RWANDA FLYING SAFARI – 9 Days.
Rwanda Flying Safari: A 9 day/8 nights safari flying across Rwanda, a country dotted with hills from which it derives the name ‘Land of a thousand hills’.
A tour of Kigali city is reason enough to fly into this beautiful country. Rwanda’s living history, people and culture are summarized at the genocide museum, the local markets, art galleries and downtown Kigali.
Your first short flight will be to southwestern part if the country covered by the evergreen Nyungwe forest. Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to the chimpanzee, black and white colobus monkeys, and 12 other primate species. The canopy walk here is so breathtaking!
A flight to the Eastern part of Rwanda drops you into the endless savannahs of Akagera National Park with the Big five that roam in the area. The park endowed with lakes and marshes is home to lots of birds and Big-game, offering the best boat ride and game drive experiences.
Flying from the Savannahs of Akagera to the mountainous Volcanoes National Park is a lifechanging experience. This is where you will come face-to-face with the endangered Mountain Gorillas and golden monkeys. The rocky yet green covered mountains offer the best Volcano hiking experiences. You will meet the Gorilla doctors, visit the local communities for cultural experiences and hike to Dian Fossey’s grave.
Safari highlights.
Day 1: Arrive via Kigali international airport – Overnight in Kigali.
Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial Site, fly to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking – Black & White colobus monkey trek.
Day 4: Nyungwe forest canopy walk – Fly to Akagera National Park – Game drive.
Day 5: Game Drive and Afternoon boat ride – Akagera National Park.
Day 6: Flight from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park.
Day 7: Gorilla tracking experience – Afternoon community experience.
Day 8: Options; Second gorilla treck or visit the Golden monkeys or hike a volcano.
Day 9: Drive to Kigali – Return flight.
Detailed Safari Itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive in Kigali – Transfer to the hotel.
On arrival at Kigali international airport, Adventure Consults Airport representatives will meet you and assist through customs. Collect the luggage, then after meet your personal/private guide for a transfer to the hotel.
Depending on arrival time and preference, you may have a detailed briefing on your safari today or can have it the following day before heading out for your awaited safari.
Overnight accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis.
Exclusions: All meals and drinks.
Day 2: Kigali City tour – Fly to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
Meet Adventure Consults’ guide at the lobby for a briefing on your safari.
Available option for Kigali city tour before heading out to Nyungwe Forest National Park.
A trip to Rwanda would be incomplete without a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial! Here is a center of education, and peacebuilding which honors the memory of more than one million Rwandans that were killed in 1994. The three permanent exhibitions and burial gardens form part of a meaningful tribute to those who perished and provide a powerful educational tool for all.
The exhibition is shocking, provoking and attempts to piece together the causes and events of the three-month genocide which destroyed Rwanda in 1994. Thousands of first-hand accounts are documented, and personal film footage and photography are showcased, illustrating the collection of events in a simple and striking way. No doubt, 99.9% of the Rwandan population were affected by the horrific violence of the genocide, a dark past that makes the present friendliness and goodwill of the country’s locals more inspiring.
A coffee break, then transfer to Kigali international airport for your scenic flight to Nyungwe Forest National Park. The 45-60 minutes flight is by helicopter, flying at a low altitude offering the best scenic aerial views. On arrival at Nyungwe helipad or Kamembe airport, meet Adventure Consults guide and transfer to the lodge/hotel.
Nyungwe is a verdant 1000-square-kilometer Park in Southwestern Rwanda with over 80 mammal species, of which 12 are species of primates (that include chimpanzees-our closest relatives in the animal Kingdom).
A relaxed afternoon at the lodge.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 3: Chimpanzee tracking – Afternoon Black and White Colobus Monkey trek.
Morning transfer to the Visitor Center, have a briefing, then enter the forest to look out for the chimpanzees.
The chimpanzee trek takes about 2-3 hours, providing the best opportunities of spotting other unique species of plants as well as primates, including L’Hoests monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Angolan Colobus monkeys, lots of birds and orchids that call this forest home.
