Rwanda Primate & Wilderness Safari – Gorillas, Chimps & Akagera
This 8-day journey is Rwanda at its most extraordinary — a seamless blend of raw adventure and refined luxury. From the bustling charm of Kigali to the mist-cloaked volcanoes of Volcanoes National Park, and onward to Akagera’s untamed savannah, you’ll encounter gorillas, chimpanzees, and iconic African wildlife in one of the continent’s most inspiring conservation success stories. Every step is complemented by stays at Rwanda’s most prestigious lodges, offering unrivaled comfort and connection to place.
At a Glance
- 1 Night – The Retreat, Kigali
- 2 Nights – One&Only Nyungwe House, Nyungwe Forest
- 2 Nights – Wilderness Bisate, Volcanoes National Park
- 3 Nights – Wilderness Magashi, Akagera National Park
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali
Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where a Safari Muse representative will welcome you and transfer you to The Retreat, Kigali’s premier boutique hotel. Unwind with a spa treatment, relax by the pool, or enjoy fine dining as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
Overnight: The Retreat, Kigali
Day 2–3: One&Only Nyungwe House: Chimpanzees in the Forest
Fly to Nyungwe Forest National Park, a lush rainforest sanctuary and one of the oldest in Africa. Your base, One&Only Nyungwe House, is set amidst a working tea plantation and offers contemporary luxury infused with Rwandan soul.
Highlights include:
- Guided chimpanzee trekking through Nyungwe’s ancient rainforest.
- Canopy walks above the treetops, alive with birdsong and butterflies.
- Indulgent spa treatments and exquisite dining with views over rolling hills.
Overnight: One&Only Nyungwe House
Day 4–5: Wilderness Bisate: Gorilla Encounters at Volcanoes National Park
Continue your journey to Volcanoes National Park, where the legendary Virunga Mountains rise above emerald forests. Stay at Wilderness Bisate, a visionary eco-lodge that redefines luxury in the wild.
Your days here include:
- A once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek, spending an awe-inspiring hour with a habituated gorilla family.
- Walks through rewilded landscapes, encountering golden monkeys and rare birdlife.
- Immersive cultural experiences with local communities supported by Bisate’s reforestation initiatives.
Overnight: Wilderness Bisate
Day 6–8: Wilderness Magashi: Safari in Akagera National Park
Fly east to Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve and one of Africa’s most remarkable conservation stories. At Wilderness Magashi, a stylish camp set on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, you’ll experience the perfect safari finale.
Your stay features:
- Morning and evening game drives with chances to spot lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos.
- Scenic boat safaris across the lake, alive with hippos, crocodiles, and dazzling birdlife.
- Sundowners by the water’s edge and storytelling under star-filled skies.
Overnight: Wilderness Magashi
Day 9: Departure
After a final sunrise safari, fly back to Kigali for your onward journey, carrying with you the spirit of Rwanda — its wild beauty, its resilience, and its unforgettable encounters with primates and plains game alike.
Journey Highlights
- Luxury gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
- Exclusive Big Five safari in Akagera National Park
- Handpicked luxury stays at The Retreat, One&Only, Wilderness Bisate & Wilderness Magashi
- A seamless journey blending adventure, culture, and conservation
When to Go
Gorilla Trekking & Safaris in Rwanda
Rwanda, often celebrated as the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking, offers far more than its iconic encounters with mountain gorillas. This small yet breathtakingly beautiful country invites travellers to explore an extraordinary blend of wildlife, adventure, and culture throughout the year.
From the mist-shrouded rainforests of Volcanoes National Park — home to the legendary mountain gorillas — to the vast savannahs of Akagera National Park, where the Big Five roam freely, Rwanda’s landscapes promise unforgettable safari experiences. Each region tells its own story: Nyungwe Forest National Park enchants with its chimpanzees and canopy walks, while the shores of Lake Kivu offer serene escapes for relaxation and water-based adventures.
Whether you seek the thrill of a close-up gorilla trek, a classic African safari teeming with wildlife, or moments of tranquility along Rwanda’s palm-fringed lakeshores, this remarkable destination delivers a perfect balance of excitement and peace. Beyond the wilderness, Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage, welcoming people, and commitment to conservation make every journey deeply meaningful.
Embark on a Rwanda safari adventure and discover why this “Land of a Thousand Hills” continues to captivate travellers from around the world — a destination where every path leads to awe, connection, and discovery.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Tucked within the misty folds of the Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most breathtaking natural treasures. Famous for its iconic mountain gorillas, the park also reveals a remarkable diversity of wildlife — from elusive forest elephants and playful golden monkeys to more than 200 bird species and tranquil aquatic life thriving in its pristine wetlands.
The Dry Season (June–September & December–February)
The dry season is widely regarded as the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for wildlife viewing and gorilla trekking. During these months, the forest canopy thins slightly under the warm sun, making it easier to spot animals. With water sources becoming limited, wildlife gathers near streams and wetlands, creating prime opportunities to see forest elephants, buffalo, and golden monkeys up close.
Birdwatching during this period is also exceptional, as many species are more active and visible in the drier weather. The trails are at their most accessible, making gorilla trekking and nature hikes more comfortable. Clear skies also make for spectacular photography opportunities.
In August, visitors can experience Kwita Izina, Rwanda’s famous gorilla naming ceremony, a vibrant cultural event held annually in Volcanoes National Park.
The Wet Season (March–May & October–November)
The wet seasons bring heavier rainfall and a completely different atmosphere to the park. The rainforest transforms into a lush paradise of deep greens and colorful blooms. Though trekking can be more challenging due to muddy trails, this is a magical time for nature lovers and photographers.
For birdwatchers, the wet season is particularly rewarding. Migratory birds arrive in full song, and resident species display their brightest plumage as they court and nest, creating vivid and varied sightings.
Year-Round Access
Volcanoes National Park remains open throughout the year, though trekking conditions and visibility can vary with the seasons. During periods of heavy rain, certain trails may close temporarily, or itineraries may be adjusted to ensure visitor safety.
Whether you visit in the warm, dry months for clear trekking or the rainy season for its lush vibrance, Volcanoes National Park promises an unforgettable encounter with Rwanda’s wildlife, landscapes, and natural rhythm.