The Best of Rwanda's National Parks
On this wildlife expedition you will get to experience Rwanda‘s finest national parks. Of the many once-in-a-lifetime experiences on your itinerary, you will be able to come up close with endangered mountain gorillas, go chimpanzee trekking and stay in some of the region’s most luxurious lodges. Keep your binoculars in hand and discover one of Africa’s most incredible natural wonders.
Trip highlights
- Take in arts and culture in Kigali
- Spot the Big Five in Akagera National Park
- Access the chimps-rich habitat of Nyungwe
- Enjoy an exclusive safari from Magashi Camp
- Experience unforgettable gorilla encounters at Volcanoes National Park
- Luxury, sustainable accommodation throughout
Bespoke safaris with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke safaris include:
- Exclusive luxury camps, lodges and hotels
- Curated and private experiences
- Skilled guides and local wildlife experts
- Decades of experience from the Jacada team
- Full support from your concierge based in Africa
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1–3
Two nights in Kigali
You begin in Kigali – Rwanda’s capital city. Kigali is emerging as one of Africa’s must-visit city destinations with a thriving art scene and you will spend a couple of days gaining an insight into the local culture and lifestyle. A private guide will escort you on a tour of Kigali’s most interesting things to do, including the Genocide Memorial, a sobering place of remembrance.
Accommodation in Kigali
Days 3–6
Exclusive stay in Akagera National Park
From Kigali, you will enjoy a helicopter transfer to Akagera National Park. On this exclusive three-day experience, you will explore some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains – home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles as well as the rare sitatunga and more than 520 bird species, plus the entire Big Five.
Teeming with plains game, Akagera now also boasts a healthy population of lion, which were reintroduced into the park in 2015 after a 20-year absence, as well as black rhino which were reintroduced in 2017. Wilderness Magashi – the only exclusive-use area in Akagera – also harbours a good density of leopard.
Accommodation in Akagera
Wilderness Magashi Camp
Days 6–8
Two nights in Nyungwe
A scenic helicopter ride brings you to your next adventure in Nyungwe National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, for even more incredible sights.
Spend your days in this mountainous region on exciting safari tours, discovering this lush, ancient land. Explore the famous forest canopy, getting up-close to the impressive birdlife and myriad of resident primates as you wander above the treetops for a bird’s eye view of forest life. Visit a tea plantation to learn about the world class tea made here and go chimpanzee trekking in nearby Cyamudongo Forest. Then, delve deep into Nyungwe forest on hiking trails to discover the numerous Albertine Rift endemic wildlife and the largest troop of Black and White Colobus found anywhere in Africa.
Chimp trekking tour in Nyungwe
You will be collected from your lodge early in the day for your chimpanzee trekking experience in nearby Cyamudongo Forest. After approximately an hour’s journey, you will arrive at this small forest which was historically connected to Nyungwe. Here you will come face to face with the resident habituated chimpanzee group.
Days 8–10
Immersed in Volcanoes National Park
You will be brought by helicopter to your final stop – the thick jungles of Volcanoes National Park, where you will go on treks in search of gorillas and learn about ongoing conservation efforts. The forested slopes of the Virunga massif – a chain of ancient volcanoes – are home to over half the world’s roughly 1,000 remaining mountain gorillas and Rwanda is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy close personal encounters with them in their natural habitat.
You will spend your days tracking these rare and endangered mountain gorillas, with the help of expert guides and trackers. Other activities to enjoy whilst in this magical terrain are; trekking to volcano craters, tracking golden monkeys, cultural tours and the Dian Fossey hike. Your exclusive stay in Volcanoes National Park can be adapted to include any experiences you choose.
Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Today on arrival at the national park gates you will be allocated your guides, trackers and told which family of gorillas you will be tracking. All tracker guides are experienced in looking for signs of the gorillas’ location, for example, footprints, dung, chewed bamboo and celery stalks, as well as nightly abandoned nests.
Once the gorillas are located you will be allowed an hour with the family as they rest and play. The dominant male (usually a silverback) generally lounges on the ground or against a tree while youngsters roll in the vegetation and climb on trees, vines, and each other. Females nurse and play with their infants. It is entirely possible that you will find the gorillas quite quickly and be back at your hotel for lunch; or you could face a three or four hour hike (sometimes even longer) each way.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