After lunch, you may relax at the hotel/lodge, or make your afternoon more exciting by trekking Black and white colobus monkeys (this starts at 3pm). There’s nowhere on earth you can ever have an encounter with such a big troop of monkeys like in Nyungwe.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 4: Nyungwe forest Canopy walk – Fly to Akagera National Park.
This morning is dedicated to a relaxed canopy walk offering the real sense of Nyungwe’s scale.
The suspended metal bridge above the forest is 160m long and 50m high. The canopy is part of the Igishigishigi trail walk. While on the canopy walkway, you will spot countless butterflies, orchids, primates and colorful birds, including those that are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley.
A midmorning cup of coffee and transfer to the airstrip, in time for your flight to Akagera National Park. On arrival at the airstrip, adventure Consults guide will meet you and transfer to the lodge/hotel/camp in time for lunch.
The only Savannah Park in Rwanda is on the furthest Eastern border of the country, where the typically hilly countryside gives way to the savannas of the Great Rift Valley. Dominated by savannah grassland, woodland, Lakes, forest, swamps and marshland, the area boasts a huge compliment of nature and wildlife that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. The Protected Area is a unique natural habitat and home to big game including the Lions, Hippos, Masai giraffes, African bush elephants, Zebras, Buffaloes, Common elands, Topis, as well as lots of primates and a plethora of Bird species.
This afternoon, you will go for a game drive and look out for big game that roam in panoramic savannah park with scattered grasslands.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 6: Game Drive and Afternoon boat ride (Akagera National Park)
A private game drive will take you for the park exploration while driving through the plains, hills and the lake side. You will be rewarded with lots of game, Birds, and amazing scenery.
Lunch at the lodge then later go for an afternoon boat ride along the shimmering waters of either Lake Ihema or Rwanyakazinga The motorized luxury small boats get you close to the lake shores for the best Birding and wildlife viewing experiences at close range. Rwanda’s lakes are the lifeline for the game that comes to drink, cookoff, and bask. Among other big game, you will be entertained by the Nile crocodiles, large pods of hippos and buffalos.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 7: Scenic flight from Akagera to Volcanoes National Park.
Morning game drive, then later transfer to the helipad or airstrip in time for your flight to Musanze (Northern Rwanda). Depending on the airline logistics, you may via Kigali international airport then connect to Ruhengeri/Musanze airstrip.
On arrival at the airstrip, adventure Consults guide will meet you and transfer to the lodge/hotel/camp in time for lunch.
In the afternoon, you may simply relax at the lodge or go for a visit of the Gorilla Guardian’s Village that borders Volcanoes National Park. This site was set up as “Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village to offer a new lease on life for ex-poachers. Your visit, not only offers an insight into the culture of the people but also provides an opportunity of giving back to the community. At Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, you will get the chance to become a King for a day, watch and participate in the preparation of herbal medicine, learn how to use a bow and arrow, take part in the preparation of local dishes, banana brewing, making of handcrafts, and so much more.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 8: Gorilla trekking adventure – option to visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
After breakfast, head out to Kinigi Park headquarters in time for briefing which starts at 0730 hours. The Gorilla trekking experience takes 3-6 hours or more.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the 4 National parks in the world that offers the unique adventure of getting up-close and personal with the mountain gorillas.
You will visit one of the 12 habituated Gorilla families.
Gorilla tracking is a forest walking adventure while searching for the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. When you find the Gorillas, you are allowed to spend 60 minutes/one hour with them. We highly recommend that you spare the last 20 minutes for observation and connection for everlasting memories. Follow this link for more useful information about Gorillas.
A box lunch is available with an option for a warm lunch at the lodge (depending on the day’s tracking duration).
You may have a relaxed afternoon or visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of Dian Fossey.
Ellen DeGeneres Center visit costs vary depending on choice of activity. All activities require reservations, so let the sales team know in advance for proper arrangements and related costs. Some activities may require an extra pay.
