Rwanda Explorer

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Njagi Safaris and transferred to your hotel in Kigali, Rwanda’s clean and vibrant capital city.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to relax after your flight or enjoy a short introduction to Kigali, renowned for its scenic hills, modern atmosphere, and warm hospitality.

This first evening offers a comfortable introduction to the Land of a Thousand Hills and your upcoming Best of Rwanda Safari, preparing you for an unforgettable journey through Rwanda’s wildlife, primate, and cultural landscapes.

Mid-Range Accommodation: Heaven Boutique Hotel or Similar

Premium Collection: The Retreat by Heaven or Similar

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Kigali, one of Africa’s cleanest and most progressive cities. Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial for an important insight into Rwanda’s history and remarkable journey of reconciliation and renewal.

Depending on time, you may also explore local craft markets, cultural centres, and panoramic viewpoints before departing for Volcanoes National Park, the home of Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas.

The scenic drive through Rwanda’s rolling hills and rural landscapes offers an excellent introduction to the country’s natural beauty and explains why it is known as the Land of a Thousand Hills.

Arrive at your lodge in the afternoon and relax as you prepare for the highlight of your Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari the following day.

Mid-Range Collection: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Similar

Premium Collection: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

Today is the highlight of your Best of Rwanda Safari and one of Africa’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing by park rangers before beginning your unforgettable Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda adventure.

Accompanied by experienced guides and trackers, venture into the lush volcanic rainforest of Volcanoes National Park Safari territory in search of a habituated mountain gorilla family.

The duration of the trek varies depending on the gorillas’ location, but every step through the forest adds to the excitement of this remarkable encounter.

Once the gorillas are located, spend a magical hour observing them in their natural habitat as they feed, groom, play, and interact.

Watching these gentle giants at close range is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences and a defining moment of any Rwanda Primate Safari. Rwanda Mid-Range Safari

After the trek, return to the lodge to relax and reflect on an unforgettable day with the mountain gorillas.

Mid-Range Collection: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or Similar

Premium Collection: Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel or Similar

After breakfast, depart Volcanoes National Park and journey south towards Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to one of Africa’s oldest and most biodiverse montane rainforests.

This scenic transfer showcases Rwanda’s spectacular countryside, with panoramic views of rolling hills, traditional villages, terraced farmland, and vast tea plantations that define the country’s landscape.

The drive offers an opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Rwanda while travelling between two of the country’s most celebrated conservation areas.

As part of your Best of Rwanda Safari, the journey highlights the remarkable diversity of landscapes that make Rwanda one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.
Arrive in the afternoon and settle into your lodge overlooking the forested hills of Nyungwe. The tranquil surroundings provide the perfect setting to relax before the following day’s Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda experience and canopy walk adventure.

Mid-Range Collection: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or Similar

Premium Collection: One&Only Nyungwe House or Similar

After an early breakfast, transfer to Nyungwe Forest National Park for an exciting Chimpanzee Tracking Rwanda experience within one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

Accompanied by experienced park guides, venture into the forest for chimpanzee tracking while observing other primates, birds, and the rich biodiversity that makes Nyungwe a premier Rwanda Primate Safari destination.

Once the chimpanzees are located, spend time observing their energetic behaviour as they move through the forest canopy, feed, communicate, and interact within their groups.

Later, enjoy the famous canopy walk suspended high above the forest floor. The walkway offers spectacular views across the rainforest and excellent opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and the surrounding landscape from a unique perspective.

Combining primates, adventure, and rainforest exploration, this day forms one of the most memorable highlights of your Best of Rwanda Safari and Nyungwe Forest Safari experience.

Mid-Range Collection: Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel or Similar

Premium Collection: One&Only Nyungwe House or Similar

After breakfast, depart from Nyungwe Forest National Park and travel east towards Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s premier savannah wildlife destination and home to the famous Big Five Safari Rwanda experience.

The journey offers a striking contrast to the rainforest landscapes of Nyungwe, revealing rolling hills, lakes, open plains, and rural countryside along the way.

As part of your Best of Rwanda Safari, this scenic transfer highlights the remarkable diversity of Rwanda’s landscapes, taking you from ancient montane rainforest ecosystems to wildlife-rich savannah habitats.

Arrive in Akagera during the afternoon and settle into your lodge while enjoying views of the surrounding wilderness and lakes.

This transition from rainforest to savannah adds another exciting dimension to your Rwanda Wildlife Safari, perfectly complementing the gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking experiences already enjoyed during the journey.

Mid-Range Collection: Akagera Rhino Lodge or Similar

Premium Collection: Magashi Camp or Similar

Begin your final day with an early morning game drive in Akagera National Park Safari territory, offering excellent opportunities to search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, and other wildlife that make Akagera one of East Africa’s emerging safari destinations.

Later, enjoy a relaxing boat safari on Lake Ihema, one of the park’s most beautiful wildlife areas. The lake is renowned for its large populations of hippos, crocodiles, waterbirds, and abundant lakeside wildlife, making it a highlight of any Rwanda Wildlife Safari.

Combining classic game viewing with a scenic boat excursion, today’s activities provide a fitting conclusion to your Best of Rwanda Safari, bringing together the wildlife, primate, and conservation experiences that define this remarkable journey.

After the boat safari, begin the return journey to Kigali. We recommend allowing sufficient time between the safari's scheduled arrival and any international departure; your safari specialist will advise on the safest flight timing.