests to local and international cuisine, preparing them for the next day’s chimpanzee tracking adventure.

• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Chimpanzee Tracking and Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Day five is the highlight of the Nyungwe experience: chimpanzee tracking. After an early breakfast, travelers meet park rangers at the trailhead for a safety briefing and trekking guidelines. Chimpanzee trekking typically lasts 2–4 hours, depending on the location of the groups. Guests trek through lush montane and bamboo forests, observing rare bird species, endemic plants, and other wildlife along the way. Upon locating a chimpanzee group, travelers are allowed up to one hour to quietly observe and photograph these highly social primates. Insights from guides include behavioral patterns, feeding habits, and the park’s conservation success stories.

In the afternoon, travelers experience the Nyungwe Canopy Walk, a 91-meter long suspension bridge offering breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy. This elevated walkway provides a unique perspective of the forest ecosystem, allowing guests to observe birds, monkeys, and tree-dwelling mammals in their natural habitats. The canopy walk complements the ground-based trekking experience and offers outstanding photographic opportunities. The day concludes with a return to the lodge for dinner and overnight stay, providing time to relax and reflect on the primate encounters and forest biodiversity.

• Accommodation: Nyungwe Top Hill View Lodge
• Meal Plan: Full Board

Morning Road Transfer to Kigali and Departure

On the final day, guests enjoy breakfast at the lodge before embarking on the road transfer back to Kigali City. The drive offers one last opportunity to observe Rwanda’s rolling hills and terraced farmland. Upon arrival, travelers may have a short visit to local markets or cultural centers depending on their flight schedule. Guests are then transferred to Kigali International Airport for departure, concluding a six-day immersive safari that combines Rwanda’s savannah wildlife, lakes, forests, and primate conservation highlights.

• Accommodation: None
• Meal Plan: Full Board