Self-guided tours: You take a walk through the Conservation Gallery which has interactive games, fun quizzes and a 360-degree theatre. You are free to take a walk through the Ellen DeGeneres Campus grounds and explore the gorilla, biodiversity, and wetlands trails.
Behind the scenes tour: In addition to activities listed in self-guided tours, this option offers an opportunity to interact with a senior staff member, if labs are open, you will have access as well and get more knowledge on the work that is done at this resourceful place.
Silverback Sundowner: Enjoy the serenity of Ellen DeGeneres Campus after official working hours. This exclusive experience is offered from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. You will enjoy drinks and canapés at the Virunga Lounge with a backdrop of all the 5 volcanoes. You also get to interact with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund senior staff members, ask any questions about conservation work, Gorillas and people souring the Gorilla parks.
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 9: Golden Monkeys/ Volcano climb/Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave.
Today, you have many options to choose from. All activities listed begin early morning and are conducted once a day. Reservations highly recommended for well-arranged preparations.
You may either to go for a second Gorilla trek or track the rare chattering Golden Monkeys or climb one of the famous Volcanoes (Visoke or Muhabura) or trek to Dian Fossey’s grave. See detailed activity description
Meals and Overnight at the lodge/Hotel.
Inclusions: All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
Some facilities include all drinks (alcoholic and none-alcoholic).
Day 10: Volcanoes National Park – Kigali. App. 3 hours. – International flight.
A relaxed morning and start for Kigali. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may need a day room in Kigali (on payment of supplement) before connecting to your international return flight.
Check-in time for international flights out of Kigali international airport is normally 3 hours in advance. Ensure your flight is anytime later but not earlier than 1300 hours.
Accommodation
Rwanda has got a variety of accommodation options catering for every traveler category. Where to stay while on a safari Rwanda, depends on personal tastes, preference and budget. Adventure Consults never dictates where to stay but we will ask questions, guide and recommend the best suitable properties.
Accommodation in Kigali City; Kigali has got a variety of hotels that cater for both large groups, families and individuals. The small boutique hotels have limited rooms, but there are also big brand large hotels ranging from high end to midrange. While in Kigali, our packages are on Bed & Breakfast basis.
- Hemingways Retreat Kigali.
- The Governor’s Residence Kigali.
- Kigali Serena Hotel.
- Hotel des Mille Collines.
- Kigali Marriott Hotel.
- Four Points by Sheraton.
- Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center.
- Villa Kigali.
- The Pinnacle Kigali.
- Heaven Boutique Hotel.
Accommodation in Nyungwe National Park: A forest park with a few lodges has ensured less stress on the fragile magical forest. Lodges here are a blend of both high-end and midrange. Every property is special with amazing rainforest views, private outdoor decks or terraces. While in Nyungwe, Adventure Consults packages are on full board with all meals included.
- Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort by One & Only.
- Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel
- Munazi Eco Lodge.
- Nyungwe Nziza Ecolodge
Accommodation in Akagera National Park: The only Rwanda’s savanna park has got facilities ranging from high-end to midrange. Here is a combination of locally owned properties and international big brands. Adventure Consults packages to Akagera National Park are on full board with all meals included.
- Wilderness Magashi Camp
- Akagera Safari Camp
- Karenge Bush Camp
- Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
- Wilderness Magashi Peninsula.
- Salt of Akagera Lodge.
- Akagera Rhino Lodge.
- Akagera Park Inn.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park:
This being the heart of Rwanda’s tourism, it offers a big collection of lodging/accommodation facilities. The choice entirely depends on budget and personal tastes. We can’t list them all here, but below are some of the highly recommended options. Talk to the team – sales@adventureconsults.com
- One & Only Gorilla’s Nest
- Virunga Lodge
- Bisate Lodge
- Singita Kwitonda Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Wilderness Bisate Reserve.
- Amakoro Songa Lodge
- Bishop’s House
- Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
- Tiloreza Volcanoes Ecolodge.
- Sambora Kinigi Lodge.
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge.
- Virunga Inn Resort & Spa.
- Karisimbi Cave Resort.
- Amarembo Gorilla by Touch Down.