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      Complete Safari and Gorilla Adventure in Rwanda
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        Home > Africa > Safari And Gorilla Adventure In Rwanda

        Complete Safari and Gorilla Adventure in Rwanda

        Duration8 days
        Ideal time to visitJune–September
        Price guide
        From
        $0 PP
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        Destinations

        Days 1-2

        Kigali

        Days 2-5

        Akagera National Park

        akagera-national-park-rwanda
        Days 5-8

        Volcanoes National Park

        Close-up of a gorilla's face in Volcanoes National Park

        Discover the Land of a Thousand Hills on this luxury eight-day trip. Set out in search of the Big Five while on safari in Akagera National Park before embarking on an unforgettable expedition to track mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. You’ll stay at luxury hotels and safari lodges throughout, with expert guides on hand and our insider recommendations to ensure that you get the most out of each destination. On this trip, you'll also get to learn about gorilla conservation efforts and other community-led initiatives put in place in Rwanda.

        Trip highlights

        • Spot the Big Five in Akagera National Park
        • Enjoy exclusive access to Magashi Conservancy
        • See mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
        • Track golden monkeys on treks in the wild
        Mountain gorillas in the wild
        Hippos in Akagera National Park
        Boat safari in Magashi
        Golden monkeys in the forest

        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 combined safari expertise from our 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 1-2

        Overnight in Kigali

        Enjoy one night in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Awaiting you is a private transfer that will whisk you away to your accommodation in town, providing a comfortable and relaxing start to your Rwandan adventure. The city’s rich history and cultural charm offer a captivating backdrop for your first night. This brief stay in Kigali sets the stage for the remarkable experiences that lie ahead as you venture into Rwanda’s breathtaking wilderness, ready to explore its diverse landscapes and encounter the wonders of nature. Our concierges will make sure to provide you with a curated list of restaurants and things to do, ensuring you make the most of Kigali by night.

        Where you could stay

        Positive Impact
        Kigali

        The Retreat by Heaven

        The Retreat by Heaven is a charming and inviting small boutique hotel, recognised as Kigali’s first entirely solar-powered resort, as well as maintaining countless other eco-friendly credentials throughout its make up, including locally crafted sustainable teak wood furniture.
        Kigali

        Kigali Serena Hotel

        A very comfortable business-style hotel in central Kigali and only ten kilometres from the city’s international airport, this is a good option for those passing through onto other destinations or to relax before your flight home. A good and efficient level of facilities means you don’t have to go far for beverage, swim, stroll or meal and the staff are always very helpful here.

        Days 2-5

        Four days exploring Akagera National Park

        Prepare for an unforgettable four-day adventure exploring Akagera National Park through thrilling game drives. As you navigate the expansive terrain, be on the lookout for an incredible array of wildlife, from elephants and buffalo to giraffes and zebras. Bird enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, with Akagera boasting an impressive variety of bird species. The park’s dedication to conservation has successfully reintroduced lions, offering the chance to witness these majestic predators in their natural habitat. In the afternoons, embark on a scenic boat safari on the lake, pausing for sundowners while the background echoes with the sounds of hippos. Staying at Magashi also provides an exclusive opportunity for night safaris in the conservancy surroundings, unveiling the secrets of nocturnal creatures.

        Where you could stay

        Positive Impact
        Akagera National Park

        Wilderness Magashi Camp

        In the north-eastern section of Akagera National Park you’ll find Wilderness Magashi Camp overlooking the stunning Lake Rwanyakazinga. The camp is surrounded by some of East Africa’s most beautiful savannah, lakes, swamps and rolling grasslands. The camp, with design and interiors inspired by traditional Rwandan culture, boasts six spacious tents with lake views. When you’re not enjoying the solitude of your airy tent, relax in the luxurious lounge, enjoy a meal in the dining and bar area. The pool is the ideal place to cool off after a busy day of game viewing and birdwatching, and evenings are best spent on the deck around the fire pit. The region is also home to one of the continent’s largest hippo populations, as well as crocodiles. You’ll also find the rare sitatunga and other plains game here as well as over 520 different species of bird. After a 20-year absence, lions were reintroduced to the area in 2015, and the population today is thriving. Black rhino were reintroduced in 2017.

        Days 5-8

        Days in Volcanoes National Park

        Volcanoes National Park stands out as one of Africa’s oldest national parks, celebrated for its distinctive blend of volcanic landscapes and thriving ecosystems. Serving as a sanctuary for biodiversity and a vital conservation zone, the park is particularly renowned for the mountain gorillas that inhabit its surroundings. The limited daily permits, designed to safeguard the well-being of these primates, make early booking essential for those seeking a coveted entry into the heart of the gorilla kingdom.

        Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

        A visit to Volcanoes National Park presents a golden opportunity to observe the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Set out on a trek through dense bamboo forests and rugged terrain, guided by experienced trackers, to observe these endangered species in the wild. Rwanda’s commitment to gorilla conservation and sustainable tourism has made it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an intimate and ethically responsible encounter with these incredible primates.

        Where you could stay

        Positive Impact
        forest-villas-bisate-lodge-rwanda
        Volcanoes National Park

        Wilderness Bisate Lodge

        Utterly unique in its design, six sumptuous forest villas are luxurious while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of the surrounding country. Each has a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and bathroom, heated by a central fireplace and a private deck looking out to Mount Bisoke. The spherical stone and thatch architecture, said to be inspired by the Royal Palace of traditional monarchs, continues through to the communal areas such as the dining room, bar and spa, detailed with a variety of woven materials, local crafts and more modern touches. Wilderness Bisate is a short drive to the national park’s headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily, and you can also embark upon forest hikes to see rare Golden Monkeys and other wildlife. Visit the site of Dian Fossey’s research camp and grave, meet the community on guided village walks, plant a tree as part of the Wilderness Bisate’s reforestation project or perhaps tag along with the chef to the local market to buy ingredients for dinner.
        Positive Impact
        Volcanoes National Park

        Wilderness Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

        This cosy lodge sits within the foothills of some of Rwanda’s highest mountains. With just six stone cottages, each with bright airy decor that complements the natural surroundings, this lodge is an intimate place to hide away between adventures in the surrounding jungles. 
        Volcanoes National Park

        One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

        Embraced by a warren of eucalyptus trees and resting at the base of the Virunga Volcano Range, this secluded pocket of exceptional bliss and natural beauty is set in the depths of a protected haven – one where the majestic mountain gorilla still resides. An outstanding addition to One&Only’s collection, this cradle of meticulously curated design blends into the ethereal backcloth of mist-laden jungle and blue-hued peaks, presenting 21 lodges and suites. The luxurious accommodation, balanced on wooden poles above the botanical garden, places you in the midst of the Virunga rainforest, with sprawling viewing decks, outdoor tubs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Tasteful interiors draw on varied wooden features, warm colour schemes, patterned materials, and some options offer fire-pits and private pools. Maintaining the same soothing theme and merging the peripheral environment with the internal, the on-site restaurant, Nest, draws on seasonal, local produce from the surrounding organic gardens to create Rwandan-inspired dishes. The connected bar features a charming lounge, looking out onto the grounds, complete with a fireplace for the cooler months. Witnessing an endangered Rwandan mountain gorilla during your stay is the ultimate highlight, and Gorilla’s Nest can arrange permits and guided treks to see them amidst bamboo forests along with endemic golden monkeys and an affluence of bird species. Additionally, you can gain insight into the local culture, with visits to nearby villages, sample coffee from the region and dabble in a restoring treatment, yoga class or meditation session at the sublime spa and wellness centre.
        Volcanoes National Park

        Singita Kwitonda Lodge

        The much anticipated Kwitonda Lodge opened in August 2019, and is Singita’s first foray into Rwanda, bringing with it their celebrated philosophy of sustainable luxury. Located in a prized 178-acre parcel of lush meadows and wetlands right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes, there are eight suites and a four-bedroom villa, Kataza House. Architects and interior designers are selecting locally sourced and produced materials while the local community has been engaged in building using traditional techniques. A light footprint is central to the project, embodying the gentleness and humility of the great silverback from which the lodge takes its name. Singita has a long-term approach to conservation, and part of the plan is to plant thousands of trees around the lodge. As well as treks into the park to spend time with the gorillas, for which the Kwitonda Lodge is ideally located, you will be able explore the montane forests of Nyungwe National Park, see the rare Golden Monkey and visit the local community. Guests will also have the chance to expand the gorillas’ habitat by helping out with the lodge’s tree planting and habitat restoration project. And, with Tanzania’s Serengeti just a short hop across Lake Victoria to the east, Kwitonda Lodge brings the opportunity for a ‘Singita only’ safari experience combining gorillas and the astounding Grumeti Reserve.
        “Rwanda-trekking the gorillas‌”

        The drivers, guides and staff were truly amazing! They attended to your every need. The country and wildlife is also incredible!

        Published 30th December 2022 on Trustpilot
        Maura

        Why book with Jacada

        Personalised design illustration image

        We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

        Authentic experiences illustration image

        Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

        Positive Impact illustration image

        We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.

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